Hawaiian Paradise, a Wedding and a Dream Come True

When I tossed “photograph a wedding in Hawaii” on my to do list for “some day”, I had no idea how quickly and beautifully it would show up. Within a year I was talking with bride and groom Jen and Aaron, bursting with excitement for the chance to travel and shoot in a tropical paradise for this amazing couple. Just one little referral is all it took!

 

Seriously, someone was paying ME to shoot pictures in a tropical paradise! And thanking me for it! The pinching was non-stop the first few weeks.

The Couple, the Ceremony and Why it was so Awesome

Jen and Aaron had a quick, whirlwind courtship after meeting at work, and soon knew they wanted to spend their lives together. The couple threw their wedding at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu, and it was over-the-top amazing. This “opposites attract” pair is playful and child-like, and everything about their wedding reflected their joy and playfulness. Angela at Blissful Moments Hawaiimade sure every detail was as it should be.

The flower-girl was possible the cutest little show-stopper ever.

 

The Buddist flavored ceremony was performed under a quasi-outdoor pavilion by a fancy-looking Monk. He stated so simply, “Everyone in the world now has access to the love that they are bringing into the world through their union.” It was teary, beautiful and moving.

 

Following the ceremony came the big guns, as we were treated to a ceremonial Lion Dance. There were drum beats, podiums and three people supporting each lion costume, parading around ball room and jumping platform to platform. It was all topped off by a spirited “Bonzai!” toast, common in Asian culture and ceremonies.

The three bands were so awesome and versatile, as the changed the music for each phase of the wedding. They started with a quartet during cocktail hour, than moved to a band with vocals and finally a jazz band before the afternoon was through. Three bands in one wedding! And there were three cakes too, each with their own theme.

Favorite Moments

One of my favorite wedding moments was Jen and Aaron’s choreographed first dance, watching the animated, out-going Jen show off her background in dance, paired with the more reserved Aaron as he counted his steps and lifted Jen into the air. It was a true testament to their natural balance and willingness to play together.

My favorite photo moment was capturing them in their “first look” photo just before the ceremony, seeing and feeling the true love and adoration they have for each other that just spilled into my photos with barely any effort. That is true love.

For me, Hawaii is dripping with beauty from every pore. It was hard not to take pictures of everything! From the vibe, to the scenery to the people, this Hawaiian wedding was the “dream-come-true” gig I thought it would be, AND a light and playful work experience with fun warm people. I would do it again, any time. Who’s next?

Want to see their album? Click here. (It’s in Flash… again, be patient…)