Now That I See You – Samra & Chris Elope in Oahu

Samra and Chris chose to elope in Oahu after COVID made other options difficult, and it turns out, it wasn’t simply the safest option, it was the best option. Paradise Cove Beach set the stage, decorating for the ceremony with honey lighting and dazzling seascapes. Tropical palms, white sands, and a handful of loved ones put the final touches on a wedding day that dreams are made of. 

Our Couple’s Story

Samra works in higher education, helping students with disabilities and chronic health conditions get accommodations for their courses, and Chris just recently finished a Ph.D. in Geology (specifically paleontology) and is looking for a professor position. Together they love to travel and adore all things Disney. It comes as no surprise that they both love reading and watching movies. Chris even owns over 1300 movies! They have one furbaby, a black cat named Preacher, who thinks he’s the king of the house. 

Samra and Chris have such a sweet love story, that we felt it was best to let them tell it themselves. Be prepared for romance overload! 

How they met (the bride’s perspective)

“On my 26th birthday, I went out to celebrate with some of my friends.  One by one, the crowd began to thin, and eventually, the remaining crew ended up at the 90s bar in Athens, Georgia.  As my friends and I people-watched and danced to one-too-many Whitney Houston songs, I noticed a cute guy wearing a Carolina hat.  Intrigued by his Carolina drawl and his knowledge of every Nelly song in existence, I knew I had to strike up a conversation and some awkward dance moves.  We spent the next three hours chatting away, and so I eagerly said yes when he asked if he could take me on a “real date” at Longhorn.  We’ve been inseparable ever since.”

How they got engaged (Groom’s perspective)

“I knew pretty early into dating Samra that I wanted to ask her to marry me.  When Samra was invited to present at a student affairs conference in Los Angeles, she invited me to join her and suggested that we take a side trip afterward to Disneyland.  Since we both love Disney, this seemed like the perfect place to propose. I asked Samra’s dad for her hand when I joined Samra and her family for the first part of the Christmas holidays. On our first night in Oxford, I gave Samra her Christmas present early and accidentally made her parents think that I was proposing right then without having asked them–it was a pair of earrings in a ring-sized box.”

How they got engaged (Groom’s perspective)

“Samra’s parents gasped and I immediately had to exclaim,  “It’s not what you think it is. Not yet, anyway.” Given that, I didn’t think that I would ever get a chance to ask Matt without Samra around, but thankfully, Samra and her mom decided to do some Christmas shopping and left us in the car.  Honestly, I don’t remember much of what either of us said, because I was nervous and it was kind of a blur, but I do remember a yes somewhere in there. Three months later, on our final night in Disneyland, Samra and I had a romantic dinner at the Blue Bayou restaurant in Disneyland.”

How they got engaged (Groom’s perspective)

“Nestled on the water with boats passing by, we enjoyed steak and lobster, and then Disney cast members brought a dessert that had “Will you marry me?” written on the plate in chocolate.  It took Samra a few seconds to register what was happening, and when she looked up, she saw that I was on one knee.  Afterward, the staff at Blue Bayou brought a bottle of sparkling juice and gave us front-row seats to the Fantasmic lights and fireworks show.  Samra swears that’s the first and only time in her life that she’s been rendered speechless.”

Judging by these spectacular photos, we’re pretty sure it was Chris who was speechless on their wedding day. How gorgeous is this bride?!

Congratulations, Samra and Chris! It was a joy helping you elope in Oahu with your loved ones present. We wish you all the romance and Disney-magic in the years ahead!

And they lived happily every after.

ELOPE IN OAHU – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Paradise Cove Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Kalehua 

Wedding Florals: Tropical Elegance Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographer: Orig Media

Check out another recent beach wedding in Oahu on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/maya-zachs-oahu-beach-wedding/