Monique & Kyle's

Maui Adventure Elopement

By Adventure Elopement Team Kelsi and Patrick Nichols of

Eternal Tides Photography

Kyle and Monique met in high school but didn't start their relationship until after they graduated. They've been together for 3 1/2 years now and have many life changes ahead still! Kyle just volunteered for the Coast Guard and was set to go to boot camp not long after their Maui elopement. In fact, we sent their pictures and video off early, but Kyle was already away, so Monique has to wait to share the photos with him! I know the anticipation of reuniting right after getting married would be HARD, so the fact that these two are overcoming long-distance right after saying their vows is impressive.

They wanted an easy-going day in a beautiful place and chose a black sand beach on Maui for their elopement day. The day started super early - Monique and Kyle were up far before the sun rose to prep for the day end start the 2-hour drive from their resort to the end of the road to Hana. Our permit for the State Park started at 7 a.m., and we were some of the first people there. It was non-stop rain all morning, and as we tried to wait out the storm in our cars when Monique and Kyle decided to go with it and got ready in the pouring rain (Kelsi helped Monique get into her wedding dress at the top of the parking lot call Patrick and Kyle headed down to the beach). Even though they were eloping, they didn't want to give up some of the traditions that come with big weddings, like a first-look, creating a super sweet moment and awesome pictures. Since most of our elopement happens in public places, we can never promise that a location will be empty, but these two just happened to luck out. The beach cleared just in time for their private ceremony, allowing room for all the emotion to flow across their faces as they shop to share their vows without the fear of onlookers. The sun even pooped out for just a moment during their private ceremony! After the celebratory kiss, we explored the rest of the trail, got even wetter with rain and sea spray, and took pictures of some sweet details they brought along. Kyle's mom sent them to Maui with "good luck pennies" from the year they were born, making the cutest addition to their ring photos.

When asked what three things they wanted o remember most from their elopement day, they said, "Our adventure, our youth, and our love for each other during the beginning of the rest of our lives!"

*Permits for all locations in these photos and video were acquired prior to shooting. Please follow local laws and regulations if visiting Hawai’i.