Gearing up for my good friend Sheena and Philip’s Hilton Hawaiian Village wedding I already knew it was going to be a memoriable one. A 20-person bridal party (by far my biggest!) was definitely the scariest task at hand but the day went by unusually problem-free for the most part.

The best things about weddings is you never know whats going to happen but you have to be ready for when they do. During the reception I glanced over and see one the groomsmen slipping on the bottom half of what looks to be a wedding dress I’m thinking to myself WTF is going on?!?! I see the groom blind folded and realize this guy is about to get the prank of all wedding pranks…and the groom ended up taking off the garter from his groomsmen leg. I can’t imagine how much of those iphone photos got facebook’d and instagram’d at that very momemt. Definitely one of the most funniest things I’ve seen on the job!

In all it was just another amazing day with big laughs, lots of love, and great company!

Its been a busy summer so far with lots of weddings on the books but a certain aspect of Adriane and Clyde’s wedding was something I was looking forward to. The alarm on my iPhone went off in my bedroom, it was 3:00am. With my gear already packed in the truck the night before it took me a few minutes to get ready and out the door I went. Makakilo was the destination I was heading to where Adriane and her bridesmaids were getting ready.

It was my first time photographing morning prep before the sun had even come up and I’d have to say I actually enjoyed it. Not because I had the gear for low light situations but because controlling light without the sun lighting the whole room making everything flat was just great all around. Nevertheless, I was there to capture moments first and foremost.

Hanging out with the ladies and videographer Philip Lemoine from SVP Studios made it a fun and memorable morning. Heading out a few hours later we made our way over to the old Ewa Railroad Station and Museum for Adriane and Clyde’s first look and then explored some surrounding spots for their couple photos. We’d eventually make our way over to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses where Adriane and Clyde would tie the Knot.

We ended the day off with a bang at Hawaii Prince Golf Course…literally! Clyde decided he wanted to crash the reception by accidentally knocking over a tall glass vase which shattered all over the dance floor…he received cheers and huge applause for that. In all it was another great experience sharing this day with an amazing couple.

Its always fun and a blessing when an old friend asks you to be their wedding photographer. I’ve known Sheena since back in high school where she was always cheating off my chemistry exams…okay I lied, I was terrible in chemistry but we cheated off of someone I do know that. Since then she’s mothered a pair of beautiful young girls and is on the verge of marrying the man of her dreams. I couldn’t be more happier for her. I’m very much looking forward to their wedding in a few months since from what I heard I’ll be managing a massive bridal party that day, but I always bring my ‘A’ game so I’m up for the challenge.

For their engagement we headed out toward the Kapolei area, somewhere close to where they live so it could be just the two of them. It was quite a windy late-evening and my light stand kept falling over as I was without my trusty assistant. Anchoring it down was of no help since compact light stands don’t have a wide base and are very much top-heavy. Regardless of the situtaion we had a lot of fun and made some beautiful images…Here’s a few so enjoy!

I’m always thrilled to meet new clients for the first time and usually an engagement photo shoot is where it all goes down. But there some occasions where the first I meet my clients are on their wedding day. Its the one great thing wedding photographer get to take away from the whole ordeal; making new friendships! In a way Shevon and Blake’s engagement shoot was just that. Blake and my wife Mel are actually cousins (2nd cousins I believe) so we usually see Shevon and Blake at family parties/jet skiing BBQs from time to time but we’ve never really been close to them on a personal level. So this engagement shoot was a good chance to connect with them as I always to do with my clients. In all we had a get time capturing some images of them…I’m really excited about their wedding in December and you’ll later see why!

Heather, Sam and their family all flew in from Seattle to celebrate such an amazing occasion. I guess its a dream come true to many mainland-folks to hold their wedding in Hawaii because every email I received from Heather had a count-down timer at the end. She was thrilled and I was thrilled to be their wedding photographer.

It seems I may have jinxed myself a few weddings ago when I said I’ve been lucky enough for the weather to be so nice on days that I photograph weddings. One would think the weather is beautiful 365 days of the year here in Hawaii but when it comes to holding weddings outdoors (especially on the beach) you’ve really got a 50/50 chance that the weather will hold up.

Lanikai is one of those amazing beaches on the island known for its turquoise color ocean water, white sand beaches, and limited crowds. Weddings here are a must if you want the secluded feel to it. On this day was just that plus very strong on-shore winds! So strong at times sand and mist where getting in my eyes and breaking some of the guests’ umbrellas. Never the less, we got some great images from the entire day.

Congrats Heather & Sam! It was an honor being your photographer…wish you two the very best.