A+C: Trash the Dress!

Ok, not quite trash the dress. As the bride A put it, "Get-the-Dress-a-Little-Dirty." I think that's a more accurate statement because, really, we weren't really trashing her dress, just acquainting it with the ocean and sand!

We met at Big Beach for a morning session. It's amazing how different that beach can feel. It was nearly empty that morning, the sun was peaking over the trees (making for some seriously yummy lighting), and the colors of the ocean were as vibrant as could be!

Wedding dress, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the Pacific Ocean!

Once we got in the surf, it was difficult to stay out of it! What I love about this shot below is that I kept telling them to hold the kiss...and they were totally unaware that a HUGE wave was coming their way! There's a great series of photos that comes after this one (but I'll leave that up to C and A to post)!

Just Maui'd!

Wow, you two! I had so so so much fun shooting your "get-the-dress-a-little-dirty" post-wedding photo session. You two compliment each other so nicely. Hopefully Momma A doesn't get too upset about the dress; maybe seeing the pictures will help!

I hope your trip back to the Mainland went smoothly! Aloha, mahalo and a hui ho!

A+C: A Maui Marriage

December 12 was quite the busy day in this photog's life. I witnessed and photographed the marriage of this lovely couple AND the engagement of this couple. It was a day so full of love; what a blessing to have been a part of it all!

The day began at the Hyatt for A and C. They may not originally be from Maui, but the islands definitely hold a place in their hearts.

After portrait taking was done at the Hyatt, we drove over to St. Anthony's Church in Wailuku.

The lighting on that day was phenomenal!

And they're married!

Look at this family! They flew in from all over the country!

 A and C--it was so great to capture your special day. Your family is amazing, as are the two of you. Best wishes to the both of you!

Krista + Greg: She Said YES!

It is my pleasure to formally announce to the blogging world that Krista said YES to Greg!

Wait...let me rewind. Greg and Krista entered my photo contest I held in November, but didn't quite make it as the winners of the contest (though they were very close). Krista was hoping to win to get some photos done for a possible special upcoming event: her engagement to Greg. Though she wasn't sure when this was going to happen, she was really wanting an engagement session. Both she and Greg were super bummed they didn't win, but there were other plans in the works.

Last week, Greg and I met at Mama's Fish House to set up the master plan: to photograph the PROPOSAL itself! We talked about lighting and what Greg's plan was...and then we crossed our fingers for no curve balls! The date for said proposal was 12/12/12 before their dinner reservations. On that day, I arrived about 20 minutes early to stake out my position. I found a nice grouping of foliage to hide my large 5'10" self behind and stalked the two of them as they made their way down to the beach.

It was the first proposal I have witnessed (other than my own of course); it was beautiful.

 

Commence proposal...

 SHE SAID YES!

Hey Krista, now that you've said yes to this incredibly handsome man...how about we do a mini-engagement session? Ok? Great.

A huge congratulations to the both of you! I felt so honored to capture your special moment. It is a blessing to be in the presence of true love. Enjoy your first holiday season as an ENGAGED couple!

The Dickeys are in Maui! And it's Someone's Birthday...

This past week I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey, Jeff, Ashton, and Emersen over at Puamana Beach in Lahaina. I love that little beach. It has a great shoreline view and plenty of palm trees to complete that tropical look.

Brother and sister Ashton and Emersen are at that magical age where they are picking on each other more than ever before. Regardless though, they played nice so we could some family shots. But what I really loved about these kids was their unique personalities. Ashton is incredibly meticulous and curios and Emersen has more energy than, I would guess, just about any girl her age!

Don't fall, Ashton!

I loved silhoutted photos. With Ashton's karate moves and Emersen's dance/gynmastics, I got some pretty awesome silhouttes!

What a good lookin' bunch of folks!

 Oh yes, and I almost forgot to mention this special lady below: Stacey! It's her birthday today (and an extra special birthday considering it's on 12/12/12)!

Hau'oli la hanau, Stacey!

 Stacey, Jeff, Ashton, and Emersen: I had so so much fun with your family! Enjoy the rest of your time on Maui. And hau'oli la hanau, Stacey!

Rachel + Matt: Just Married!

Well, not quite just married. These two lovebirds got married in July at the courthouse in Washington. See, Matt is part of the Airforce and they wanted to get hitched before he was deployed. They had a nice little courthouse ceremony in their jeans and t-shirts. Even though their ceremony was great, they wanted some wedding photos done too (and who wouldn't?). So they hauled their wedding gear to Maui to have some beachy portraits done!

We met at Papalaua on the West side. This was a great beach to shoot at because the sun sets right over the water and there are lots of trees to give it sort of a "Lost" type feeling. Not only were were rewarded with some great empty beach shots, but the sunset that night was un-believe-able! One of the best we have had in the past several months!

 

I swear, every time we turned around, the sunset got better and better!

In love and in Maui...it just doesn't get better than that!

Matt and Rachel: Thank you so much for choosing me to do your Maui "wedding" photos. I loved hearing about your ever-growing pack of dogs (remember, you don't have to quarantine them if you move here; just saying), your simple courthouse wedding, and your unique love story.

And Matt: thank you for your service to our country. Our service men and women are truly a national treasure!

Enjoy the rest of your time on Maui! It may not be a honeymoon, but as you said, it's a good start!