ALI & THOMAS
- HAWAII POLO CLUB -
Waialua, HI
Getting to photograph my cousin Ali’s wedding in Hawaii was such an incredible experience. It was my first time ever going to Hawaii, and the whole place felt unbelievably beautiful — lush, vibrant, and surrounded by the kind of ocean views that make you stop and stare for a minute.
The best part was getting to turn it into a whole week with family. We spent our days exploring, hanging out, and enjoying time together before the wedding even began. By the time the big day arrived, it felt like one long celebration. The ceremony took place right on the beach, and the water from the ocean washed right up to our feet in the sand while they said their vows. It felt simple and magical all at once.
The Hawaiian food was absolutely delicious, so flavorful and comforting, and everyone was happily eating, laughing, and enjoying the evening together. Then, once the termites finally flew away, the dancing really got started and the party carried on into the night.
And yes… the termites deserve their own story. We had been warned that at sunset they would swarm, and then about thirty minutes later it would get too cold and they would disappear. Of course that timing lined up perfectly with their first dance. While I was photographing it, the termites swarmed me completely, crawling down my shirt and all over me, but I stayed focused and kept shooting because there was no way I was missing that moment. It was definitely memorable and made for quite the story afterward.
Aside from that wild moment, the whole day was absolutely perfect. The air was warm, everything was bright green and full of life, and Ali and her partner were surrounded by so much love. It was such a beautiful place to start their marriage, and I felt so lucky to be there capturing it all.
