March 30, 2021 / Kapalua, Hawaii
How did your love story begin?: Tinder for the WIN! Troy and I met almost 8 years ago now on the dating app and things have always been fun and interesting since we swiped right. We had our first date on Brady Street, which became a staple of our lives together. Life took us in many different directions in those 8 years but about 5 years ago it brought us back together proving we were meant to always be together.
Troy proposed on the weekend of our 5 year anniversary, (his first attempt to propose during a family photoshoot with our son was foiled), in Devil's Lake. A year earlier we took our first hike there while I was expecting our son so this was even more special. I had no idea he had even bought a ring and after so many years together I felt like maybe it was never going to happen. Haha. We had taken our first trip together since our son was born to the Dells for the night and got to spend the whole day in Devil's Lake hiking. About halfway through our hike we came to a stop wanting to get a picture of us together but with COVID Troy insisted on using his phone holder and attaching it to a tree over a huge drop in the rocks. I was looking at the beautiful scenery, taking pictures, and paying no attention to what he was doing when I turned around and saw him down on one knee. It was one of the best days ever and so incredibly special.
We originally both agreed that we wanted a long engagement and had planned a 2023 destination wedding in Jamaica with a large reception here in WI to celebrate. After some major life changes and deciding to move across the country we made a very quick decision to secretly elope in Maui while we were going to be there celebrating Troy's birthday.
What was your vision for the wedding?: Vintage Paradise! I chose all my vendors from instagram and a Hawaii Brides facebook group! Since we were eloping, all that I cared about were hair & makeup, flowers, and, most of all, photography!
Tell us all about your dress!: WELL... being a bridal stylist at Strike dress shopping was definitely MUCH more difficult with how many dresses I've seen and how many I've tried on. With a time frame under two months it definitely limited the dresses I could get. I knew I wanted something simple, comfortable for a beach elopement, and with a vintage feel. If I would've had more time I would have probably chosen something different BUT I LOVED my Tara LaTour dress. The ability to customize the dress in the exact way I wanted made it feel even more special. Strike was the ONLY place I shopped and the only place I needed to go.
I will say, I always envisioned a fitted dress for my wedding which is what I got however an A-line dress would've been my choice looking back. Don't limit yourself to what you always thought you'd wear, wear what you LOVE.
You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?!: Our wedding was definitely non-traditional being just the two of us on a beach together in Maui. Everything went so perfect and to plan.
Right after we said our vows and were pronounced man and wife the sky opened up and began to let rain fall down on us, within 5 minutes it stopped and a gorgeous rainbow appeared directly behind us. Rainbows have a huge significance to me and my family so it was such a beautiful and touching moment for us. I couldn't have asked for a better day with just my husband and I.
What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! :) This day is about you and your fiancé so get the dress you want, elope if that's what you want, and do what makes YOU happy.
When it comes to the dress, choose the dress that you feel the most confident in. You want to feel beautiful on your wedding day and not worry about anything else. Listen to your heart no matter what, you know in the dress when it is the one.
Dress: Custom Jax by Tara LaTour at Strike Bridal Bar
Photography: Lexi Harry Photography
Floral design: Fern House Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Bree Rubin Maui Hair and Makeup
Dress Alterations: Cinch Tailoring Company
