Tamara Merri
Jan 7, 2022
Updated: Apr 8, 2023
Table of Contents
Mark & Taylor's Story
About the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE THIS!👇🏼
I went to Oahu Hawaii in April of 2021 and before my trip I posted a model call to find a couple to photograph while I was there.
I had a few people reach out but either they weren’t free the dates I was, they weren’t in a relationship (model call was for a couple, not solo), or they ended up backing out.
I had given up on trying to find someone and decided to just enjoy my time rather than work (cuz c’mon tam). But then two days before I left Oahu I got a DM on Instagram from Mark. He said that someone sent him my post and that he and his fiancé would be interested.
His profile was private so I didn’t know who he was but we started a group text chat (mark + his fiancé Taylor) and they seemed normal / friendly enough. We made last-minute plans to hike the next day.
The girls I was vacationing with didn’t want to hike, so they dropped me off at the trailhead. Out of caution, I gave the girls their phone numbers, and they took a picture of marks license plate.
Then Mark stepped out of the car.
And instantly I was overcome with relief because but who was it but my friggin fiancé’s roommate after college!!!!!! We had never met, never spoken, and Paul hadn’t talked to him in about 3 years but WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT this mystery man was so stranger at all!
Like what are the chances?!
We hiked along the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail in Oahu which proved to be so gorgeous with lush greens and views for days. Ordinarily they shared with me that it's pretty muddy but we were lucky to have a dry day so they didn't get dirty while hiking up. Especially since Taylor was barefoot for the photos (girl after my own heart!).
He and Taylor had just got engaged at the beginning of April so it was PERFECT timing to provide the with engagement photos! These two are SO warm and welcoming, and ummmm gorgeous?!?
They got married a few months later at Ko'olau Ballrooms in Oahu. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to meet and adventure with them, and wish them all the luck and love in both their marriage and life!
Length 4.7 mi
Elevation gain 1,617 ft
Route type Out & back
Here's the AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/wiliwilinui-ridge-trail?u=i
The trailhead is in a gated community where you have to go through a gate and speak to a guard. Just let him know you're there to hike the ridge and he'll provide you with a parking pass. Be respectful of the community!
For this session we did not hike the full ~5 miles and instead turned around probably halfway through.
Want some other Hawaii content, not related to portrait photography? Check out my recap blog from my 2021 Hawaii Adventure!
If you're interested in hiring me for your engagement session / elopement / wedding (whether in Hawaii or not) then contact me!! Either email me directly at hello@tamaramerriphotography.com or you can fill our the contact form below. I'd love to hear from you!
xo,
Tam
Tamara Merri Photography
www.tamaramerriphotography.com
hello@tamaramerriphotography.com