North Shore Kauai Wedding

I shot this north shore Kauai wedding a little while ago and didn’t share it. Which is completely crazy, because I loved it, and these ladies, so much.

You know when you meet people and just click? Or even chat on email and you know you just get each other? It was like that with L right away. I just could tell she was like me in a lot of ways, and I knew I could shoot her wedding in the way she wanted. We have the same kind of vision, if that makes sense.

I will always shoot all the pretty things in a wedding, because the time and effort that goes into that is a lot, and documenting it is important. But people, emotion, all the big-hearted feels, will always trump everything else for me. I love big, beautiful skies, far-away shots, and perfectly posed couple shots. But even more so, I love capturing the real life, every day emotions that come with a wedding.

I’m human, my camera doesn’t always do what I want it to, and not every shot is captured technically perfect, but if it gets those emotions, I will always include them. Sometimes, the mistakes can be some of my favorite shots. The laughter, the tears, the love and the joy. Because life and emotions aren’t perfect but they’re still such a gift, and there is beauty in the imperfections.

That’s what is magical about weddings. It’s a big, gorgeous, fancy party to celebrate something beautiful. But the way it brings people together, who love each other, that’s where the real beauty is for me.

One of the best tips I can give for weddings is plan to the best of your ability, and on the day of, know things will likely not end up exactly as you pictured and just go with it. It’s your day to laugh, to celebrate, and to let go with the people you love best. Don’t let the little details in things that won’t matter in 5 years get in the way of that joy.

L and M are the best kind of people. The people who love them surrounded them in love and joy on their special day. I’m so honored I was able to be part of their day and tell a bit of their story.