If you love the idea of a low stress wedding in a magical setting, you will be charmed by this breathtaking Hawaii elopement photographed by Schyne Photography and styled by Modern Elopement.
Ronald and Lauren had their first look in front of a stunning waterfall, followed by a simple ceremony with their closest family and friends underneath an unforgettable tree at Kauai’s National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
Ronald, 32 & Lauren, 37
Location: Kauai, HI
Wedding Date: June 7, 2018
Number of Wedding Guests: 10
Wedding cost: $6,495
Wedding Ceremony Location: National Tropical Botanical Garden
Wedding Reception Location: N/A
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We had always heard how quickly the wedding day flies by. We wanted to extend that celebration over the course of a week with our immediate families. The easiest and most enjoyable way to do that for us was to elope with the family in tow, and make it into a family vacation as well!
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
Overall we were very lucky not to face any significant challenges, mostly due to our incredible coordinator at Modern Elopement and also our mindset about the event.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
Nope! We both knew it would feel the most special with just our immediate family. It also would have been cost-prohibitive for many of our other friends and family to attend a destination wedding, and we didn’t want them to feel like they had to stretch themselves financially to attend.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
No issues! I think everyone was well-prepared because we had talked about a destination wedding for years before we were ever engaged. We also chose to throw a casual backyard party for extended family and friends after we got back home. This allowed us a more budget-friendly way to celebrate with all of them.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
How do we pick?!!! The entire ceremony was the highlight of our lives. However, hearing each other read our hand-written vows was incredibly special. Our officiant was also able to weave in the spirit of the Kauai into our ceremony, which made us feel very connected to the island.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
It was extremely low stress. We had the ability to truly enjoy each other on our wedding day rather than host a giant party where you’re expected to greet and spend time with every single guest.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Focus on what your priorities are for your wedding and marriage. If you stay focused on that, then everything else will fall into place. Not everyone needs or wants the traditional Pinterest wedding! Also, if you’re going to Hawaii – book Modern Elopement.
Vendors:
Photographer: Schyne Photography
Wedding Venue: National Tropical Botanical Gardens
Wedding Planner: Modern Elopement
