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!!!

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 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.

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!

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!!

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!

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!

Why not come to Maui?

This great family session was sparked by the question “Why Not Come to Maui?” To be honest, this is my stepdad’s side of the family and seeing as my mom & he have a guest room, his daughter Sarah & her family hopped on a plane over to Maui for a visit. We all had such a great time and I offered them a family session at the stunning Kealia Coastal Boardwalk area. There were many laughs and so many highlights I was able to capture. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I do!

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.

Classic South Side Family Session

I have a secret spot in North Kihei that always gives us the best lighting, background and overall fun when it comes to family sessions. Have a look and if you want to know more about having a photo session there, contact me!

This cute family from Northern California was ready to play and enjoy one another. Makes my job not really seem like a job at all. I really feel blessed to meet such amazing folks all the time and capture their love.

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….

Hello.... How's Everybody Now~a~days?

Hey there…. Just like everyone else, I’ve been laying low for about a year enjoying slower days and some much needed rest. I am happy to say that I am back on the wedding scene on Maui and picked up some help during my “quarantine” journey. Photography is definitely a passion of mine and when I get to photograph a wedding or a family session, it hardly feels like work. I feel happy and the highlight is connecting with new people and learning their stories. I have never had a steady second shooter and I’d like you all to meet Gabriel. He is the man in my life and what a talented man he is. He’s normally traveling the world singing songs with his band WOLFCHILD but with the Covid stuff going on, he’s been hanging out on Maui. I’ve been teaching him all the tricks I know with the camera and now he is joining me on my photo shoots. Here’s a sneak peek of us behind-the-scenes at our most recent wedding and the photos we got from the spots we were in. I hope to see all of your smiling faces out in the world real soon….