You already know we’re absolutely obsessed with Hawaii and will take ANY opportunity to explore the epic islands with just-as-epic couples – so of course we are so freakin’ in love with Kaylan & Preston’s beachy Oahu backyard elopement! They tied the knot in Hauula, Hawaii, in the backyard of the home where Kaylan lived while stationed on Oahu, surrounded by their closest loved ones and the most spectacular backdrop. This day was seriously a blast with one of the most fun couples EVER, and we can’t wait to show you the results of alllll the hard work that Kaylan & Preston put in to make it happen!
Kaylan & Preston’s Beachy Oahu Backyard Elopement
A Hinge success story & a sunrise proposal in the mountains
Time for a little backstory before we show you all this dreamy, beachy goodness! Kaylan & Preston met back in 2019 while exploring the world of online dating. It clearly worked because after matching on Hinge and meeting in real life for the first time, it was game over. They mentioned that the peacefulness & ease they felt being with each other really consumed them, and we could definitely tell that those feelings were still present on their wedding day.
Later on, while Kaylan was on a visit to her home in Kentucky to spend time with her grandmother and family, Preston decided to go down for a week to support her grandmother & meet everyone he’d always heard so much about. Apparently he fit RIGHT in and the whole family loved him instantly! On his last day in Kentucky, he and Kaylan (being the adventurous couple they are) woke up at 4am to head into the mountains for a beautiful hike – little did she know what was coming 😉 Once they made it to the top as the sun was starting to rise over the trees, he dropped down to one knee and she said the easiest yes of her life. The cutest proposal story ever!
An intimate backyard elopement on the Windward Coast
These two decided to tie the knot with an intimate elopement on the eastern (Windward) coast of Oahu, in the backyard of the home that Preston was living in while he was stationed in Oahu. Kaylan got ready for the day with the help of her mom, who helped put on her final touches & zip up the back of her stunning dress. We were obsessed with this dress and how simple, but still sooo dreamy it was – the fluffy tulle skirt paired with the deep V & delicate floral details was EVERYTHING! It was seriously perfect for a beach elopement, with just enough elegance to match Kaylan’s chunky white sandals & veil, but also flowy enough to give off that whimsical beach vibe.
And we loooved Preston’s choice of outfit, too – he rocked a bright & airy look (again, PERFECT for the beach environment) with light beige pants, a white undershirt, and a solid off-white suit jacket. The blue patterns inside of the jacket were such a cool addition, totally matching the beachy vibes, too (and so were his sunglasses 😎)!
Before their ceremony by the water, Kaylan had a sweet first look with her dad, and then walked down the aisle alongside him to her soon-to-be hubby. We celebrated their newlywed status with a portrait session at Laie Point in front of the most breathtaking blue water 😍 Do they not look like a prince & princess straight out of a Disney movie?!
Dreamy beach-themed decor, tropical florals, & vibrant dishes
The beachy details & decor of this day were EVERYTHING, starting with the freaking stunning charcuterie spread they had laid out on the cake table full of fruits, veggies, crackers, meats, and cheeses. Just look at those vibrant colors and all that fresh local produce – a literal work of art. And the pineapple crown on top of the cake was adorable!
Now let’s take a minute to appreciate the florals that Kaylan and Preston had, because they were spectacular. We’ve always loved tropical florals & foliage, but whew did these two take it to a whole new level. They had vases filled with vibrant, eye-catching blooms (such as those iconic beehive ginger flowers) and lush green palms, along with an absolutely gorgeous wooden arbor covered in bright heliconias, vines, and massive banana leaves. Serious heart eyes everywhere!! 😍
Beachside evening celebrations & portraits at Kawela Bay
Once the evening rolled around and we’d wrapped up photos for the time being, Kaylan and Preston enjoyed a kickass happy hour, playing yard games by the ocean and listening to their loved ones make the sweetest speeches! It’s always the most special thing ever getting to hear what couples’ families have to say – we may sometimes be tearing up behind our cameras. And to wrap up the night, we made our way to Kawela Bay for some final sunset portraits. We planned for golden hour portraits but the weather disagreed, so we got some epic blue hour portraits in the ocean instead!
The best review from the best couple
We want to say the BIGGEST thank you to Kaylan and Preston for letting us be a teeny tiny part of their special day, aaand for the amazing review they left us afterward. We are the luckiest!!
“Where do I even begin.. These two people are honestly God sent. When I found them I knew right then that they were who we wanted to have on our wedding day. They knew how to capture every perfect moment that you want to relive over and over and remember when you get old.
The QUALITY of work is out of this world but even more they are two of the most down to earth people we have met. I recommend them to anyone and everyone. They worked all day and drove us around and really just went above and beyond. They truly felt more like guests that we have known than just wedding photographers. 10/10.“
If you’re thinking of having your own wedding or elopement in Hawaii, first of all – amazing choice! Second of all, make sure to check out more of our fave Hawaii elopement inspo and resources below 🤙
