With destination weddings back on the cards after a tricky few years, we thought we best treat you to this fun Waikiki elopement. Being a destination wedding photographer herself, Megan was sure to snag one of the best Aussie photographers in the biz, Beck Rocchi, to capture the goods. Returning to Hawaii, the very same place they were engaged, this couple was channelling an intimate, non-traditional affair to celebrate their 13 years together. Scroll down for all the joy-filled snaps…

THE LOCATION “We originally were going to throw a big wedding in the mountains but decided we wanted to focus our money on an experience and just have the trip of a lifetime! Since we eloped, the location was really important to us. We rented a fancy car so we could blast music (something we have always connected on) and just drove around the island wild and free!”

THE VIBE “Hawaii has been a special place for me but after Jonathan proposed it has become a sacred place to us both. It felt adventurous, private and peaceful. I’m obsessed with sunshine, fun colours and the beach. I wanted a modern twist on the typical tropical vibes.”

FAVOURITE MOMENT “Our favourite part of the day was reading our vows at sunset. No one was at the beach and we just felt like FINALLY, we made it to this moment. It was super emotional. Alana (our officiant) really helped us feel grounded and take in all the beauty that is Hawaii, from the sounds of the waves and the softest sand underneath our feet. We can still feel all those moments and we got to be so present in this lifelong friendship and love and just reflect on the synchronicities, memories and loved ones surrounding our relationship. The water was a beautiful turquoise with GIANT waves like insane swells for the end of the season in May. The sky was lit on fire – literally, my vision board/favourite colours bursting across the sky in orange and pink.”

LITTLE LOL “We missed our dinner reservations in Waikiki. We couldn’t make it back in time from the North Shore and ended up going to Taco Bell!! We were tired, starving and in bed by 10 pm. The best Taco Bell order of our lives haha.”

WE WISH WE “I wish we had started earlier like I originally planned. I would have done a first look/morning session at sunrise and then a food truck and a nap with a ceremony to follow in the evening! We just had too many locations and the driving took up more of our time than we would have liked so we had to skip a lot of things we had planned to make it to our ceremony spot on time.”

WE’RE GLAD WE “We are SO HAPPY we did our honeymoon right after and flew to Kauai. We loved changing up the islands and the whole trip itself was truly a two-week adventure. Taking a catamaran to snorkel and see the Na Pali Coast was our favourite part of the entire trip. Our captain was a true warrior of the sea! Book with Na Pali Experience!”

Think you might wanna snag Beck for your big day too? Catch more from this incredible lens woman here, here and here. But first, be sure to scroll alllllll the way down…

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Beck Rocchi Cinematographer Golden Moments Co Celebrant Wild and Free Elopements Florist Ocean Dreamer Venue Surfjack, The Royal Hawaiin Resort Desert Ted’s Bakery Rings Sarah O Jewellery (bride) Luxury Bands LA (groom) BRIDE Outfit Emma & Grace Bridal Studio Loungewear Meraki Moon Boutique Shoes Dolce Vita Hair & Makeup Reveal Mobile Hair and Makeup GROOM Suit Suit Supply Barber Altitude Barber Shop