There's something magical that happens when a couple lets you into their world. I feel a bit like a spy who is being shown a very special secret, witnessing the emotion on their faces and the way they share their own love language. This magic happens most frequently when the couple is relaxed without a care in the world except enjoying each other's company, and Day After sessions are filled with these amazing moments.

Of course, don't get me wrong, the wedding day is spectacular in its own extraordinary way, but there is usually so much going on with tons of details and memories to document. We also have to be aware of a timeline and I would always want more alone time with just the couple.

I met up with Lisa and Matt after their Oahu wedding for more adventuring and I'm so thankful we did! Their beautiful love dazzled. Plus Lisa was able to have another gorgeous look. My hope for Lisa and Matt (and all my couples) is that wherever life's journey takes them, they will be able to look back at their photos of the fresh start of their marriage and be reminded of all the fluttery feelings and the reasons for their everlasting commitment.

beautiful br and mrs just mauid in hawaii wedding elopement

Ironwoods Beach is one of my favorite places to shoot. It’s a quarter mile long, covered in light colored sand, and usually uncrowded probably partly due to the fact that it doesn’t look like an obvious beach from the parking lot. A boardwalk surrounded by greenery runs above the beach as part of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. One of the best features is the lava rock cliffs overlooking the Pacific. With the wind creating movement and the waves providing contrast to the dark rocks, the cliffs become an awe-inspiring backdrop for those in love.

This next wedding was entirely planned around getting epic shots on the lava rock cliffs at Ironwoods Beach. Dana was looking for wedding inspiration on Pinterest and stumbled upon a picture of Ivana and Jan. She instantly fell in love with the place and decided she needed to have that picture for her own wedding! This set all the wheels in motion for a Maui wedding and led to them choosing me as the photographer to capture the magic. I worked closely with the bride to nail her style and the feeling of the day. We got the cliff shot that Dana fell in love with. We got in the car and drove down the road to finish the amazing day with beautiful sunset glare at Merriman's Kapalua where they were having dinner to celebrate their ever after!