Janet and Justin were incredibly sweet. They even brought me coffee, a huge bonus for this morning session! They wanted a variety of scenery for their engagement photos, so we played all over the Makena area of Maui. Makena holds a significant place in Hawaiian history and comes from the word mak’ke, meaning “many gathered.”

Makena is part of a larger ancient land division named Honua’ula, which encompasses land from the rugged lava flow terrain of Keone’o’io Bay (now commonly referred to as La Perouse Bay) on the southeast shore, the lush pastures of Ulupalakua upcountry, and Keawakapu Beach, just north of Wailea. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived from Tahiti around 1300 A.D., and many landed along the Honua’ula coastline.

A major geographical landmark in South Maui is Pu'u Ola'i, also known as Earthquake Hill or Red Hill, which can be hiked starting from Big Beach (Makena State Park). While we didn’t climb up the cinder cone, we did go up to rocky outcropping that separates Big Beach from Little Beach, Maui’s infamous nude beach. From there, we could overlook the entire beach.

It was a captivating morning with these lovebirds. It’s easy to see that Janet feels at home in Justin’s arms and how charmed he is by her presence. I know they have a gorgeous future with shared hopes and promising dreams together.

There's something magical that happens when a couple lets you into their world. I feel a bit like a spy who is being shown a very special secret, witnessing the emotion on their faces and the way they share their own love language. This magic happens most frequently when the couple is relaxed without a care in the world except enjoying each other's company, and Day After sessions are filled with these amazing moments.

Of course, don't get me wrong, the wedding day is spectacular in its own extraordinary way, but there is usually so much going on with tons of details and memories to document. We also have to be aware of a timeline and I would always want more alone time with just the couple.

I met up with Lisa and Matt after their Oahu wedding for more adventuring and I'm so thankful we did! Their beautiful love dazzled. Plus Lisa was able to have another gorgeous look. My hope for Lisa and Matt (and all my couples) is that wherever life's journey takes them, they will be able to look back at their photos of the fresh start of their marriage and be reminded of all the fluttery feelings and the reasons for their everlasting commitment.

Amazing Honeymoon adventure Session Maui Kapalua Blowhole Hawaii

Janet + Justin {Maui Engagement Photos}

Lisa + Matt {Day After Wedding Hawaii Love Session at Ko Olina Beach, Oahu}