As I posted a couple days ago, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii to shoot Heather and Chris’ wedding, thanks to my friend Kevin (Chris’ cousin) for recommending me! I am just now finally getting the opportunity to blog some images…
Not only did I have an amazing time exploring the island with all of their friends and family for a couple days before the wedding (a true vacation), I was able to photograph a really fun wedding in paradise. Not too shabby…
It’s been a big goal of mine to venture out into photographing destination weddings, and now that I’ve done it, I know that this is a goal I definitely want to continue to pursue! So, I’m announcing here that I am willing to travel anywhere to photograph a wedding or other special event! 😉
Back to this Hawaiian wedding…
Heather and Chris have been together since eighth grade! How amazing is that? The Maid of Honor, Gina, in her speech actually mentioned that she knew Heather would marry Chris even way back then. They are truly amazing individuals and make an even more amazing couple. They are kind, caring and fun, and, though I only met them a few weeks before the wedding, I couldn’t imagine two people more perfect for each other. Not to mention, they made absolutely certain that everyone who flew in for the wedding had an amazing time throughout their stay in Hawaii– and the wedding day was no exception.
I have a lot of favorites from this wedding, so let’s get to it!
Heather told me about these shoes a couple days before the wedding and was so very proud of them. They didn’t stay on her feet very long on the wedding day, but they definitely looked amazing.
Heather’s mom Alma watching her get her makeup done. Alma was so much fun! They are a great mother-daughter duo.
Then, it was off to the other hotel to get some photos of Chris and the guys.
The handsome groom. He was a natural in front of the camera!
Chris and the guys. From left: Nick, Logan, Kevin, Chris, Ben (Chris’ brother and Best Man) and Brandon. The guys had to goof off a bit before I could get some tame photos. 🙂
I love this one… even though Ben is the only one not looking. Figures. 😉
The gorgeous Heather and her ladies; Lynette, Adri and Gina.
I’m not going to pretend like I shot this out of focus on purpose… this was totally an accident. But, I love it anyway.
Some great scenery in front of the church.
Speaking of the church, Heather and Chris chose this great one for their ceremony. The Mokuai Church is the oldest church on the islands and was built out of lava stone and mortar made of crushed coral!
This was the moment when Heather got so choked up during her vows that she couldn’t speak for a long moment… so she promptly stated “I’m not going to run!” just in case Chris was worried. A very funny moment that will no doubt be talked about among friends and family for a very long time.
The mother of the groom during Chris’ vows.
Married!
A fun shot of the wedding party outside the church. I love all the different expressions.
After the ceremony, Heather, Chris and I headed over to a small strip of sandy beach next to the reception. Most of the beaches in Kona are very rocky because of all of the lava that once flowed, so it was nice to find this little space for some beach photos.
This is one of my favorites…
A more traditional shot of the gorgeous sunset at the reception site — Hulihe’e Palace — a historic vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty. Unfortunately, the palace itself was undergoing earthquake repairs, but the view from the grounds was amazing.
Finally, here I am with the bride and groom.
To Heather and Chris,
I am so incredibly happy for you guys and am very thankful to you both for making my trip so wonderful and making me feel so welcome. I had an awesome time with you, your families and friends and feel very lucky to have been able to share the experience with all of you. I wish you the best in starting your new life together in Hawaii… perhaps I’ll be over there to visit you again! 🙂
Love,
Heather
The slideshow will be posted soon!
I’ve been waiting for these!!! Absolutely beautiful.. you can almost feel the Hawaii air through the light you’ve captured. I especially love the photo of the bride with her bridesmaids out of focus behind her. So natural. Awesome awesome job!!! … and welcome back to the real world… hmpft!!! 🙂
Tears in my eyes, again, as I review the beautiful photographs my daughter took of this very special wedding. All of the photos are stunning, the tender moments, the look of love in the eyes of the bride and groom, the family and friends, the artistic compositions that captured the cast of characters and the stunning location.
One photo that was particularly poignant to me was the portrait of the mother watching with great emotion as the marriage vows unfolded. It touched my heart because all parents can relate to this moment of a million emotions, when one’s child officially transitions to the next stage of life. The picture captured the depth of this mother’s love and spoke clearly without words…
I’m so proud of you, beautiful daughter.
Shine on, Sunshine. Love, Mom
my fav is the black and white of them on the beach! Beauty!