AMOUR...an Elopement on the South Shores of Maui

Phillipe, Delphine and Diana Eden made the long journey across the globe from Marsielle, France to Maui, Hawaii. They all loved being under the warm golden sun that is found in Hawaii and the family expressed that there was something special in the breezes on Maui’s south facing shores. I told them it was the Aloha Spirit that can still be felt when everyone lands on the island of Maui.

Delphine & Phillipe originally wanted a ceremony in French and Susan with Aloha Weddings was dong her best to accommodate them. The couple settled on the soft, gentle delivery of Wai, an officiant & celebrant, who resides on Maui. Wai customized the ceremony to suit the couple’s cultural difference and it was a touching time for us all. The Maui backdrop always makes for gorgeous photos. The family had a sweet dynamic between them that can be seen in every photo. Merci to Delphine, Phillipe & Diana Eden for playing on Po’olenalena Beach with me under the Maui golden light. It was an unforgettable time.

A Holiday Splash with the Parrish Family

Lexi and her adorable family reached out to me for family portraits while they were vacationing on Maui. I love when there are generations layered in the family photos because the joy cannot be contained. Lexi’s little girls were such angels and the stars of the photos… and you will see why. We played on the quaint beaches in Kahana on Maui’s West side and the sunset was breathtaking. Thank you to Lexi and her family for enjoying our time together! You all made my job so easy!!!

A Magical Wedding on 11/11/24 at 11:11a.m.

I love when there is some magic and intention behind a wedding day. Charles and Maya planned, with Ayesha of Merry Maui Weddings, a detailed and profoundMaui elopement ceremony that was held at DT Fleming Beach on 11/11/24 at 11:11a.m. The bride & groom were dressed so elegantly and the small group that made up the supporting team surrounded Charles & Maya as they exchanged their vows, rings and a great kiss of course!!!

These two undoubtedly had a love for one another that was not taken for granted in anyway. Charles just adores Maya to the moon and back. It was an honor to be a part of their ceremony and Maya get the Wedding Dress of the Year award in my book!!! So inspiring…

Congratulations and a lifetime of happiness to you both!

The Rizo Family Celebrates at Ironwood's Beach

The Rizo Family made a monumental journey to Maui… all 16 of them… and there were plenty of other family members that could not join… What was the occasion you ask?? Their parents 50th wedding anniversary!!! It is rare to see this kind of martial commitment especially when its celebrated by your loving daughters & their children surrounding the lovely couple.

Rosa (the eldest daughter of her parents) reached out to me and we agreed that a sunrise portrait time would be the best as they were all (mostly) early risers. We met at Ironwood’s Beach which is known for its pastel morning hues and stunning teals ocean colors during sunrise. We did all of the combinations you could dream of. I have to say the children made my day with the respect and love they all showered onto their parents and grandparents.

Thank you Rizo Family for having me that lovely morning. It was an honor to celebrate your parents EPIC 50th anniversary and meet all of you.

Love Always, Desi

A South Side Wedding packed with Love

Steven & Angelica hopped off the cruise ship when it docked on Maui to exchange their wedding vows. Their close friends & family were all able to join on that lovely afternoon at White Rock Beach. Angelica made sure the details were included that she wanted and the touches were worth it. Susan of Aloha Wedding Planning pulled all of the details together and Wai was the day of coordinator. Together those two deliverd a smooth experience for the Bride & Groom and all of the guests. There was an amazing musician and hula dancer woven into their ceremony. Rev. Kuya led their vows with lots of love & laughter. The group held a nice space and were blown away by the sunset that afternoon. I worked along side Brian with videography and we magically got through all of the shot list just as the sun dropped over the ocean. A huge congratulations to Steven & Angelica. I hope to see you all again on the beaches of Maui someday celebrating countless anniversaries to come.

A Magical Maternity Afternoon on Maui's North Shore

Kevin and Melissa are a beloved Maui couple and it was an honor to photograph this very special time for them. Melissa is an incredible artist and her murals are sprinkled throughout the island. She shared with me that she is expecting twins so we hit the beach while she is still feeling light on her feet. We all adore the North Shore as these are the beaches where locals gather for sunset sessions. We did see folks that we know along the way and I can’t believe how gorgeous the colors were that afternoon. Much love to you both and I will be anxiously waiting to meet your lil angels.

A Surprise Proposal on the South Side of Maui

When Eric reached out to plan a surprise proposal, I was all in on making this happen for him and the family. We opted for Kealia Boardwalk as this stretch of beach is stunning and made for the perfect backdrop to ask the Big Question. We booked this as a family portrait session and worked in the surprise proposal as the couple was surrounded by their children and parents. It was such a great moment for us all. If you are thinking about proposing on the gorgeous island of Maui, let me know…. I’d love to give you the support you need.

A Dreamy Couple at White Rock Beach

Franco & Daniella reached out for a simple mini session. Sometimes 30 minutes is all you need and I’m happy to accommodate! We met at the beautiful White Rock Beach and had the most epic lighting that afternoon. I was able to get a Lei Po’o for Daniella to keep her hair out of her face and add the perfect Hawaiian touch. Their energy together was so tender as they both were quite shy. The photos are so stunning that I just have to share!! Enjoy and thank you Franco & Daniella for being willing to make all of these memories happen.

Upcountry Family Sweetness in Poli Poli

We all have unique family situations but the important part is that we still love & respect everyone who comes into our lives that we choose as family. Christina was celebrating her birthday and wanted family photos. She had a fresh baby with her husband Luvin and she has a son with a previous partner. Everyone came together so Christina could have the ultimate gift of her kids sharing this time with her. Her previous partner was supportive and helped me get everyone’s attention and smiles. We basked under the soft sunlit sky and I think we can all agree the photos reflect the love shown that day. It was an honor to be a part of Christina’s birthday and capture these precious moments of them all together.

Isla Family & Kealia Coastal Boadwalk

Donna reached out to celebrate this Maui family vacation with some photo memories. They met me at Kealia Coastal Boardwalk and loved the long white stretches of beach and the views. She asked for mountains and beach and this spot delivers stunning views of both. We wondered around the area and enjoyed the native birds and the tide pools. The kids loved the wide open spaces and Donna loved the mis of portraits and candids we were able to create together. I’m available to create memories with you too if you are coming to Maui! Reach out and book something soon!!

Cooper Family at the Cliffs at Ironwoods

The Coopers had been preparing for their Maui trip for months and since the boys are growing up, Julie decided a family photo session would be the addition she wanted to solidify some of these memories.

We met at my favorite spot on the upper west side at Ironwoods Beach. It is defined by gorgeous white sands, great rock formations and stunning beach cliffs.

The boys did their best to make mom happy with the hour we had together. I am sure that Julie will cherish these photos for a lifetime.

A Bit of Off Roading Makes for the Best Wedding

Makai & Ola are both born & raised on Maui and were able to pull off a beautiful wedding tucked down in the depths of the jungle. Huelo is known for its rainy weather and strong breezes but for their special day it stayed warm & sunny. They were surrounded by their amazing children, friends & family.

I met Makai on an off-roading trip down to Kanaio and it was ever so fitting that on his wedding day we off-roaded down to the ocean cliffs. It was so stunning and their energy was filled with love, laughs and total sweetness

It was my complete honor to be a part of their wedding day and I am forever grateful for these two sharing their love with all of us.

Jenna & Family

I get so lucky with the sweetest families that come to visit Maui and end up having photos on the beach. The kids were great listeners and I could feel the love throughout their time together at White Rock that day. The sunset was unforgettable and their photos speak for themselves. They promised they will be back so I am sure I will see them again!

Falch Family & Florals

The Falch Family joined me one beautiful afternoon at White Rock Beach. It was breezy as usually but Bethany had ordered stunning lei po’o from Maricel Floral Designs. This is a great solution for keeping the ladies hair in place and it is a special tradition in Hawaii. The colors of the outfits were seemless against the gorgeous backdrops and we had a great time exploring the beach.

If you are interested in having family photos of your own, reach out!

Location: White Rock Beach, Wailea

Time: Sunset

Florals: Maricel’s Floral Design

A Family, A Baby Chick and a Gorgeous Sunset

My dear friend Jace treated his bestie Todd to a photo session with me. What a great gift!!! Todd was on Maui enjoying summer break with his kids. They were staying in Kihei and found an abandoned chick on Halama Street. For our photo shoot, we decided on Kealia Coastal Boardwalk and the family included their new addition… the baby chick! Wild chickens can be found just about everywhere throughout the islands but it was a first for me to include one in a photo session on the beach. I loved every minute. Enjoy these photos and this is your reminder to be creative with your photo session!!

A Stunning Morning Beach Wedding

Kim & Matty were enjoying the Hawaiian Island Cruise when they decided to get married while they were on Maui. They had a few friends & family with them and Susan of Aloha Wedding Planners put all the details together for them. My dear friend Wai was the officiant and her ceremonies are so sweet, kind and heartfelt. Kaleo played some Hawaiiana music with his ukulele and we all basked under the glorious morning sun at Maluaka Beach in Southern Maui. I think you all can tell from the pics just how amazing everything was surrounding this beach wedding. Enjoy these moments and a huge Congratulations to Matty & Kim.

Family Fun at Sunrise

I love getting up and watching the sunrise. The pastel colors against the ocean backdrop on Maui is breathtaking. I know getting up early isn’t for everyone but to make an exception and see it for yourself is an unforgettable experience. This sweet family got up early and met me at White Rock Beach in Wailea. We played all around and because of a gentle sprinkle that had happened on the morning, we had the beach to ourselves. Enjoy these moments with me and let me know if you want a sunrise session soon.

The Seniors That Came to Maui Together

I thought it was so special that three best friends who are also graduating in May were able to come to Maui for Spring Break with their families and have a photography session together.

Natalie, Kate & Kylie have had a long time friendship and it was evident when we arrived at the scenic Ironwoods Beach on Maui to celebrate their upcoming graduation. They knew they wanted individual photos and they also had some group photos in mind as well.

We adventured around the beach and the gorgeous cliffs that surround Ironwoods. They wore matching white dresses and were patient as we dealt with the wind sweeping their hair everywhere. Overall, we had a great time and these three made the best of it.

They really enjoyed seeing the beach and the cliffs as they are both so breathtaking. I must send out a huge congratulations to all three of them for their accomplishments and well wishes on all of their adventures to come.

Natalie, Kylie & Kate enjoy the rest of your Senior Year and I hope life brings you nothing but more adventures together in the future.

Families that Travel Together...Have More Fun!

The Clonts & Burson Families came on a dual family vacation to Maui together for Spring Break. They decided to book a session with me to document this special time on the island as well as the 3 soon to be graduating Seniors!

We all landed at Ironwoods Beach which has beautiful white sand and those ocean blues that are breathtaking. Each family had time to do multiple combinations together for pictures and as one big group. The moms had not coordinated on color schemes ahead of time but all I can say is.. Great Minds Think Alike! They all were spot on with whites & blues and matched wonderfully.

The children enjoyed gathering driftwood and playing gently in the waves as we worked through the important photos. Besides the extra ocean breeze, I think we all had a great time on Maui’s North West Shores.

Enjoy this sneak peek and if you are considering coming with close family friends, lets go out for a beach adventure and grab these memories!

Lots of Love to the Clonts & Burson Families as well as an early Congratulations to Natalie, Kate & Kylie!

A North Shore Wedding on Oahu at Ohia Farms

Being invited as the photographer for D & Janice’s wedding was a dream come true for me. I have been planting the seed for quite sometime with my partner Eddy to hop over to Oahu and join the wedding scene there. As the media team for this increible wedding, Eddy & I grabbed our cameras and headed to the stunning North Shore of Oahu. D & Janice had a warm and fun approach to their wedding. They were very hands on and wanted to do most of the planning. They chose a beautiful venue on the North Shore of Oahu that overlooked Waimea Bay. Ohia Farms offered the most epic views off of their ceremony site of the Bay and the reception was held around their crystal clear pool.

Everything came together smoothly as DeeDee and her team at Ohia Farms set the stage. Kimo & his catering team creating some amazing appetizers & a delicious buffet. The officiant Kelehua Kawai of Marry Me Hawaii held the most touching Hawaiiana ceremony for the couple that will be with all of us for some time to come.

D & Janice had a strong bond and the love they expressed for one another could be felt throughout their wedding. They also had a ton of fun moments that kept everyone smiling all day.

It was a great collaborative day for Eddy Nova & I as we were the media team together. Keep your eye out for his wedding films, my photography and other goodies we are brewing up. We are hoping around Maui & Oahu these days capturing weddings just like this one.

Thank you D & Janice for having us! It was a great time witnessing this special day with you.

Venue: Ohia Farms, North Shore Oahu @ohiafarms

Caterer: Kimo’s Akamai Katering @lolena90

Officiant: Kelehua Kawai with @marry_ me _hawaii

Photographer: Desi Maui Photography @desimaui_

Videography: Eddy Nova Wedding Films @desieddynova

Media Team Info: DesiEddy Nova @desieddynova