More wedding photos from 2015! Plus some more from Engagement Sessions and Family Portraits!

We are back to share more of what we have been up to in 2015. We have so many Hawaii weddings, engagement photo sessions, maternity photos and family portraits we want to share with you. Here are a few we hope put a smile on your face the same way it does for us. These wedding and portrait sessions took place at some of our favorite wedding venues and locations on Oahu as well as on neighboring Hawaiian islands of Maui and Kauai. These locations include Moana Surfrider Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Koolina Paradise Cove Crystal Chapel, Hale Koa Hotel, Turtle Bay Resort, St. Regis at Princeville and Tiki’s Grill and Bar Coconut Club.  If you are planning a wedding in Hawaii and need suggestions or recommendations, we are always happy to help our clients using our 7 years of experience as Hawaii wedding photographers and videographers! To see more about our wedding packages, portrait packages and Add-ons, see our “Prices” page on our website!
Destination bride and groom from Poland share a kiss with the beach and ocean behind in HawaiiBride and groom married in waikiki beach at Hilton Hawaiian Village photos by L'AmourGet married in Maui beach wedding with L'amour Photographydestination wedding dress with big train at Oahu WeddingHawaii Bride and Groom kiss in the sunset at Waikiki beach wedding on OahuHawaii wedding cake white buttercream round three tier with green orchidsHawaii Wedding photos at the St Regis Princeville in Kauai by L'Amour Photography and VideoHawaii destination wedding couple sitting on a palm tree at their reception on OahuFirst dance at hawaii wedding in waikiki at the Moana Surfrider HotelHale Koa Hotel wedding in Waikiki Hawaii by L'Amour Photography and VideoMoana Surfrider Waikiki Hawaii wedding photography and video by L'Amour Destination wedding groom with diamond head in background at Waikiki wedding at Tiki's Grill and Bar Coconut ClubDestination wedding couple kiss outside crystal chapel on Oahu at Koolina Hawaii wedding photography by L'Amour on Oahu and videoWedding Photography and video on Hawaii on the island of Oahu at Koolina ResortBride in Hawaii wedding photography and video at the Moana Surfrider Hotel on Oahu

We love capturing all of the little details that the bride and groom excitedly chose in the months leading up to their wedding. The perfect shoes to dance the night away. Gorgeous wedding bouquet with colors and textures that add to the overall look of the bride, bridesmaids, groom, groomsmen and centerpieces! The right amount of sparkly and sentimental jewelry to make the bride feel and look as special as she should on her wedding day.  The wedding rings are always a fun item to photograph as they are so personal and will be with the couple for the rest of their lives as the symbol of their commitment to marriage.  We can’t forget special moments like the one below of the cute little flower girl covering her eyes as the bride and groom had their first kiss during their ceremony at the Crystal Chapel in Koolina!Wedding details in photography at Hawaii destination wedding in WaikikiWedding photography of wedding bouquet on Oahu in HawaiiWedding photography and video by L'Amour Hawaii photo and video team KOolina crystal Chapel wedding in Hawaii flower girl during first kiss at ceremony in OahuWedding rings at destination wedding in Hawaii by L'Amour on OahuWaikiki beach during Hawaii destination wedding on OahuBride at Hawaii destination wedding on Oahu Bride getting ready for her Hawaii wedding photo and video by L'Amour Hawaii wedding photography for destination weddings on Oahu

We suggest to our couples an engagement session if possible a few months before their big day. This gives the couples beautiful photos to include on their wedding website or on their save the dates! Aside from those great reasons, it give the future bride and groom an opportunity to test out how they feel in front of the camera and gives our photography team the ability to work with the couple before the wedding day.  It is always great if the couple is already familiar with and comfortable with the Hawaii wedding photography and video team by the time the big day comes!  It’s not everyday that two people are followed around by so many photographers and videographers, so this little “practice session” can really help with the jitters.  We also can add-on a portrait session to any wedding package for an after wedding or “trash the dress” session. This can be great for couples who have a tight timeline on the wedding day and want more photos.  An after wedding session can also be great because the stress and rush of the wedding day has passed and the bride and groom can really be themselves with no one waiting on them and no schedule to adhere to or aunties and uncles grabbing them for hugs all night long! Wedding portraits and engagement photos at the beach in HawaiiBest Hawaii wedding photo and video team L'Amour Photography Underwater photo of bride and groom after Hawaii wedding on Oahu by L'amour photography and videoHawaii maternity or hapai session on the north shore of Oahumaternity photo shoot on Hawaii by L'Amourdestination weddings and family portraits at the beach in HawaiiFamily portraits on Oahu Hawaii by L'Amour Photography and VideoFamily photos in Hawaii by Lamour at a beach with palm trees on Oahucute kids at family portraits on the beach in Hawaii by L'AmourFamily portraits on the beach on Oahu Hawaii with mother and daughter in white bohemian dresses Oahu Hawaii family portraits at the beach with sunset and palm trees

Our Photography and Video team focuses on weddings the majority of the year, but when we get a chance we like to photograph engaged couples visiting Hawaii for engagement session, or families who want to capture memories of their special trip to Hawaii.  We are always excited to watch our couples grow from fiances to bride and groom and eventually contact us for maternity sessions and family. We hope you enjoyed these photos! If you’d like to see more please check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YELP pages!

Saying Aloha and Mahalo to a wonderful year of 2015 Weddings!

We want to say a big mahalo, or “Thank You,” to all of our amazing couples from 2015.  As you can probably see, we have had a very busy ear and wanted to end it with a bang.  Here are some highlights from some of our weddings of the year. There are just too many too share in one blog, so we will be posting a few blogs as well as posting to our Facebook  and Instagram!

 

These lovely wedding took place at some of our favorite wedding venues on Oahu including Turtle Bay Resort, Haiku Gardens, Kualoa Ranch, Moana Surfrider, Lanikuhonua and Hilton Hawaiian Village chapel!  We also had a chance to travel to the other Hawaiian islands for gorgeous weddings at the St Regis in Kauai and Olowalu Plantation on Maui.

This year has been jam packed with sweet couples, giddy engagement sessions, blue skies and warm breezes. We could no have asked for a better set of couples to spend it with. We are officially heading into our eighth year as Hawaii wedding photographers and can’t wait to see what the next year brings and meet our new bride and grooms! Stay tuned for many more highlights to come and follow us on Facebook  and Instagram!

Hawaii Wedding Photographer – Underwater Engagament Session

There is no better combination for us than doing what we love and getting in the water!

Hawaii Wedding Photographers for Oahu Engagement Session

We always love getting a chance to know our future bride and grooms better by first shooting their engagement session. Engagement sessions give the couples an opportunity to get used to being in front of the camera and get to know our team members before the wedding day.

Oahu Engagement PhotographerOahu Engagement PhotographerOahu Engagement Photography

This adventurous couple wanted to incorporate their love of the ocean in their photo session by doing some underwater photos.  We were lucky to find an area that was fairly sheltered from the waves for this session and found some pretty clear blue water!

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 We love how the bride-to-be wore a colorful dress that really added a pop of color underwater.  Our team had such a great time, we can’t wait until their wedding day!

Hawaii Wedding Photography – Sandbar Engagement Session and Underwater Photos

Blue skies, calm water, a clear view of the Ko’olau Mountain range, two gorgeous newly-engaged love birds and one handsome puppy all add up to a perfect recipe for a great Engagement Session and some fun underwater photos too!

Oahu Wedding Photographer UnderwaterHawaii Wedding Photography Underwater Trash The DressHawaii Trash The Dress and Wedding PhotographyHawaii Wedding Photographer for Trash The DressHawaii Wedding Photographers for Trash the DressHawaii Underwater Photography and Oahu Wedding PhotographyHawaii Wedding Photography and Underwater Photos by LamourOahu Engagement Photographer in HawaiiOahu Trash the Dress in HawaiiUnderwater photos in hawaii weddings on oahuHawaii Wedding Photography Trash the Dress

 

This soon-to-be husband and wife wanted to have an engagement session that incorporated their love of their dog,  stand up surfing and Hawaii.  Now this is our idea of a perfect day at work!  Living and doing wedding photography on Hawaii definitely has its perks!  We can’t wait to photograph this couple’s Hawaii wedding this summer on Oahu.

Oahu Wedding Photographer – Waikiki Wedding

We first met Rachael and Reginald a few months before their Oahu wedding when we photographed their engagement  portraits at the JW Marriot Ihilani Resort and Spa in Ko’olina, Hawaii.  We had a great time getting to know this couple and were so happy to be able to photograph their destination wedding.

Oahu Engagement Photographer in HawaiiHawaii Engagement Photographer portraits in OahuOahu Hawaii Engagement Photographer in HawaiiHawaii Wedding and Engagement Photographer at IhilaniHawaii Engagement Photographer at Ihilani in Oahu

The bride and groom had a Hawaii garden wedding at Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe in their Tahitian Chapel.  Rachael wore a gorgeous satin wedding dress with rouching and emboidery on the bodice and a mermaid train with covered buttons on the back.  Red satin high heels added a pop of color to her champagne colored gown. This elegant look was complimented by a deep red rose hair clip in her hair.  She looked absolutely radiant.  Reginald looked handsome in his tan colored suit and a complimenting dark red necktie.

Hawaii Destination Wedding Photographer Hawaii Wedding Photos in Oahu with orchid bouquet Oahu Wedding Photographer at Haiku Gardens in HawaiiHawaii Wedding Photographer based in Oahu at Haiku Gardens

Oahu Wedding Photographer at Haiku Gardens and Tiki's Grill and BarOahu Wedding Photography at Haiku Gardens in Hawaii Hawaii Wedding Photographer and Oahu Wedding Photographer

After the Hawaii garden wedding ceremony at Haiku Gardens the couple and wedding guests headed to Honolulu for their Waikiki Beach wedding reception.  The wedding reception was held at Coconut Club at Tiki’s Grill and Bar directly on the Waikiki strip.  Tiki’s Grill and Bar is centrally located in Waikiki Beach, which is convenient for guests especially for Hawaii destination weddings. The Coconut Club is located on the 21st floor and has amazing views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.  This Waikiki wedding reception had a Moroccan theme with beautiful flowers, linens, and decor by the ever so talented Designs By Hemingway.  The centerpieces were colorful Moroccan lanterns surrounded by bright roses and orchids.  The linens were exotically patterned with magentas, oranges and purples.  As the grand centerpiece to this Moroccan themed wedding reception Designs By Hemingway constructed an impressive a towering arrangement of roses, drift wood, and feathers that was a beautiful focal point in the reception.

.Hawaii Wedding Photographer based in Oahu available on all IslandsHawaii Wedding Photography with Moroccan theme with purple, red and orange wedding themeWaikiki Wedding Photographer at Coconut Club Tiki's Grill and Bar
Hawaii Wedding Photography of Designs By Hemingway and Tiki's Grill Waikiki wedding Photography View from Coconut Club Room at Tiki's Grill and BarHawaii Wedding photographer photos of Satura Wedding cake

The five tiered wedding cake was done by Satura Cakes had a different type of mini cake on each of the bottom three tiers. The top two tiers were a round fondant cake with an orange ribbon embellished with colorful flowers.  This cute couple finished up their Waikiki wedding reception at the Coconut Club watching the weekly fireworks display that Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on every Friday night.  This was a wonderful wedding coordinated by Katy Castillo Weddings.  Congrats to Rachael and Reginald!
Hawaii Wedding Photography fireworks show from Tiki's Grill and Bar Coconut ClubWaikiki Wedding Photographer based in Hawaii and Oahu

Hawaii Wedding Photographer – Waikiki Engagement Portraits

You can call it an engagement session, a portrait session, a post-wedding shoot, honeymoon portraits, or a trash the dress shoot.  Any thing you want to call it the fact of the matter is that they are a great way to remember a trip to Hawaii.  Our lovely couples come from all over the world to Hawaii for all the same reasons.  There aren’t many places in the United States that you can travel to any time of the year and enjoy 80 degree weather.  Not to mention the gorgeous tropical island setting, yummy poolside cocktails, beach-front hotels, awesome surfing, hiking and a distinctively unique traditional culture. I could go on and on and so can the throngs of couples who travel here every year for a romantic getaway.  No wonder so many couples request that we photograph their portraits to commemorate their trip here and look back on those photos as they freeze through their hometown blustery winters!

This cute couple is newly engaged and wanted to have their engagement portraits done here on Oahu to take advantage of the beautiful architecture of the Moana Surfrider Hotel and the sunset of Waikiki Beach.

Moana Surfrider Wedding Photographer and Waikiki Engagement PhotogrpaherWaikiki Wedding and Engagement PhotographerMoana Surfrider Hawaii Wedding PhotographerHonolulu Wedding and Engagement Photos by L'Amour PhotographyOahu Wedding and Engagement Photographer
Oahu Engagement and Wedding PhotographerWaikiki Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Destination Wedding Photographer – California Maternity Session

During our last trip to the California Bay Area we had the opportunity to photograph a gorgeous couple to celebrate their engagement and growing family. We had a great maternity and engagement session in San Jose, California surrounded by some nice modern architecture mixed with colorful landscaping. With a happy couple and a diverse setting, we couldn’t ask for anything more!

Hawaii Wedding Photographer of L'Amour Photography on OahuHawaii Maternity photography done by L'Amour's Photographers
Oahu Maternity Photos by L'Amour Photography HawaiiHawaii Pregnancy Portraits by L'Amour Photography OahuHawaii Engagement Photos by L'Amour Photography OahuOahu Wedding and Engagement Photography
Oahu Engagement Photographer L'Amour Photography HawaiiHawaii Maternity Photographer L'Amour Photography on OahuOahu Maternity and Engagement PhotographyOahu Wedding Photographer by L'Amour photography
San Jose Maternity PhotographerHawaii Photography by L'Amour's team of photographers

San Francisco California Engagement Portraits – Mario and Melinda

We couldn’t have asked for a better engagement photo session.  Gorgeous couple, diverse scenery and great weather.  As L’Amour owners and photographers, Wendy and Eric, were born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, when planning out this engagement photo session, we had many ideas of landmark places to stop at.  However, as is typical on any of our shoots, when passing by an inspiring alley, flower shop, or  stream of light we just  had to make a quick detour to take advantage of unexpected and exceptional situations.  We spent a few hours going around San Francisco with this newly engaged couple to capture their engagement photos in various settings that reflect their personal style. Classic, modern, edgy and romantic.   We had such a fun time traveling around the city by the bay with this perfectly paired couple.

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Oahu Engagament Portraits – North Shore – By L’Amour Photography

This couple traveled all the way from Canada to Hawaii for a little getaway and decided what better place is there than Hawaii to have an Engagement Session! We traveled up to the North Shore of Oahu during sunset to do this session. The day was pretty cloudy which made for some beautiful colors! But, don’t take my word for it, check them out below.

North Shore Oahu Engagement Portrait

Sunset Engagement Portraits on Oahu Hawaii taken by L'Amour Photography

Engagement Ring photo photographed during an engagement session by L'Amour Photographers

L'Amour Wedding Photography's Black and White Engagement Portraits taken on Oahu

Sunset Photos during an Engagament Portrait Session on North Shore Oahu by Lamour Photographers

Oahu Engagement Portraits taken North Shore on the Beach by LAmour Photography

Black and White Engagement Photos on Oahu Hawaii by L'Amour Photography

Engagement Photos under a tree on North Shore Oahu

We hope you enjoyed these North Shore Oahu engagement portraits as much as we enjoyed working with this wonderful couple!

Wedding day fitness

Your special day is fast approaching, and you’re worried about looking your best in that perfect dress. There’s no need to panic – making a few tweaks in your diet and adding some physical activity will go a long way. All it takes is a little motivation and discipline!

If you have some room in your wedding budget, you could factor in some sessions with a personal trainer. Research independent trainers in your area for the best prices. If you belong to a gym, there should be several trainers to choose from to fit your needs. Some places even offer group discounts, so drag along the MOH or some of the bridesmaids who are probably also watching their waistlines before the big day! Adding group exercise classes to your schedule can help motivate you, and they are much more fun than spending an hour on the treadmill or StairMaster! One of my personal favorites, Spinning, burns hundreds of calories and reduces fat in just one hour a class. The lively music and energetic teachers pump you up, and you will feel great afterward. Pick up a class schedule and give them a try!

If you don’t belong to a gym, no need to worry! Walking or running outside for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, should be your goal. Fitness DVDs can be rented out at the video store, or you could buy them at fairly reasonable prices at Target. Yoga and Pilates can do wonders for your figure. Try adding Yoga or Pilates DVDs to your fitness plan to elongate and strengthen muscles and appear leaner. They can also help with relieving stress! An hour session will enhance your breathing and calm your mood. There are several other DVD options to help tone your “problem areas” or to improve overall fitness.

Whatever you decide to do to get your heart pumping, start now! Exercising releases endorphins, so you will feel and look great.

Smart eating is essential to your wedding day prep. Trade in white flour for whole wheat or whole grain choices. Drink as little, if any, alcohol as possible leading up to the wedding. If you do attend a few happy hours, opt for lower-cal choices such as white wine spritzers or a glass of red wine. Cutting out soda can make also make a big difference in a short amount of time. Water is your best bet – increase water intake and stay hydrated. Lots of water will be especially important because now you will be more active. Eating at home saves you money and calories, so try to limit dining out. When you do go out to eat, skip the bread basket and dessert. Eat every couple of hours to keep you from bingeing later. Choose smart snacks, such as 100-Calorie packs, low-calorie popcorn, low-fat string cheese, vegetables with hummus, or single servings of nuts. Cutting out some of your favorite things and replacing them with healthier alternatives will reap great benefits when it comes time for your last dress fitting!

Working out and eating healthily will have you looking and feeling your best on the day you’ve been waiting for. Your commitment and hard work will all pay off when you are enjoying that beautiful wedding cake that you so deserve with your new husband!

Oahu Portrait Photographers – Min and Juan’s Hawaii potraits – Waikiki Beach

Min and Juan had a long list of things they wanted to do when they went on vacation to Oahu Hawaii. Snorkeling, parasailing, laying out, shopping, and portraits. Min actually scheduled a portrait session for her and her husband of five years a surprise for him! What a cool surprise! We photographed around the newly reopened Royal Hawaiian Hotel , Sheraton Waikiki, and the beach near Hale Koa.

We had such a great time photographing this cute couples portraits we even hung out a bit after the session and talked about their hometown of Sacramento (near my alma mater, UC Davis) and, of course, the recent “Jon and Kate Plus 8” drama! It’s true I have been sucked in!

Thanks Min and Juan for the fun afternoon in Waikiki! Have a great snorkeling trip tomorrow!

Oahu Engagement portraits taken at the royal hawaiian hotel and waikiki beach

Oahu Engagement Photographer – Michelle and Wayne’s photos by L’amour

Unique and Creative portrait on Oahu by L'amour photographers in Hawaii

Michelle and Wayne came all the way from Sin City Las Vegas, Nevada for their wedding at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Crystal Chapel.  Unfortunately we weren’t available to shoot their wedding, but we did get the opportunity to shoot their “post-wedding portraits”/”engagment photos.” Michelle and Wayne were so great to work with.  We hiked around the Blowhole Lookout and Sandy Beach and got some really awesome shots. This may be one of our favorite ring photos we have ever done.

We wish you of happy years together! Best wishes from Eric and Wendy at L’amour Photography.

Engagement Photographer Portraits in Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Photojournalistic Wedding and Engagament Photgraphy in Hawaii on Oahu by L'amour photography

* * * Click here to see Michelle and Wayne’s Oahu Engagement Portrait Slideshow * * *

Oahu Wedding Association (OWA) – March Meeting at Masako Formals

Wendy and I spend a lot of time hiding behind cameras at weddings. It sorta goes with the job. This last Oahu Wedding Association meeting we got a chance to walk a mile (or a few runway lengths… I tend to over exaggerate) in the shoes of our Brides & Grooms. We got to play bride and groom, again, and get all made up to model some of Masako Formal’s wedding attire.

Not only did we get to rock a wicked tux and wedding dress, we had a chance to work with some of our fellow OWA members in a much more up close and personal role than we normally get. Wendy and I were both sized and dressed by the lovely staff at Masako Formals. This turned out to be a repeat for Wendy, since she actually bought her wedding dress from them a couple months back.

I was fitted for a silver Italian tux. It turns out that it is a very popular look for many of the Japanese weddings here. It further turns out – I don’t fit the normal Japanese sizes. No snag there though – they brought the tux to the back and was quickly back out with the tux adjusted to my size. Go go gadget tuxedo!

Wendy and Eric of L'Amour Photography

Not only did Wendy get to wear another beautiful wedding dress, she was pampered with makeup by Wendy Robin of Studio W of Honolulu. Now this part gets confusing – I have to describe Wendy Robin’s (the make up artist) work on Wendy Leslie (the wife). Wendy R. is an INCREDIBLY talented makeup artist and a wonderful person. She was trained in Hollywood, worked in paris for print photographers, and then came back to LA to do makeup for the stars. The list of people that she has worked with reads like the who’s who list of Hollywood – Matt Damon, Carmen Electra, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, James Earl Jones, Bernie Mac, Jack Black, and Jaime Pressly the just name a few. She has skills. Numbchuck skills, bowstaff skills… She has plenty of skills. Wendy R. did an airbrushing job for Wendy’s makeup. I lucked out and only got a quick powder. Ahhh the joys of being a man.

After all the prep, we had a BLAST walking down the runway in front of all of our peers in the industry. It was so much fun and I felt like the luckiest guy in the world to get to escort the most beautiful woman in the world down the catwalk. We were both lucky to have some of our wonderful photographer friends there to capture the whole shabang.

All in all it was a GREAT evening. It is always such a treat to hang out with so many amazing people. We are really blessed to work in this industry with these people. Millions of thank yous go out to OWA for the opportunity to dress up and party like its 1999… I mean 2009.

-E

Check out Geralyn’s cutting (it slices, it dices) hair-do, and Mona’s convertible Kimono –

Special thanks to Grant Gomes for snapping the below collage pics for us!

And to Eugene Kam for the below (yes ladies and gentlemen – that is my wifey! I’m a lucky guy!) –

Hawaii Destination Wedding Photographer – Tanja and Stephan’s Big Day!

Tanja and Stephan were so much fun to work with on their big day.  With roots in Germany, this couple gathered at Haiku Gardens with many family and friends who flew half way around the world for their special day.  Both Eric and I have German heritage and got some coaching from our German relatives on how to pronounce the German word for “Congratulations.”  They really make it sound effortless, but Eric and I just could not get it right. But, hey, we tried!

Hawaii Wedidng Photographer husband and wife team based in Oahu

Destination Wedding Photographer L'amour Hisband and Wife Team

L'amour Oahu Wedding Photographer

Congrats to this cute couple and thanks for the fun time!