Kauai National Tropical Botanical Gardens Elopement // Waimea, HI

WHERE TO START?!?!?!? It’s so difficult to talk about my favorite day of existence.

First of all, Kauai elopements are quite possibly the most magical event in history. There is something SO special about the Garden Island that’s difficult to 100% put your fingers on… Between the awe & wonder of the teal and blue cliffs of the Na’Pali coast, to the dry desert landscape of Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of Hawaii!), to the lush green jungles of the Northside of the island, and the pristine white sand beaches of the south shore. Kauai is someplace you need to visit & explore at some time in your life. If you need recommendations, start with Go Blue Adventures tour of the Na’Pali coast! Trust me, you’ll definitely want to do their smaller ride (its like a large blown up raft… that’s definitely not a good description, but basically, choose the smaller boat) and you will seriously LOVE your time with them!!! Second, go do a hike in Waimea Canyon. Or, don’t! If you are pressed for time, simply just stop at spots along the rim and enjoy the view. Spend time here for sunset and you’ll truly enjoy it! On the north shore, Ke’e Beach has the best views at the most northern beach you can access on the island, with parts of the Na’pali Coast cliffs right along the beach!

Okay SORRY got distracted by my love for Kauai and all things tropical and islands. BACK TO THEIR WEDDING!

I arrived a few days before the actual wedding but was able to do most of my location scouting via Google Earth (HOLLA!!!) so thankfully I already knew where we would be going and shooting each day! I met them for the first time at their little adorable cottages at Waimea Plantation Cottages, just outside of the canyon.

I felt SO welcomed by the little bridal party and all of Cait’s family!!! Something that’s really unique about Cait + Jake’s story is that this weekend was actually the first time their families had ever met, because Caitlyn’s family lives in Papa New Guinea! It was such a sweet atmosphere of families uniting for the first time and sharing the most amazing vacation together in Kauai to celebrate their kids!

After getting ready we all hopped in cars and headed out to the Kauai National Tropical Botanical Gardens (say that fast three times!!!) AKA the most beautiful, lush, plant-filled, swoon-worthy jungle landscape EVER!!! So beautiful in fact that multiple movies have filmed scenes here! It was about a 5 minute walk out to this little waterfall where we huddled around and watched these two say I do!

After plenty of fun photos, we ended the evening at Keoki’s Paradise for an intimate little reception over good food, good wine, and even better company.

The next evening we met up at the top of the canyon to explore Waimea Canyon and a secret little trail I discovered on the Na’Pali coast! I think it was a sign of good luck for their marriage that we had not one, but TWO rainbow appearances for us that evening at sunset!!!!

I am blown away at the love these two share for each other, their family and community and I am SO THANKFUL to have been welcomed into their lives, and for such a special time.

If you are considering eloping, having a tiny wedding or intimate ceremony, or even a big traditional wedding, consider Kauai and you won’t regret it!!!

VENDORS:

Getting Ready Cottages: Waimea Plantation Cottages

Ceremony Site: Kauai National Tropical Botanical Gardens

Reception: Keoki’s Paradise

Day After Session: Waimea Canyon & Na’pali Coast (click HERE to see their epic bridals!)

Grooms Suit: Suit Supply

Brides Dress: Alice in Ivory

Flowers: Kealoha Flowers