Personal notes: Becca, the bride for this wedding is also a talented wedding photographer herself, and I was doubly honored to be asked to capture her wedding for this reason. She and Eryck lived in Hawaii at the time, and welcomed me to the Big Island with enthusiasm. Before the wedding day, I was able to go out on a snorkeling cruise with Becca Eryck, and their family, as well as the rehearsal dinner and a sunrise bathing suit shoot (see right) with her. Getting to spend so much time with people in depth is really one of the greatest gifts of my profession.

I was in the early days of pregnancy with my second daughter and living off of sour candies shoved in my pockets, and her wedding images will always be the sweetest reminder of family as I was growing my own. Mid-way through the day we had to maneuver down a treacherous cliff-side road to get to the base of the Waipo Valley where they had their first look on the windy sands and I'll never forget seeing the pile of loved ones along with our couple, my assistant and I shoved in the bed and cab of a pick-up amongst these incredible views looking out over the edge.

It rained a bit during the ceremony for just a moment (you can see it in the image of their hands), and held off until they finished up. Just then the dark cloud in the distance neared and let loose a heavy, sudden downfall, just enough to shock our systems before the storm moved on and the party continued.

Nestled on the perch of a cliff overloooking the Waipo Valley with black sand beaches and miles of costline, Becca and Eryck commited to forever. The warm-hearted, patient and creative wedding planner, Bliss in Bloom, created a ceremony of pompous grass, with an assortment of gathered antique chairs to set the stage. The couple sang a worship song during the ceremony and the audience held their breath as the rain began to fall. As the clouds gathered, the rain held off just long enough to finish and race up the hill. As quickly as it had come, the rain passed and the dinner continued outside against a sunset that kissed the long-range views.

VENDORS

Event Planning, Design & Florals:
Bliss in Bloom, Hawaii
Catering: The Strawberry Patch
Hair & Makeup: Reaghan Campbell Rojas
Venue: Hale Kukui Orchard
Videography: Andrew James Abajian

For many, Hawaii is a destination, but for Becca & Eryck - it was home. They felt connected to the incredible scenery of the Big Island, and wanted their loves story to be set with the cliffs and black sand beach as backdrop. Their day was peaceful, surrounded by those they loved most.