There's something about eloping. Wedding photographs always exude a subtle intimacy, but there is an extraordinary closeness, a tangible bliss, in the photos of an elopement. The serene communion is hard won; piles of gifts, tables of food, and (most importantly) hordes of family and friends must give way for a simple ceremony for two. Carrie and her musician  beau, Charlie, met on the final leg of his Japan tour for their own romantic elopement on the bluffs Maui's North Shore. Photographer Erica Chan captured the soulful day, and we fell in love with the ease of their love.

When the couple arrived on Maui, they still hadn't decided where they wanted to be married. Carrie's mentor (and the officiant of their ceremony), Suchi Waters Benjamin, suggested that they come to the island to make the decision. When they arrived at their cliffside 1930's island house it was crystal clear. "We fell so hard in love with  it and the  cliff it was on,"  smiles Carrie. "The house was so magnificent and rich with history. I could swear it was inhabited by spirits." She laughs, "There was just something so incredibly special about the energy there."

Perhaps what struck us most about Carrie's wedding was the authenticity. The bride shared a bit with us regarding their style and desire for a "breathtaking" but "non-fussy" day. "It was important for both of us that the day be natural to who we are on a daily basis," Carrie tells. "I found a beautiful 1930's slip curated by Gossamer Vintage. I love her collection in a big way. I wore vintage lace up boots that I wear often, that are from an adorable shop in East Austin, called Charm School Vintage. It really was just what the day called for. To be honest, I had no idea what shoes I was wearing until the day of. I wore jewelry by the insanely talented, Pamela Love. Our rings were a set of matching vintage native american turquoise bands that Charlie found in Montana while on the road. It is my most cherished gift."

Another unique element? The two opted for the natural decor of the cliff instead of bringing in florals. Carrie brought a  bouquet  and headpiece of cacti and succulents, laughing, "I guess you could say there weren't ANY flowers, so  to speak."

"Our marriage blessing was native american and was based on the element of water," Carrie recalls. "We had a lovely hawaiian guitarist by the name of Aiau. He is a love of a man. Suchi began her native american prayers, chants and songs, and he became so moved that he began chanting in Hawaiian. It was enough to make your hair stand on end, it was so powerful. To this day, remembering that part of the ceremony gives me chills."

Carrie crowns her soulful wedding story and dreamlike photos with a final thought, "I would relive this day every day of my life if I could."