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!

Hawaii Portrait Photographer – Kaylee and Family

Eric and I were really excited to work with Kaylee when she contacted us about doing portraits of her and her boyfriend, her 4 siblings, and their significant others! We were so excited to work with so many different groups all at once.  We met up with all 10 of them met up with us at Kakaako park in Honolulu and were all dressed amazingly coordinated in white and blue and lots of Lacoste.  I dug it! (Is that OK for me to say nowadays, or is that too 70’s-ish of a word?)

Oahu Family Portrait photographer

We always try to suggest a few poses or ideas to get everyone’s creative juices flowing in order to get the most “true” photos we can.  Kaylee and her family were really fun to work with and really took off with ideas for pictures. We especially liked their “Shoalin Monk inspired poses.” They are too funny.  We have this theory that if people act like themselves, as much as they can, in front of the camera, the photos will be most natural looking (unlike those horribly stiff posed prom photos we have all seem. I have quite a few of my own.  Someday I will share them with you as an example of the kind of look we are NOT going for!)

Family and engagement portrait photographer in Oahu Hawaii

Thanks to Kaylee and everyone for a great time!

Oahu Military Wedding Photographer – Caprice and Manny’s Wedding

We always have awesome brides and grooms as our clients. They are always so cheery and nice to work with, it really is always a pleasure.  Caprice and Manny absolutely fall into that category.  It was so much fun chatting about girly wedding stuff with Caprice before heading down to the chapel at Haiku Gardens.  I LOVED her dress and was kicking myself for not choosing a dress like hers for our own wedding (coming up now in less than 3 weeks!!!).  I love light and flowy wedding dresses like Caprice’s sheath dress.  They are really the best of both worlds: beautiful and comfortable.  However, since we are having a church ceremony back in California I chose to go with a more formal satin gown with a huge train (I love it, but I cannot say that it is going to be nearly as comfortable as a sheath dress. *sigh*)

Tropical wedding theme destination wedding photography by L'amour in Oahu

Manny looked very sharp in his Marine dress blues. We did feel bad though because it was pretty warm that day.  Oh, the things we do to look good.  Side note: I think wedding days are quite possibly the only day that men will understand what we women go through and the uncomfortableness that comes hand in hand with looking good.  We suffer with heavy corseted dresses and uncomfortable but really cute shoes while the grooms totally suffer through a sauna in their suits/tuxs.  Sounds fair to me! But, I digress…once again…

We had a great time playing with some fun lighting amongst the bamboo and on the path around the pond.  Manny and Caprice were whisked away to their reception in the Haiku Gardens Eco-cart complete with “Just Married sign!

Mucho Mahalo to Caprice, Manny and Family for a great wedding!

Hawaii Destination Wedding on Oahu by L'amour Photography

Hawaii Garden Wedding Photography by husband and wife team L'amour

Hawaii Wedding Photographer – Bernice Puahi Memorial Chapel at Kamehameha School and The Willows Restaurant

Eric and I started this wedding day with heading over to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to capture the bride and bridesmaids getting for the big day! I’m always excited to shoot somewhere new and was particularly excited to finally get to see the newly remodeled  Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.  When Eric and I moved to Oahu back in October of 2008 the Royal Hawaiian Hotel was closed for renovation and just recently reopened.  So, needless to say, I couldn’t wait to finally getting to shoot at  “the Pink Palace of the Pacific.”

Royal Hawaiian Hotel Wedding preparation photography in Waikiki Beach Oahu Hawaii

Lauwa’e enjoyed some good girl time with her bridesmaids while getting her hair and makeup done by Jaque Rojas.  I hung out with the ladies as they got ready while Eric headed over to the wedding ceremony venue to capture the groom, Jay, and his brothers getting ready at The Bernice Puahi Bishop Memorial Chapel at Kamehameha School. This was our first time shooting at this venue and we were instantly struck by its culture and beauty.

Kamehameha School Chapel Bernice Puahi and Willows Restaurant wedding ceremony and reception

The lively group of family and friends headed over to the The Willows Restaurant for a delicious dinner. Not much of a public speaker myself, I always am in awe of people who can give funny and touching speeches at weddings.  Jay’s brothers and sons definitely have that gift. I will have to get them to mentor me in case Im called upon to make a speech.  (I mean, I have gone to great lengths to get out of speeches. I even spent weeks scanning photos and putting together a slide show to take the place of a speech for my good friend Brittany.  Somehow I managed to shut the power off to the DJ while doing my slideshow and ended up rambling “im sorry” into the microphone while we all waited for the DJ to re-boot all his equipment!… but I digress)

Eric and I broke from our “pre-wedding” diet (30 days to go!) to try some of Lauwa’e and Jay’s wedding cake and oh my gosh it was definitely worth it. This cake was done by one of our favorite cake artists Sunshine’s Cake Creations. We never cease to be amazed each time we see and taste Vikki’s work.

Best wishes to Lauwa’e and Jay. Thanks so much for allowing us to be part of your beautiful big day!

Hawaii Wedding Photographer – Hale Koa Hotel – Amelia and Aaron

Congrats to this cute newly wed couple, Amelia and Aaron! Eric and I were honored to be part of their wedding celebration at Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu. This was by far the most musically talented family we have been around in a while.  Amelia’s brother’s band provided the entertainment for the night with her other brother and sister joining in occasionally to help out on vocals or percussion.

Hale Koa Hotel Military Wedding Reception Honolulu Hawaii Wedding Photography

This wedding reception incorporated many personal touches including a family heirloom lauhala mat which was placed under the wedding cake.  Of course, Eric will not let me blog about a wedding without mentioning the cake.  This cake was from Cake Works and had the most delicious Haupia filling.  For those of you who have not been fortunate enough to have heard of or tasted haupia, we suggest you change that soon. This creamy coconut cake filling was absolutely the stuff Hawaiian dreams are made of.

Military Wedding Photographer Oahu Hawaii at the Hale Koa Hotel Waikiki

We always try to keep our ears open for any juicy secrets or embarrassing stories that people may sneak into their wedding reception speeches.  While we didn’t get to hear any blackmail material, but we were touched to  hear some heartfelt praises of Amelia and Aaron as individuals and as a couple.  So, if any of you have any funny/embarrassing stories you’d like to contribute… I’m just kidding! We wish Amelia and Aaron the very best in life and love! Congrats!

Tasty Hawaiian Treats and Favors by Island Treats Creations

With many of our brides coming from all over the country and the world, Eric and I often get questions for referrals for anything and everything wedding related. With our growing family in the Oahu Wedding Association, we are in abundance of wonderful Hawaii wedding connections.  One of our newest friends is from Island Treats Creations.

Eric and I had the pleasure of going behind the scenes to the workshop of Island Treats Creations where all of the magic happens. Merryl is the owner and is the sweetest person to work with! She showed us around and let us sample their delicious cookies and chips that she offers for her baskets. Let me just say, oh my gosh, they are so delicious.  Eric and I munched on some Taro Chips and Coconut Cookies  during our sunrise fashion photo shoot this week.

Island Treats Creations is located in Kailua on Oahu and is a must stop shop for Hawaiian cookies, candies, chips and gifts. Check out their website or stop by the store to see their many options for wedding favors, gift baskets, and treats!

Hawaii wedding favors and gifts from Island Treats Creations in Kailua Oahu

Oahu Wedding Photographer – Haiku Gardens – Celeste and Joseph

Celeste and Joseph were married at an intimate ceremony on the most appropriate day of the year, Valentine’s Day! We had a great time with this lovely couple who actually also met each other in our hometown of San Jose, California! As much as we love it here in Hawaii, it is always nice to reminisce about our favorite spots in the Bay Area.

Celeste and Joseph were joined by their two beautiful daughters as well as close family and friends for a beautiful reception at Haiku Gardens & Haleiwa Joe’s.

Our thanks to Celeste and Joseph for involving us in their Valentine’s Day wedding!

Haiku Garden Wedding ceremony and Haleiwa Joe's reception on Oahu Hawaii

Hawaii Wedding Photography at Haleiwa Joe's and Haiku Gardens

Happy Belated Valentines Day from Wendy and Eric Leslie-Mansperger!

We really meant to put up this blog on Valentine’s Day, I promise. You know how little projects turn into huge projects.  Things just keep jumping onto our plate (it’s a very nice problem to have!).

Valentine’s Day is one of my most favorite days of the year right after Halloween. I mean, I like Valentine’s Day so much that I’d take it over Christmas! Our Valentine’s Day started out by shooting a short wedding at Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe. To our surprise, the couple actually met in our hometown of San Jose, California. We always like working with clients from California and reminiscing about familiar places that we miss. Its like taking a little trip home in our minds : )

We gave ourselves the night off and had a great time together. Our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple!

Below are two Valentine’s Day cards we received from family: Eric’s 89-year-old grandmother sent us this hilarious chimpanzee card that made ridiculously loud kissing sounds when we opened it.  The other card was from Eric’s Mom and Stepdad. A chipmunk with a camera! It doesn’t get much cuter than that!

We hope you and your loved ones had a great Valentine’s Day too!

Wendy and Eric Leslie Mansperger Oahu Wedding Photographer

Our “Do It Yourself” Wedding Invitation Extravaganza Weekend

Eric and I love making stuff, but honestly with the Wedding Photography business keeping us busy, we have unfortunately put our own wedding planning on the back burner for far far too long. Heck, I only ordered my wedding dress earlier this month (to the shock and dismay of the ladies at Masako Formals in Honolulu…”Your wedding is this MAY???”) For those of you who don’t know, Eric and I are actually already married, and had a civil ceremony in September 2008, but are having our actual wedding back in the California Bay Area this May!

With my history in 911 call-taking, I have mastered the art of multitasking and really feel out of my element if less than 5 things are going on at once.  So of course for Super Bowl weekend, we decided if we were gonna sit and watch the game for that amount of time we can FINALLY get our own wedding invitations done.

Our very good Wedding Planner friends Michelle and Justin from Au Lait, Inc. lent us their expertise and manpower in crafting over 100 invitations.  If only everyone could be so fortunate! Eric, Michelle, Justin and I spent … well, I’m not going to admit to how many hours getting each paper slice perfectly strait and every envelope licked and stamped.  After a few needed breaks for refreshments (beer) and snacks (Clausen pickles), the fruits of our labors finally paid off and most have been sent out, squeaking by just under three months before the wedding.

Mucho mahalo to Michelle and Justin of Au Lait, Inc for their skills and to their Shiba Inu “Inuki” for playing the role of official mascot of the Leslie Mansperger Wedding “Do It Yourself” Wedding Invitation Extravaganza Weekend.

Do it yourself wedding invitations by Au Lait Inc and Leslie Mansperger Photography

Oahu Wedding Reception at Haiku Garden

Congratulations to Sue and Manny!!! This happy couple had a short Hawaiian beach wedding and then headed over to our neck of the woods, Kaneohe, to Haiku Gardens for an intimate wedding reception.

Eric and I are always happy to head over to Haiku Garden and Haleiwa Joe’s for weddings, dinner, or just some pupus and cocktails at happy hour! This wedding party was super nice and the happy bride and groom were so in love and enthralled with each other that we hardly had to suggest any poses, they just naturally looked great interacting with each other. That always is a blessing as I prefer more photojournalistic shots of couples just being in love and being themselves! Not only were Sue and Manny super cute, I loved their style. Sues shoes were reminiscent of my own wedding shoes for our civil ceremony last year.  You gotta love a girl who wears black and white wedding shoes!

Oahu wedding Photography of Kaiku Gardens Wedding in Kaneohe Hawaii

Wedding Cafe Honolulu – Workshop with Leading Oahu Florists

If you live in Oahu and have not been by the Wedding Cafe yet, you absolutely must! This dual purpose cafe combines yummy drinks and treats with a plethora of wedding planning resources. You can browse through tons of Bridal Magazines, local wedding photographer’s albums, venue information and more. Let me tell you, if I had been able to come to the Wedding Cafe early on in our wedding planning, it would have saved me tons of hours of searching for good magazines, books, and contacts.

Not only do they offer all of these resources, but they also offer weekly workshops on every aspect of wedding planning: Budget and time lines, hair and makeup, florists, photographers, etc. Eric and I rushed over from shooting the Special Olympics Punt Pass and Kick with the NFL Pro Bowl Players (including Eli & Peyton Manning!) to attend the workshop on Tabletop and Decor. The room was absolutely packed with soon-to-be brides and some soon-to-be hubbys too!

The professional panel gave advice on what to consider when picking out floral arrangements and decor. One of my favorite tips was to ask for organically grown flowers to accent the cake to prevent any pesticides from making their way onto your wedding cake!  Eric and I are always looking for “green wedding” tips and loved Debbie Hemingway’s suggestion to use live plants as centerpieces that can be planted after the wedding instead of just thrown out like other flowers.

So, in closing, as I pass out from a busy busy week…. Check out the Wedding Cafe at Ward Center and learn all about weddings and local resources. GI Joe put it best: “And knowing is half the battle!”

Here are some photographs of the lovely floral and decor displays by the following companies:

Designs by Hemingway (photo directly below)

Wedding Photography of Wedding Cafe in Honolulu Floral and Tabletop decor by Debbie Hemingway of Designs by Hemingway

Floral Inspirations
My Florist
Passion Roots
Spinning WEB
Su-V Expressions

(photo collage of these displays directly below)

Wedding Photography of Wedding Cafe in Honolulu Floral and Tabletop decor