Hotel:  Hale Koa

Ceremony/Reception Site: Cafe Julia Hawaii

Hair/Makeup: CJ Siepka

Florist:  Created For You Flowers

Disco Mobile and Lighting: Groovin Mobile Entertainment

Transportation:  Noob Entertainment

Videographer:  Orig Media

Wedding Planner/Coordinator:  Wedding Planner 808

Photography:  Images by Kellie Ann

 

It was the big day!  We met Anastasia and Marion as they were preparing for their upcoming nuptials.  The previous night was full of fun (click HERE to see their Pre-Wedding shoot with us), but today was mostly business.  Rain was in the forecast, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky…it was a gorgeous day!  I was with the women during their pre-wedding preparations. Lots of giggling, lots of fun, and lots of smiles!  Edson was with the men, and he said they were calm, cool and collected…no nerves in sight. We needed a little space to shoot the bride’s detail shots, luckily, one of the bridesmaids came to our rescue and let us use her room (thank you Michelle!):

There were gifts for the bridesmaids (adorable pouches and handcrafted earrings).  The matron of honor even gave each gal a personalized tumbler…such a fun idea!  Who knows what was in those cups  😉  The groom also received a beautiful watch set as a wedding gift from the bride.  Everything about the day was so symbolic!

Everyone hustled down to the lobby, where the Bride and Groom had their “First Look”.  I loved Anastasia’s “attack” approach.  Poor Marion didn’t know what was coming!  They were both stunning.  Just a nod to their day ahead.  After the First Look was over, I took a few more photos of the bride as we waited for the Party Bus…yes, a Party Bus  😉

We rode the Party Bus over to Cafe Julia Hawaii.  It was their last chance to take a deep breath (in air conditioning!), before reaching the ceremony/reception site.

Cafe Julia Hawaii…we made it!  Here’s when things kicked into high gear.  We took some ceremony detail shots. Don’t you love the hand painted envelope box, chalkboard signage, and tags for the chairs…Anastasia, you thought of EVERYTHING!

I took formal photos of the wedding party on the front steps of the venue.  It was a little bright, but everyone was a good sport about it.  They all ran to an air conditioned room as soon as we were done…I didn’t blame them!

Everyone waited anxiously for the ceremony to start:

Then it was showtime!  Anastasia and Marion, what a heart tugging ceremony…complete with lei giving to parents, a special bride-dad handshake, beautiful and inspiring speeches from the officiants (one of them was Marion’s mother!), and an exit to remember.

Once it was over, there was a collective sigh of relief.  It’s official!!!  Anastasia and Marion signed their marriage license, and took formal family photos in front of the pool.  While we took the family photos, guests mingled during cocktail hour, as the venue set up for the reception.  As we entered the cocktail hour room, we were greeted by laughter, story telling, and friends reuniting.  Drinks flowed freely, and pupus were plentiful.  We took some reception detail shots as they were setting up the tables.  The bride made ALL of the centerpieces!  How creative, and amazing is this woman?  The cake was absolutely beautiful, Athena…just gorgeous!

Enter the Bride and Groom for the reception! Their first dance was a joyous one, and family members and friends joined in the latter portion of the dance:

After dinner, the formal program started.  We were treated to a graceful and breathtaking hula (Anastasia said this was one of the highlights of the wedding for her…how sweet!), cake cutting, touching wedding party speeches (some elicited laughter, others brought on the tears), and the toasting (with another special handshake!).

Anastasia and Marion, congratulations!!!  Your wedding night was definitely something that everyone will remember.  You stayed true to your theme of Good Times with Family and Friends, and it was very evident that all of you guests had an amazing evening!  Edson and I wish you all the best in your journey forward.  We were so honored to be part of your special night!

Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!

Click here for a slideshow of the wedding photos that I used for this sneak peek:

 

 

 

 

 

Quite frankly, this was a shoot that I was looking forward to doing for months. When Anastasia told  me that she was willing to get her hair and makeup done (and wear her gorgeous wedding dress) for her pre-wedding shoot, I was thrilled!  When she mentioned the location, I was floored.  Pint + Jigger, thank you so very much for being accommodating…your new speakeasy was absolutely amazing!

Marion and Anastasia, you both looked like you stepped out of a movie.  Anastasia, like your name, you looked like a princess.  Marion…those shoes!  LOVE.  What more is there to say?!  I love that their wedding/pre-wedding theme was, in Anastasia’s words, “Based on something that we both love to do!”  Relaxing and spending time with friends…who could ask for a better combination!  Edson and I brought our studio lights to the location, and did a few test runs before starting the shoot.  Once we started, the time just flew by. For a couple getting married the next day, Anastasia and Marion were incredibly calm 🙂  It was also nice to meet the wedding party before the actual day of the wedding.  You were all so great to work with!  I tried to get “your best sides”  😉

Thank you for an evening of laughter, Anastasia and Marion…I think your pre-wedding photos captured your fun-loving personalities.   More of that to come with your wedding photos!  Here’s your pre-wedding shoot sneak peek:

Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!

 

I knew we were going to be a great photographer/client match the minute I started receiving emails from her.  I loved the detailed timeline shared via Google, complete with photos of special guests!!!  Denalee…I truly appreciated your organization.  When you handed me my own labeled wedding folder, complete with timeline, guest list and seating arrangement, I had a flashback to my own wedding.  I did the EXACT same thing for my wedding party, LOL!  I know how much time you put into it. Despite being highly organized, Denalee was also one of the most flexible brides I’ve ever worked with…especially in terms of the timeline.  You were a dream to work with! So calm and elegant…just GORGEOUS.  Ka’eo, we are so happy for you both.  We loved how you incorporated your own style, and made the wedding so personal to you and your families. It was great seeing you and all of your friends again!

Thank you for sharing your special day with us, so many wonderful memories and friendships. We hope you are enjoying your first few weeks as a married couple, with many more wonderful years to come  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek (slideshow of the photos at the very end):

It started off as a beautiful morning.  The sky was a gorgeous blue…an amazing start to a wonderful day!

Denalee had a beautiful dress…and I loved her cute little “I Do” shoes.  Everything was so personalized.

Then there was the “Best Friends” trophy…a gift from two of the groomsmen to Ka`eo. It was later used as a drinking cup for champagne (for the guys, of course).

In the meantime, the bridesmaids and bride were getting dressed in an adjoining suite.  Loved the colorful robes…I’ll bet those were great selfies!

Finally, the official “first look”.  Just look at Ka’eo’s face as he sees Denalee for the first time.  Lots of cheering, some crying from the crowd.  Pure happiness!

We headed out to the beach for some Bride/Groom shots before the ceremony. I don’t think we could have asked for better weather.  It was clear, and amazingly, not too windy! Denalee, you were gorgeous! Ka’eo, stunning as always  😉  The groom and his groomsmen were dressed in true Ka’eo fashion, complete with slippers. What a great looking couple.  Hugs to you both!

We took some formal (and not so formal) photos of the wedding party.  I’m sure the photo I took of the groomsmen looking down on me looked pretty interesting if you happened to see us on the beach…

Time for the reception. Denalee’s father not only walked her down the aisle, but was also the marriage officiant. It made for even more tears (and cheers) as the guests saw him give her away to Ka’eo. It was very touching with the handing off of the robe from groom to father, and handing off of daughter from father to groom. When the vows were over and the rings were exchanged, Dad gave the couple a huge hug.  As they walked back up the aisle as a married couple, I stood behind Dad and continued to take photos. I saw him give a huge sigh as they walked away…

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed pupus and mingled, while the bride and groom signed their marriage certificate.  It’s official  🙂

The reception program…one word…hilarious!  I haven’t laughed so hard in awhile  🙂  I had a feeling Ka’eo expected no less from his friends.  Boy did they roast him!  Denalee’s friend gave one of the most heart-felt speeches, ever.

At last, it was time for everyone to celebrate and DANCE!  The lights were turned down low, and the glow sticks came out.  Practically every child and adult had a glow stick in his/her hand…and many of them made their way onto the dance floor.  What a show!!!

 

Thank you, Ka’eo and Denalee, for inviting us to share in your amazing day. From the excitement filled “wedding prep”, to the celebratory flashing and glowing lights at the close of your reception…it was one of the most joyous weddings we’ve had the pleasure of photographing!  We wish you both the very best in your journey together.  Thank you!!!

 

SLIDESHOW

 

Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!

 

He had a crush on her as a sophomore in high school…23 years ago! Alas, it was not Carol and Mike’s time to be together. Each went their own way, started their own families and moved on with their lives. Destiny and fate brought them back together again 5 years ago, and they haven’t looked back since!

I knew I was going to love Carol (and really, who doesn’t love Carol?) the second I heard her voice on the phone. She called on me to inquire about photography services for her upcoming nuptials…but there was a twist. The week before their wedding here in Hawaii, they were eloping to Cabo San Lucas to get married in a private family ceremony. They were planning to legalize their marriage a week later here at home with another intimate ceremony…with just a few close friends and family members. Talking to Carol was like drinking a fresh cup of steaming coffee. She was energizing, and warmed your heart and soul. She was the furthest thing from a Bridezilla that you could imagine, and I knew we were going to love working with her. She admitted that the schedule was somewhat flexible. The wedding was taking place at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Ala Moana Shopping Center, which is situated at the entrance of Waikiki. Unfortunately, this was happening during the heart of RIMPAC, on a Friday evening…and we all know what traffic is like on Friday afternoons here in Hawaii. Carol however, was undeterred, and said there was a 45 minute window of time where the ceremony may take place…then she said the magic words…”We’re FLEXIBLE!” Really?! What bride even dares to utter those words on her big day?  But I soon learned that those 2 words epitomized both Carol and Mike. Carol went on to say, “Kellie, I’m just so excited that this day is really going to happen for us!  It’s unbelievable!” Throughout the night, Carol wore her heart on her sleeve. She emoted heartfelt exuberance and infinite gratitude towards her friends and family…and most importantly, Mike. Mike was debonaire and polished, yet he shared a kindred fun-loving spirit with Carol. He was handsome, kind and understanding…Carol’s search was over! Indeed, when Dawn, Carol’s wonderful MOH, asked Carol if she wanted to save the top tier of her wedding cake (so she and Mike could eat it on their first anniversary), Carol replied, “Nope, he’s the man [for me]. I don’t need to eat cake for good luck, because I don’t need luck…I have Mike!” Thank you, Carol and Mike, for being SO incredibly easy to work with! We were so inspired by your energy, love and gratitude.

Congratulations on your new life together. May your future be filled with many more wonderful shared memories! Hugs to you both, Kellie & Edson.  Here’s your sneak peek, be sure to click on the slideshow at the end of the post to see even more fun-filled photos of the night!

Click on the slideshow below to see more photos from Carol and Mike’s fabulous night!

Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!