Kristen + Alex traveled from the Golden Coast of Australia for their wedding weekend to Kihei Beach in West Maui for their engagement photos and wedding. They flew us out to Olowalu Plantation House to capture the festivities, starting with their welcome dinner at Aloha Villas the evening before the wedding. All 90 of their guests were invited. This is an idea WE LOVE because it means more time (and photos) with your nearest and dearest. As the evening drew to a close, we pulled Kristen + Alex to the beach for a few photos by themselves. During that time, it was also a chance for them to relax together, take a moment alone away from their guests, and soak in the fact that they were getting married in less than 24 hours. Down by the water, we shot a mini engagement session just before the sun started to set. Golden, creamy light poured down on Kristen + Alex, and we captured a gorgeous set of engagement photos. I just wanted to scoop up that Maui light, put it in my pocket, and pull it out at every shoot (if only that were possible)! We were so happy to have this photo time with Kristen + Alex. It eases wedding photo jitters to spend a moment or two in front of our cameras before your big day. From the client’s perspective, you get to see how we direct and set you at ease in front of the camera. After a few minutes, you’ll feel much less awkward as you start to loosen up and have fun in front of the camera! From a photographer’s perspective, we learn how you photograph, what your best angles are, and how to help you relax and have a good time–which gives you those natural, happy, and stunning photos. Win-win, right? Who doesn’t want that kind of engagement and wedding photo experience?

We always give our clients a mix of gentle direction on what looks good, while also allowing space for natural, candid moments to unfold. This always leaves a stunning gallery of relaxed and happy portraits, as well as a mix of beautiful candid moments that highlight the quirky, sweet, fun, and romantic aspects of any relationship. We absolutely loved every bit of these sunkissed engagement photos on Kihei Beach.P.S. Check out Kristen + Alex’s tropical Olowalu Plantation House Wedding here, and What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos here.