Ashley + Clinton chose to have an intimate wedding on the beach surrounded by their closest family & friends. This choice created a really relaxed, emotional, beautiful day that could not have been more heartfelt! I love the idea of scaling back and having a more minimal celebration, focusing on what matters most over hundreds of details for a larger wedding.

Ashley got ready with her girls + fam in this pretty Airbnb with the best light and a spiral staircase to boot. One thing I noticed about this group immediately is that they are super fun loving. There may have even been a bit of dancing around in PJs, which I think is pretty rad.

Clinton got ready with family in this cute vintage hotel on the beach. He and Ashley had both prepared the sweetest notes to his parents, which made for a really special time together.

First looks are always my favorite part of the day. I love that couples get to spend a moment together, alone, just breathing all of this in. Seeing each other before most everyone else sees you can really form this sweet intimacy too. We had their first look down on the cliffs in the sunshine.

And just like that, it was time to get them married! Their ceremony also took place on the cliffs with minimalistic style that was perfect for the day + a little live music.

Afterward, we adventured together, exploring the cliffs and playing around. Ashley told me, “Laughter, for sure! We laugh so hard together, every day, Clinton is very good at saying funny things that make me smile.” I think that definitely shows in these moments.

The evening ended perfectly with a little celebration and even more fun!

Of course, I love a couple who will get weird with me and head out for some night shots. We decided to use the street lights and passing cars to create something fun to end the evening 🙂

Never be afraid to get weird or to scale back on things you don’t want to do on your wedding day. These two said “no thanks” to a lot of traditions + the result was so much more time to focus on each other.

The cliffs of Kauai make for the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding or elopement. If you’re thinking of getting away and saying your vows on a grand adventure, definitely reach out! I am based in Hawaii and offer Kauai elopement packages as well as wedding photography on the island.