Intimate South Maui Beach Wedding
J + T first reached out to me in 2020, after the Covid pandemic changed their wedding plans. They had intended to marry in Italy, but once it became clear that normal travel wasn’t going to be possible for a while, they started considering other options for their May 2021 wedding. The couple had gotten engaged on Oahu, and they loved the tropical vibe of Hawai’i. They chose the island of Maui as the location of their wedding, because they wanted a less urban experience than Oahu, while still having plenty of nearby restaurants, shopping, and activities for their guests.
Even though J + T were having an intimate wedding of 11 guests, they still wanted to have the full wedding photography experience of getting ready images, a first look, and family and friend portraits. I highly recommend these add-on services, even for elopements of only the couple. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’re already dolled up and looking gorgeous— why not make a day of it???
The day started off with getting ready images for both of the stunning brides at their condo in Kihei, South Maui. I captured some images of the hair and makeup process, putting their wedding outfits on, Zooming with family and friends that couldn’t attend in-person, and images of the details that helped to tell the story of their special day.
The brides wanted to share a first look prior to the beach ceremony, and I was able to find the ideal location right on the grounds of the condo, which were beautifully maintained. I got T in place, and then brought J down to surprise her. The first look was such a sweet moment, and there was time to take some portraits following the first look as well.
After the first look, we took a short drive to the beach ceremony location. T and J’s family and friends and the officiant met us there. The ceremony was incredibly touching as J and T shared their vows with each other, and exchanged leis and rings. Immediately following the ceremony, the brides signed the marriage certificate, and it was officially legal!
Since not all of their family and friends could attend their Maui destination wedding, the brides set-up an iPad for loved ones on the mainland to Zoom in and be a part of the celebration. Following the ceremony, the brides’ family and friends did a flower petal toss. This is a great alternative to a sparkler exit, as sparklers are frowned upon in South Maui due to the risk of fires.
Photos with guests were high on the priority for the brides. I always start with large group photos first, and then break down into smaller groups. For the purposes of this blog post, I’m not sharing the smaller group photos, but some of their gorgeous group photos are featured. The one photo that was most important to the brides was a picture of them kissing with their family and friends cheering them on. I was so pleased with how these turned out!
Even though it was a smaller affair, J wanted to do a bouquet toss on the beach. That’s the thing about intimate weddings and elopements— they are no rules!!! You can incorporate all or none of the traditional wedding elements into your day. I am glad that J decided on the bouquet toss, as it ended up being an incredibly fun moment.
I crafted a wedding photography timeline for the brides that allowed for plenty of time for individual and couple portraits toward the end of the evening when the lighting would be ideal. Wedding photography was important to this couple, and they were willing to plan their day around the best lighting conditions for photos. Once we checked the family and friend portraits and bouquet toss off the list, we launched right into their portrait session.
To top off their beautiful day, J and T decided to get in the ocean at the end of the evening. I absolutely love it when couples want to get into the water! It makes for some fun and fitting images for a Maui beach wedding.
Ho'omaika'i ana (Congratulations) on your marriage, J and T! It was an honor to be your Maui wedding photographer! I wish you the very best as you begin your new life as wife and wife 🏳️🌈
Hours of Photography Coverage: 5 hours
Ceremony Location: South Maui Beach
Hair & Make-up Artist: Melia Autumn Beauty
Florals: Bella Bloom
Officiant: Officiant Malulani Peterson
Photographer: Kathryn Haldiman
Kind words from the brides:
We absolutely love the photos. We are overwhelmed with joy— we’re so happy! We couldn’t have picked a better photographer who 1000% captured amazing shots, and did even more amazing edits. Words can’t thank you enough.
View other Maui intimate weddings:
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