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!

 

Welcome, baby Mia!  Thank you for making me an aunt once again  🙂  Mia, you were definitely worth the wait!!!  After a few premature congratulations (thanks to my brother and his dry sense of humor!), we finally welcomed little Mia into the world.  She was tiny, sweet, and oh so cuddly!  Of course we did a cherry blossom themed shoot (click HERE to see my brother and sister-in-law’s cherry blossom themed wedding).  Mia did a great job tolerating all of the props and outfits.  Despite warnings that she didn’t like swaddling, she handled it like a pro!  Mom, you looked gorgeous…I don’t think I would have known that you even had a baby a week ago, if I didn’t know that Mia was born.  I’m so glad you got your malasada after all!  Oh, to look so amazing (I wish I knew your secret).  My brother was a proud dad…I knew you’d be a great father  🙂  So gentle and nurturing.  You never cease to amaze me.

Mia, you are so lucky!  You will be surrounded by all things pink, cute, flowery…and most of all, showered with love.  Congratulations to the both of you!  Mia is a little angel (who is just growing like a weed…I love the photos you are texting to us!). Here’s your sneak peek:

Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!