Crisna + Brandon {Twin Falls Maui Newlywed Day After Session}

It’s true what they all say, your wedding day goes by so fast. This is also true for me as your photographer because I only have a limited time to get all the shots I need to. I often wish that I had more time to spend with the couple capturing all their passion and looks of love, but there are usually timelines and guests to consider. 

I was overjoyed when Crisna and Brandon decided we should do a photo session the day after their gorgeous tropical wedding. It was so nice that they had their newlywed glow and were truly relaxed as any leftover wedding stress melted away. We were also able to get more use out of their cute burlap Wahine and Kane chair signs and flowers. Since it is Hawaii and flower crowns are always welcome, I recycled a bridesmaid's bouquet to make Crisna's crown and used the leftover flowers to make the petal shower in the waterfall. We only had one chance for this shot and I got to be both flower girl and photographer, throwing the petals with one hand while snapping the photo with my other hand!

To add variety to the photos from their oceanside wedding, we chose the romantic waterfall and forest setting of Twin Falls. This photo session had the spirit of a trash the dress session without actually harming Crisna’s wedding gown. I’m blessed to have been given extra time to spend with such a sweet, charming couple!

florals: Dellables

Angela + Daniel {Maui Fairytale Ten Year Vow Renewal}

Angela and Daniel honeymooned on Maui, so when they returned to the island after 10 years with their two sweet little girls, they decided to have a vow renewal to celebrate their journey through life together thus far. Angela really knew all the details for a whimsical fairytale complete with beach and rainforest locations, delicate florals, and her daughters in their fluffy white tutus. We chose Ironwoods Beach and the forest near Honolua Bay to make this dream come true. Even though it was overcast with some showers, it was a magical day filled with emotions. 

I can only begin to describe this day. As a writer, Angela's describes the entire time we spent together in such an unforgettable way. You can get a better idea from Angela's own words on her blog here. I was so blessed and it was such an amazing feeling to read. I will always treasure this celebration in my heart as one of my dearest brides of all time.

Angela's review from Yelp:

"I'm so glad I decided to go with Angie after emailing several photographers. I hired her because her pictures seemed creative, soulful and I loved her whimsical style. As a writer, I naturally gravitate towards other passionate, loving people and I just felt a connection with her photos. I told her I wanted two locations, beach and rainforest, and I wanted to recreate a fairytale like wedding scene with my two daughters in their fluffy tutus. 

I also wanted beautiful flowers that are natural and organic. I gathered my inspirations onto my Pinterest board and shared it with Angie and she knew exactly what I wanted! I was a little nervous about how the flowers will turn out of course because I have yet to meet her in person but the moment she brought out the bouquets, flower wreaths and boutonniere they were perfect, more beautiful than the ones from my wedding day!

The day was kind of gloomy with on and off rain which made the shooting a little hard for all of us but she was patient, smiled through it all and just did her magic with her camera. We were traveling so we were unprepared and she kindly offered our hungry kids a banana which gave us fuel to shoot for 30 more minutes, thank God!

Today I received all our photos and they are breathtaking and absolutely gorgeous. They not only look pretty but capture our family's love and soul so well that it resonates through each photo. I'm so glad I found her because her and my family's souls just connected and we were able to create lasting memories that we can keep forever. We only met for a few hours but I feel like I made a new friend in Maui. I'll definitely hire her again for our family photography next time we're there just because we love her so much."

photography and florals: Angie Diaz Photography // hair and makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry // flower girl tutus: CarmenCreation

Upcountry Lovin' {Lindsay + Matt Engagement Session}

Maui contains beauty all around, with the waterfalls on the Road to Hana and gorgeous beaches on at the top of most “Must See” lists. Add in yummy restaurants and fun activities like ziplining, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching or parasailing (depending on the season)… and I really realize yet again how lucky I am to live here! 

One of my favorite places is Upcountry Maui. The small town of Makawao is known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) roots. Farmland and gardens with stunning views are close by. With its crisp, cool air, Upcountry is a different side of Maui that some only get to enjoy while zipping through on the way to Haleakala Crater. 

Luckily for me, Lindsay & Matt wanted to have their engagement photos taken at Lindsay’s grandparents’ ranch in Kula. When I first arrived I noticed a gorgeous rose garden that her grandma proudly showed me. Lindsay mentioned she wanted a crown but we just ran out of time before the session to talk about it. Within minutes, I managed to craft a crown with zip ties. The bride-to-be was touched by the surprise and how much it meant that it came from her grandma's special garden. The rolling hills, wildflowers, and horses set a playful scene for these lovebirds.

From the Lovely Couple:

"My fiancee and I LOVED Angie! I found Angie through a Maui friend. From the first email I sent to her asking her to take our engagement photos she was sweet and easy to communicate with. She was up for anything that we wanted to do and gave us more options into which kind of direction we could do. These were our first professional photos as a couple and we were a little nervous. Angie made all those feelings disappear as she joked with us the entire time. I would recommend her over and over again."