Maui Photography Blog

Lovely Sugar Beach Maui Wedding

Katrina and Matt wanted their storybook wedding in a beautiful Hawaiian setting, surrounded by family and friends, with swaying palm trees and the ocean as backdrop. Their dream came true at Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui, where their 50 wedding guests included nine beautiful bridesmaids, four handsome groomsmen, a couple of cute flower girls, and one adorable ring bearer.

Katrina’s stunning wedding attire, complete with a veil and a train, was a strapless mermaid gown, with an art deco white pattern over a subtle blush color. The groom and groomsmen were striking in their gray vests and pants, over white shirts; the groomsmen sported maroon ties, while Matt’s was white. A vibrant sight, the nine bridesmaids each wore a long maroon dress, and were all carrying multi-colored rose bouquets by Dellables.  The little gray-vested ring bearer, in a special wooden pull-cart, found himself enchanted with the scent and feel of some of the flowers!

Katrina’s mother had recently passed, so a special lei and her photograph adorned the seat where she would have sat.  Emotions ran high, as Rev. Al Alapaki joined the loving couple in marriage, following the exchange of vows and rings.  After a grand exit by the wedding party, the entire entourage of friends and families gathered for a celebratory photo. The couple were soon blessed by a dazzling Maui sunset, to silhouette the joyous occasion.

The wedding and reception venue was Sugar Beach Events,  Katrina’s personal styling was done by Maui Wedding Beauty Bridal Hair and Makeup by Andrea, the reception music was provided by DJ Mike, and the wedding planning was coordinated by Makena Weddings.

 

 

Nan and Tony’s elegant Maui wedding had all the romance and beauty that a bride and groom could hope for:  palm trees swaying in a gentle ocean breeze, an abundance of flowers, friends and relatives from around the world, all enhanced by the grandeur of the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea, including a dramatic entrance by the Nan down a long staircase to the Beachfront Lawn.

Their romance started when they were introduced at a small luncheon at their workplace, a Chinese company, and they soon began messaging, chatting and then dating.  Fast forward in time to a birthday celebration for Tony: Nan knew he was up to something unusual when he suggested they go dress up to go somewhere nice for dinner.  The surprise came afterwards, at home with a few friends: when it was time for Tony to blow out the candles on his cake, he instead proposed.

That lovely mix of spontaneity and formal romance was apparent throughout the wedding preparations, the ceremony and beyond.  Nan’s three bridesmaids helped with delighted bride get into her embroidered ivory off-the-shoulder gown, with extended teardrop train. The bridesmaids were quite elegant in matching pink blush gowns, and had a celebratory toast with the bride before she left to meet her waiting groom. Tony was smartly attired in a dark blue suit, with a matching vest and dark bow tie, while his groomsmen were white-shirted, with black pants and pink bow ties.

As she descended down a long stairway from the hotel to wedding lawn, Nan’s lacy cathedral train was expertly lifted up by two adorable young train bearers. At the bottom of the steps, she was joined by her parents, and then proceeded down the flower-pedal-strewn aisle to meet Tony in front of a wedding canopy draped with white flower leis and accented with pink and white carnations: pink for deep love and care, white for purity and simplicity.

The wedding ceremony was performed in English and Chinese which touched the hearts of the 60 guests who traveled from the United Kingdom, China, and the U.S. Mainland. Soon afterwards, Nan and Tony walked down the short pathway to the beach, where Nan began to swept her dramatic train in captivating ways. Soon her new husband, in his formalwear, was jumping for joy in the soft Wailea sand. Before long, the setting sun and changing sky accented their loving embraces. Nan switched into a bright red evening gown with plunging V-neck, before the couple rejoined their guests for a festive reception.  Dinner and speeches were followed by the couple’s first dance, and that formality was soon complemented by all manner of gleeful music and dance.

Flowers were arranged by Country Bouquets. Four Seasons wedding coordinator Laura helped ensure that the entire ceremony and reception went smoothly.

How to decide on your Hawaii Wedding Photographer

While there is no “best” wedding photographer in Hawaii, there is a best fit for you! In all honesty, there are many talented photographers here on the island, so here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Style. Style should be the first element you look at when considering a wedding photographer. There are many different styles: traditional, photo-journalistic, dark and moody, light and airy, and the list goes on. The wording description of the different styles is less important than looking through a photographer’s website and social media postings. Do you connect and resonate with the photos? Do they evoke a strong feeling? Can you picture yourself in the same type of composition  and lighting? 

I describe my style in the following way: use of natural light, romantic, storyteller, flattering, heartfelt. But I suggest you look through my photos for yourself and see how you connect with them.  I love to tell the story of the wedding day and capture emotions that people can then feel when they view the photos. Ideally I enjoy being there for the pre-wedding excitement all the way through the joyous dancing at the reception.

Reviews: Read through client reviews of photographers. It’s a good sign when other people had a great experience with a photographer -- but perhaps even more importantly, you can get to know specific details of how the photographer interacted with the couple and the guests, what type of photos they took, if they were professional throughout the booking process, etc.

Reputation within the wedding industry. This is a big one. It’s wonderful to read client reviews online, however something that is also important is how the photographer works alongside other vendors, especially wedding planners, hair and makeup artists, and videographers. Ask your planner or other vendors you contact if they’ve worked with the photographer you are interested in. What have their experiences been? Is the photographer professional? Are they friendly? Are they reliable? In general, are they in good standing with the majority of the wedding community on Maui? Everything goes more smoothly when the wedding vendors work well together and have a mutual respect for one another. 

Experience. Experience is an important consideration, especially on a tropical island where there are unique challenges such as strong backlight, windy days, hotel rooms with limited natural light, receptions with very dim light, etc. Ask the photographer how many years they have been photographing weddings. Experienced wedding photographers will be better prepared for unusual situations.

Hawaii-based.

I hear from wedding planners about photographers coming from all over the country to photographer weddings in Hawaii… Perhaps they are a friend of the bride or groom, or maybe they just want to take a vacation to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island and combine it with a wedding to pay for their trip. Some of these photographers might be great, but I’ve heard stories of some that cancelled, sometimes at the last minute – maybe their flights were delayed – but it left the wedding party to scramble to find another photographer. These photographers might not have the necessary insurance for your venue, or they might be inexperienced in the type of intense back-lighting that happens in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Please consider a photographer who resides on Maui, – we have so many talented and professional ones!

Overall, I would say, do your research, connect via social media, email, phone calls, trust your intuition and you will find the right fit! Photography is so important because it provides the reminder of this most special day.  Your treasured photos will show your family, and perhaps someday your children and grandchildren, the love, joy and special moments of your wedding day.

An elegant wedding, with a tranquil Pacific Ocean backdrop, was a natural choice for Jonathan and Krystal, who reside in the ocean town of Huntington Beach, California. Maui was also a natural choice for the couple, as Jonathan made his wedding proposal on one knee on a Maui beach, as part of a weeklong celebration of Krystal’s 30^th birthday. The couple wanted a small intimate wedding and reception for their closest friends and families, so a Maui destination wedding was a “no-brainer” in Krystal’s words. The oceanfront setting of Olowalu Plantation offered a spectacular sunset. The meticulous preparations for the destination wedding were coordinated by Makena Weddings, with flowers by Dellables, hair and make-up by MeiLi, maid of honor gown by Maui clothing designer Show Me Your Mumu, and delectable dinner by Maui Catering Services. Overall, the joyous occasion was quite beautiful and romantic. 

How to decide on your Hawaii Wedding Photographer

While there is no “best” wedding photographer in Hawaii, there is a best fit for you! In all honesty, there are many talented photographers here on the island, so here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Style. Style should be the first element you look at when considering a wedding photographer. There are many different styles: traditional, photo-journalistic, dark and moody, light and airy, and the list goes on. The wording description of the different styles is less important than looking through a photographer’s website and social media postings. Do you connect and resonate with the photos? Do they evoke a strong feeling? Can you picture yourself in the same type of composition  and lighting? 

I describe my style in the following way: use of natural light, romantic, storyteller, flattering, heartfelt. But I suggest you look through my photos for yourself and see how you connect with them.  I love to tell the story of the wedding day and capture emotions that people can then feel when they view the photos. Ideally I enjoy being there for the pre-wedding excitement all the way through the joyous dancing at the reception.

Reviews: Read through client reviews of photographers. It’s a good sign when other people had a great experience with a photographer -- but perhaps even more importantly, you can get to know specific details of how the photographer interacted with the couple and the guests, what type of photos they took, if they were professional throughout the booking process, etc.

Reputation within the wedding industry. This is a big one. It’s wonderful to read client reviews online, however something that is also important is how the photographer works alongside other vendors, especially wedding planners, hair and makeup artists, and videographers. Ask your planner or other vendors you contact if they’ve worked with the photographer you are interested in. What have their experiences been? Is the photographer professional? Are they friendly? Are they reliable? In general, are they in good standing with the majority of the wedding community on Maui? Everything goes more smoothly when the wedding vendors work well together and have a mutual respect for one another. 

Experience. Experience is an important consideration, especially on a tropical island where there are unique challenges such as strong backlight, windy days, hotel rooms with limited natural light, receptions with very dim light, etc. Ask the photographer how many years they have been photographing weddings. Experienced wedding photographers will be better prepared for unusual situations.

Hawaii-based.

I hear from wedding planners about photographers coming from all over the country to photographer weddings in Hawaii… Perhaps they are a friend of the bride or groom, or maybe they just want to take a vacation to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island and combine it with a wedding to pay for their trip. Some of these photographers might be great, but I’ve heard stories of some that cancelled, sometimes at the last minute – maybe their flights were delayed – but it left the wedding party to scramble to find another photographer. These photographers might not have the necessary insurance for your venue, or they might be inexperienced in the type of intense back-lighting that happens in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Please consider a photographer who resides on Maui, – we have so many talented and professional ones!

Overall, I would say, do your research, connect via social media, email, phone calls, trust your intuition and you will find the right fit! Photography is so important because it provides the reminder of this most special day.  Your treasured photos will show your family, and perhaps someday your children and grandchildren, the love, joy and special moments of your wedding day.

Wedding Credits:

Stunning White Orchid Beach House Weddings

How to decide on your Hawaii Wedding Photographer

While there is no “best” wedding photographer in Hawaii, there is a best fit for you! In all honesty, there are many talented photographers here on the island, so here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Style. Style should be the first element you look at when considering a wedding photographer. There are many different styles: traditional, photo-journalistic, dark and moody, light and airy, and the list goes on. The wording description of the different styles is less important than looking through a photographer’s website and social media postings. Do you connect and resonate with the photos? Do they evoke a strong feeling? Can you picture yourself in the same type of composition  and lighting? 

I describe my style in the following way: use of natural light, romantic, storyteller, flattering, heartfelt. But I suggest you look through my photos for yourself and see how you connect with them.  I love to tell the story of the wedding day and capture emotions that people can then feel when they view the photos. Ideally I enjoy being there for the pre-wedding excitement all the way through the joyous dancing at the reception.

Reviews: Read through client reviews of photographers. It’s a good sign when other people had a great experience with a photographer -- but perhaps even more importantly, you can get to know specific details of how the photographer interacted with the couple and the guests, what type of photos they took, if they were professional throughout the booking process, etc.

Reputation within the wedding industry. This is a big one. It’s wonderful to read client reviews online, however something that is also important is how the photographer works alongside other vendors, especially wedding planners, hair and makeup artists, and videographers. Ask your planner or other vendors you contact if they’ve worked with the photographer you are interested in. What have their experiences been? Is the photographer professional? Are they friendly? Are they reliable? In general, are they in good standing with the majority of the wedding community on Maui? Everything goes more smoothly when the wedding vendors work well together and have a mutual respect for one another. 

Experience. Experience is an important consideration, especially on a tropical island where there are unique challenges such as strong backlight, windy days, hotel rooms with limited natural light, receptions with very dim light, etc. Ask the photographer how many years they have been photographing weddings. Experienced wedding photographers will be better prepared for unusual situations.

Hawaii-based.

I hear from wedding planners about photographers coming from all over the country to photographer weddings in Hawaii… Perhaps they are a friend of the bride or groom, or maybe they just want to take a vacation to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island and combine it with a wedding to pay for their trip. Some of these photographers might be great, but I’ve heard stories of some that cancelled, sometimes at the last minute – maybe their flights were delayed – but it left the wedding party to scramble to find another photographer. These photographers might not have the necessary insurance for your venue, or they might be inexperienced in the type of intense back-lighting that happens in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Please consider a photographer who resides on Maui, – we have so many talented and professional ones!

Overall, I would say, do your research, connect via social media, email, phone calls, trust your intuition and you will find the right fit! Photography is so important because it provides the reminder of this most special day.  Your treasured photos will show your family, and perhaps someday your children and grandchildren, the love, joy and special moments of your wedding day.

Elegant Sheraton Maui Weddings

Casey and Patrick traveled to Maui with a large group of friends and family from California to celebrate their love and wedding day! Its great the capture Sheraton Maui Weddings because the grounds are so beautiful and offer a variety of backdrops: greenery, ocean view and sunset. Thank you Casey and Patick for having me there to capture your special day!

How to decide on your Hawaii Wedding Photographer

While there is no “best” wedding photographer in Hawaii, there is a best fit for you! In all honesty, there are many talented photographers here on the island, so here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Style. Style should be the first element you look at when considering a wedding photographer. There are many different styles: traditional, photo-journalistic, dark and moody, light and airy, and the list goes on. The wording description of the different styles is less important than looking through a photographer’s website and social media postings. Do you connect and resonate with the photos? Do they evoke a strong feeling? Can you picture yourself in the same type of composition  and lighting? 

I describe my style in the following way: use of natural light, romantic, storyteller, flattering, heartfelt. But I suggest you look through my photos for yourself and see how you connect with them.  I love to tell the story of the wedding day and capture emotions that people can then feel when they view the photos. Ideally I enjoy being there for the pre-wedding excitement all the way through the joyous dancing at the reception.

Reviews: Read through client reviews of photographers. It’s a good sign when other people had a great experience with a photographer -- but perhaps even more importantly, you can get to know specific details of how the photographer interacted with the couple and the guests, what type of photos they took, if they were professional throughout the booking process, etc.

Reputation within the wedding industry. This is a big one. It’s wonderful to read client reviews online, however something that is also important is how the photographer works alongside other vendors, especially wedding planners, hair and makeup artists, and videographers. Ask your planner or other vendors you contact if they’ve worked with the photographer you are interested in. What have their experiences been? Is the photographer professional? Are they friendly? Are they reliable? In general, are they in good standing with the majority of the wedding community on Maui? Everything goes more smoothly when the wedding vendors work well together and have a mutual respect for one another. 

Experience. Experience is an important consideration, especially on a tropical island where there are unique challenges such as strong backlight, windy days, hotel rooms with limited natural light, receptions with very dim light, etc. Ask the photographer how many years they have been photographing weddings. Experienced wedding photographers will be better prepared for unusual situations.

Hawaii-based.

I hear from wedding planners about photographers coming from all over the country to photographer weddings in Hawaii… Perhaps they are a friend of the bride or groom, or maybe they just want to take a vacation to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island and combine it with a wedding to pay for their trip. Some of these photographers might be great, but I’ve heard stories of some that cancelled, sometimes at the last minute – maybe their flights were delayed – but it left the wedding party to scramble to find another photographer. These photographers might not have the necessary insurance for your venue, or they might be inexperienced in the type of intense back-lighting that happens in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Please consider a photographer who resides on Maui, – we have so many talented and professional ones!

Overall, I would say, do your research, connect via social media, email, phone calls, trust your intuition and you will find the right fit! Photography is so important because it provides the reminder of this most special day.  Your treasured photos will show your family, and perhaps someday your children and grandchildren, the love, joy and special moments of your wedding day.

Tropical White Orchid Beach House Wedding Photos

Sylvia and Feng celebrated their love at White Orchid Beach House. The morning ceremony, delicious brunch and tropical vibe was so beautifully executed by White Orchid Wedding!  Congrats to this very sweet couple! It was an honor to capture your wedding day!

Wedding Venue: White Orchid Beach House
Coordinator: White Orchid Wedding

How to decide on your Hawaii Wedding Photographer

While there is no “best” wedding photographer in Hawaii, there is a best fit for you! In all honesty, there are many talented photographers here on the island, so here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Style. Style should be the first element you look at when considering a wedding photographer. There are many different styles: traditional, photo-journalistic, dark and moody, light and airy, and the list goes on. The wording description of the different styles is less important than looking through a photographer’s website and social media postings. Do you connect and resonate with the photos? Do they evoke a strong feeling? Can you picture yourself in the same type of composition  and lighting? 

I describe my style in the following way: use of natural light, romantic, storyteller, flattering, heartfelt. But I suggest you look through my photos for yourself and see how you connect with them.  I love to tell the story of the wedding day and capture emotions that people can then feel when they view the photos. Ideally I enjoy being there for the pre-wedding excitement all the way through the joyous dancing at the reception.

Reviews: Read through client reviews of photographers. It’s a good sign when other people had a great experience with a photographer -- but perhaps even more importantly, you can get to know specific details of how the photographer interacted with the couple and the guests, what type of photos they took, if they were professional throughout the booking process, etc.

Reputation within the wedding industry. This is a big one. It’s wonderful to read client reviews online, however something that is also important is how the photographer works alongside other vendors, especially wedding planners, hair and makeup artists, and videographers. Ask your planner or other vendors you contact if they’ve worked with the photographer you are interested in. What have their experiences been? Is the photographer professional? Are they friendly? Are they reliable? In general, are they in good standing with the majority of the wedding community on Maui? Everything goes more smoothly when the wedding vendors work well together and have a mutual respect for one another. 

Experience. Experience is an important consideration, especially on a tropical island where there are unique challenges such as strong backlight, windy days, hotel rooms with limited natural light, receptions with very dim light, etc. Ask the photographer how many years they have been photographing weddings. Experienced wedding photographers will be better prepared for unusual situations.

Hawaii-based.

I hear from wedding planners about photographers coming from all over the country to photographer weddings in Hawaii… Perhaps they are a friend of the bride or groom, or maybe they just want to take a vacation to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island and combine it with a wedding to pay for their trip. Some of these photographers might be great, but I’ve heard stories of some that cancelled, sometimes at the last minute – maybe their flights were delayed – but it left the wedding party to scramble to find another photographer. These photographers might not have the necessary insurance for your venue, or they might be inexperienced in the type of intense back-lighting that happens in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. Please consider a photographer who resides on Maui, – we have so many talented and professional ones!

Overall, I would say, do your research, connect via social media, email, phone calls, trust your intuition and you will find the right fit! Photography is so important because it provides the reminder of this most special day.  Your treasured photos will show your family, and perhaps someday your children and grandchildren, the love, joy and special moments of your wedding day.