Who We Are

Dreaming of a stress-free elopement on the Big Island? Below are answers to some of the most common questions couples ask when they’re considering working with us. If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out—We're always happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Hawaii Elopement with Ease

When does planning officially begin?

WHAT LOCATIONS CAN WE CHOOSE FROM?

What’s included in your planning support?

What happens if it rains?

Can we add special touches to our day?

Do you help with permits?

What’s the booking process like?

CAN WE DO A FIRST LOOK?

WHO WILL BE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER?

We’re bringing a few guests—can you still help?

WHAT TIME WILL OUR WEDDING BE?

I’m so excited you're interested in working together! To make the process smooth and fair for all couples, we begin detailed planning (like permits, timelines, vendor coordination, etc.) only after your date is officially booked. That means your contract is signed and your deposit is paid. Until then, I’m happy to answer general questions to help you decide if we’re the right fit!

You’ll receive a location guide filled with sample photos and our favorite spots. For the SIMPLE and GOLDEN collections, there are four beautiful location options to choose from. All other locations typically fall under one of our LUXE collections. LOCATION OPTIONS FOR SIMPLE AND GOLDEN COLLECTIONS

Please note: These locations are specifically chosen because we can secure the required commercial permit from the appropriate Hawaii state or county agencies. Beyond legal access, each site has been handpicked for its photographic beauty and its ability to offer a more peaceful and private experience, away from the crowds of a typical Hawaii beach.

Rain is very rare on the west side of the island, particularly between Kona and Kawaihae. All four location options for the SIMPLE and GOLDEN collections fall within this drier zone. Because weather forecasts in Hawaii aren’t super reliable until 24–48 hours before the date, we typically wait until we're closer to the day to make any weather-related adjustments. **only diversions to this are those RARE but known incoming hurricanes and tropical storms.

In the unlikely event of rain, we may shift the location to another part of the island with better conditions—or embrace the moment with clear umbrellas (which I always bring just in case!).

If you’ve chosen a more tropical, lush part of the island, a bit of rain is all part of the experience! These areas are green and vibrant because of the occasional showers. I keep a close eye on the forecast and will often adjust our timing slightly or make a quick location shift to find dry skies. I also come prepared with backup locations, or a flexible timeline to keep everything running smoothly. 

No matter what the weather brings, my goal is the same: to make your day feel relaxed, beautiful, and unforgettable—rain or shine.

Yes! I’ll guide you through exactly what’s required for your chosen location and make sure everything is handled properly and legally. This is a big benefit of working with a local team—we know the rules and the land and will help you honor both. We process permit application for nearly all of our location options (all SIMPLE and GOLDEN Collections, and public LUXE locations). A few of our locations require application by clients but we will help you with the required supplementary forms as well as instructions of the application process.

Definitely! Many of my couples choose to include a small group of their closest loved ones—usually under 10 guests—and I’ll help you create a celebration that feels intimate and meaningful while still centered on your connection. Most beach wedding permits in Hawaii allow for up to 25 people total, which includes not only you and guests but also your vendor team (like your photographer, officiant, and musician). We’ll work together to make sure everything fits beautifully within those guidelines.

The best time for your ceremony is golden hour—about one hour before sunset. This gives us the most flattering natural light, dreamy colors, and a relaxed, beautiful vibe. It also ensures we capture those stunning post-ceremony portraits during the most magical part of the day.

You can check the exact sunset time for your wedding date here: Time & Date – Kona Sunset Times
Your event will typically start one hour before sunset, but I’ll confirm the ideal time with you as we get closer. For sunrise, we start right at sunrise time!

You want to have your ceremony earlier in the day? That’s totally possible, too! Just keep in mind that beaches are often more crowded during the day and lighting can be harsh and bright, especially in open locations. Tropical heat can be intense between 10am–2pm.

Whether you're dreaming of soft golden light or planning something mid-morning with ocean views, I’ll help guide the timeline so the day feels smooth and the photos are gorgeous.

Yes—you can definitely do a first look! We either do it at the ceremony or prior! Once your date is officially booked, we’ll work together to build a custom timeline based on your vision and how you'd like the ceremony to unfold. Whether you want to keep things traditional or shake it up with a private first look, I’ll help you plan a flow that feels just right for you.

Photography is provided by Ann Ferguson Photography and associates. All photographs are processed and hand edited by Ann to have consistency in all our couples galleries. To confirm availability, your photographer will be determined at the time of booking. Typically our Ann and her associates cover different section of the island to minimize travel time. Ann covers/photographs locations on the Kona/Waikoloa side and Bre covers Hilo, VNP and Ka'u side (Punalu'u Bay). You will receive sneak peeks with 2-3 days after the wedding! The final gallery will be ready within 3-4 weeks. 

Rest assured you are in great hands!