We begun in the Mele’s hotel room where all of the girls were getting ready. Mele looked absolutely stunning with her gorgeous gown and her beautiful bouquet. The guys looked pretty spiffy too! The ceremony was quite touching. I especially loved how much they included Brian’s children in the ceremony. It was a beautiful moment to witness.

During their Maui engagement session several months back, I had the pleasure of getting to know a bit more about Mele and Brian. I knew from then that their wedding was going to be a very special one. On their wedding day, similar to their engagement session, the lovely couple was so affectionate towards one another and they were very comfortable in front of the camera.

The reception was held in a tent under the palm trees and open starry sky. The evening was quite festive and was filled with warm speeches, dancing and celebration.

Congratulations Mele and Brian! We are so happy for the two of you! Much thanks to Kimerlee Aihara for her assistance!

Be sure to catch the slideshow at the end of the post.

View the slideshow below:

After the ceremony, the group toasted to the couple’s marriage and there were some very touching speeches which had everyone emotional. We then made use of the beautiful grounds at the Olowalu Planatation house and took photos all over the property. I especially love the view from the jetty. It’s weddings like this that make me so thankful for my career. I absolutely love capturing such special moments in people’s lives.

Lori Lawrence of Tropical Maui Weddings did a phenomenal job as usual. Her husband, Jamie Lawrence serenaded everyone which added to the mood of this perfect day.

Krystall and Nicholas – congratulations on your marriage! Thank you for having us there to photograph all of the love between the two of you and your families!

Much thanks to Kimberlee Aihara for all of her help.

You can view the slideshow at the bottom of the post.

Watch the wedding slideshow below:

“Love comes in all different shapes and size.

Three months ago I was wife and a daughter hoping to one day be a mother! Never guessing that my dream would could happen so fast and so perfect!

Three months ago I was asked to help out with a two year old, just thinking I would be babysitting till they could get their feet back on the ground. Two months later I would be signing the papers to make little Le’i ours!

It has been one of the most rewarding journeys ever! I never knew I could love so much and so hard.

The papers have been signed, now we just have to wait till the state can add Eriksson to his name. Thanks to furlough Friday it could take a couple months before they even see the paper work, due to them having to do so much in such little working days!

Le’i you are a dream, your smile, laughter, dance moves and your sweet cuddles are more then I could ever ask for! I am blessed and honored to call you my son and watch you grow up! I may not give you everything you want, but I promise to give you everything you need.

The proudest new mommy,

Christy”

- Christy Eriksson

I’m incredibly honored to have captured these images from such a special time in their lives! Christy – Congratulations on everything. I’m so happy for you!

Gary, the father of the bride, married the couple.  It was a very emotional ceremony with tears of joy and lots of laughs. One thing that I remember and thought was adorable was; instead of saying “I do” when saying their promises, they gave each other high-fives. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and a Mexican dinner buffet.  Everyone casually mingled on the lawn before the speeches, skits and dancing began.  Maile’s sisters are known for their long speeches at family weddings and Maile made them promise that they would stay under twenty minutes.  The girls’ toast was a skit about Maile and Cody’s life together.  Malia narrated and Kolina and Tari are quite the talented actresses — their skit was hilarious and had everyone rolling!

Maile is Kawika’s (my husband) first cousin.  Her parents, Gary and Robyn, are the sweetest people and their entire family is the best.  We stayed with them in Seattle and were incredibly hospitable and kind.  I am so happy to have become a part of this wonderful family.   Maile and Cody – thank you so much for having me photograph your big day! It was wonderful to both capture the moments of your day, and also celebrate with everyone.  We hope to see you in Hawaii soon.  Congratulations to the both of you! We love you! XOXO

Don’t miss the slideshow at the end (there’s even a couple of our son, Kaimana in there)

View the wedding slideshow below:

One very tender moment was when the couple shared their “first look” before the ceremony. I encourage couples to consider a “first look” so that they can share a special moment before being surrounded by others. It’s also nice for portraits to be finished before the ceremony, so that afterwards the couple can just relax and celebrate with their friends and family. We had nice light down on the beach for photos. Katherine and Robert make quite the good looking couple! I loved how much they smiled at each other and made each other laugh! Their happiness shined through in the photos. After the beach, we went up to the Plumeria Garden for a wedding ceremony with an amazingly vibrant sunset. Following the ceremony, the couple cut their cake and toasted to their marriage. Everyone enjoyed a fancy dinner at Spago restaurant. Each guest was given a Hawaiian gift that the couple had personalized, which was a very nice touch.

Thank you, Katherine and Robert, for having us photograph your wedding — it was an honor! Congratulations to the both of you. Much thanks to Denise at the Four Seasons Maui who did a wonderful job coordinating this lovely wedding. Also, a big thank you to my good friend and amazing photographer, Kimberlee Aihara for all your help.

Don’t miss the slideshow at the end!

Watch the slideshow below: