You might remember that I took some engagement photos of Nikki & Clayton during our last visit to Hawaii. You might also remember that we missed the light on the beach by about a half hour & we ended up playing a round of mini-golf. I figured it would be a good idea to brave the wind and looming storms & give it another go. I’m so glad we did!

Well, in all honesty it wasn’t a destination wedding in the  truest sense since Chelsey & Barry make Oahu their home, but it was for me. Although it wasn’t entirely different than what I’m used to since it rained the whole day. Let’s just say it ended up being a good thing they hired a Washington native photographer who’s a little familiar with shooting in the wet stuff.

Where to start with this one. I can’t really. I’ve never felt so at home shooting a wedding as I did 3,000 miles away on the north eastern shore of Oahu with Chelsey, Barry, their friends, & family. A common assumption would be that the rain would dampen the mood of the day. That couldn’t be more wrong on this day. I guess it’s the laid-back Hawaiian way, but everyone was in a great mood & it even made the ceremony more intimate since everybody had to gather closer due to the deafening winds that spiraled around us.

The ceremony took place on Waimanalo Beach & the reception was held across the highway at  The Honolulu Polo Field. As amazing as the day was, it didn’t get better than when the two hula dancers took the stage & captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. In addition to the hula entertainment, the couple hired local legend John Cruz to serenade their guests during the cocktail hour.

I owe a big thank you to Melissa at Let’s Do This! Event Planners for helping the day run smooth. I also owe a big thanks to my friend Komarey for introducing my photos to the bride & groom. Last but not least I owe a big thank you to Chelsey & Barry for letting me be a part of their day in such an amazing place. Can’t wait to get back there again. and again. and again. and again.

I love Point Defiance. There’s a strong possibility that if you live outside the South Puget Sound, you’ve never heard of it (other than maybe the zoo). There’s a reason Steve Prefontaine called it “The most beautiful place I’ve ever run.” It’s just plain gorgeous. I have much the same feelings for the place as Pre, since it was running through the forest there during my first Sound to Narrows race that I fell in love with running. It’s a place where, as a kid, my friends & I ran up & down “G.I. Joe Hill” along the water while playing army. It’s a place that was the location of a number of school field trips where we explored the tide pools. It’s a place that is so full of beauty that you never run out of places to explore. If you live anywhere close, you need to go visit.

That’s why I take every opportunity to shoot there when given the option. I was thrilled when Aaron & Alicia agreed to come down to Tacoma for their engagement photos. It was a blast hanging out during the first sunshine of the year (even though it was still colder than it should have been) with these two & making some photos that I really love. I hope you do too.

**For the best viewing experience, open up the first photo & use the left & right arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the photos.**

What can I say? Sarah & Matt brought us to Hawaii to shoot their wedding at The Poipu Plantation Resort on the island of Kauai, AKA the most beautiful place in the world. Beginning to end it was an amazing experience. They spent their time surrounded by their family & closest friends. You’d have to think it’s a little taste of heaven. Granted, we did have some rain to work through—which ended up contributing to my blackened toe I earned by smashing it in to a wall after slipping only hours before the wedding—but it held off at all the right times & allowed us to get some really beautiful photos. Plus, I was the photographer for one of Sarah’s best friend’s wedding this summer at the Hayden Lake Country Club in Idaho, so it was great to see Naomi & Sean again. The gorgeous wedding wrapped with an amazing party at the resort restaurant that toed the line of out of control without crossing it. Perfect. It was obvious that everybody had a great time—me included! Thanks Sarah & Matt—enjoy your photos! I sure enjoyed taking them.