Katie and Ty's destination wedding in Honolulu, Hawaii

My adventure with Katie and Ty began early one cold fall morning with the backdrop of Linville Falls. It was early October, a day marked by an orchestrated cascade of events I had the privilege to set in motion for Ty’s proposal. The universe conspired in our favor, painting the perfect backdrop with vibrant fall hues for their momentous occasion. We talked about things to come and kept in touch.

Fast-forward a year, and curiosity got the better of me. I reached out to Ty, only to be given the great news that their wedding venue was no less than the enchanting shores of Hawaii. Bags packed instantly; it’s the end of the story, ha!

January 2024 saw me, a nomad at heart, boarding a plane to Hawaii, armed with my trusty camera gear and two surfboards, ready to etch this new chapter into my travel journal. The initial days were a whirlwind of exploration and scouting, setting the stage for what was to come.

The day preceding the wedding, we embarked on a pre-dawn hike to Diamond Head, an experience enriched by the laughter and camaraderie of Katie, Ty, and their friends. Despite the playful chides from fellow hikers about my brisk pace, it was a morning etched in memory for its raw beauty and spirited company.

The festivities officially commenced at the Moana Surf Rider. Ty’s warm welcome set the tone for an evening of delectable feasting and heartfelt connections.

The wedding day dawned, and I found myself in the serene confines of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, capturing the quiet moments of anticipation as Katie prepared alongside her sister and closest friends. A similar rendezvous with Ty followed, leading up to the moment they would see each other for the first time that day in the portrait gallery and then the ceremony against the breathtaking backdrop of Diamond Head.

Their vows were exchanged beneath the watchful gaze of Diamond Head in a ceremony that beautifully melded tradition with Katie and Ty’s personal essence. The day culminated in a sunset photo session on Duke Kahanamoku Beach, capturing the golden hues of their love against the vast, tranquil ocean.