Friends, I cannot describe how I've been yearning for Hawaii lately. If I'm being honest, not a day goes by that Arturo and I don't think about these beautiful islands! No matter how long you've been following me on Instagram, Facebook or reading my blog, you know that Arturo and I hold Hawaii near and dear to our hearts. We celebrated our honeymoon on Oahu and the Big Island, as well as our first wedding anniversary the following October! Since Arturo visited the Big Island for the first time together before we were married, I've dreamed of photographing destination weddings here! There are so many beautiful venues, beaches, and hotels to get married at on this island. Those of you planning a destination wedding are sure to find the perfect place to tie the knot!
Well, I was recently going through some of my work from the past few years and dug up this elopement portrait session that I photographed during our last visit to Hawaii! The last time we were there, I had the opportunity to photograph Cece & Caleb at Waialea Beach along the Kohala Coast! They are a perfect duo; I just adored how Caleb would gently brush Cece's face with his hand before pulling her in for a romantic kiss. You can instantly see the connection they share after spending only a few minutes with them! We chose to do their session in the time leading into the sunset. Having been born and raised on the east coast, I definitely yearn for all of the beautiful colors of the sunset that you west coasters have each day!
As I teamed up with Kelsi of Blue Kai Designs, she suggested that the portrait session take place at a beach that isn't overrun by tourists, which led us to Wailea Beach! Kelsi explained that she had gotten married there the year before, and my oh my, did my eyes lit up when we arrived at the beach! The waves rolled into the shore, licking the lava rocks as they made their way back out to sea. The water is an extraordinary teal color, more beautiful than I could ever describe! Cece wore two different dresses during their session; first a fun blue boho style and later another one she designed and had custom made in Bali. Ana of Crafted by Anamarie designed their stationery and elopement announcement to match the colors of the tropical island.
This day was truly one to remember in my career as a wedding photographer. I look forward to working with more wonderful couples like Cece and Caleb in the future who choose the beauty of Hawaii for their wedding!
Look at those waves!
Is this not the most romantic picnic setup you've ever seen for newlyweds?!
A quick dress change for Cece, and back to more portraits!
The pure romance of the Hawaiian sunsets will always have my heart!
I hope you enjoyed this Big Island, Hawaii elopement portrait session! Do you know Cece and Caleb? Show them some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Styling & Florals: Blue Kai Designs | Photography: Shaina Lee Photography | Hair & Makeup: Grace Makeup Artistry | Stationery: Crafted. by Anamarie | Bride's Blue Dress: Coco + Lita | Bride's White Dress: Designed by the bride and custom made in Bali
