The small town of Hāna on Maui’s lusciously green Eastside is where we call home. It is beyond gorgeous! Everywhere you turn your head, there is a new site to see, from the lava rock cliffs against the ocean to the sandy white beach of Hamoa to the lush green mountains of Maka’lae, we never tire of its beauty and grace. There is no shortage of aloha and each day is filled with a new discovery. It is serene and private. It is magical. These are just a few of the reasons that brought Antoinette and Kamille here for their wedding day.
The two brides were a pleasure to work with, open and adventurous, willing to go hike around the Hāna coast to get the background that dreams are made of. We had two photo shoots with these lovely ladies, one to capture their wedding day and another with a “styled shoot” styled by Hāna Wedding Co.’s Andrea Rodriguez. The original plan was to have the second shoot the following morning but due to the weather and Kaua’s busy schedule the shoot was pushed a few days. Antoinette and Kamille were super understanding, wanting the best circumstances for their picnic by the sea.
With Antoinette’s sister Vanessa, who flew in from the Phillipine’s as their only guest, the wedding day was gorgeous. Just before their arrival to Hāna, a hurricane was threatening to destroy all in its path. With our fingers crossed and a few prayers said, Hurricane Joaquin broke it’s path and headed north. Sparing us from shooting in unfavorable conditions and the brides from having to marry in their cottage at Travaasa, Hana Maui.
With the threat of rain at bay, the clouds danced around for a dynamic sky and as the waters crashed against the shore, the ladies took their places on the cliff overlooking Hamoa Beach and the stunning coastline of pristine untouched land. Ashley Keegan performed the ceremony and CJ Helekahi, sang one of their favorite songs, “Make you feel my love”.
They spent the early afternoon being pampered while getting their hair and make up done by stylists Cynthia Day and Andrea Duarte. Carrying vibrant bouquets made of a mix of garden and local flowers with respective matching Haku Lei’s created by Jessica of Hala Tropical Flowers, the beautiful brides looks were complete to enhance their coordinating Vera Wang gowns.
Sharing their first dance as wife and wife, you can see that this couple is so deeply in love…the best part of this work is witnessing the bond that a married couple share. To be able to capture this on their most special day is truly a rewarding experience.
Look at this image of two people madly in love and with total admiration for each other. Here they are getting married in one of the most breathtaking places on earth! We never get jaded by this image, this is what it is all about.
We ended this day back at their cottage to enjoy a toast to the happy couple and cut the cake that was made especially for the ladies courteously of Chef Dave, Hāna’s gifted baker. The cake was exactly like Antoinette and Kamille imagined…a “Naked Cake”, two tiers of Coffee and Tungsten Vanilla cakes with Buttercream frosting and adorned with a small bouquet to match their flowers.
Also joining us to capture the day was Hi Focused Cinematography. Jordan created a lovely film that captured not only the newlyweds love story but also the beauty of Hāna and all its glory. Well…some of its glory. There is much more that only locals are privy too but what he did get to see was expertly caught with his lens.
For our next session with Antoinette and Kamille, we ventured toward our secret spot that those with a sense of wonder are invited to see. Looking lovely in their ethereal blush colored gowns, the ladies were game for a hike along the coast.
Antoinette was beaming at her beautiful bride, Kamille. She was walking on cloud nine after getting married to the love of her life in one of the most striking locations on earth.
When we returned to their hotel for a seaside picnic, we came upon the first surprise that Andrea had created for them. A place for them to sit, have a drink and revel in each other. She had a Classic Guitar there which Antoinette picked up to play a song for her bride.
With the treat of rain looming, the clouds hung low in the mountains. On a clear day, you can see the peaks for miles. The layers of green hills and vast array of foliage create such a presence. It makes you feel like such a small spec on the grand scheme of things. It is peaceful, it is breathtaking, it is home.
A little rain, or as Hawaiians call it a “Blessing” to make it green and beautiful only lasted a few minutes. After it cleared up the ladies made their way to enjoy the spread of fresh breakfast pastries, Lilikoi Mousse, cheesecake, and local fruit on a beautifully set rustic table with colorful, vintage place settings to create the Bohemian setting the ladies desired.
An inquisitive “Neigh”-bor looks to see what all the commotion is about…
His buddies suit up for the last adventure of the day…Kamille’s first horseback ride! While she was a bit hesitant, Antoinette was excited to share this experience with her lady. The Hana Ranch stables provided this opportunity for the newlyweds and although it was short-lived it created some beautiful images with these magnificent creatures.
Congratulations to this gorgeous couple! We wish you a lifetime of happiness filled with love and adventure!
Ceremony Location: Hamoa Beach Lookout
Lodging and Picnic Location: Travaasa, Hana Maui
Wedding Planning and Event Design: Andrea Rodriguez of Hana Wedding Co.
Officiant: Ashley Keegan
Musician: Christopher “Boom” Helekahi
Flowers: Hala Tropical Flowers
Picnic Spread: Andrea Rodriguez of Hana Wedding Co.
Wedding Cake: Chef Dave
Videography: Hi Focused Cinematography
Special Thank you: Hubert Aaron of Travaasa, Hana Maui
