Planning Their Adventurous Elopement
Valeria and Roman didn’t know which location they wanted for their ceremony when they first inquired with us about their adventurous destination elopement on the Big Island. To be honest, most couples are unsure of exactly which location they want for their ceremony and adventure session at first. Rarely does a couple know exactly where they want their ceremony to be. That is why we are here to help you the entire way! We know these islands like the back of our hands and absolutely love finding the exact location that you’re envisioning for your wedding ceremony. They did know that they wanted us to capture their elopement with the unusual island landscapes including the dramatic combination of beach, valley, and jungle. They were also 100% down to do whatever it took to have the best lighting possible! When we heard that, it was like music to our ears. When our couples know how important lighting is and are willing to go the effort to make sure we have the best lighting for their session, Ryan and I go into total swoon mode.
When we talked on the phone with them, we knew that they absolutely loved the look of the deep greens and astounding valleys on the Big Island. When we heard that they wanted a unique experience and for us to capture the essence and variety of emotions they had on their special day, we knew they were for us! When they finally decided on having their ceremony in Pololu Valley, there was only one hiccup. They had already booked their accommodation at the Kahena Cliff House in Pahoa, which was almost three hours away from Pololu Valley. When we told Valeria and Roman about this dilemma, they were still on board for a sunrise ceremony despite how early they would have to wake up. Like, WHAT?! Valeria and Roman both knew how important the lighting was going to be for their photos, so they were totally up for it! And, we loved that about them!
Valeria + Roman’s Wedding Day in Pololu Valley
We all met at the top of the valley while it was still dark. Our officiant met us up at the top, and we all hiked down with our headlamps as the only light aside from stars and the moon shining above. When we hiked down to the bottom, Valeria and Roman decided to change into their wedding attire. As Roman was just about to change into his suit pants, he realized they weren’t in the bag. He soon realized that he had left his pants back in New York. While we were all debating what to do, our officiant stepped up and said that Roman could wear his pants for the ceremony and photos. Kahu Tom went above and beyond to lend his pants to Roman and he absolutely rocked a more traditional Hawaiian outfit for their ceremony. Both Ryan and I were truly in awe how kind and generous Kahu Tom was to lend out his pants to Roman. What an actual lifesaver! After both Valeria and Roman had changed into their wedding attire, we could just start to see the colors starting to appear for sunrise. We were truly blown away by the sunrise for their elopement ceremony. Both Ryan and I agreed that we had never seen such a beautiful sunrise in the valley. Kahu Tom performed a beautiful Hawaiian ceremony for these two where they exchanged leis and vows they had written themselves. After their ceremony, Kahu Tom began singing a soft tune and immediately Valeria and Roman started slow dancing to the tune he was singing. It was totally spontaneous and so incredibly beautiful to watch them sway to the gentle singing of Kahu Tom for their first dance as a married couple. We love including traditional wedding elements within an elopement day like a first dance. I just love how organically this first dance was! The lighting could not have been more beautiful, and I am so thankful that these two were down for such an early wake-up call because it was 100% worth it!
A Morning in the Valley
After their first dance, Kahu Tom left Valeria and Roman with a beautiful prayer and blessing over their marriage. Then, it was just Valeria, Roman, Ryan, and I to play for the rest of their adventure session. We went to the back of the valley and captured some photos of them with the rich, deep greens that the valley emanates. We had such a blast working with Valeria and Roman because we really let them interact genuinely without having to lead them too much. It’s really important for us to let our couples feel totally genuine and authentic with one another. We would rather our couples not even think that a camera is around so that they can totally be themselves. These two had such a beautiful connection and were so present with one another during their entire shoot, despite how tired they must have been from waking up so early. Valeria had a few of her own visions for different shots that we absolutely loved capturing. It is so unique to be able to capture photos that our couples dream up themselves. We hiked back up the valley and captured some really beautiful shots along the cliffs to end their entire elopement experience.
We truly had the best time with Valeria and Roman. We are just so thankful for all of those who were a part of making their dream elopement come to life. Valeria and Roman, we truly wish the absolute best for you in your amazing future. We are beyond excited for what God has in store for your beautiful marriage.
Elopement Vendors
Officiant: Kahu Tom
Florals: Hakus by Ki
Wedding Dress + Suit: ASOS Wedding
