A Family Elopement at Ironwood Beach on Maui

Real Elopements,
4 min read May 31, 2024
Close-up portrait of a bride wearing a white orchid lei and a groom in a blue suit wearing a ti leaf lei at Ironwood Beach in Maui.

Waves crashing against the rocks on a secluded Hawaiian beach with a gorgeous sunset …what more could any eloping couple want? Brittany & David, along with David’s sons, chose secluded Ironwood Beach (Oneloa) in Maui as their elopement vision. Brittany looked so beautiful in her gorgeous lace gown while David was dapper in his blue suit. The boys were handsome in pink and beige. It all came together under the Maui sky and these two exchanged their vows and traditional leis, the Hawaiian symbols of love and respect! Read more to find out how these two reconnected after high school, fell in love and decided to have Simply Eloped take care of all their elopement planning!

Groom kissing his bride on the cheek near rocky ocean cliffs during sunset at Ironwood Beach in Maui.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Brittany: We both attended the same high school and then reconnected later in life at work. My first impression of David, after reconnecting with him, was that he was super handsome! I knew he had two boys that he loves so much, which was so great to know that he is a good Dad. I also loved his sense of humour!

David: My first impression of Brittany was that she is gorgeous and she seemed to enjoy the same things I did. 

Groom in a blue suit holding hands with his bride during their Maui beach wedding ceremony.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

Brittany:  I knew he loved me when he drove through the night to come home a day sooner from a work trip. He solidified that by actually telling me he loved me as soon as he got home to surprise me. I knew I loved him before then!!

David: I agree!!

Newlyweds walking hand-in-hand along the sandy shore of Ironwood Beach with crashing ocean waves.

How did you accept the proposal?

Brittany: He took me to Hocking HIlls for our three year dating anniversary…he planned the entire thing! We had stopped at a brewery and gone on a hike. He proposed to me on top of a hill near a waterfall.

Bride and groom standing on a large oceanfront rock sharing a kiss against the backdrop of the sea.

What do you love about your partner? 

Brittany: I love David’s personality and his heart! He always is going out of his way for me and ALWAYS makes me laugh! There isn’t a dull moment. He is literally my best friend. 

David: I love that Brittany is kind hearted and sweet. She’s very organized and keeps our family together. She blows my mind with what all she can accomplish. She’s always going above and beyond for the people she loves.

 

What is the greatest strength of your relationship? 

Brittany: I believe we have many great strengths in our relationship. Our ability to help each other through life comes to mind first. When I need extra help he’s always there for me, and I’m always there for him when he needs me. No matter what! When you love each other like we do, it’s easy. 

David: Communication is our greatest strength. We communicate very well about what we feel, want and need. 

Family portrait of a bride, groom, and two sons posing together on the rocky shoreline at Ironwood Beach.

Why did you decide to elope?

Brittany: We decided to elope because we wanted something more intimate with just us and David’s two boys. It was extremely hard not to have all of our friends and family there, but it was exactly the day we wanted. We also had a great family vacation during the same week as the elopement.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Brittany: Instagram

Family standing together on the beach while listening to the officiant during an intimate Maui wedding ceremony.

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you? 

Brittany: We researched online and read reviews. After talking with the wedding specialists…it was a no brainer!

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

Brittany: I have always wanted to get married on the beach! Hawaii seemed like the perfect venue for that. You cannot go wrong with the scenery! We got married at Ironwood Beach (Oneloa) in Maui. We chose it because it was more secluded and had the beautiful sand, rock and greenery for photos. The waves crashing against the rocks and the sunset were amazing!

Groom placing a traditional white orchid lei around the bride's neck on the beach.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Brittany: We came to Hawaii for our wedding and our family vacation. We prepared by relaxing at our resort before it was time for hair and makeup. The boys went out and had lunch while I got ready. We were all nervous, but so excited!!

Close-up of a bride attaching a white boutonniere to the groom's blue suit lapel.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your elopement day.

Brittany: Our experience with Simply Eloped was nothing short of amazing. We had to change our wedding date three times because of Covid. Haley was so accommodating, and reassuring, that we would eventually have our special day!

Family during a beach elopement ceremony as two dogs playfully run through the sand in front of them.

How did you celebrate after your elopement?

Brittany: We went to Merrimans and had dinner by the ocean.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Brittany: Don’t think…just do it! This company is amazing. They take all of the stress away from you, so you are able to enjoy your day without having to take care of multiple things.

Portrait of a smiling bride wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress and white orchid lei holding a tropical bouquet on the beach.

Close-up shot of a rose gold diamond engagement ring and black wedding band resting on a pink king protea flower.

Two young boys in matching pink button-up shirts and khaki pants smiling on a sandy ocean beach.

Bride and groom holding hands facing each other during an outdoor beach wedding ceremony with crashing ocean waves.

Groom in a blue suit wearing a ti leaf lei posing on the beach with his two sons in pink shirts.

Bride, groom, and two sons posing together on Ironwood Beach while holding a wooden "Happily Married" sign.

 

Officiation by: Joy Morris
Photography by: Samantha Dahabi
Flowers by: Katherine Mangicaro
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Ironwoods Beach, Hawai.

 

Real Elopements
Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.