Hawaii Elopement?! Hawaii is truly a dream place to elope, from the lush greens, the beaches, the mountain range (Hello my inner Jurassic Park heart)!

When Bailey + Derek told me at family photos they wanted me as their wedding photographer I did a lot of screaming (internally + externally) because I already knew them, and couldn’t wait to serve them best.

We vetoed a traditional engagement session and instead they asked if I would be willing to take photos of them in their first house together before they moved.. (Spoiler I said HELL YES)

They are truly one of my favorite couples to serve because of how big their hearts are, and how deep their sarcasm roots go.

Hawaii Elopement – Welcome Dinner

They started their elopement experience the night before at their welcome dinner! I was lucky enough to also be invited, too. They walked hand in hand along the Oahu streets, Derek making sure Bailey didn’t trip with her heels.

Dinner was everyone that was going to be present, from siblings, to parents and spouses!

There was also an Elvis movie playing, it was all very Hawaii.

Dinner ranged from seared Tuna to Chicken entrees, and it was delicious and the drinks we’re just as strong + playful.

As the laughter wrapped, and we all said good night for the evening Bailey + Derek hugged one last time as an engaged couple, and parted ways down the street. They decided to spend the night apart to build the anticipation for seeing each other for the first time at their ceremony.

Hawaii Elopement – Elopement Day

Elopement day started in their condo with hair + makeup + breakfast!

Bailey is vegan so I happily made her a vegan sammich while the HMUA worked their magic on her.

She was surrounded by her sisters, Taylor + Morgan that morning too. All laughs and nervous anticipation of getting to the venue.

While her sisters got dressed we took Bailey’s dress down with the decor to wait for the uber. It was about a 30 minute ride from the condo to the venue.

Once we got to the venue, everything seemed to go at hyper speed! Details were placed, Bailey made sure the ceremony spot was ready, and Derek got locked in the suite by accident (haha!)

Then I placed Derek so that they could have a private moment alone, just the two of them, to say their personal vows to each other.

They did not see each other before the ceremony, they opted for a first “touch” instead

Bailey also snuck an “Ice” in moment, because why not!

After they read their vows we hid bailey around the side of the venue as Derek got ready to enter the ceremony. It was time! Everyone was seated and ready!

Their ceremony was rooted with Hawaiian aspects, and intimate touches to include all their guests. They also had this amazing violinist play + a harp.

During the ceremony there were a few tears, a few laughs, but all the love. They ran off to sign their marriage license under the umbrellas of the bar area right after.

After the Ceremony

We then transition into grabbing those grip + grins of family photos, and chasing Bailey’s nephew down for a photo. Now it was time to sneak them away just Bailey + Derek for alone time on their wedding day.

The get-away-car was ready – but all we did was go around the corner to the beach. Then they held each other during their private first dance.

Cocktail hour was fun on the lawn! They had a cute little couch set up and a bar set up outdoors. Dinner was being prepped – it was a 4 course meal (AMAZING BTW). They cut their cake (vegan!) and entered into the dinner area to mingle with everyone.

Throughout the night everyone was enjoying the drinks, the weather, the food, and each others company. Bailey snuck off to change into her party dress and we grabbed some really fun 90’s vibe flash photos!

Hawaii Elopement Day After Sessions

Day after sessions are one of the best ways to get the most out of your destination! These two are the best because we did not just one, but THREE! We roamed around the island, just exploring and capturing these two loving life + being newly married.

The views ranged from Jurassic Park + LOST locations, then secluded areas away from tourist crowds.

One of my favorite moments was when we met up for sunrise on Oahu. It was dark, quiet, and calm and the beach was fairly empty. All you could hear was the crash of the waves as the sky turned from blue to pink, then a vibrant orange.

That morning lives in my brain rent free, forever.

(Please note Oahu requires permits for their beaches and all permit processes were followed for their elopement, Make sure to Leave No Trace as you explore!)

Truly a magical morning (well and entire trip) and I would relive it over and over again with these two.

The Vendors that made this day possible

Photographer: Jamie Tobin Photography
Venue: Male’ana Gardens (@maleanagardens)

Florals: Lulu’s Lei + Bouquets (@lulusleiandbouquets)
Food: Kaka’ako Kitchen and Catering (@kakaakokitchenhi)
HMUA: Reveal Hair and Makeup (@revealhairandmakeup)
Attire: Schaffer’s Bridal (@schaffersbridal_ia) / Theia (@theiacouture) dress: Aleida
Violinist: Rachel Saul (violinist) (@rachilife)

Transportation: Uber

Hawaii Elopement – Bailey + Derek, Oahu Hawaii Wedding Gallery