Kauai Elopement – Laura and David

Always look for the stories, they’re always about people.

This is something I always try to tell myself going into a new wedding, connecting with people I have never met. On paper this is an elopement on Kauai, a sunrise ceremony at the beach where Laura and David got engaged. But if you listen and look further, you will also see this is a story about David’s parents coming back to the island they decided to bring him up on for the first time in 25 years. It’s a story of family. When we started walking down the beach to get to the ceremony location before sunrise, I quickly noticed we would never make it in time. I looked at David and realised it wasn’t about sunrise, it was about David helping his parents, showing care for the people he loves.

There will always be another sunrise.

Look after the people you love.

Below is David and Laura’s emails to me after I sent them their slideshow, David’s is written just before he watched it, Laura’s is written directly after.

jonas, brother,

i just wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you for everything you’ve done for us and with us…

your photography (and our love for it) aside, you were such a special part of our adventure and we’re both forever grateful. 

L came in a few minutes ago with a huge smile on her face and the news that you had written. we’re about to sit down and watch the slideshow and, for whatever reason, i’ve just been wanting to get out these few words before seeing any images from our day (L has been following FB/IG/etc., whereas i’ve been forcing myself to wait just a bit longer while still processing everything)… i suppose as some way of expressing that your photography is only one part of the many gifts you give and that we are truly thankful for all that you do…

i have much more to say, but for now… thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

~ d.

///

Hi Jonas,

::silence::

Thank you for this gift. I have been sitting here watching it over and over again trying to take in the emotion that comes with reliving that beautiful day and trying to put into words how it makes me feel but I can’t. If you could have witnessed the moment David and I sat down watching it together and the moment the image of him walking with his parents to “our spot” showed up…. we both grasped our hands to our mouths as tears streamed down our cheeks, then maybe, then….. you could know just how much this gift means to us.

I am actually crying now just trying to figure out a way to express to you our gratitude. As you know I wasn’t able to have my Grandparents be there in physical being for our wedding but the rainbows, rain and breeze brought them there to me that morning and the image of that single tear running down my cheek while Kelvin said a prayer for them will serve as the reminder of those moments for me forever.

Thank you! This is the best gift we could ever have been given; your friendship and your art.

– Laura

music credit: Kyle Lionhart

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COMMENTS Expand -
  1. I’ve just scrolled through a few pages of your blog and I’m absolutely speechless. For the first time in my life pictures have brought me to tears. Just before deciding to write this comment, tears were streaming down my cheeks and my chest bubbled with all kinds of emotions. Most of all, happiness. And I want to say thank you, sincerely, thank you. The power, the stories, the emotions and most of all the humanity. So down to earth and at the same time so extra-terrestrial. What you create is magic. Mundane magic. Real magic. So thank you, thank you. Now all I want to do is to go out there, meet new people, explore foreign places and most of all, create. Create and affect. Thank you for the motivation and inspiration (and the tears!)

  2. Me encantan tus historias Jonas, las amo todas, pero esta en especial mucho mas, no tengo palabras para expresar lo que siento cuando veo estas fotografías,vibro de emoción, gracias por compartir tu pasión con nosotros.

  3. Hermosas tomas, súper emocionantes que tocan el corazón.
    Precioso lugar y bellas personas.

  4. I found myself in tears after seeing the pictures, then I read the post. Found myself in tears again. Such an amazing set.

  5. Jonas! Thank you so much for sharing our story with such a loving bunch of people. It is an amazing feeling seeing how our day and our story are affecting so many lives! Just another gift you are able to provide us, thank you for being you!

  6. You are gifted! :D I’m always shocked by your pictures! Congrats! …and that rainbow… awesome!

  7. Helt sinnessjukt så vackra bilder du skapar Jonas!!!
    Completely insane so beautiful images you create Jonas !!!

  8. Probably one of your best! I really like these images. So much love and emotion. Truly amazing. That waterfall shot with them in between, brilliant!

  9. Heard about this story in Stockholm, at WUN, but it’s great to find it here too. Great storytelling Jonas. :)

  10. Just goes to show how waterfalls fade in comparison to human moments. But that rainbow on her arrival is magic nonetheless.

  11. Absolut och total perfektion! Det här är bland de finaste och mest intima bröllop jag sett! Underbart fångat ❤️

  12. You have a wonderful skill for capturing stolen moments, I really admire that about your work.

  13. Absolutely heavenly and extremely emotional.
    An excellent photographer with a beautiful soul.

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