Amanda and Marc’s Romantic Sunset Hawaii Elopement

General, Real Elopements,

4 min read Jul 14, 2020

Rather than having a traditional wedding, Amanda and Marc wanted to elope privately – and they did so in a big way. Wanting to have an adventure in a dream location, these two lovebirds chose to tie the knot on Big Island’s Kiholo Bay, Hawaii on February 22, 2020, and their wedding photos make it clear they got what they wanted! Scroll through to see their intimate beach elopement, followed by the dreamiest sunset you’ll ever see. Read all about their love story – and their experience with Simply Eloped – below!

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

Amanda: We met in college through a mutual friend of ours. We saw each other several times and always found new things in common with each other when we talked. I thought Marc was hilarious and fun to be around.

Marc: We met at NC State University because one of my closest friends was her R.A. I thought she was extremely cute and smart.

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

We fell in love in the spring after we had been dating for a couple of months. We just had so much fun together and I felt comfortable being myself around him. I had butterflies every time we were together and I knew I was in love. M: A couple of months after we started dating I told her I loved her because I knew there was no one I’d rather be with.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

There was not an official proposal because we were always sure that we were going to elope somewhere. We did not want a huge traditional wedding so we waited until we had the time to go on a dream vacation instead. Marc proposed the idea of a Hawaiian elopement idea and I was immediately on board!

What do you love about your partner?

Amanda: Marc is an adventurous person and he is always willing to try new things with me. I feel completely myself around him and he is always encouraging me to succeed. I love that we are both close to our families. We grew a lot together in the seven years before we got married.

Marc: I love that Amanda is smart, caring, compassionate, and fun to be around. She challenges me to better myself every day.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Amanda: Marc and I have a lot in common but we both push each other outside our comfort zones in a good way! I know that life with him will always be fun and interesting. We have built a lot of trust with each other.

Marc: I always have a partner that I can turn to for anything.

Why did you decide to elope?

We decided to elope for the adventure of it! Instead of a traditional wedding, we wanted our wedding to be a dream vacation for the two of us. Our elopement was private and beautiful, and a big advantage was that there was absolutely no stress that came from planning or organizing an event.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

We looked at a large number of elopement packages online in the months before we wanted to get married. Simply Eloped looked like the most professional company while still being at an affordable price.

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

I reached out to customer service and they were able to specifically answer all of my questions before I chose Simply Eloped. The reviews and pictures on their website sealed the deal for me!

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

We eloped at Kiholo Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. First, the scenery stood out to us. Kiholo Bay is a secluded black sand beach where Hawaiian wildlife is often found. As we were being married, whales swam in towards the bay and it was one of the most beautiful things we have ever seen.

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

We got married on the second day of our trip to Hawaii! However, before the wedding we were able to squeeze in some activities. We went snorkeling at Two Step beach where we saw sea turtles and tropical fish, and we hiked around Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. We got married in the evening as the sun set so we had time to dress at the hotel before we left for Kiholo Bay. Before the elopement we were both very excited but it felt peaceful. This was exactly how we wanted to start our marriage.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

Simply Eloped had everything planned out perfectly. We didn’t have to worry about anything and everyone was super friendly. Our Officiant, Tom Fernandez, gave a beautiful speech and explained the history of the beach we got married on. Our photographer Lei Conradt was both professional and friendly. She helped coach us through our first time being professionally photographed and she gave us memories that will last forever.

How did you celebrate after?

After the wedding we watched the sunset and ate a Hawaiian seafood meal by the beach. We had two weeks left on the Big Island and explored a new section every day, from Volcanoes National Park, to Waipi’o Valley.

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

Marc: Go for it! We are planning a family celebration eventually.

Amanda: I recommend eloping to almost everyone. This was the perfect way to start our marriage and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about our elopement!

Planning: Simply Eloped
Officiation: Tom Fernandez
Photographer: Lei Conradt

General Real Elopements

Written by Karen Norian

Karen Norian is an elopement photographer and has photographed over a hundred elopements. Karen has also worked as an elopement planner for Simply Eloped. She's been quoted in the New York Times, Brides, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Yahoo, and more.