The Beautiful Hawaiian Wedding of Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton has inspired people far beyond the surfing world. After surviving a shark attack at just 13 years old, she became a symbol of resilience, determination and faith. Her story went on to become a bestselling memoir, a Hollywood film, and a career built on the kind of courage most people only witness from the sidelines.
I’m a wedding videographer based on Australia’s Gold Coast. Around the time Bethany announced her engagement, I reached out through her official website. Not long afterwards, I found myself boarding a flight to Kauai to film her wedding to Adam Dirks, a Christian youth minister she’d met through mutual friends.
Their wedding took place on a private estate on Kauai’s north shore, not far from where Bethany grew up. Around 300 guests gathered for a relaxed Hawaiian celebration featuring a barefoot wedding party, fairy lights strung above a stone dance floor, and a first dance interrupted by a gentle Hawaiian rain.
More than a decade later, it remains one of the most meaningful weddings I’ve ever had the privilege of capturing. Before diving into the story, you can watch Bethany and Adam’s official wedding film below.
Watch Bethany Hamilton & Adam Dirks’ Wedding Highlight Film
Before we dive into the story behind the day, here’s the official wedding film I created for Bethany Hamilton and Adam Dirks. It captures the heartfelt Christian ceremony, the relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere, and many of the candid moments that made their wedding so memorable.
The Venue: A Private Estate on Kauai’s North Shore
The ceremony took place on a secluded 130-acre estate on Kauai’s north shore, with 300 of Bethany and Adam’s closest friends and family gathered to witness it.
The bohemian theme suited them perfectly. The entire wedding party — thirteen bridesmaids and eight groomsmen, plus the bride and groom — went barefoot through the ceremony. There’s something beautifully authentic about feeling the grass beneath your feet as you make the most important commitment of your life.
The small details told their own story. Bethany’s ring was white gold with a two-carat diamond; Adam’s was koa wood and titanium — a fitting mix of elegance and the natural materials they both love. They wrote their own vows, and filming that exchange, the emotion in it was impossible to miss. Tears and laughter moved through the whole crowd, not just the couple. None of it was staged.
Bethany Reflects on Her Wedding Day
“Our wedding was beautiful. I’m now married to the love of my life. There are no words to fully describe what went on in my heart on our wedding day. I was full of joy, thankfulness, and excitement to share life with my husband, Adam. Having our loved ones and a ton of our great friends made it incredibly special. It was above anything I had dreamed of!”
“During our ceremony, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face besides when I was holding in my tears. Taking a big step: to step away from my parents and cling to my husband for the rest of our lives. I’m thankful for all that my parents have been to and for me and for the new life and adventure with Adam. My best friend and husband.”
The Reception: An Evening Under the Stars
As the sun went down over Kauai and the stars came out, the reception took on its own kind of magic — a night sky that gave me some of the best natural lighting I’ve ever filmed a wedding in.
The tables were set with tropical blooms and greenery, lit softly by candlelight, with touches of seashell and driftwood woven through the décor — beachy without ever tipping into costume-y.
Dinner leaned into the island setting: fresh local seafood, tropical cocktails, dishes that made the most of Hawaii’s flavors. Between filming speeches, I may have sampled a bite or two myself.
The toasts were a highlight of the night — the kind of stories that make it obvious how deeply a couple is loved by the people around them. Tears, laughter, a few good-natured roasts. Capturing that is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Then came the first dance, to Ben Harper’s “The Three of Us.” They danced on the stone patio behind the venue, fairy lights strung overhead, guests gathered around them and watching from the balcony above. A light rain started to fall just as they took the floor — the kind of moment you couldn’t script if you tried.
Watching Bethany and Adam move together under those lights, rain falling softly around them, it was one of those rare moments that just films itself. You can catch a glimpse of it in the highlight video above, but being there in person was something else entirely.
Adam Dirks Reflects on His Wedding Day with Bethany Hamilton
“Bethany and I had been praying for and anticipating our union for months, and August 18, 2013, turned out to be the most beautiful and blessed day possible. It was amazing to see so many friends and family come together in support of our relationship. We were so grateful for the amazing work that was put in by our friends and family to make our wedding incredible.”
“But what brought all the busyness and shaky nerves to a sudden calm was when my bride appeared on the other end of the grassy aisle. The sun shone on Bethany’s smile, and time seemed to slow as she made her way to the beautiful flower-laden altar. My heart was going to burst with love and joy as she joined me.’
“We both were holding back tears as we repeated vows and shared our own personal vows. The partaking of Christ’s body and our union under His name are standing promises that will hold our relationship together till death do us part. God truly blessed our wedding day.”
Inspired by Bethany and Adam’s Wedding?
If Bethany and Adam’s heartfelt ceremony has inspired you, you’re not alone. After filming more than 800 weddings over nearly 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing hundreds of beautiful ceremonies, personal vows and unforgettable moments. Along the way, I’ve put together these guides to help couples plan a wedding that feels authentic and meaningful.
- The Best Wedding Vows I’ve Ever Heard – Real examples and memorable moments from weddings I’ve filmed.
- Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas – Creative ways to make your ceremony personal and unforgettable.
- How to Write Bride Wedding Vows – Practical tips for writing vows that sound like you.
- How to Write Groom Wedding Vows – Advice and examples to help you write vows with confidence.
- Beautiful Ways to Display Your Wedding Vows – Meaningful ideas for preserving one of the most important parts of your wedding day.
Wedding Videography: Motion Art Wedding Films
Photography: Mike Larson
Wedding Dress for Bethany Hamilton: Lazaro Bridal