When Giada and Matteo flew from Italy to Maui, they didn’t come with a packed timeline or a performative checklist. They came with each other, a deep love, and a desire to savor every single moment of their elopement. Their day wasn’t rushed. It was intentional, intimate, and filled with time to simply be. It was everything an elopement should be.
They chose Ironwoods in Kapalua as their ceremony location—a dramatic cliffside with sweeping ocean views and the sound of waves crashing below. The day started slowly. Giada and Matteo got ready together, sharing quiet moments, soft laughter, and a few stolen kisses as the anticipation built. There was no rush, no racing against the clock. Just time to enjoy each other and the unfolding beauty of the day.
Why Take Your Time?
So often, weddings—even elopements—can feel like a blur. A tight timeline or the pressure to stick to a schedule can rob you of the chance to truly experience your day. But when you slow down, when you let go of the “shoulds” and focus on the moments, everything shifts.
With a longer elopement, you have time to breathe. You can:
•Share a quiet breakfast together before getting ready.
•Write your vows in the stillness of the morning.
•Sip champagne or espresso as you help each other get dressed.
•Watch the changing light as the day unfolds without worrying about what’s next.
When you have space to be present, the day doesn’t just become an event—it becomes a memory you can step into every time you think back on it.
The Beauty of Being Together
One of the most beautiful parts of Giada and Matteo’s day was how connected they were. Getting ready together wasn’t just practical; it was intimate. They shared jokes, held hands, and relished the time to just exist in the same space.
Their ceremony at Ironwoods felt like an extension of those moments. They laughed as the wind played with Giada’s hair, and Matteo’s voice cracked with emotion as he spoke his vows. Nothing was rushed or forced. It was simply them, completely immersed in their love and the stunning surroundings.
Why a Longer Elopement Works Anywhere
Whether you’re eloping on a windswept cliff in Maui, a hidden forest in Oregon, or the rolling green hills of Ireland, taking your time transforms the experience. It allows you to:
•Be Present: Without a packed schedule, you can fully experience each moment without distraction.
•Capture More: A longer timeline means more opportunities for photos that tell the full story of your day—from getting ready to golden hour.
•Reduce Stress: No clock to race against means you can truly relax and enjoy yourself.
When you slow down, your elopement becomes more than just a “wedding day.” It becomes a reflection of your relationship—authentic, unhurried, and full of meaning.
Make It Yours
Your elopement doesn’t have to fit into anyone else’s idea of what it should be. Want to start the day with coffee and croissants in bed? Do it. Want to take a sunset hike after your ceremony? Go for it. Your day is yours to shape, and the best memories are often the ones that happen when you’re not rushing to fit into a narrative that doesn’t feel like you.
Let’s Create Something Unforgettable
Giada and Matteo’s day was a reminder that slowing down is a gift. It’s a chance to savor every glance, every touch, and every word spoken. It’s an opportunity to create memories that feel as full and layered as your love story.
If this resonates with you, if you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels like you and not a performance, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s craft a day that reflects your love in all its beautiful, unhurried glory. Reach out, and let’s start planning something unforgettable.
Follow me on Instagram: @mariahmilan
Vendors:
Photographer: Mariah Milan
Wedding Planners: Mariah Milan & Fawn Evermore
Florists: In Bloom Hawaii | Native Intelligence | Haku Maui
Videographer: Live Maui Webcasts
Hair and Makeup: Meili Autumn Beauty
Officiant: Ernest Pua’a
