There’s just something about an elopement…

It’s romantic.  It’s adventurous.   It’s intimate.  What I love about an elopement is the focus becomes purely on the commitment.  Not the color of the napkins, or what color of eyeshadow the bridesmaids should wear, or how the best man forgot his tie, or how the flower girl is having a fit.

No… an elopement, though a small affair, is one of great depth. It’s about two people who are madly in love and cannot wait another day to spend forever together.  Two people who choose to avoid the frenzy, and make their commitment to one another in private.

Considering these two beautiful souls, this day could’ve happened in a court house and it would’ve been just as magical.

Ajax and Michelle, currently hail from New York City, were married this past Saturday on Oahu’s fabled North Shore.  When all the days surrounding their wedding were chilly and rainy, their’s was a day of sunshine and warmth.

These two were engaged last year on the anniversary of Loving Day.  A day in 1967, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the laws forbidding couples of differing races to marry. Loving Day is the biggest multiracial celebration in the United States.

These two, Michelle who is Korean-American, and Ajax, who is Taiwanese, are having a set of cultural ceremonies in June to honor their families and their heritage.  I’m honored to be able to photograph those as well as their enchanting elopement.

Michelle was so full of grace on this day.  So focused and calm.  Ready to make the biggest commitment.  She was everything a bride ought to be… elegant, beautiful, endearing, and happy.  Oh, how happy she was.

And Ajax, he was everything a groom ought to be… tearfully surprised at the sight of his bride, handsome, silly and goofy at all the right times, intentional, and kind.

Ajax started the day off with some yoga and a morning at the spa, while Michelle got her hair and makeup done.

They each dressed separately, as Ajax hadn’t seen her wedding dress yet.  Naturally, a reveal was had on the back porch of their beach cottage.  *sigh* It was the best.

After their first-look, we shot around their resort a bit, and then their driver picked us up and whisked us away to the ceremony about 15 minutes down the road near Pūpūkea Beach Park on Ke Iki Beach.  The ceremony was so lovely, although between the breeze and the crashing waves, I couldn’t hear a word of it. :-) But the emotions and tears that followed gave me goosebumps – they were so beautiful.

Their bride & groom portraits at sunset are literally to die for. My heart was SO full… that’s another story to be shared tomorrow… For now, enjoy the first parts of their day and beautiful ceremony…

With love,
René

Resort: Turtle Bay Resort
Hair & Makeup: Erin Randle
Blooms: Easley Designs
Pastor: Rev. James Chun
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Photograpy: René Tate Photography

Stay tuned tomorrow for Part II of their surreal bride & groom portraits!!