AinaKai Photography: Hawaii Wedding & Lifestyle Photography blog

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

2009-12-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T01:53:00.000-08:00

Destination Wedding on Kailua Beach: Michael & Eri

2009-11-19T16:50:00.001-08:00

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

Ke Iki Beach Wedding, Oahu: Mark & Morgan

2009-11-09T16:33:00.001-08:00

Mark and Morgan, an ocean-loving couple, had a destination wedding on beautiful Ke Iki Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Their friends and family rented all the units at the oceanfront Ke Iki Beach Bungalows, where the reception was held. The weather gods were kind to this surfer-diver couple as the gale force winds died down and rainclouds gave way to a beautiful sunset during the ceremony officiated by Rev. William Webb (808-625-9692). The outdoor reception was a fun affair with a scrumptious Indonesian buffet catered by Annie of Baik Catering (808-393-1513, baikcatering@hotmail.com). Congratulations to Mark and Morgan!

View more images of this wedding on the Oahu Wedding Photo facebook page.

Roy's Restaurant Wedding, Hawaii Kai: Joe & Jess

2009-11-02T02:04:00.000-08:00

Jess and Joe's wedding took place in a beautifully decorated private dining room of Roy's Restaurant in Hawaii Kai. Jessie's sister and mom served as the wedding coordinators and Joe's father officiated the ceremony. Over 100 guests celebrated with the happy couple. Congratulations to Jess and Joe!

Catering: Roy's Restaurant
Hair and Makeup: Leslie Gallagher

Family Portraits on Lanikai Beach, Oahu

2009-10-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Engagement Photography: Kama'aina Discount

2009-10-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Fifty percent kama'aina discount on engagement photography: $180 (regular price is $360). E-session package includes one hour of on-location photography on Oahu, a disc of edited and enhanced images with copyright release, and a private online gallery of images to share with family and friends. Offer is valid until January 30, 2010.

We are also offering beautiful Save the Date cards on high quality, eco-friendly paper. Please contact us for more information.

Molii Gardens Wedding: Jordan and Jessica

2009-10-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

Slideshow (may take a few minutes to download).

Oahu Wedding Photo clients Jordan and Jessica tied the knot at Molii Gardens, Kualoa Ranch a couple weeks ago. The overcast skies did not dampen the spirits of this young couple and their friends and family. They exchanged vows by the water in a ceremony officiated by two of their friends. One of my favorite images of this wedding is when it started to sprinkle and Jordan looked up at the sky and said "Why does it have to rain on my wedding day?" We reminded him that rain and rainbows are considered a blessing in Hawaii. Both Jordan and Jessica of course knew this because they had both grown up in Hawaii. The rain stopped after just a few minutes. Congratulations to Jordan and Jessica! Enjoy the slideshow. We will post reception pictures later.

No Marriage Licenses on Furlough Days in Hawaii

2009-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Couples planning a destination wedding in Hawaii should be aware that marriage licenses will not be issued on the following days due to state worker furloughs, which start this Friday.

Friday, October 23 and 30

Friday, November 20 and 27

Thursday, December 24 and 31

For more information on how to apply for a marriage license in Hawaii, please visit the Hawaii State Department of Health marriage license office.

Koolau Golf Club Wedding: Lawrence and Naomi

2009-10-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Naomi and Lawrence tied the knot at Ko'olau Ballrooms in Kaneohe. They had a lot of children at their wedding, so Naomi's talented sister had a kid's favor buffet set up to keep the little ones entertained during the reception. What a good idea! It was a wonderful celebration with a Lion Dance and Taiko Drummers. Best wishes to Naomi and Lawrence.

Honolulu Vacation Photography

2009-10-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

Grandma, mom and daughter visited Oahu over the summer to enjoy some quality time together. The young lady belongs on the stage - she was so full of fun and theatrics and kept us laughing through photo session. We enjoyed meeting these three lovely gals.

Kailua Sunset Wedding: Steven and Kori

2009-10-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Kori and Steve, a fun-loving couple from Alaska, enjoyed a destination wedding on Kailua Beach last month. Kori's relatives on Oahu and Kauai helped plan a beautiful Hawaiian wedding ceremony that included ukulele music and a hula dance. Guests were given Japanese umbrellas and lauhala fans to keep them cool during the ceremony. The lively reception was held at Pah Ke's Restaurant in Kaneohe. Pah Ke's is a local favorite for Chinese food and mouth-watering desserts and cakes (the owner, Raymond Siu, used to be the pastry chef for the Halekulani Hotel). Congratulations and best wishes to Kori and Steve! Steve will never forget their anniversary: 9-9-09!

Flowers: Flowers by Carole
Officiant: Rev. David Leonard Vega
Wedding dress: David's Bridal
Cake: Raymond Siu

Look for more images of this wedding on our facebook page soon.

Hawaii Family Photography

2009-10-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Lanikai Wedding: Nelson and Tricia

2009-09-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

A sign that read "Toes in the sand is how we'd planned," greeted Nelson and Tricia's close family and friends on Lanikai Beach. The guests left their slippers by the sign and walked down to the water's edge to watch the couple exchange vows in a short, sweet ceremony officiated by Rev. Diana Warrington. The reception dinner was held at a Lanikai hillside residence. The beautiful and delicious cake was made by Cakeworks. Congratulations and best wishes to a lovely couple!

By the Sea Vacation Photography: Lanikai, Oahu

2009-09-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Three brothers and their lovely families enjoyed a summer vacation in Waikiki, Oahu. They requested family photos on a beautiful beach, so, we suggested Lanikai Beach. After the photo session, the kids enjoyed pizza from Bob's Pizzeria and shave ice from Island Snow. We hope to catch up with you on your next visit to Hawaii!

Destination Wedding on a Waikiki Catamaran

2009-09-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

Dylan and Jessica chartered a catamaran for their wedding on the waters off Waikiki. Diamond Head, a Hawaiian sunset and the blue Pacific was the backdrop for their small destination wedding in Hawaii. This was the first time we had photographed a wedding on a boat and it was fun! Before the party started on the water, the couple wanted some photos on land. The sunset ceremony on the Kahala Kai was emotional and heartfelt. The groom had a ceramic wedding ring because of his work. The twenty some guests enjoyed heavy pupus (the summer rolls were yummy), champagne and delicious cupcakes made by the talented Vikki of Sunshine's Cake Creations. Congratulations and best wishes to Dylan and Jessica!

Catamaran: Kahala Kai

Catering: Panya

Coordinator: Katy Castillo Weddings

Cupcakes: Sunshine's Cake Creations

Flowers: Patty's Floral Designs

Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Tania

Officiant: Rev. Greg Christopherson

PS: We would also like to congratulate makeup artist Tania DeJesus on her recent marriage to a popular teacher at Punahou.

View more photos of this wedding on wedding coordinator Katie Castillo's website.

Outrigger Canoe Club Wedding, Waikiki

2009-09-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Outrigger Canoe Club, a storied oceanfront private club in Waikiki, was the venue for Tom and Jane's sunset wedding. The ceremony, officiated by Rev. Yukio Hamada, was attended by about 80 of the couples' close friends and relatives. The buffet dinner, catered by the Club, was amazing. The couple enjoyed a breathtaking Hawaiian sunset during their first dance, bouquet and garter toss. Speaking of garter toss, the lucky guy who caught the garter was delighted to find money attached to it! Congratulations and best wishes to a very gracious couple. Thank you for letting us be part of your celebration.

Wedding Proposal and Engagement Photos on Oahu, Hawaii

2009-09-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

This couple came to Hawaii from the Bay Area to attend her brother's wedding in Ko'olina. They wanted some photos taken to remember their time on Oahu. Although, they had planned to get married next year, he hadn't yet formally proposed or given her an engagement ring. What better place to do that than in Hawaii?! Part way into the photo session, he surprised her by proposing! Check out the cute hula girl ring box!

Family Portraits at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

2009-08-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

This family celebrated Mom's birthday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village recently. Dad surprised mom with a family portrait session, something she has been wanting for a while. While the kids were hunting for hermit crabs, we took some photos of mom and dad.

Vow Renewal: Waimanalo Bay, Oahu

2009-08-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

This family flew in from San Diego to watch Mom and Dad renew their vows on Waimanalo Beach this summer. Congratulations and best wishes!

Kahala Family Photography: Waialae Beach, Oahu

2009-08-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

A family visiting from the Bay Area, stayed with family in Kahala and had their photos taken at nearby Waialae Beach Park.

Lanikai Destination Wedding, Oahu: John and Lisa

2009-08-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

John and Lisa's intimate destination wedding in Lanikai can be described as simple elegance. They exchanged vows in front of a few family members on the lanai of a private hillside residence that overlooked the Mokuluas. After the ceremony, we hurried down to the beach to take a few quick photos before nightfall. Congratulations to John and Lisa!

Officiant: Rev. Frank Mak

View more images of this wedding on our facebook page.

By the Sea Family Photography: Oahu

2009-07-31T02:09:00.001-07:00

This family came to Oahu to attend a wedding and decided to have a lifestyle photography session in Kailua.

Vow Renewal on Kailua Beach, Oahu

2009-07-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Rob and Robin renewed their vows on Kailua Beach to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. It was a beautiful, simple ceremony attended by their two cute sons. Best wishes to Rob, Robin and their 'ohana!

Flower lei: Emi's Gift and Flowers

Officiant: Rev. Dave Vega