Intimate Elopements and Vow Renewals
Aloha,
Hi, I’m Chris, a Florida / Hawaii based photographer specializing in destination intimate weddings and elopements. Why you ask am I in two places ? I am originally from Europe and Florida is just half way there, than a long 37 travel to visit family in Germany from Hawaii. I was fortunate to call Hawaii home for the last 14 years and over time have made incredible work relationships with resorts and businesses, hence I still travel back and forth FOR LOVE :)
I believe that love is one of the most beautiful things we can experience in life and that no matter what your love looks like, it deserves to be celebrated wholeheartedly, for your wedding and than again as a beautiful vow renewal years later!
What is a vow renewal?
A vow renewal is a ceremony where a married couple reaffirms their commitment to each other by reading their original vows again or sharing new ones. I am a cinematographer by heart and always capture a little video along with photos. Why is this important to me ? I want to give you more than just frozen images, I want you to have a beautiful little film as a lifetime of memory. I have been a cinematographer in the past prior to launching KOHALAFOTO est. 2010 in Hawaii, I was working in the Los Angeles film business (movies and commercials) in the camera department. Hence I have a personal interest in producing films :)
What To Expect?
My approach to photography is personal and intentional. By taking the time to get to know you and understand who you are and what’s important you, I’m able to help bring your story to life in a meaningful way through your photos. From the intricate details of your outfits and decor, to the location you’ve carefully selected, to the relationships you have with each other and with your chosen people. I encourage my couples to prioritize their experience and stay present — to enjoy the memories of your wedding day while you’re living them. I am a skilled observer with an eye for anticipating moments, capturing emotions, and when needed, providing natural guidance that doesn’t feel intrusive. This blend of candid storytelling and editorial direction results in photos that are an artistic yet authentic representation of your day.
Why have a vow renewal?
After you get married, you and your partner will continue to grow as a couple, strengthen your relationship, and maybe even experience hardships together. A vow renewal is an opportunity to honor everything you’ve been through, reflect on the commitments you made when you got married, and make new promises to each other based on what you’ve learned over the years and the people you’ve grown to become.
Vow renewals can also be an opportunity to celebrate your marriage with a completely different type of experience than you had on your wedding day. As an elopement photographer, I hear from a lot of couples who had larger, traditional weddings that they wish they would have done something more intimate, adventurous, or chosen a different destination. If that’s you, then a vow renewal is a chance to do that now! I’ve also heard stories about couples who didn’t really love their wedding photos or maybe didn’t even get professional photos taken at all — doing a vow renewal is a way to get those photos that you’ve always dreamed of!
When do you have a vow renewal?
A lot of people choose to do their vow renewals on (or around) “big” anniversaries like 5, 10, 15 years, etc. but you can do one whenever you want! One couple may go all out for a big wedding and not feel ready for a vow renewal for 10+ years and another couple may only wait a year or two. It really just depends on what feels right to you.
Do you need an officiant for a vow renewal?
You can if you want, but since you’re already married, you don’t legally need an officiant. I personally recommend keeping your ceremony intimate and going without one.
Do you invite guests to a vow renewal?
Again, you can if you want, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. As an elopement photographer, I recommend taking this opportunity to spend quality time as a couple and focus the day on the two of you! If you choose to invite guests, it’s likely going to feel like planning a whole wedding all over again.
What does a vow renewal ceremony involve?
You can keep it simple and just read your vows or you can exchange rings again — either your original bands or new ones. Or you can choose to exchange something else, like a different kind of jewelry or another type of gift. And of course, a kiss! Although not technically required, I think it feels natural for most couples to kiss or embrace to conclude the ceremony. After that, it’s up to you!
What do you wear for a vow renewal?
Whatever you want! You can put your original wedding outfits back on if you still love them and they still fit, or you can pick out something new that reflects your current style. You can still go with a wedding look and do a white dress or a suit or if you lean toward casual, or do something more unique and fun. There are no rules here!
You do you :)
How do you plan a vow renewal?
Planning a vow renewal is a lot like planning an elopement wedding, but without the legal paperwork. I work closely with a couple to create a fun and unique experience in an amazing destination — and of course, have it documented with love!
How can we honor our original wedding at our vow renewal?
Your vow renewal can be a completely new experience if you want, but honoring your original wedding in some way could be really meaningful. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
re-read your original vows
wear your original outfits or incorporate other original details from your attire, like your earrings, shoes, or things as simple as your perfume or nail color.
set aside time in the morning or evening to re-watch your wedding video or flip through your wedding album
listen to your first dance song again
recreate your favorite wedding photos
If you want to be wild, do a “trash the dress” dip in the ocean
or have your favorite dish from your wedding meal at dinner time or another wedding cake
Why hire me for your vow renewal?
As an accomplished wedding photographer, helping couples celebrate their relationship with a meaningful experience is at the heart of what I do! Vow renewals are no different! You just happen to have a few years of marriage under your belt already this time around and maybe a few kiddos to tack along. Working with me means getting a personalized experience, lots of assistance and resources throughout the planning process, and a photographer who feels like an old friend hanging out with you on the day of.
MAHALO 🌸
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