Oahu Destination Wedding at the Kahala Hotel and Resort

There are few places on the island of Oahu that provide a beautiful and relaxed elegance. The Kahala Hotel & Resort is the romanticized dream of a destination wedding in Hawaii. An ideal venue, the resort is nestled in-between the slopes of Koko Head and Diamond Head craters on the South-East side of the island. While the majority of Oahu Resorts are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of tour busses, throngs of vacationers, and tour guides gathering their groups on the busy sidewalks, the Kahala stands as an oasis. Set back from the city of Waikiki, the Kahala offers tranquility with a backdrop of pristine Hawaii landscapes.

Perhaps it is this feeling of intimacy that makes the Kahala one of the most desirable locations for not only brides to be, but many of Hollywood's rich and famous. The Kahala Hotel is a mixture of Hawaiiana with mid century mod, reminiscent of the days when Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra frequented the Hotel. It is one of the few hotels that have managed to maintain that luxury and impeccable service that was so inherent in hotels during the days of old Hollywood.  

As professional wedding photographers in Hawaii, the Kahala is one of our favorite locations for wedding photography. We marvel at the gorgeous open lobby with giant chandeliers of Italian fused glass. We adore the spiraling orchid staircase that showcases the dozens of rare orchid breeds in a living wall. While the inside of the resort is immaculate, we absolutely can't get enough of the 800 ft stretch of white sand beach we have all to ourselves in the late afternoon hours. While those are some of our favorite spots, the resort boasts of waterfalls, dolphins, gazebos, and hosts the largest hotel suite in Hawaii measuring in at 550 square feet! There are endless photo opportunities to capture you and your beloved ones for that magical day.

If you are looking for a picturesque location for a wedding where you can feel pampered and catered to, look no further than the Kahala Hotel & Resort. People from around the world come to celebrate their marriage here and theres no question as to why.

- Written by Julia J.

Photography: Coral Weddings || Florals: J'adore Floral Designs 

Bridal Gown: Bijou Bridal Jewelry: Tehani Aloha || Hair & Makeup: Kimberly Ulep 

Model Bride: Shaholly Ayers || Model Groom: Jason Jump

Celebrate Your Love || Hawaii Vow Renewal Photography

Originating in Italy decades ago, wedding vow renewals have been becoming more and more of a popular trend amongst couples within the last few years here on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.  Whether you’re nearing your 5th wedding anniversary or 50th, renewing your commitment to your loved one is a fabulous way to celebrate a milestone.

With Hawaii being one of the top locations for a destination wedding and honeymoon, why not celebrate your wedding anniversary with a vow renewal in paradise? Make it a fun event by ordering similar flowers to your original wedding and encourage your honey to get dressed up with you!

If you plan on inviting your friends and family to your event, a vow renewal is a perfect excuse to update your family photos! At Coral Weddings, we are here to capture all things love and marriage. What better way to commemorate your day than with candid photos of the ceremony and family portraits to follow? Coordinate with your professional photographer in putting together a shot list with what you would like to have captured. You’ll be thankful for the memories of your Hawaii vow renewal.

- Written by Samantha

Patrick + Emily || Honeymoon Photography in Kauai

Kauai is home to the honeymoon of your dreams. What better way to begin your lives together than on the romantic island of Kauai? With numerous sights to see, Kauai offers an unforgettable way to start your life as a married couple.

The Boston couple chose "The Garden Island" as their honeymoon destination. Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and most scenic island, resulting in beautiful backdrops for photos. Emily expressed interest toward Coral by Pacific Dream Photography to capture memories of her and her husband for their Hawaiian vacation.

The newlyweds opted for a sunset shoot on the scenic grounds of the Grand Hyatt. Not even a cloudy day could stop them from having a fun filled photo session. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we are prepared for the variety of weather Hawaii has to bring. Believe or not, Kauai is one of the wettest places on earth! Lucky for us, we are located on the sunniest side of the island, Poipu. It's no wonder why Poipu, Kauai is called "The Sunny South Side." Saturated in sunshine all year round, this part of the island allows us to capture bright and fun images. 

Patrick and Emily adored their candid beach photos, as well as their dreamy garden images. Not only did their passion for each other stand out in every photo, but also the whimsical backdrop of Shipwrecks Beach resulted in radiant photos. The sea and sky melted into sapphire blue, as the "just married couple" focused on the effortless tropics of Kauai. The happy couple's family and friends cherished the meaningful gift of the photos.

Photos capture the significant milestone in a couple’s life and share and experience of Hawaii with loved ones. Honeymoon photos make for a monumental souvenir and a well-remembered trip. If you’re considering spending your honeymoon in Kauai, you’re in for a special treat. Enjoy each and every moment in the exquisite paradise of the island.

- Written by Julia P. (Coral by Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Mauka or Makai? || Tips on Choosing Your Hawaii Destination Wedding Location

       At Coral Weddings, we absolutely love the excitement that comes with each special day that we have the privilege of capturing. From the delicate details in the perfect dress, to the gorgeous floral arrangements for the center pieces at your reception, we make sure to highlight each aspect of your day that makes it special and unique.

       Hawaii is universally known for its endless white beaches, green lush palm trees, and that iconic colored sunset over the ocean's horizon. However, did you know that the Hawaiian islands are enriched with a large diversity in landscape? 

         Here on the islands, we use two common Hawaiian words called "Mauka" (mow-kah) and "Makai"(mah-kigh). Mauka translates to the term "mountain-side" and Makai means "ocean-side". So, when planning your destination wedding to one of the most beautiful locations in the world, you have the wonderful option of choosing a rustic "Mauka" wedding in the green rolling hills of the islands, or a timeless and casual "Makai" beach wedding!

      One of the advantages toward having a Mauka wedding would be a cooler climate that comes with the higher elevation in the mountains. If you’re planning on having your grooms party wear long sleeved dress shirts or a dapper suit, they won’t be struggling in the humid heat that is commonly found along the Hawaiian coastline!

      If you’re leaning more towards having that classic and traditional Hawaiian wedding, each island hosts an endless list of fantastic beaches for your ceremony. They all offer incredible scenery so you can’t necessarily go wrong in choosing one!

        So, whether you're saying "I do" in the hills of a Hawaiian valley, or reciting your tear-jerking vows while getting your toes (and maybe even that dress!) a little wet down on the sand, we have a team of passionate artists here at Coral Weddings to capture your day timelessly.

- Written by Samantha

Just Maui'd || Zac + Kate's Romantic Maui Wedding

We absolutely adored capturing Zac + Kate's beautiful romantic wedding last month at the Andaz Maui. 

From the intricate details of Kate's dress, to the incredible lush arrangements on the reception tables, we love telling our clients' stories of their special day through our lens. 

Residing on the South-West side of the beautiful island of Maui, the Andaz is located in the quaint town of Wailea. One of the advantages toward having your wedding in an exclusive location such as this one, is the intimacy that comes with it. 

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular for the couple that's looking to escape to paradise with just a few of their closest family and friends to celebrate their love.

Allow us to enhance your wedding experience with our team of professionals capturing every moment from your day.

- Written by Samantha

Just Us Two || Romantic Elopement at the Andaz Maui

The Andaz Maui at the Wailea Resort is the perfect exclusive location for a beautiful and private elopement. We had the absolute delight of capturing Andrew + Bev on their very special day to celebrate their love and new life together.

Relive Your Perfect Day Timelessly || A Guide to Preparing for Your Wedding Photography

Between the guest list, designing invites, and the dress fittings, let's face it, planning for your big day can be a bit overwhelming. With the hundreds of things on your check-list you're looking to get done, there's an underestimated yet essential key to your wedding that you'll be thankful you were well-prepared for. Your professional wedding photography! 

The artists of Coral by Pacific Dream Photography are here to provide you with a team of professionals to ensure we give you all the preparations needed for a collection of memories you won't soon forget. 

Collect Ideas with an Open Mind

If you're like a handful of ecstatic bride-to-bes, you've most likely started your Pinterest board to start browsing for your wedding inspiration. While looking for decor, color palettes, and dresses, pay attention to the photography you come across and notice if something catches your eye. Getting ideas can beneficial, but keep reminding yourself that they might not turn out exactly like you had envisioned. Be open to trusting your photographer! Ultimately, the professional photographer you hire knows what will look best, but chances are they're willing to try an idea for a photo that you might have your heart set on. 

Make a Shot List for Your Photographer

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, grandma and grandpa, there's typically quite a variety of wedding party and family members that you'd love to capture group photos with. Sit down with your future husband/wife and create a shot list together to establish the photos you know you'll be wanting for the day off. It's okay to mix up combinations while in the moment (chances are you might get some photo bombers here and there from your wedding party), but make sure you have a flexible outline of the priority shots you won't want to miss. Go over the list with your photographer before the big day and rest easy knowing you won't miss a memory!

Take Your Couple Portraits Privately

It's the day that you two have been planning for months now and you wouldn't want any stress on your face to show through the photos! If time permits, pull your soulmate aside for a quick walk with just the two of you before you begin your portraits with family and friends. Bring your photographer with you and let them capture you two privately without the pressure of by-standers watching. By doing this, you're both allowing yourselves to sink into being present together. The photos will feel more carefree, effortless, and natural and you'll be thankful for having those few extra moments of privacy on your big day before returning to the fun and excitement!

HAVE FUN!

Don't forget that the most important part of making your wedding photography a great success is to have fun and enjoy yourselves! It's always great to have a few candid photos of you and your loved one on your big day.

Here at Coral by Pacific Dream Photography, we would love to capture your special day with the same enriched beauty that your perfect day will hold.  

- Written by Samantha

Sunset+Water+Wedding Dress

There is something I always love about a trash the dress shoot at sunset. If its just a little wet or full underwater photos it doesn't matter. There is just something so beautiful about these moments I find I love so much. 

CAN WE JUST SAY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO!

All of the Hawaiian Islands have those little things that make them so special. Each Island has it own unique feel from the next one. I think that is what I love so much about what we get to do. We have the greatest jobs in the world. We get to live on these beautiful islands and hang out with people on the most happy day of their life and tell their beautiful love story. This is another one of those amazing days with a great couple on the Island of Kauai at the Sheraton Kauai

Beautiful wedding at The Sheraton Kauai

We had such a great time at this wedding at the Sheraton Kauai. The couple was so much fun to work with and you couldn't have ask for a more beautiful location and sunset for their big day.