Who : Jessie + Chad

Where : Hawaii – THE ISLAND OF KAUAI – North Shore

Sorry in advance guys, this is a long one with way too many pictures but each and every one deserves to be seen.

Jessie and I have been friends since middle school. We grew up together spending every day side by side at school,  hanging out together on the weekends, growing and changing together. We’ve been there for each other through laughter and through heartache. I always knew that she would elope one day following in her parent’s footsteps and following her free spirited heart. Traditional weddings aren’t really her jam and that’s perfectly ok. We are who we are and I’m so proud of the person Jessie has become.

I’ve known Chad since the beginning of high school and eventually got to work side by side with him at my first job. He is so genuine and compassionate and has the best big cheeky smile across his face every time you pass him by. I couldn’t have hand picked anyone more perfect for my dear friend…although I kinda did.

I LOVE to take the credit for these two’s love even if that’s only half of the story. I played a part in introducing them by setting up a “movie group date” for us all. Playing matchmaker has always been a thing of mine… who would have guessed I’d end up capturing love for a living!?

We went through our undergraduates together and were even college roommates for a few years. Through thick and thin, Jessie and Chad have been together for 9 years. That’s right folks, these two are high school sweet hearts. Chad romantically proposed on a beautiful waterfall hike at one of their favorite spots with “hidden dog tags” on their sweet pups!

I honestly feel there is no better way to honor my dear friends than to leave them with sweet memories captured that they can share with friends, family and generations to come. So you two, THANK YOU for being my friends and having me there by your side on one of the most perfect days there has even been.

I freaking love these cake toppers.

Jessie’s hair and makeup artist Megan was SO awesome and completely talented! I mean it comes with the name right? 😉

I loved these sweet vow books Jessie and Chad wrote in. Perfect for simple yet meaningful keepsakes.

We happened upon this perfect little spot for their first look. You’ll never hear me complain about all that green!

First looks bring out the happiest of tears and most genuine smiles. There’s no one around and you can be perfectly still in the moment.

Oh hay that’s me!!

A touch of Aloha culture and wedding tradition.

Isn’t my friend just radiant on her wedding day?

Sometimes my favorite moment is not the first kiss but the second right after. <3

I am so drawn to this in-between moment of Jessie. It’s lightly raining and windy and just so magical!

Favorite Groom shot to date. Chad you stunner!




Ok so I may have been slightly obsessed with the foot prints. But come on, perfect sand.

Chad and Jessie hired a private chef Leora to come to their condo and prepare tapas for all of us. It was amazing and such an intimate and relaxing way to end the day. Not to mention the food was EPIC.

Interested in having me capture your Hawaii Destination Wedding or Kauai Elopement? I offer affordable travel rates. Email me today for information and to reserve your date!

Megan Montalvo is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer based out of the Tacoma Washington area but travels for weddings and destination elopements.

 

Elopement Vendors and Details

Officiant | Julie D Wirtz

Boquet + Maile Lei | North Shore Buds and Blooms

Haku : Elvrine Chow of Heavenly Hakus

Dessert | Ko Bakery

Wedding Cake Toppers | Goose Greese 

Hair and Makeup | Meghan Daul – Kauai Wedding Hair

Private Chef | Leora Calmus

Groom’s Wedding Band | Blue Nile

Bride’s Wedding Band | Brilliant Earth

Bride’s Engagement Ring | James Allen

Wedding Dress | BHLDN

Groom’s Suit | Express

Looking for the best things to do while you’re in Hawaii? Be sure to check out Your RV Lifestyle’s 100 Best Things to do in Hawaii!