We never could have guessed this post wedding shoot from of Lauren and Alex by Jenna Lee Pictures & Makai Creative at the Kalapana Lava Fields would become viral! One thing that has been interesting is each news source, social media platform etc.. has had a different twist on the same story. To hear the version from our lips directly, please read below 🙂

{Paying Respects} Before we go into further detail I just want to share the importance of recognizing Madam Pele throughout this story. She is the mother to all of Hawaii, she has created the beautiful islands and continues to flourish on the Big Island. Living in Hawaii you learn pretty quickly how powerful these forces are and the respect that they require. As you would ask permission before entering a friend’s home you must also ask permission before approaching Pele’s home. During our shoot it felt like we had a powerful being around us that was guiding us around the area.

At one point we were chatting about where to go next and in that moment a river of lava opened up about 20 feet away from us and slowly crept nearer to us. It seemed as if Pele was granting us the incredible opportunity to capture her beauty and our love all in one frame. Similarly, if you are a guest at a friend’s home you always bring a gift, the same is expected for Madam Pele. At the end of our shoot, we offered the bouquet and haku lei. Within seconds, the lava completely engulfed the haku lei and we felt that we could leave in peace.

Jenna Lee Pictures is one of the most adventurous photographers we have had the honor of working with!  Each wedding day is an adventure with her, she will be in the trees, on the desk, on the floor and anywhere else you can think of… just to get that perfect shot! What we love about working with her is her authentic passion for capturing the couple’s special day. Working alongside her you can feel her creative wheels turning and its incredibly inspiring!! Knowing that Alex (my new husband!!! :):)) and I just got married, she threw out the idea of hiking out to the Lava fields for a post bridal shoot and we were all for it!

{Love Story} Alex and I were both born in Colorado and we met in High School, little did we know how much we had in common. Both of us have a deaf background and are fluent in sign language. We clicked instantly and the rest became history. After high school I headed to Hawaii for business school and within one year of being here, I knew this would be our new home. My passion for weddings and entrepreneurship grew rapidly and Alex moved over shortly after to support me in following my dreams. After about 10 years of being together, we finally tied the knot!!

Here is our favorite compilation of photos from her gallery! Check out the video posted by Makai Creative below.

The hike out to see the lava is legal and saftey signs are posted all along the hike. You enter the lava field at your own risk and it is not something to take lightly. For anyone planning this hike, please remember to pay your respects to Madam Pele and to respect the Hawaii culture while visiting.