REAL SIMPLE HawaiI WEDDINGS BLOG

Some love stories feel written by steady hands and open skies, grounded, adventurous, and quietly miraculous. For Allison and Jason, their Big Island beach wedding at Puako was exactly that: relaxed, rustic, faith-filled, and wrapped in the kind of beauty that makes your heart go still for a moment.

Their story began the way all modern fairy tales do, with a dating app and a hiking photo. Allison spotted Jason trekking the Trans-Catalina Trail and messaged him with a knowing, “I’ve hiked that trail before.” From there, it was surfing dates, sushi nights, and five years of making long distance look like commitment in motion. When Jason proposed years later on a remote Catalina beach with a bottle-in-the-sand surprise, it felt like the most perfect full-circle promise.

When the idea of a Big Island trip to visit Maddie at YWAM came up, something clicked. Why not get married while they were there? No courthouse. No fuss. Just vows exchanged on the sand of one of God’s most breathtaking creations. Their ceremony at Puako Beach was simple and sacred. Allison in her boho lace gown with warm tan undertones, Jason and the boys in khakis and flip-flops, the girls in soft olive green… It was a beautiful day, and we’re so excited to share moments from their ceremony!

Simple & Meaningful

The ocean was gentle behind them, and their faith was at the center of every word. The day felt peaceful. Intentional. Holy in the quietest way.

Together, this blended family of adventurers with five incredible kids between them builds a life rooted in hard work, trail miles, farm dirt, and wide-open dreams. And on that sun-soaked stretch of Big Island shoreline, they chose each other with joy, trust, and a whole lot of gratitude.

After the ceremony, Allison and Jason slipped away for their newlywed portraits, and the magic only deepened. Puako Beach glowed in soft, honey-gold light as the sun drifted lower, turning the ocean into rippled glass and the sand into warm champagne. Allison’s lace gown caught the breeze just right, fluttering delicately with every step, while Jason held her close, steady and smiling like he couldn’t believe this was real, like he’d somehow stepped into the very dream he’d been praying for.

The lava rock framing the beach added drama, the ocean added rhythm, and their love filled the space between everything else. Every portrait felt honest and glowing, not posed perfection, but the kind of beauty that comes from two people completely at peace with their forever.

Congratulations, Allison and Jason! Your wedding was a testament to love that’s steady, faithful, and beautifully free!

BIG ISLAND BEACH WEDDING – EVENT DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Big Island Beach Wedding: Simply Beautiful Hawaii Beach Wedding Package #3 by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda and Lahela of Simple Hawaii Wedding

Location: Puako Beach

Officiant: Tom Fernandez

Wedding Florals: Leis, Boutonnieres, Attendant Bouquets, Tropical Elegance Bouquet by Grace Flowers Hawaii

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Tetiana of Karma Hill Photography

Some love stories start with a spark. Beau and Milasia’s began with a plate of dinner and a dash of destiny. They met in Oklahoma while Beau was a flight instructor in Texas. Milasia was waitressing, and Beau walked in, smiled, and completely swept her off her feet. Fast forward through countless flights, family visits, and shared adventures, and these two found themselves saying “I do” on the shores of the Big Island, where their story had already written one of its most meaningful chapters.

Their Big Island elopement at Old Kona Airport Beach wasn’t just beautiful, it was deeply personal. Three years earlier, on a family trip to Kona, Beau had given Milasia a promise ring right on that very beach. To return to the same stretch of sand, surrounded by the sound of waves and the people they love, made their vows even more significant. Curious to see more of their beautiful day? Keep reading to see more!

Meant To Be

As airline professionals, Beau a loadmaster, and Milasia, in customer service, their lives are built around travel and connection. So it only made sense that their love story spanned states, miles, and time zones before landing in Hawaii, the place where everything seemed to come full circle.

The day itself was a dream: a soft ocean breeze, a bright blue sky, and a calm that felt like forever. They looked so happy, two best friends promising forever in the place where it all began.

The Perfect Setting

Beau and Milasia’s Big Island elopement was everything a couple could dream of: bright, beautiful, and overflowing with love. The sun shimmered off the waves, the breeze carried laughter across the sand, and every moment felt like something out of a storybook. Their ceremony couldn’t have been more perfect. It was the very place where Beau had once given Milasia a promise ring, and now, they were returning to that same spot to make their forever official.

As the ocean sparkled behind them, they looked completely at ease, joyful, grounded, and deeply connected. The setting was stunning: blue skies stretching endlessly above, the gentle rhythm of waves, and bright golden light wrapping around them. It was the perfect day for a Hawaii beach wedding, a day that seemed touched by a little magic.

Our photography captured it all, the laughter, the tender glances, and the little in-between moments that tell the story of who they are together. Every image glowed with color: the turquoise water, the soft tans of the sand, the tropical palms framing the beach. The result was a gallery that feels alive, vibrant, emotional, and full of movement. And the classic lava rocks of the Big Island made it feel even more picturesque!

Congratulations, Beau and Milasia! Your day was as radiant as your love, and your photos capture that joy perfectly. Here’s to all the adventures ahead, together, hand in hand, just as it began!

BIG ISLAND ELOPEMENT – EVENT DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Big Island Elopement: Hawaii Elopement Package #2 by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda and Lahela of Simple Hawaii Wedding

Wedding Florals: Leis, Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet – Pastel by Grace Flowers Hawaii

Big Island Officiant: Michaela Larson

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Anita & Aumrae of Karma Hill Photography

So… you’re about to marry your person in paradise. Congratulations! Now, before you panic and dig out that old blazer from college, let’s talk about you for a second. Your partner is going to be absolutely radiant, but when they’ve gone all-in looking their best, it’s your moment to step up too. This is your chance to rock beach wedding groom attire that makes both the photos and your partner swoon all over again. From barefoot romance to sunset-chic sophistication, the right outfit will elevate your style, make the memories pop, and ensure your pictures are straight out of a magazine.

Having photographed hundreds of weddings across Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, we’ve seen it all: what’s classic, what’s trendy, and what looks effortlessly polished, whether your ceremony is casual sand-between-your-toes or elegant sunset sophistication. Every detail matters, from fabric choice to accessories and, yes, even the way your shoes look on the sand.

Match Their Energy

Think of it as a dance: your outfit should complement, not compete. If your partner is in flowing, dreamy elegance, you don’t need a full tux (unless that’s your vibe too), but something that is equal to their style and level of formality. Linen vests, crisp shirts, or lightweight suits say, “I see you, I match you, and yes, I cleaned up nicely.”

Opt for colors that photograph beautifully: soft neutrals, sandy beige, pastel blues, dusty taupes, or blush tones. They harmonize with the sand, ocean, and sunset, giving your photos a timeless, editorial feel.

• Subtle color coordination with your partner elevates the vibe without being matchy-matchy.
• Textured fabrics like linen, seersucker, or lightweight cotton blends add visual interest and keep you cool.
• Small flourishes, like a tropical lining in a blazer or a soft patterned pocket square, give personality without overwhelming the look.

Time of Day Matters

Daytime ceremonies call for breathable, lightweight fabrics. Linen, cotton blends, and airy textures will keep you cool and camera-ready. Flowing trousers, loose blazers, or a vest over tailored pants allow for natural movement, perfect for candid moments as waves lap the shore.

Evening or sunset? Bring in structured sophistication: soft-colored suits, lightweight blazers, tailored three-piece ensembles, or even a classic tuxedo.

• Lighter shades like cream, beige, blush, soft gray, or powder blue pop against the ocean and sunset.
• Consider layering a vest for photos; it looks polished and allows easy removal if it gets warm.
• Avoid stiff, heavy fabrics; they don’t photograph well in bright sunlight or during movement on sand.

Dressing for the Beach

Here’s the core of it: your attire needs to look elegant while embracing the sand. Two-piece suits are ideal for relaxed elegance, while three-piece suits create a sunset-chic vibe for photos and ceremony alike. If your beach wedding is a more casual island vibe, a light, crisp linen shirt or aloha print looks great.

No matter how elegant or casual your wedding is, wrinkles and sloppiness are big no-nos, even for a beach wedding ceremony. Wrinkles, small stains, or your favorite worn board shorts aren’t appropriate, even if you think it’s just a simple ceremony on a beach. Also, tailor your pants to hit the right length for your footwear because pools of fabric at your feet isn’t a vibe like the tidepools at the beach. Hire a tailor to get that perfect fit because trust us, a bad-fitting suit can’t hide from our camera!

These attire missteps are exaggerated and highlighted behind the camera. Your partner and the future you will thank you when you look back at your photos in the future!

• Barefoot is romantic and casual, perfect for a “sand-between-your-toes” vibe.
• Dress shoes elevate the look for sunset portraits or slightly formal touches. Loafers, leather sandals, or espadrilles are comfortable, stylish, and beach-appropriate.
• Avoid clunky, dark shoes! They sink into the sand and photograph poorly.
• Roll sleeves during casual moments for relaxed, candid shots.
• Lighter fabrics like linen, cotton blends, chambray, and tropical wool breathe well and photograph beautifully.
• Soft pastels, light neutrals, and even gentle floral prints subtly elevate your beach wedding vibe.

Accessorize with Personality

You’ve already won their heart, now your outfit can tell your story. Small touches make a big statement: tropical-print or personalized linings, fun socks, patterned pocket squares, or a bold bow tie reflect your personality without stealing the spotlight.

• Suspenders, vintage watches, playful ties, or tropical motifs add subtle flair.
• Grooming matters! Well-styled hair, a tidy beard, or a signature scent completes the look.
• Personal touches like heirloom cufflinks, family watches, or socks that nod to hobbies tell your story while staying refined.

Fabric, Fit, and Flow

The right fabric ensures comfort and style. Linen is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for tropical climates. Cotton blends offer structure without heaviness. A soft, lightweight wool adds formality while remaining cool.

Fit tips:

• Slim or tailored fits photograph best without looking stiff.
• Jackets that allow movement and shirts that breathe prevent heat-induced discomfort.
• Trousers with a slight taper look polished but allow walking on the sand.

The Finishing Touches

Boutonnieres tie your look to your partner’s outfit, creating a cohesive, romantic ensemble. Pocket squares, sleek watches, and polished shoes round out the look perfectly.

• Jackets with tropical linings or subtle patterns give a fun peek in photos.
• Well-groomed hair and polished footwear ensure a finished, intentional look.
• Minimal but meaningful jewelry, watches, cufflinks, or a sentimental tie clip elevates elegance.

Your beach wedding groom attire doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it stylish, breathable, photo-ready, and full of personality. Step up, complement your partner’s elegance, and own your spotlight in paradise; the photos (and your person) will thank you.

At the end of the day, your beach wedding groom attire is about more than just looking good, it’s about showing up as your best self, celebrating your love, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re barefoot in the sand, rocking a sleek linen suit, or adding a pop of personality with playful details, the goal is simple: feel confident, look effortlessly polished, and complement your partner’s elegance every step of the way.

After all, paradise isn’t just a backdrop, it’s the setting for one of the most special days of your life, and you deserve to shine just as brightly.

Ready to say “I do” at your beach wedding? Contact us today!

Some love stories take their time, and Lindsay and Mark’s Big Island venue wedding is the perfect proof that the best things are worth waiting for. They first met in high school, then life carried them in different directions for 25 years. After both walked through recent divorces, fate stepped in, and what started as a friendship quickly bloomed into something much deeper.

Now, they’ve found what they were missing all along, each other. Lindsay, a veterinarian for 16 years, and Mark, who works in supply chain management (and competes in USPSA shooting), share a love for golf, hunting, travel, and spending time with family. They even have a bucket list to play golf in all 50 states, Hawaii included. So when their big day arrived, we were beyond pleased to bring their dream wedding to life!

Toes In The Sand

A small, intimate wedding felt right for them, so they chose the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, a place where soft white sand, swaying palms, and the ocean’s edge created the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. That’s what’s so special about venues on the Big Island; you can have a sand in the toes experience with chairs on the beach for your guests. And to top it off, a stunning arch too! It’s really the best of both worlds…a beach and venue wedding in one! Surrounded by family and close friends, Lindsay and Mark promised forever in a setting that felt as relaxed and genuine as their love. It was picture-perfect at every angle…

And then came their newlywed portraits and dance! As the golden light spilled across the dance floor on the sand, we stole a few quiet moments just for the two of them. Mark looked every bit the proud, beaming groom, and Lindsay was radiant, her smile brighter than the Hawaiian sun. The way they laughed together, the way they held each other, it was the kind of joy you can’t pose, only capture. The setting couldn’t have been more romantic!

When the sun dipped further, they slipped away to the ocean, strolling by the water and the iconic Big Island lava rocks. The lava rocks, the sea, and the fading sunlight framed them perfectly, creating images that feel as timeless as their love story.

Congratulations, Lindsay and Mark! Your wedding was as incredible as your journey, and it was an honor to capture a day so full of love, laughter, and the beauty of second chances!

BIG ISLAND VENUE WEDDING – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Sunset

Big Island Wedding Package: Fairmont Orchid Ceremony Package by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Venue Wedding Location: Fairmont Orchid

Onsite Coordinators: Kalinda

Florals: Leis, Attendant Bouquet, Arrangements, Boutonniere, Arch Flowers, Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet – Vibrant by Grace Hawaii

Acoustic Musician: Dennis Garcia

Officiant: Sonja ‘Kanani’ Enos

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Pomaika’i & Aumrae of Karma Hill Photography

There’s something undeniably magical about a Big Island vow renewal. Natalie and Richard’s vow renewal at Kukio Beach was a heartfelt reminder that love, when nurtured, only grows deeper and more meaningful with time. Set against the shimmering Pacific and soft golden sand, their celebration felt like the perfect balance of romance, gratitude, and joy.

Renewing vows is more than simply saying “I do” again, it’s about honoring the journey you’ve shared, the laughter and challenges, and the moments that have shaped your love story. For Natalie and Richard, this day wasn’t just about reflecting on the past but also about looking forward to all the adventures still ahead. It’s a beautiful way of saying, “I choose you, today and every day.”

An Intimate Moment

Kukio Beach offered the most serene setting for this intimate ceremony. With the ocean gently rolling behind them and the golden light painting everything in soft warmth, the moment felt like something out of a dream. The couple renewed their vows with the ocean at their feet and the sun on their backs. It doesn’t get any more sacred than that!

Hawaii truly is the perfect place for a vow renewal. These two traveled all the way from the UK for this special celebration! The natural beauty, the spirit of aloha, and the tranquil surroundings create an atmosphere that invites connection and reflection. Natalie and Richard’s day was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments, can hold the most profound meaning.

Celebrating In Hawaiian Style

One of the most touching details was the leis they wore. In Hawaiian culture, leis represent love, respect, and aloha, the essence of heartfelt connection. Together, their leis were more than just accessories; they were a symbol of the love that had blossomed between them over the years. Exchanging and wearing them was a quiet, meaningful moment that said, “We’re still choosing each other.”

The lighting? Absolutely divine. The late afternoon sun wrapped everything in a golden glow. It cast a warm, radiant shimmer over the ocean and the sand. It lit up Natalie’s dress like something out of a dream and created the kind of soft, romantic tones that make photos feel like timeless memories. Every frame felt warm, sun-soaked, and utterly joyful.

Natalie and Richard’s Big Island vow renewal wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a love letter to their journey. And Hawaii, with its beauty and spirit, gave them the perfect backdrop to celebrate that love in the most unforgettable way. Congratulations!

BIG ISLAND VOW RENEWAL – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Sunset

Big Island Vow Renewal Package: Just The Two Of Us Elopement Package #1 by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Officiant: Libby

Big Island Beach Location: Kukio Beach

Vow Renewal Photographer in Hawaii: Pomaika’i of Karma Hill Photography

Let’s set the scene for a special Big Island venue wedding: salty ocean breeze, lush tropical foliage, and a love story that began in the most delightfully nerdy of ways, college lab partners at Texas Tech University. Piper and Kollen weren’t just working on chemistry experiments; they were becoming the experiment. (Spoiler: it totally worked.)

After years of friendship that slowly turned into late-night talks, desert hikes, and joint dog-parenting duties (shoutout to Maggie and Molly), Kollen proposed to Piper in Sedona in November 2024. It was romantic. It was heartfelt. And it was 100% them. So when it came time to plan their wedding, they wanted something equally meaningful and a little outside the box. Hawaii was calling.

For Piper, who had been to Maui before, Hawaii felt like a dreamy return. For Kollen, it was his first time ever seeing the islands, and he stepped into it not just as a visitor, but as a groom. Their venue, Outrigger Kona Resort, brought the wow with sweeping ocean views, emerald lawns, and a gentle sea breeze that felt like this is your beginning.

Keep reading to see more of their big day!

A Dream Come True

The ceremony unfolded under a canopy of trees at Outrigger Kona Resort, with guests dressed in tropical florals, a teary groom waiting (barely holding it together), and Piper glowing in an effortlessly elegant gown. Laughter mingled with lei-scented air. The kiss? Movie-worthy. The bridal party? Playful and joyful (yes, we’re obsessed with the “everyone-cover-your-eyes” photo). And the portraits in the white gazebo? Just chef’s kiss.

It was the kind of wedding that felt light and vibrant and warm all the way through. A day soaked in sunshine and deep connection, just like their relationship. Piper and Kollen, two science-loving souls who found their perfect formula in each other, now have the start of a new adventure, this time, as husband and wife.

And after the “I do” and a celebratory kiss that got an audible aww from their guest? It was portrait time.

Cue: swoony newlywed moments in and around the resort’s white gazebo, surrounded by bold tropical foliage that felt straight out of a botanical fairy tale. Kollen pulled Piper close as they twirled between banana leaves and ti plants, kissed under the gazebo roof like a movie finale, and wandered down to the lava rock shoreline, where the light played off the ocean in soft, cinematic blues. The contrast of that striking black lava with the soft romance of her dress and bouquet? Just gorgeous!

It was tropical and elegant, emotional and joy-filled —a celebration of not only where their story began but also where it was heading next. And if you ask us? These two are just getting started.

Congratulations, you two! It was a joy to bring your dream wedding day to life! We wish you nothing but love and joy in your bright future ahead! You two are made for each other!

BIG ISLAND VENUE WEDDING – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Morning

Big Island Wedding Package: Outrigger Kona Ceremony Package Lawn by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Venue Wedding Location: Outrigger Kona Resort

Onsite Coordinators: Kalinda

Florals: Attendant Bouquets, Leis Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet – Pastel by Grace Hawaii

Acoustic Musician: Dennis Garcia

Officiant: Michaela Larson

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Tetiana of Karma Hill Photography

Some love stories don’t begin with fireworks, they begin with baseball, Bumble, and the unexpected magic of second chances.

Opal and Grantley’s Big Island venue wedding at the Royal Kona Resort was more than just a ceremony. It was the celebration of two hearts and two families becoming one. Grant, the proud owner of Papa’s Plumbing (and a man who is seriously into fishing), met Opal online back in 2019. Opal, a rockstar at EBMUD and full-time MVP mom, knew early that this love felt different. Deeper. Steadier. Forever.

And their wedding? Let’s just say: it was absolutely perfect.

The Setting

Set on the stunning shores of the Big Island, the same place they fell in love with on their first-ever Hawaii trip earlier this year, Opal and Grant looked like a couple straight out of a love story. Opal was radiant in white, glowing with happiness. Grant was cool, collected, and clearly smitten, his smile said everything. His eyes lit up when he saw her! And if you’re wondering just how romantic Grant is, he proposed on the baseball diamond, at home plate, in front of their whole community!

But the best part? The kids. Opal’s kids Olivia (16), Connor (10), and Grant’s twins, August and Scarlett (9), stood proudly beside them. This wasn’t just a wedding, it was a blending of families, a declaration of unity, and a tribute to the love they all share.

Just Perfectly Us

Their oceanfront ceremony at Nohea Point at the Royal Kona Resort was nothing short of breathtaking. Tucked beneath swaying palms and fronting the sparkling blue Pacific, the setting felt like it had been plucked from a postcard and handed directly to them, protected, peaceful, and intimate, yet buzzing with joy from their beloved family and friends.

From the gorgeous tropical florals to the peaceful privacy, their wedding day was intimate, emotional, and filled with island magic. For two people who cherish fishing and family above all else, this ceremony was the perfect beginning to their happily ever after. Their ceremony was full of tradition, blessings, and most of all, an unwavering devotion to one another.

And let’s talk about those photos! The kiss under the thatched-roof hale with the ocean glowing behind them? Honestly, that image alone might power the Big Island for a week. The way Grant gently kissed Opal’s forehead, the sweet giggles, the bouquet bursting with island color, it all felt like the perfect culmination of their love story

From the sea breeze to the joy on their kids’ faces, this Big Island wedding was full of heart, laughter, and island sunshine. Opal and Grant’s “forever” is just beginning, and it couldn’t have started in a more magical way. Congratulations, you two!

BIG ISLAND VENUE WEDDING – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Sunset

Big Island Wedding Package: Royal Kona Ceremony Package Nohea Point by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Beach Weddings: Royal Kona Resort

Onsite Coordinators: Kalinda & Lisa

Florals: Boutonniere, Attendant Bouquet, Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet – Vibrant, Leis by Grace Hawaii

Officiant: Michaela Larson

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Tetiana of Karma Hill Photography

There are love stories that slowly unfold, and then there are ones like Jeremy and Connie’s Big Island elopement. A story where two people meet (on Hinge, thank you very much), immediately know, and jump all in with their hearts wide open.

Jeremy, a mental health therapist, and Connie, a personal fitness trainer, knew exactly what they wanted. After a year of hiking, traveling, and chasing live music together (Nashville concerts included), Jeremy proposed on Connie’s birthday trip in October with a ring, a question, and the most iconic response ever: “Hell yeah!”

When it came to their wedding, they didn’t want the hoopla. Just love. Just meaning. And just them. Kukio Beach on the Big Island, where Jeremy once lived and they had already fallen in love with during a December trip became their perfect place to say “I do.”

And oh, it was beautiful. Intimate, simple, and full of aloha spirit. Their ceremony included traditional Hawaiian elements, ocean breezes, and so much pure joy. Connie looked radiant in her beautiful gown, tropical bouquet in hand, and smile that could rival the sun. Jeremy? Calm, centered, and beaming.

Their photography captured every glance, every laugh, and every breathtaking view. From lush greenery to glowing sand to sunset portraits that looked straight out of a romance film, it was effortlessly elegant. The light, the colors, the expressions, every photo feels like a love letter to new beginnings.

This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a celebration of second chances, of finding your person when you least expect it, and building something real, together, and on their own terms.

Jeremy and Connie, thank you for letting us witness your chapter one. Aloha, lovebirds.

BIG ISLAND ELOPEMENT – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Sunset

Big Island Wedding Package: Just The Two Of Us Elopement Package #1 by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Beach Weddings: Kukio Beach

Officiant: Michaela Larson

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Pomaika’i of Karma Hill Photography

Oh, but is there anything more romantic than running barefoot into the waves with the person who just became your forever, the Big Island sun sinking low and golden behind you? Because that’s exactly how Jerry and Lacey sealed their “I do’s,” and if you’re already picturing the movie scene version, good. Because that’s what it felt like.

Their Big Island elopement at Kukio Beach was, in a word, magic. The kind of serene, tropical perfection that makes you forget there’s a world outside of palm trees, salt air, and two people who’ve just pulled off the greatest love story plot twist ever…

Now, you’ll want the backstory, of course, and it’s a good one. Lacey was Jerry’s bartender for years, she knew his drink order and his stories. Over time, that bartender-patron familiarity turned into a real-deal friendship, the kind where you just know this is your person.

And for their elopement? Only the most serene setting would do: Kukio Beach. It was quiet, private, and shimmering with that unmistakable Hawaii magic. Their ceremony was intimate, simple, meaningful, and the kind of vulnerability that makes vows feel sacred: no guests, no timeline stress, just two people choosing each other by the water’s edge.

Capturing their Big Island elopement was a joy. You can deny feeling the emotion and pure love in these portraits! It was all so Lacey and Jerry: genuine, funny, full of heart.

The best part? After tying the knot, they didn’t just stroll off into the sunset, they ran into it. Literally, straight into the water, still dressed in their wedding clothes, completely carefree. Their joy was contagious, and it was just how they had imagined their big day would end. Perfectly (and a little salty!)

Here’s to true love and the magic of saying “I do” in paradise! Congrats, you two!

BIG ISLAND ELOPEMENT – EVENT DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Big Island Wedding Package: Just The Two Of Us Elopement Package #1 by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Beach Weddings: Kukio Beach

Officiant: Michaela Larson

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Anita of Karma Hill Photography

Let’s start with the facts: fifteen years of marriage is a big deal. Like, standing ovation, extra slice of cake, hug-your-person-a-little-tighter kind of big. And for Brandon and Catherine, that milestone deserved more than just a nice dinner out. It called for something meaningful and a Big Island vow renewal. Something sun-soaked and heart-forward. Something, naturally, in Kona.

Because when Hawaii is your favorite place and when your love story has already weathered long-distance stretches, built a life, raised a son, and found joy in serving others, renewing your vows here just makes sense.

Brandon and Catherine met in 2008 through an online connection, and from the beginning, it was intentional. It wasn’t a whirlwind or a swipe-right situation. It was a courtship. Long-distance at first, but grounded in purpose and faith. They were married on May 10, 2010, and over the years, they’ve built a life that reflects what they value most: service, health, community, and love.

So when their 15th anniversary rolled around, they knew they wanted to mark it with something that mirrored the heart of their relationship, relaxed, simple, and deeply beautiful.

Built On Love

Cue Royal Kona Resort. With the ocean gently crashing behind them, Catherine walked toward Brandon in a soft white gown, the moment echoing their wedding day in the most graceful, full-circle kind of way. Their son Pearce, now 25, was there alongside other loved ones, watching them reaffirm the promises they made all those years ago.

It was peaceful. Intimate. Honest.

No fanfare, no stress, just two people looking at each other with the kind of quiet joy that only comes from truly knowing someone. Loving someone for who they are, and who they’ve become.

The vow renewal was more than symbolic. It was a celebration of everything they’ve built together: a marriage grounded in service, a life of shared purpose, and a partnership that continues to evolve. Their shared love for health, fitness, and their community is a reflection of the intentional way they live, and that same intention came through in every part of their day.

And the photography? It was every bit as stunning as you’d expect. The colors were soft and romantic, with the ocean providing the perfect soundtrack. There were candid moments of laughter, glances filled with history, and a few happy tears (the best kind). Each image feels like a snapshot of what enduring love looks like, calm, strong, and quietly radiant.

Brandon and Catherine’s Big Island vow renewal wasn’t just about looking back. It was a joyful, heartfelt way to say: We’d do it all again. And we are.

Congratulations, Brandon and Catherine! Fifteen years, and it’s still just the beginning.

BIG ISLAND VOW RENEWAL – EVENT DETAILS

Time Of Day: Sunset

Big Island Wedding Package: Royal Kona Ceremony Package Sunset Cove by Simple Hawaii Wedding

Big Island Beach Weddings: Royal Kona Resort

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda

Florals: White Wedding Bouquet, Leis by Grace Hawaii

Officiant: Provided by couple

Wedding Photographer in Hawaii: Tetiana of Karma Hill Photography