I love the fluidity of the human spirit. How adaptable we are when we find what we yearn for. And there's something about breaking away from what's expected of us that is truly freeing and inspiring! While you may be drawn to the traditional "status quo" of what's expected, don't be afraid to pivot into something better! That's what Ty and Melanie did with their Oahu elopement. And I was lucky enough to be present for this joining of the souls in literal paradise. You know sharing is caring so I just had to show you this throwback!

Let me paint the scene. It was October of 2019, back when the world was a very different place.

Ty and Melanie were planning a beautiful big wedding for August of 2020 in the Twin Cities. (With hindsight being 2020, we know that COVID wouldn’t have taken kindly to those plans.) If you've planned a wedding before (or if you're planning one now) you know how big of a task that is! The focusing on all the details, making sure the timeline is right, planning the color scheme, and the centerpieces. It's a never ending list! And Ty and Melanie caught on quick that it wasn't what they wanted their wedding planning or wedding day to feel like.

So in the midst of the planning mayhem, they decided the wanted to have an Oahu elopement instead!

And instead of waiting a year, they wanted to elope in three months! I was so excited to help them plan the location for their vows and their portraits! The focus of their wedding day fully swapped from the stress of making everything perfect for their guests to celebrating their love for each other. So that's what we did, we focused on their love.

It was so heartwarming to witness.

They got ready at their hotel together, drove to their ceremony site together, and it was clear they were in sync the entire day. It makes all the difference when you intentionally are on the same page on your wedding day. You can feel the loving energy in the air in such a different way. A unique experience for just the two of you.

Let's talk about the details of Ty and Melanie's Hawaiian elopement day!

The day wasn't without any hiccups! Originally we had planned on the beautiful Lanai Lookout for an intimate pop up ceremony. But when we got there, we saw many signs asking people not to cross the guardrail or get close to the ocean. So what did we do? We improvised and went with a plan b! Very last minute, we drove a few miles down to the Halona Beach Cove (where the Halona Blowhole is) and set ourselves up there on the stunning rocks. Thankfully we had the dream team because the videographer and officiant were also very flexible. And things just lined up after this unexpected twist.

Speaking of their officiant! He was wonderful! He played some beautiful Hawaiian love songs on the ukulele and got so many smiles out of us. It was a joy to be present for.

Their Elopement was a half day affair.

It was about 4 hours long, which gave us just enough time for their lovely ceremony, portraits, and some driving around that side of the island. Now, there were some locations that we knew we wouldn't be able to take photos at on the day of, so we planned ahead! (Instead of a "day after" session, we took pictures the day before.)

After some portraits at the Halona Blowhole, we ended with some portraits and champagne at Makapu’u Lookout Point. And then we said our goodbyes as Melanie and Ty then enjoyed a private dinner with just each other to finish out their Oahu elopement.

The dedication to making the day all about their love for each other and stripping away the expectations is something I will always admire about their elopement. It was an honor to help them celebrate. And it brings me such pleasure to share it with you!

Are you dancing with the idea of eloping instead of having a traditional wedding?

I know it can feel scary to break away from the tradition, but I have a whole blog post to ease your mind! (Just click here and I'll take you right there.)

Videographer | Dream FX Media

Officiant | Pastor Mark

Hair Artist | Cherbu Hair

It cannot be denied that the beautiful island of Oahu feels like being in another world, because it almost is! The scenery inspires hope in the wonder of life.

And what elopement is complete without a gallery of portraits that breathe wanderlust into the viewers soul in some way, shape, or fashion?

Not a one of them is the only answer.

Not a one.

“Eloping in Hawaii was one of the best decisions my husband and I ever made. Our decision to elope derived from witnessing so many friends and families wedding days being consumed with small details and timelines. On a day that is meant to be about two becoming one, eloping gave us the best opportunity, distraction free. Our original wedding plans were a small wedding in Wisconsin that included Andrea as our photographer, but once our plans changed to eloping in Hawaii, Andrea was by our side supporting us the whole way. It’s obvious her work is absolutely stunning but she will make you laugh so hard which results in beautiful photos and a memory you’ll never forget. We highly recommend eloping, it’s a once in a lifetime experience you’ll cherish forever!” - Ty and Melanie