This April I had the absolute honor of document Rachel and Ian’s dream Hawaii wedding on the beautiful island of O’ahu! Everything about this week was absolutely perfect. I am so excited to share some of my favorite parts with you.
Day One – Hawaii Wedding – Adventure Couples Session
This couple booked me for four days of photography for their wedding week. On the first day we explored different parts of the East side of O’ahu for an adventure style couples session. Here are some of my favorite photographs from this day!
Starting off strong with some romantic and playful photographs at Kualoa Point, with the stunning Kualoa Mountains in the background. This location was an absolute dream for me!!
Funny story, we almost called this day off because of the storms. We got absolutely soaked less than hour before we were to meet with the couple! We went back and forth on whether to change the location or call it off, but ultimately we decided to go for it. And boy am I glad we did! The stormy skies created a moody backdrop full of emotion and the rain cleared up just in time for our photo shoot. I’m obsessed with everything about this Hawaii couples session.
Next we took a short drive to a beautiful beach, also on the East side of O’ahu. Rachel and Ian got to run around, dance in the surf, and pop some champagne! The groom may or may not have dropped the champagne bottle, but it made for the cutest photo 🙂
After this epic day of photos, we got to settle into our cabin on the beach and relax a bit before the rest of the weekend of photographing. This was my first time on O’ahu, and it was so much fun exploring! The food, the beaches, the people. I feel so lucky that these two brought us to this beautiful place.
Day 2 – Hawaii Wedding – Rehearsal and family lunch
On Friday, Rachel and Ian celebrated with their combined families and friends, welcoming them to the beautiful island. Following the rehearsal, they held a beautiful lunch at Kitchen Door. There were gifts exchanged, some emotional speeches, and lots of love filling the air! This lovely restaurant has a beautiful outdoor deck perfect for hosting an event like this! Check out their instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kitchendooroahu/?hl=en
Wedding Day
After an eventful week full of photographs and celebrations, Sunday came around and it was finally time for the big day. Everything about Rachel and Ian’s wedding day was thoughtfully planned out. The venue was absolutely breath taking. I highly recommend Lanikuhonua if you’re looking for a stunning ocean front venue in O’ahu. Here’s their website: https://www.lanikuhonua.com/weddings/
From sweet small moments with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, to the most precious first touch I’ve had the honor of witnessing, the first part of the day was beyond magical!! Here are some of my favorite moments from the morning of Rachel and Ian’s Hawaii wedding –
The Ceremony
I have to give another shoutout the the venue, Lanikuhonua, and to the amazing wedding planner who put together this incredible day. Savvy Weddings is nothing short of amazing, and working with Amanda was a dream! I really cannot recommend her enough. https://www.savvyweddingshi.com/hawaii
The Reception
These two lovebirds and their people really know how to throw a party! The reception was so much fun, and I find myself constantly wishing I could relive the whole thing over again. Here are some of my favorites from this portion of the day.
Hawaii Wedding – Sunset Portraits
Before we get to the dance floor photos, I have to share some portraits we took during this incredible sunset. Once again, this venue blew me away. This spot is an absolute dream!!!
Dance The Night Away
Arguably one of my favorite parts of a wedding day – the dance party! I love taking candid photos of people getting down and celebrating with their loved ones. And this dance party did NOT disappoint! These few hours live in my head rent free –
Morning after – “Trash The Dress” session
To finish off the perfect week for this stunning Hawaii wedding, Rachel and Ian chose to do an adventure session and jump in the ocean with the wedding dress! We went to the Southeast side of the island for this session, just a few hours before our flight home. I absolutely LIVE for this shoot, and this was one of the highlights of my time with this couple. I hope this inspires more brides to do something similar!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this beautiful week happen, Rachel and Ian for trusting me to document this entire week full of love. For the incredible team who threw such an epic party, and for the beautiful family that welcomed us as if we were one of their own.
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