Natalie and Andrew, Kikaua Point Beach, Big Island Hawaii

Engagement photography is one of my favorites. Andrew proposed to Natalie at Christmas, they had agreed not to exchange stockings this year, but he gave one to her after all, with a diamond ring inside! I love capturing love. Thank you Natalie and Andrew for choosing me to capture your sweet relationship…I was honored!

Mike and Kestrels Engagement / Keauhou Beach Resort / Big Island of Hawaii

Kestrel and Mike met while they were both performing in a theater production of Hamlet in Waimea. They started dating after opening night. Mike proposed at their favorite beach, Mauna Kea, they had packed a picnic lunch and found a spot in the shade. He disappeared to get something out of the car and when he came back, he told Kestrel he had just spoken to her father. He got down on one knee, read a beautiful poem he had written for her and proposed. The engagement ring is pink sapphire (sapphire is Kestrels birth stone) and white gold. He got it at their friend Moses’ shop, Mountain Gold Jewellers, in Kawaihae. He actually told Kestrel he was going to rehearsal for a show early and instead he drove to Kawaihae. He had the ring for 2 weeks before he proposed! The inspiration for their engagement photo session was 40s movie star glamour, as well as the Hawaiian beauty of the Keauhou Beach Resort grounds and their love for each other and their son.

Kestrel and Mike’s story and pictures were also published at your engagement 101.com

Kestrel and Mike’s story and pictures were also published at www.yourengagement101.com

Amy and Nail’s engagement / Kukio Beach / Big Island of Hawaii

Nail contacted me a few weeks ago to talk about an engagement photo session. Nail and his fiance, Amy were on vacation in Waikoloa, and wanted to do some engagement photos before they left to go back home to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were staying in Waikoloa, so I suggested close by Kukio beach for their session,  knowing it would be beautiful and empty, especially in the early morning.  I always offer the early morning option to prospective clients, but rarely do they choose it, so I was a bit surprised that Nail and Amy wanted to get out of bed so early on their vacation…….

Now, I am really NOT a morning person, the alarm clock buzzes. I crack an eye open and see the light blinking at me. 5:45am. It takes a few moments for my groggy mind to remember why I set my alarm in the first place. I groan, and after another minute, roll out of bed. I take a quick peek out the window. Still dark out. But it won’t be for long. I quickly dress, pack a breakfast bar and thermos full of coffee. I double-check my equipment list. By 6:00am, I am on my way out the door and headed down my driveway. I am headed about 30 minutes from my home. I meet Nail and Amy in the parking lot, already the golden glow of the sun is beginning to appear. I smile. It’s going to be a beautiful sunrise.

Truly, the most beautiful part of the day occurs before many people wake up.

I would describe Amy and Nail’s relationship as playful, cute and romantic … a couple that seems to have it all. This engagement session was a blast and I really enjoyed how much these two love each other. My images capture everything about them.. fun.. laughter..romance…and love. I especially love that they were willing to go play in the ocean with all their clothes on at such an early hour.

Loss of sleep. An early morning. A 30-minute drive.

Worth it?

Totally. Nail and Amy are gonna love it.

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Wedding engagement sessions

A wedding engagement session is a great way for a couple to get some practice being in front of the lens and also for them to get to know and feel comfortable with me. I also get greater insight into what sort of wedding to expect and learn how to best photograph them on the big day.

While there are a lot of standard shots that take place at a wedding, the engagement session is a chance to throw the traditional portrait rulebook out the window and catch the couple in highly unusual settings or moments. This is a chance for the couple to let loose and have some fun.