Makapu’u sunrise elopement with Fiona & Jimmy

I’m so in love with Fiona and Jimmy’s incredible Oahu sunrise elopement! This Chicago couple (who met abroad in Singapore!) had to alter their original wedding plans due to Covid, and though they still legally married, they never got a chance to get their dream photos. They decided to get all dressed up and finally get some epic wedding photos while vacationing in Hawaii! I knew we would get along with Fiona told me they love traveling and eating. Those are two of my favorite things!

Fiona & Jimmy booked an extended photoshoot so we’d have time for lots of different backdrops and even a few different locations. When discussing locations for their photos, Fiona said she wanted backdrops that could only be found in Hawaii! We talked about a few different options, but in the end, settled on shooting at Makapu’u Lookout, Makapu’u Beach, and Waimanalo Beach, all of which offer dramatic mountain backdrops that are not only unique to Hawaii, but also unique to Oahu specifically. These particular locations are on the windward side of the island and while they are gorgeous with soft lighting at sunset, I find sunrise to be preferable because we get direct views of the sun rising in the east and I like the dramatic, glowy lighting.

And… Makapu’u Beach is one of my favorite locations on all of Oahu. There are a variety of backdrops including a long sandy beach, beautiful waves crashing, green mountains, black lava rock, and teeny off shore islands. Even though I shoot here frequently, every photoshoot is unique because of the varied landscape. And it’s usually quiet, with hardly any other beachgoers, especially early in the morning.

Fiona & Jimmy, thank you for choosing me to capture your memories!

Planning your Oahu sunrise elopement? Or any time of day? Or any island? Contact me to discuss photography options!