Big Beach ~ Makena

Big Beach in Makena is known for its often high surf which attracts surfers and boogie borders during the day. This large sandy beach is almost 2/3 of a mile long and over 100 yards wide. There is a smaller section of the beach connected by a path on the right, known as “Little Beach”. The division between Big Beach and Little Beach was caused by a lava flow and earthquake in 1790. The hill dividing the beaches is called Pu’u Ola’i or Earthquake Hill. Just off to the other end of Big Beach is a beautiful mix of palm trees, white sand beach and scattered lava rocks trailing out into the ocean.

Charley Young Beach

This intimate location offers it all for a Maui Beach Wedding ~ Grassy lawn overlooking the ocean, dramatic lava rock formations, white sandy beach, palm trees and more. The 3-acre beach park is located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach Park. The sand is soft and smooth and slopes very gently into the ocean. The area is sheltered from the wind and affords beautiful views of the ocean and Kihei town.

Five Palms Restaurant

On the oceanfront grounds of the award-winning Five Palms Restaurant, this private location on Keawakapu Beach is ideal for those looking for a ceremony/reception site with a manicured lawn, rock/sand beach and lush tropical foliage. Gorgeous views of the ocean stretching out to Maui’s sister islands Lanai and Kaho’olawe

La Perouse Bay

Located in the protected ‘Ahihi Kina’u Natural Area Reserve, La Perouse Bay is a beautiful lava rock beach formed by the only recorded eruption of the Haleakala volcano over 200 years ago. The drive to the bay and the bay itself are reminiscent of the barren landscape of what Mars or the moon may feel like. There is little vegetation, but the stark contrast of rock and sea make this a very unique wedding location.

Makena Cove

Also known as ‘Secret Beach’, this location has become increasingly popular for weddings given its unique combination of white sand beach, dramatic lava rocks, palm trees and tropical foliage. This location offers breathtaking views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe, and offers a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony at any time of day

Makena Surf

Often called ‘Heart Rock Beach’ for the abundance of coral and sea rocks that wash ashore here ~ many of which are shaped like hearts. This beach is primarily visited by vacation renters during the day, and is often very quiet at sunset. During low tide periods, this beach offers many interesting wedding locations due to the many large rock formations that flank its sides.

North Malu’aka

Located just north of the Maui Prince Resort in Makena, North Malu’aka offers a great view of Kaho’olawe, Molokini and the West Maui Mountains. This location offers a bit more privacy than its Southern companion during the evening, perfect for a simple beach ceremony.

Paipu Beach

A very secluded beach next to Po’olenalena accessible by a tricky lava rock trail makes a perfect location for those looking for a private, pristine white sand beach and contrasting lava rocks trailing into the ocean. This beach is not easily accessible, and is recommended for smaller, more

Polo Beach

Located behind the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea, this beautiful beach offers terrific views of Kaho’olawe and Molokini, with a soft white sand beach, lava rock outcrops, and a mix of beautiful palm trees and tropical foliage. This beach is an excellent location for those looking for a primarily sandy beach.

Wailea Lawn

Located adjacent to Wailea beach, this unique grassy lawn area rises sharply on a hill that overlooks the ocean and Wailea Beach. Adding to the drama of this location are several tall palm trees that seem to rise forever and provide a sense of royalty atop this well manicured area. The lawn itself is seldom used by tourists, but this location is best suited for early morning or sunset weddings.

This is my good friend Maria with my daughter Mele-sia at Baldwin Beach, Maui Hawaii.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

My Wedding Blog.. Writes;

Nicole Sanchez- Behind The Lens Maui

I got an email out of the blue the other day from Heidi Baumgart, of the super entertaining and informative wedding day-of coordinator/consultant blog Heidzillas.com, telling me about another great photographer based on Maui-

I didn’t see her on your Maui blog, but when my husband and I were in Maui, we had Nicole Sanchez of Behind the Lens Maui photograph our surf lesson with Maui Surfer Girls. She was SOO fabulous. A couple of months later, our friends got married and went to Maui, too, so for their wedding gift we got them honeymoon portrait shoot with Nicole and they had a blast too.

Check her out at: www.behindthelensmaui.com

So I followed her advice and was very impressed! I actually wrote back thanking her for telling me about Nicole and telling her that I wished I’d known about her when I was getting married. It could have saved us from one very bad wedding photog experience.

But weddings aren’t all Nicole photographs on the island. She has tons and tons of surfing shots that just make me want to grab a board and try my skills at surfing. (Any one out there wanna give me lessons!) And then asking Nicole to grab her camera and photograph the ridiculousness that will undoubtably ensue.

She also does some of the most stunning maternity shots! So you know… if you’re family of two starts turning into a family of three… head on back to the island that united the two of you and have Nicole take your maternity shots. I think they’re my favorite of her photos.

And if you’re just still in the process of planning the wedding for your family of two, check out Nicole’s website. Her prices are totally agreeable and she has 4 different price options and packages for weddings so she can cater to any budget.

Mahalo for the tip Heidi! And keep up the good work Nicole!

maui wedding ideas for: photography

TIPS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM

~ Before you leave home ~

What kind of couple are you?

Do you enjoy quiet, romantic moments? Do you love humor or adventure? Are you homebodies or party animals? The best wedding photos will reflect the special essence of your relationship. Keep this in mind:

· Research - Use the web, magazines, your friends’ wedding photos. Clip or copy pictures that you like and send them to us.

· Practice posing - Pose individually and as a couple in front of a mirror. Be critical and creative. If you find one that you like, let your photographer know.

Do either of you have a physical characteristic that you would prefer not to show?

Sometimes it’s the groom’s nose, or the bride’s hips. If there is anything that you’re at all self-conscious about, let us know. Our photographers are great at the art of posing, an art which can maximize or minimize those areas that were not created perfect.

Are there any interpersonal dynamics that we should know about?

A long standing feud between Uncle Remus and Aunt Minnie? An acrimonious divorce? These are things that the photographer needs to know in order to avoid an unexpected uncomfortable situation on the Day.

Do you have specific photographic needs?

For example: A formal portrait of the wedding party to send to extended family abroad. Please think about this seriously and consult parents or any other intimately connected individuals on this point. After the pictures are taken, it will be too late to correct any misunderstandings.

~ On the way to Paradise ~

Carry On Bags

Please make sure that you carry on your wedding gown, shoes, tux, and anything else that you absolutely must have on your wedding day. Airlines do occasionally lose checked bags, so make sure that you keep the essentials with you.

~ In Paradise ~

The Tropical Sun

Please be careful about tan lines and sunburn. It will show in the photos and there’s nothing that we can do about it.

Hairstyles

Chances are that most of your photos will be taken outside, even if your ceremony is indoors. And there is wind outdoors. Any tendrils or ringlets around your face will almost certainly be blown across your face, and this is not a good thing for photographs.

Make-up

Even if you never wear make-up, it is a good idea for your wedding photographs and video. It will look more subtle in the pictures than it does in the mirror. It’s also a good idea to have a small bag containing powder, lipstick, tissues and a comb for touch-ups during the day.

Be on time!

Many weddings are timed so that the final pictures can be taken on the beach at sunset. Although it’s true that the minister, the musicians and the guests will wait for you, the sunset won’t. The time schedule has been carefully arranged to allow for the pictures that you want, and even a fifteen minute delay can be a problem.

Relax!!!

It’s your day! You have a dedicated group of professionals around you to take care of all the details, so relax and enjoy it.