Kristine and Bruce | Engagement Photos in Nuuanu

Kristine and Bruce were visiting from Chicago and excited to celebrate their engagement with a fun photo shoot in Hawaiʻi. I was equally excited because they were looking for “somewhere non-beach”. So we ventured up to the mountains and walked through the cool of the Nuʻuanu Stream.

Mirjam and Jurgen | Elopement at Waialae Beach Park

Mirjam and Jurgen’s simple beach wedding at Waiʻalae Beach Park was perfect. Patricia with Nani Weddings set up the perfect destination elopement on the beach - she always does. The two were planning on having their Hawaiian beach wedding in the afternoon just before sunset with a couple of their friends. And after traveling all the way from Switzerland, the beautiful day was the perfect way to say i-do.

Sayge and Kaimanahila | Wedding and Holoholo Through Tantalus

Sayge and Kai decided to have their wedding vows at Central Union Church, an iconic church in Honolulu with grand Colonial-revival sanctuary and high-reaching steeple. But for an added casual touch, the two held their ceremony just outside of the Atherton Chapel in the lawn under the grand Monkeypod Tree. The lawn was the perfect place for an afternoon wedding ceremony, with the cool Mānoa tradewinds blowing in the shade of the tree.

Sequeira | Stunning Engagement Photos During Sunset

We started out the evening with some family photos on the beach. The typical “we are on a vacation in Hawaiʻi” photos. And while we were all set up for photos, we decided for a quick wardrobe change and switched into engagement photo gear. I think the timing of the evening was perfect as the setting sun gave us some great colors and light to work with.

Family flew in for the holidays from all around the world and Shar wanted to gift her in-laws with the perfect way to remember this special occasion. Family photos on the beach. But don’t let the classic white on blue jeans look fool you. Genuine and goofy are a couple words that come to mind when I look back at this extended family.

Jonathan and Crystal | How He Asked on the Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Jonathan had reached out to us for assistance with planning his proposal. He was planning on visiting Hawaiʻi with his girlfriend and wanted to make this a very memorable trip. After discussing with him, we had decided to set everything up on a hike. Lucky for him, Oʻahu has a number of beautiful hikes, each with a gorgeous vantage point where he could propose to his girlfriend.

Anna and Phil | Intimate Elopement on the Beach

Anna and Phil were in the middle of their adventure around the world when they decided to celebrate their relationship in a small but intimate wedding ceremony on the beach. Everything about the ceremony was fun and romantic. Sometimes the simplest things can truly be special.

Chantelle and Kekoa Kapua | A Romantic Wedding in Hawaii

I absolutely loved producing this wedding film for Suʻa and Kekoa as I got to learn so much about their relationship as it grew in our post-high years. And to have their wedding ceremony on campus, right where their story began was truly perfect. Looking at the way they love each other, you can see right away how perfect they are for each other and how strong their love is.

Maybe you are looking for to simplify your wedding plans or don't see the point in spending a year's salary on a one-day event. Or you've always dreamed of getting married in Hawaiʻi in a picturesque beach wedding. Whatever the reason, elopements and smaller destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples. Before you ditch the traditional wedding plans, check out some of these dos and don’ts. 

Penn and Ryan | An Engagement in the Park

On a cool winter afternoon in Hawaiʻi, Penn and Ryan decided to take a walk in the park for a fun engagement photo session. Kakaʻako Waterfront Park is a great location with rolling green hills and a beautiful promenade right on the waterfront.

Tiffany and Alan | Engagement on the Beach

I first met Tiffany at her grandfather’s 90th birthday party. A few weeks later she reached out to me with the news that she was getting married in 2019. So we planned to have their engagement photos taken at Waimanalo Beach, a great spot for long white sandy beaches and flowery fields in a lush forest.