We totally clicked the moment we met. We laughed, talked story… it felt like we were friends forever! It might have been because willie+kaliko are best friends with one of our other rockstar couples (Doris+Keao), or that Kaliko is from the Big Island too (chee!), or that they are attorney-friends with our brother (yes, kash and I have a big brother — who was actually way more into cameras and photography than either of us were). Whatever the case — we were soul mates from the start.

Their wedding day… wow! What a privilege it was to be around such warm and loving family and friends. the first thing that struck us about kaliko, was how much she cared about the people around her. she couldn’t wait to give out her bridesmaid gifts… and with each girl, she wrote a thoughtful and personalized message that filled every piece of available writing space on the card. kaliko’s mom and dad were in the room the entire time… and we caught them, a bunch of times, just looking at their daughter with so much love in their eyes. every person in that room ADORED kaliko!

The whole day.. we were loving the rich culture and tradition. the kawa ceremony, samoan dance, both moms saying the welcome prayer… and the little things: the liko that kaliko had in her hair, the way she walked down the aisle with her whole family, the way willie kept acknowledging his father who has passed on… and i couldn’t help but soak up the ‘olelo hawaii (hawaiian language). i just wanted to sit there, stop shooting, and just listen to them talk. i love it. so much respect, thoughtfulness and aloha.

aloha ia willie laua ‘o kaliko! e malama kekahi i kekahi. me ke aloha, ARIA Studios — KA

their venue: lanikuhonua. beautiful, beach side and very much outdoors.

while most people would panic, jacinda and daniel’s attitude toward the pending storm was, “eh… we’re in Hawaii! even if it rains, at least it’ll be warm. we just want to get married.” such troopers.

on their big day — mother nature definitely delivered. the rain came down hard and so did power lines, trees and traffic lights. BUT, it didn’t bring down our lovely, sun-shiny couple. daniel and the guys made a b-line for Pho (we never met anyone who loved Pho so much. the shot towards the end of the SDE is his grooms cake, made to look like a bowl of Pho) — and jacinda got a front seat to the dramatic thunderstorms blowing onshore. it was a bit gusty and soggy… but it was beyond beautiful. their beautiful spirits lit up the entire event… and in the end, they got exactly what they wanted. a super fun, memorable wedding in paradise!  –KA

coordinator: Hawaii Weddings and Events | photographer: shawn starr | venue: lanikuhonua

…indeed. purple socks are very cool. no huge significance… just colorful, happy and fun. oh so very craig and marina.

from the moment we met, i fell in love with their down-to-earth, fun, laid-back personalities. craig and marina did all the planning from tokyo — they couldn’t wait to share their special day with their closest family and friends from all over Australia, Japan, and the WORLD. but, on wedding day — the forcast called for rain. lots of rain. all morning… big black rain clouds hovered over the entire island, threatening to ruin their lavish, chic outdoor wedding.

craig and marina just smiled, and said, “it’ll all work out.”

and it did! once we turned the corner to lanikuhonua… clear, blue skies and a sunset straight from a postcard!! amazing!!! a perfect celebration for our amazing, sun-shiny couple. congratulations craig and marina!!! –KA

the team: a finishing touch |  shawn starr |  troy michael |  poke stop |  REA events

Jennifer and TJ came to Hawaii from Canada to share an intimate wedding with their closest family and friends. TJ is a hyper competitive, country music loving guy, which is quite the contrast to the sweet, indie-rock loving Jennifer. While Jennifer was spending time with her sisters in the hotel, TJ was playing football with the guys. Though they may have slightly different music tastes, what they have in common is their love for one another and also to their families. This was one of the most fun and relaxing weddings we’ve ever shot! Congratulations Jennifer and Theodore!  –Ka$h

venue: lanikuhonua |  coordinator: Finishing Touch |  photog: Shawn Starr |  Dj: Troy Michael

Fresh. Artsy. Contemporary. We totally dig their style! Here’s a behind the scenes look at WEDDINGS at Hawaii’s hottest boutique hotel — The Waikiki Edition.  –KA

Edmond offered… a quarter =)

…followed by a pack of trident gum and some fish that his buddies caught in the pond outside. Eventually, he handed over a stack of bills (the crispest dollars I’ve ever seen!!). After a series of games… hilarious games… the guy got the girl =).

Edmond and Mel are fun, sincere, and soooooo sweet!!! All day long, Jess and I kept saying, “they’re so cute! Soooo cute.” We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding and couple to kick off 2011 with!!

Enjoy their SDE that aired at their reception. Great end to an AMAZING day! Congrats guys!  –KA