Trash the Dress: Lanikai Beach, Oahu

This lovely couple's wedding photography package included an engagement session, but due to scheduling conflicts and weather issues, the engagement session turned into a trash-the-dress at Lanikai Beach.

We will be posting special offers on the AinaKai facebook page starting in January 2010. Here's wishing all our blog readers Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) and a very happy New Year.

Wedding at Koolau Ballrooms, Kaneohe, Oahu

We were honored to be part of Josh and Jessie's fun wedding at the beautiful Ko'olau Ballrooms in Kaneohe. Best wishes to you and we hope you enjoy a sneak peek of your photos. We also enjoyed working with the other vendors at the wedding. A big shout out to Merryl Iraha who did a great job coordinating the wedding.

wedding coordinator and favors: Merryl Iraha, Island Treats Creations
flowers: Terrie Easley Designs
DJ: Tony So
video: IMF Visions

Warm-up Day for Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surfing Contest 2009: Waimea Bay

The world's best big wave surfers practiced for the 2009 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surf Contest at Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore yesterday. They practiced in 20 to 25 ft. surf in choppy, windy conditions. Jamilah Star (second photo) got smashed against the rocks near the shorebreak on her first paddle-out, but she went back in and surfed with the big boys. You go, girl! Getting back on shore was another challenge and the crowds lining Kamehameha Highway and the beach cheered when the surfers came in. Several of them, including Jamilah, dropped to their knees and thanked God.

I don't know who most of the surfers in the shots are. The surfer with the red board is Kala Alexander. If you know who the rest are, let me know.

The Eddie is on today in beautiful weather and 40 ft. surf at Waimea Bay.

Hawaii Vacation Portraits: Kailua, Oahu

This family enjoyed a Kailua-style vacation recently. One of the first things Grandma organized when she was planning the vacation was a family portrait session! We enjoyed meeting this lovely family.

Ihilani Resort, Ko'olina: Couple Portraits

Destination Wedding on Kailua Beach: Michael & Eri

This gorgeous bride and good-looking groom from Japan got married on an unusually windy overcast day in Kailua, Oahu, but the sun came out in time for their ceremony - hooray! It was a sweet, heartfelt bilingual ceremony full of happy tears. The couple took some sand from Kailua Beach with them in two small vials that they wore around their necks. Congratulations Michael and Eri! We wish you a very happy life together.

Flowers: Emi's Flowers and Gifts