Natalie and Levi had the best of both worlds - an elopement with just the two of them and then lots of pictures to make all their loved ones feel like they were there. They hired me for 5 hours because they wanted to make sure I captured each and every part of their amazing day. This extremely kind, humble Canadian couple also brought their own wedding planner from Canada, and it was a joint effort to make this the best day ever!
We did a first look at the Hotel Wailea where they got ready, then went over to Secret Beach for some lava rock and palm tropical scenery. Natalie was a fan of my faraway landscaping shots and wanted to showcase all the beautiful lushness of Maui.
The ceremony was at a bird sanctuary in Haiku set on a cliff with glorious ocean view landscape that was oh soooo stunning, the perfect place for them to say I Do's with birds flying all around them the entire ceremony while the sun was setting behind them. We ended the day with a romantic private dinner at Sugar Beach Events.
We met up the next day for a Day After session, where we played in the forest and Natalie got to show off another beautiful look.
Bride's Dress: Lillen Collection from Delica Bridal // Shoes: Kristen Cavallari Chinese Laundry
Grooms’s shirt, vest & tie: Harry Rosen // Jeans: 34 Heritage // Shoes: DC
First look: Hotel Wailea // Ceremony: Spirit of Aloha Oceanfront Botanical Gardens // Dinner: Sugar Beach Events of Hawaii
Coordinator: Crystal Adair-Benning from Distinct Occasions // Officiant: Kale Kaalekahi // Florist: Bella Bloom Maui
A few words from the Bride...
What was your inspiration/theme/vision behind your wedding day?
As corny as it sounds, our inspiration was our love. We wanted to mark our 10th anniversary with a celebration, where we honoured our love and commitment to one another. Where we reflected on everything we've been through, ups and downs, and be proud of the relationship we have built.
How would you describe the wedding planning process?
The wedding planning process was super simple and easy for us, thanks to our amazing Wedding Planner Crystal Adair-Benning from Distinct Occasions! It was so smooth and we got everything we wanted thanks to her. The process was amazingly painless which is all due to her expertise, she knows what she is doing!
What is your advice to other couples planning their wedding right now?
Be true to who you are and what you want. Never mind what everyone else may want or is expecting of you. The day is a reflection of your relationship, not of anyone or anything else.
What were the highlights of the day?
It really is hard to pinpoint specific moments. The entire day was spectacular and dreamy. More than we could have ever hoped for!
But to try.... finally becoming Mr & Mrs at sunset, in the gardens was absolutely amazing!
And something that caught me off guard just because I really didn't have any expectations for it, was how lovely and sincere all of our vendors were. It was a pure joy to be surrounded by such amazing and kind people. To be able to share such a personal and genuine experience with complete strangers, yet not feel like they were strangers at all - has left me kind of speechless and I simply adore each and every one of them. The experience has definitely left a mark on me - above and beyond the joy of finally marrying the love of my life. (I know, cue the groans!)