Back in June of 2007, I had the great pleasure of photographing Eri and Masanori's wedding in Honolulu.
I met this wonderful couple at Eri's sister's wedding when I photographed Sayuri and Brett in June of 2004.
Eri had referred me to one of her girlfriends, Miki, who's wedding I fortunately photographed this past Monday, June 29, 2009!
OMG! Like Eri and Sayuri's weddings I had so much fun working with Miki and Aki.
Check out our groom:
Isn't he so cool?
And here's our sweet bride!
So this was a two hour booking. We spent the first thirty minutes shooting in their NON-formal attire at Kailua Boat Ramp.
As you know, I'm always talking about LIGHT. I love the early sunrise morning and late afternoon golden sunset light. I usually shy away from shooting at high noon when it is extremely hot, sunny and bright. However, keep in mind, when you shoot at this time this is when the colors really pop! It is beautiful! You sacrifice some eyeball burning and sweat for the vivid colors of the ocean and blue skies with puffy white clouds. In Miki and Aki's shoot, it was totally worth it!
Fortunately, it was one of those light tradewind days which helped in keeping us a little cool, giving some modeling hair lift to Miki's hair and more importantly helping to blow the clouds in and out which helped to create some moments of manageable NON-sunglass shots!
Keep in mind, I'm NOT the kind of photographer who would torture you for a shot! I'm extremely sensitive to how my clients are feeling. I know that Miki was less sensitive to the light than Aki.
So I had Aki keep his glasses on for most of the time during the shoot until there was a break from the intense brightness.
Speaking of which...here comes that sun again!!!
Too cool!!!
Aki does have a wonderful smile so I asked him to just give me little peek at his smile...
And there it is!!! MAHALO, Aki!
Okay, on to their change of clothing! Oh! and of course, their wedding!!!
Here's Miki and her cute sister Mai...
Time to go get married!!
I'd like to mention that both of these beautiful people have ties to Hawai'i. Miki is a polynesian dancer and Aki is a musician in a Japanese Hawaiian Band in Tokyo. They both met on a cruise ship as performers. I could tell that they have a love for our islands and our culture. In fact, her hula sisters here call Miki "Tiare."
Although it was busy at Lanikai Beach, there happen to be a an area that worked out perfectly for Miki, Aki and all their guests!
A couple of Aki's band brothers were present to serenade the couple with Hawaiian music. I was thoroughly impressed with their ukulele playing and mastery of the Hawaiian songs! Wow!
Side note...I really liked this balloon!
Hooray for Miki and Aki!!!
What's up, married guy???
Right after the ceremony we did some shots of the newly weds with their families and friends. This just happens to be one of my favorites of Aki and his musician brothers!
Time for some shots of Miki and Aki as husband and wife...
Okay, in the middle of this part of the shoot, Miki wanted to change her haku (keep in mind they were also gifted with so many Maile leis it was crazy cool!). Oh snap!!! What is this??? A handmade all TIARE Haku made by one of her hula sister's mom!!! OMG!!!
In my years of shooting and having the great opportunity of being surrounded by our island leis, hakus and flowers I have never seen a Tiare Haku in person! And check it out! The groom has a Tiare lei made just for him. How sweet is that???
So u'i!!!
Aki taught me the word for "cool" in Japanese but it escapes me at this time so I'll just say, "AWESOME, Aki!!!"
Mahalo nui loa, Miki and Aki for having me present to witness such a beautiful union. I look forward to staying in touch with you especially on Facebook! (www.facebook.com/hokulii)
And to my dear clients, Eri and Masa, Sayuri and Brett...I am so grateful that you've entrusted me to document your friends and family. MAHALO!!!
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