by Joel McDonald | Apr 4, 2017 | Kauai Wedding Photography
Haena Beach is a wonderful location for a Kauai beach wedding. Check out the amazing wedding photography at Haena for featured wedding of Julie and Bob.
Haena Beach, Kauai,
was the scene of a beautiful island afternoon and sunset on Sunday, November 20th, 2016, for the wedding of Bob and Julie. With a guitarist-vocalist to accompany the minister, the ceremony was a special event. On that day the Kauai sky was a little cloudy but never actually rained – which was good because it meant there was not too much heat or glare. Too much heat can make all the participants uncomfortable, whereas too much glare can mean the bride and/or groom have to squint, leading to awkward-looking photos. Luckily, the weather at Haena Beach was perfect for the wedding and the wedding photography.
Haena Beach: Beautiful Beneath the Majestic Mountain Cliffs
Hanna Beach on the north coast of Kauai really is a jaw-dropping location for a wedding or a special event of any kind. The mountains looks thousands of years old, adorned with all kinds of hanging moss and vines that have taken a long time to develop. When it rains, the rain drips down the vines all the way from the 1000ft towering peaks to the caves below.
Haena Beach has a famous dry cave which was sacred to the Hawaiians. The scene is must-see for tourists and typical of Kauai, which manages to combine the tropics, a river, a cave, majestic mountains, the beach, jungle vines, moss and more all in one scene.
Julie and Bob – Texans Who Chose Kauai as Their Wedding Spot
Julie and Bob come from Texas, but now having chosen Kauai as their wedding spot, the garden island will always hold a a special place in their hearts. Every time they come back to visit, Kauai in general, and Haena Beach in particular, will have special meaning and significance for them.
Congratulations Bob and Julie!
The wedding ministry/officiant service was performed by Aloha Ever After, with wedding photography taken by Timory McDonald Photography.
by Joel McDonald | Nov 12, 2016 | Kauai Wedding Photography, Kauai Weddings
Tunnels Beach, Kauai,
was the scene of a beautiful, picture-perfect sunset on Sunday, Sept 23rd, 2016, for the wedding of Matt and Ryan. The sunset was so stunning and gorgeous it looked like a postcard, with gentle touches of pink draped across the fading blue sky. Against this Tunnels Beach backdrop 20 people gathered, all dear family and friends of Matt and Ryan, to celebrate a love they were finally able to legally consummate.
Tunnels Beach: Wide and Long, With Bali Hai Mountains in the Background
There is a reason why Tunnels Beach is chosen by so many brides and grooms doing a destination wedding on Kauai. During the summer months, the sun actually sets into the water, providing a truly spectacular sight. Tunnels Beach has it all: a wide long beach, calm waters, nearby jungle and forest, and towering mountains surrounding you on one side – the unique shape of Bali Hai. The jagged outline of Bali Hai is often used in tourist commercials advertising Kauai as a holiday destination.
Wedding Ceremony: Touching and Emotional
The wedding ceremony itself was touching, with Matt and Ryan both choosing to write their own vows, which they read aloud before exchanging rings. They involved their 10 year old daughter in the ceremony, by including her in the traditional Hawaiian lei exchange at the beginning. Matt and Ryan both wore the open green ti leaf leis, traditionally worn by men, while they daughter wore a purple-and-white orchid lei.
Amazing Beach Wedding Photos
Some wedding groups are more friendly, outgoing or photogenic than others. This group was particularly joyful, which made it easy for photographer Timory McDonald to bring out the best in them and capture some great shots. The group was composed of babies, young children, other married couples and family elders; the group photos thus reflected a wide spectrum of ages and interests.
Congratulations Matt and Ryan!
This wedding was performed by Aloha Ever After, with wedding photography taken by Timory McDonald Photography.
by Joel McDonald | Aug 7, 2015 | Kauai Weddings
A Kauai wedding beauty stylist has to work with some pretty windy conditions on Kauai!
Why should every bride see a Kauai wedding beauty stylist?
We conducted an interview with Mia Moriguchi, Kauai wedding beauty stylist and owner of Mia’s Haven in Lihue, Kauai. We asked her some questions about wedding hair and makeup, especially as it pertains to Kauai weddings. Below are the questions we asked and Mia’s replies.
Question: What is beauty styling exactly? Can you give me an idea of the scope of services you offer?
I offer makeup services as well as complimentary hairstyling.
Question: Why did you choose beauty styling as a profession?
I enjoy art and transformation. I love to help bring out a person’s natural beauty through my work and seeing the joy and self esteem it brings them afterward.
Question: What’s different about doing beauty styling on Kauai, or beauty styling on Hawaii, compared with beauty styling elsewhere? Is there anything challenging about doing beauty styling on Kauai specifically?
With beauty styling in Hawaii you have to take into consideration the humidity, wind and heat. Hair does not hold curl as well in Hawaii, so the right products and appropriate styling methods are very important to ensure the clients’ hairstyle will last throughout the day/night. The same goes for makeup. Makeup must be set properly and the right products must be used to endure the Hawaii heat and humidity.
Question: Do you use special materials, colors or beauty styling products which are more resistant to humidity and heat, since many brides who come to you are doing outdoor Kauai beach weddings? Can you tell us a bit about them?
Yes I do. I always use humidity resistant hair products and waterproof makeup.
Question: What are the things you enjoy most about doing beauty styling?
Being a part of such an important day in a person’s life! I enjoying making my bride’s feel beautiful and confident!
Question: Why do you recommend a bride always get beauty styling done professionally for their wedding day?
Having your makeup and hair done professionally on your wedding day relieves the stress of doing it yourself. A Kauai wedding beauty stylist will also know the right kinds of product to use, as well as make sure that your makeup will be enough for photos.
Question: What does a bride getting married on Kauai need to know about getting her hair and makeup done?
The Kauai wedding beauty stylist professionals here are familiar with the climate of Hawaii and know what products and methods work best for it.
by Joel McDonald | Jan 30, 2015 | Kauai Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography in Hawaii
What are the best Kauai wedding beaches? Where is it best for you to have your Kauai wedding photography? Read our tips so you can make an informed choice.
So what are the best Kauai wedding beaches?
This is your wedding, and you should have what you want. Timory is happy to take your photos anywhere or any time of the day you want. However, there are more and less preferable places and times of the day to take any photos in terms of showing off Kauai’s amazing tropical colors and, of course, you! Timory also loves doing weddings at hotels or other places besides beaches, we are happy to offer recommendations for tropical gardens, hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, etc.
There are a few things to keep in mind when answering this question specifically for your wedding:
- Is your Kauai wedding location beach typically crowded or empty?
- What background do you want most for your photos?
- How does your choice of Kauai wedding beach affect the lighting?
- Where are you staying?
1. Crowded and Empty Beaches
Sometimes people say they don’t care if the beach they want to get married on (i.e. Shipwreck’s beach) are crowded and there are people in the back of their photos. (We especially here this from clients staying in Poipu where there are pretty much always people on every beach.) If this is truly the case, we are happy to take photos anywhere you want. However as most photographers agree, Timory strongly feels that photos are of a much higher quality if there are not (many) people showing in the background. This is why she so often recommends Lydgate Beach or other more private beaches/locations. Beaches that are nearly always filled with people and hard to get a clear shot at include Hanalei Bay and nearly all beaches in Poipu.
That having been said, all beaches are public and Timory demonstrates great dexterity in moving around to block absolutely anyone and any thing in the background she can.
2. Background
Another thing to keep in mind about the background is what do you prefer to see behind you? Beach? Tropical gardens? Tropical forest? Manicured hotel lawns/waterfalls? Mountains? Lava rocks and greenery next to ocean? Cliffs?
If you like mountains in particular (and beaches too) the north shore has a lot to offer. If you like lava rocks and greenery next to the ocean, Lydgate beach is perfect and private. If you like sandy cliffs, Shipwreck’s beach is a good choice. If you like tropical gardens or hotel properties then we have several to choose from on the island that are great, give us a ring and we can offer a better recommendation after we know a little more about your budget.
3. Lighting
Location will not determine the lighting as much as the timing. It is preferable to have softer lighting, later in the evening or very early in the morning. That way people can relax their eyes and they don’t look uncomfortable or as if they have closed eyes. It also helps people look less shiny from sweat. Sometimes this could be achieved more towards the middle of the day if it’s overcast or partially cloudy, but of course we won’t know the weather until very close to the photo shoot.
To learn more about choosing the timing of your Kauai wedding photos, see this article:
https://weddingphotoskauai.com/kauai-wedding-photos-timing/
4. Proximity
People often want to have their wedding right outside their hotel or resort for obvious reasons of convenience. This could be a great idea if you are also eating/drinking within walking distance so that you can safely drink and return to your property without a taxi…but it depends on a number of other things about that specific location (see the link at the end of this article). We have a lot of experience with nearly every property on Kauai. Please feel free to ask us about your particular hotel/resort property, and we will give you our honest feedback about the pros and cons of the beaches and surrounding areas both in front of where you are staying as well as close by.
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One thing to keep in mind about all beaches in the state of Hawaii, including Kauai is that they are mandated by state to have a beach permit. Not just anyone can get a permit, you must be registered with the DNLR and have a million dollar liability insurance. Timory and Aloha Ever After can get you a permit for any beach on Kauai. The beach permits allow an option A, and B (in case of rain) so there is flexibility to them, but they must be purchased ahead of time.
For further information, images and videos of the best Kauai wedding beaches, please read our article on specific locations:
http://www.alohaeverafter.com/kauai-wedding-locations/
Feel free to contact us with any questions: 888-939-3885.
