Sunset Elopement at White Rock Beach, Maui with a Four-Legged Guest | S + J
Because Hawai’i is a rabies-free island state, it is a long and expensive process to bring pets to Maui. So, imagine my surprise when this sweet couple told me that they were bringing a special guest to their elopement. Meet Oscar, the couple’s 12-year-old pug!
Although the likeness is quite striking, this is actually a cut-out of Oscar! It’s so good, right?!? The couple had a professional photographer take his photo, and then they printed it on a cutout at Fedex. Samantha and Jeffrey will definitely go down as one of the most creative couples of which I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. My dog-loving heart was just overflowing with joy and love at the sweetness of this gesture of having Oscar present in spirit (and photos) at their Maui elopement.
Another way to incorporate special people or pets into your destination wedding or elopement is to bring sentimental items to be photographed as part of your day. For example, I’ve had other couples bring their pets’ dog tags and I photographed the couple holding the dog tags and arranged them as detail shots with the bride’s bouquet. You can also consider bringing photographs of your loved ones. I will guide you on how to hold the photos or arrange them to showcase your loved ones that can’t make your Maui elopement. I had one recent bride’s whose father had passed away. She had a small photo of him attached to her bouquet, and it was such a sweet reminder that his memories will always remain with her.
Samantha and Jeffrey’s elopement took place just prior to sunset at one of Maui’s stunning south shore beaches: White Rock (Palauea) Beach. This beach offers a long stretch of white sand with lots of coral that often washes ashore (hence the nickname- White Rock), palm trees, views of nearby Kaho'olawe, and some lava rocks. This is one of my favorite locations to photograph beach weddings on the South Shore of Maui. It’s also a beach that is fairly easy to access for those who might not be up for a longer walk to a beach location.
Recently, I’ve been learning a bit about in-camera multiple exposures. You’ll see the results of this creative process at the end of the session. I just love being able to provide my clients with unique art from their wedding day that they can cherish for generations to come.
Ho'omaika'i 'ana (Congratulations), Samantha and Jeffrey! It was my pleasure to be your Maui elopement photographer!
Kind words from the bride and groom:
We absolutely love all of the photos. You did an incredible job capturing the ceremony and the moments afterward. It was such a pleasure to work with you! You made us feel completely at ease, which helped us enjoy the time even more. We can’t say thank you enough!
Location: White Rock (Palauea) Beach, Wailea, Maui
Event planner: Simply Eloped
Officiant: Joy Morris
Handmade Leis: Stems and Bloom Maui
Photographer: Kathryn Haldiman
Want to take a look at other recent elopements and weddings at White Rock Beach? Check out this intimate wedding ceremony and this Alaskan couple’s elopement.
