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!!

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.

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!

Early Morning Sweetness

When Foram suggested 6:30a.m start time, I have to admit I was a little bit nervous. I thought that perhaps the beach would be too dark and shadowy but I trusted that all would work out and did it ever! The beach was empty, peaceful and full of pastel colors. Foram dressed her family in the perfect color scheme which complimented the backdrops so elegantly. We played at White Rock Beach on Maui’s South Side during this mini session and we all shared so many sweet stories and laughter.

Not only where we celebrating their daughters first time to Maui but Foram is expecting her next child with Abhi. I am so thrilled Foram shared that great news with me. Isn’t she just glowing?

Congratulations to you all and I hope to see you back here on Maui with your next little girl!

A Whimsical Upcountry Garden Wedding

It’s always such a treat to photograph long time locals for their weddings on Maui. Venesha & Ian along with their friends & family brought the tender Aloha spirit with them that beautiful morning. We all gathered at the breathtaking Kula Botanical Gardens in Upcountry, Maui. The flowers were fragrant and abundant. The skies were sunny & clear and we all know the view upcountry is stunning.

Venesha & Ian met down at Ho’okipa while enjoying some ice cold refreshments after a long days work. The North Shore beaches can be the place for locals to gather to enjoy sunset and “talk story” about work weeks, kids and what is upcoming for the weekend. Venesha & Ian’s “Pau Hana” time turned into a beautiful love story. You can see it in their couples photos.

Throughout the day, the family & friends took care of the details and supported Venesha & Ian so much. Her friend made her Lei Po’o, bouquet & Maile Leis. Her other friend baked them cupcakes for all to enjoy in place of a cake. There was poke and refreshments for the guests to enjoy on the garden grounds. Truly inspiring to witness.

Enjoy the photos and get in touch with me if you are inspired to have a small garden wedding. I can connect you with Merry Maui Weddings. Ayesha coordinated the ceremony & was the officiant as well!

Congratulations to Venesha & Ian! I wish you the best journey ahead and can’t wait to run into you both real soon.

Dream Couple... Congratulations Luka & Rachel

When I met this couple in Seattle, I could feel their magic. They are both incredibly talented, Luka as a musician and Rachel as a dancer. They also make music together that takes me places. When they decided to move to Maui, I was so excited to cross paths with them again. Over Vietnamese food, they let me know they got married but never had photos done. I was more than excited to offer them a couple’s session on Maui! We went to a beautiful spot on the North Shore and the images speak for themselves. So much magic and beauty! Congratulations you two!!!

Family Forever

Gina & her family were so incredibly loving and sweet. We enjoyed the gorgeous backdrop off Kealia Boardwalk in South Maui. The expansive white sand beach and views of both Haleakala & West Maui mountains make for the most scenic backdrops.

Have a look at this beautiful session and contact me for your session!

Let Me Re-Introduce Myself

Aloha… I’m Desi. I’ve been busy working on other projects and I am ready to re-launch my photography business. I have been behind the camera this whole time creating and honing in on my craft. You will see many amazing posts to come showing my latest & greatest work. Please reach out if you are ready to book a session with me. I’m scheduling family sessions, elopements, maternity & other creative shoots! Look forward to seeing you.

Beautiful Backyard Wedding in Haiku, Maui

Simple beauty, a quaint garden and the cutest couple ever …equals wedding photo success! Jeana & Matt really love each other and it showed up in every photo. They knew how to help each other smile & enjoy their wedding day to its fullest. They were surrounded by their closest friends & family and were celebrated so genuinely. Congratulations you two!!! Enjoy your new life journey together.

Kula Botanical Garden Elopement

There is something to be said about keeping it simple… just a bride, groom, minister and beautiful gardens surrounding the wedding. Jon & Amy decided to have an elopement upcountry and it was a tender, sweet wedding. We all slowed down together and enjoyed to cool breeze and colorful flowers of the grounds. Kula Botanical Gardens is a well established place with plenty to offer if you want a laid back yet beautiful afternoon. Congratulations Jon & Amy… I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I do….

Stunning South Side Family Session

I find it so incredibly touching when I get the opportunity to capture the generations in a family session. This beautiful family has been in my Maui life for quite some time now. They all have such amazing gifts and the best smiles. Angela and I met at the Haleakala Waldorf preschool yard when our daughters decided to be best friends. I think she & I were very relieved that we liked each other as well. Her husbands parents are also here on island and have helped raise their daughter. Their bond is undeniable and they were such a joy to work with. The golden light came out in full force and we bathed in it until the sun went down.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to photograph this moment in time. Congratulations to Marc & Angela for their 10 year anniversary together and to Leila & Dieter for being together for about 60 years ( i believe). How inspiring!!! Much Aloha to You All!

Being a "Mineral Being"

Maui is full of amazing people offering amazing things. Nicole Kinsel certainly falls under this category as she is the co-owner and founder of Mineral Being. Mineral Being is an online crystal shop filled with the most beautiful and rarest crystals found on the planet. I have seen her collection many times and let me tell you, it’s incredible. On top of having a stunning crystal collection for sale, she offers crystal sound healings. I was blessed with receiving a session from her and it definitely facilitated positive change in my life. She worked her way up my body, activating chakras with particular crystals while using sound bowls vibrations on my body. I was very inspired by everything she offers and we created this photo shoot so the rest of the world can reach her! It was no surprise when the angel light showed up among the photos when i sat down to edit. My love for creating website content and her love for the crystals & healing shine through in each photo. I hope you enjoy these moments and contact her in Instagram @mineralbeing.

Just the Two of them...Almost...

Jordan and Amanda wanted a simple elopement on Maui…beach side…sunset…simple. They got a sweet surprise when Jordan’s parents surprised them to witness their ceremony on the island. Amanda was very gracious as his parents had gotten a bit lost and the wedding was pushed back a bit. Everything was just perfect anyway. The golden light filled the sky as they exchanged their rings & vows. We had romantic lighting all through our photo session and we played until the last bit of light disappeared. It was beautiful and very toughing to see how cute those two were together. I wish them nothing but the best on their journey together as husband & wife.

Good Quality Family Time

I love to see generations of family get together to enjoy a simple sunset photo session. Emily and her husband Jeff recently finished building a home in Haiku on the North Shore of Maui Hawaii. She gathered her closest family members and we played around the house and the yard capturing sweet moments of laughter and fun. The light was glowing and even Uncle Joe was enjoying the session. I left feeling very happy for all of them and grateful for having this sweet family in my life. Thank you Emily for supporting me and my passion for photography. I look forward to having more of these sweet sessions with you all in the future.

Keep it Simple...

I love weddings where everyone is relaxed and at ease with the day. Sam & Ashley decided on a very intimate beach wedding on Maui with only their closest friends and family. We were able to squeeze into a private little cove on the south side while these two exchanged beautiful vows of love. We were all touched by the ceremony led by Ayesha of Merry Maui Weddings and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. Kai Akin was playing lovely tunes for us on the ukulele and gave the couple a first dance song on the beach. I am sure the I will see Sam & Ashely here on Maui celebrating anniversaries…kids… who knows!

Lots of Love to you both,

Desi

A Beautiful Wedding at Gannon's in Wailea

It is always so wonderful to witness a loving wedding with friends and family that are thrilled for the couple. Nicole and David were the absolute cutest and were so excited to get married. Their wedding parties were full of great energy and the day was one of those perfect Maui days. They honored each other in a very heartfelt ceremony led by Ayesha of Merry Maui Weddings. We had a great time during family photos and the lighting during the romantics was my all time favorite… soft, sweet and perfect for light play. We ended up over at Lava Rock for the reception where they rented the whole place for themselves. The patio was set up very nicely by the aunties and they were ready to sing and dance the night away. Thank you so much for having me and I wish David & Nicole nothing but the best on their journey to come.