Kirsten & Matt| Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

My first wedding of 2018 was certainly one to remember!

Kirsten and Matt, the beautiful couple, have been together for nine years. The first time I met the two was about a year ago when I did their engagement photos. They brought along their three-legged dog named LuLu. Kirsten’s heart for animals really showed, as did her kindhearted nature in general. It was easy to see why Matt was crazy about her—and his dedication and kindness made it easy to see why she loved him!

Fast forward about a year later—April 12, 2018. We all flew down to the gorgeous big island of Hawaii for Kirsten and Matt’s wedding at a beautiful venue, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.

I showed up on the island a couple days before the wedding to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, which gave me a chance to get to know some of the couple’s wonderful family and friends. Getting acquainted like this early on can pay off on the wedding day, because everyone will feel more comfortable in front of the camera and there’s already an existing rapport there.

On the morning of the wedding, I was impressed at how relaxed Kirsten was. I showed up at her room and photographed most of its details, and then took her dress to a beautiful atrium in the middle of the hotel. A special thanks here goes out to Matt’s aunt, who became my personal assistant in this process and helped me tremendously with all the details!

After this, I took photos of Kirsten getting into her dress, then headed down to Matt’s room to get some candid photos of him getting ready with the help of his sweet sister Melissa, whose wedding I also had the honor to photograph. She helped him put on his boutonniere and helped with all the finishing touches to make sure he was ready for the first look!

The first look was one of my favorite moments of the day. We had it on a small bridge, and Matt shed a few tears as Kirsten came out in her beautiful lace dress. From there, we took a few bride and groom photos, then added a father’s and grandfather’s first look as well before taking all the family photos and going off to the ceremony.

The ceremony was like something out of a dream. Kirsten and Matt said their vows at the beach, where there were breathtaking ocean views. The reception was also at the beach, and we had the chance to sneak out to get some “just married” sunset photos. We could not have asked for a more perfect day—the weather cooperated perfectly, and of course, the location was sublime. Plus, there just so happened to be a fireworks show happening at a neighboring resort that occurred during the couple’s first dance. Talk about a pleasant surprise!

This wedding was a tremendous way to start off the season for me, and I have to thank everyone who was involved. The people who were such a huge part of making this day so special, from the family to the wonderful vendors I worked with throughout the weekend. Thank you for a wedding I won’t forget, and best wishes to the gorgeous couple!

Melissa and her big bro! Love these two! The most amazing Mom! I feel so lucky to know this sweet family! First looks are always my favorite! Such special moment with just the bride and groom. The Fathers and Grandfathers first look! The cutest little flower-boy! I will take these hawaiian sunsets anytime!