Paipu Beach, Wailea Maui, Hawaii

Jul 22
2010

Aloha,

I just arrived home from an awesome shoot at Paipu beach in Wailea, Hawaii. There are usually several weddings going on at this beach which is next to Poolenalena Beach another popular wedding spot but, there was only one wedding party this afternoon along with our engagement shoot.

The couple  I worked with today were both fabulous to work with, very easy going and both beautiful, making my job very easy. It’s so wonderful to see two people in love with one another. You could actually feel their love for one another as I worked with them.   Amazing …..

If your thinking of engagement  photo session, I would love the be able to work with you. There are numerous secluded locations on Maui for your romantic photo session.

Photos will be posted soon!

Nicole Sanchez- Behind The Lens Maui

(808) 205-2366

Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

Jun 16
2010

Hawaiian Weddings; Things To Know

Is there anything more romantic than a wedding in Hawaii? Hard to come up with one isn’t it? Therefore, since you are about to experience one of the greatest days of your life, allow me to give you some important insight and what you can expect from Hawaii as you plan to kick off your new life.

Best Times To Go

Is there really a bad time to go? Not really, but like anywhere else, there are times that are better than others. Obvious times of the year are during the summer when you have slightly warmer temperatures. However, in Hawaii temperatures usually average in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the year.

A more important weather notation is Hawaii’s rainfall. Hawaii is one of the largest rain forests in the world and it rains often. However, due to the flow of Hawaii’s trade winds, the rain generally hits most often on the northeastern parts of each island and in the mountains. Therefore, if you plan your Hawaiian wedding on a southwestern part of an island, you have a much more likely chance of nice and clear weather.

Wedding Styles

If you are not familiar with Hawaii, I suggest a Hawaiian coordinator. They can bring to you a selection of Hawaiian traditions, customs, cultures and sense of Hawaiian tranquility and relaxation.

In deciding a style for your Hawaiian wedding, there are many options you can choose from. You can go with traditional indoor weddings at one of many locations or maybe you prefer an outdoors wedding in a garden area or on the beach.

You can also make your wedding as simple as you want or more complex; you are in Hawaii after all. Maybe you want to include waterfalls, horses, the ocean, volcanoes or even take a helicopter to some remote location. The options are endless with a Hawaiian wedding.

Your Honeymoon

Hawaii is one of the top destinations for any honeymooners, whether you are married on the islands or not. Plan ahead and list everything you want to do and see while you are here. Some of the items may be on different islands, so do your homework and be prepared.

First there is lodging. Hawaii has some of the most beautiful resorts around or you can go more local and rent a condo or villa. Although most areas are short drives, consider your activities and restaurants when deciding where to stay. No matter where you stay or what you do, you are here for two reasons: Hawaiian Paradise and Each Other.

Which Island Should You Go To

After listing all your events, be sure to check them against what each island has to offer. Many of the islands offer many of the same things, but some do not. If you don’t mind traveling from island to island, then you’re set. However, if you are budgeted for less travel, then research the islands and see what they have to offer before making your choice.

After all, if you are set on lying out on Waikiki Beach and visiting Pearl Harbor, but plan on staying in Maui, you will realize these are different islands. So do you stay in Maui? Change to Oahu? Or simply do both? Once again, plan ahead and don’t wait until you get here, you may be disappointed.

To help with this, here is a quick rundown on the Hawaiian Islands as you prepare for your Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon.

On Molokai, you will find this island to be one of the more natural states as it is the least affected by big business. If you are more into cultural experiences, this may be the island for you.

Maui is often considered to be the most romantic of the islands. There are many things to do, even if it’s simply doing nothing. Anything from ocean walks and boating experiences, to up country farming. From waterfalls and tropical paradises, to a night on the town. Maui offers a variety of different things to do and see.

The biggest island is called, Hawaii. Much like Molokai, the “big island” offers more of a cultural setting. The weather here is like no other. The world has 13 climatic zones and this one island can experience 11 of them alone. From sun, to rain, to even snow topped mountains. Hawaii also offers some of the best lava flows around.

Kauai is your garden island. This is the island of beautiful tropical appearances that has been the stereotype in the movies or television. If you are an outdoors kind of person or prefer a slower pace, Kauai is for you.

The island of Oahu generally has the most action. This island is home to Honolulu, the state capital, as well as Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and much more. If your preference is for a faster pace and action, Oahu should be your choice.

As you can see, there is so much to offer for a Hawaiian wedding. Plan ahead and make the most of it. You will never forget Hawaii.

Engagement Photo Session

Jun 07
2010

Thinking of getting Maui’ed?   Are you thinking of taking some engagement photos? There are numerous places to consider for your session with Nicole at Behind The Lens Maui. This particular couple choose to do there shoot at the beautiful ground of Kula Botanical Gardens located upcountry.  Call now for prices and suggestions for secluded locations.   (808) 205-2366

Your engagment, Maui

May 26
2010
Congratulations, you just got engaged. Enjoy your moment because afterwards, until the day of your wedding, there are a lot of things that need to plan. You have dresses, guest lists, rings and much more, but what about the two main events? Your ceremony and reception.

Since there are many details, not to mention the services of outside vendors, you just want to be sure everything happens without a hitch. Besides, your guests will be witnessed to both, so you want to leave a favorable impression. They are not part of the behind the scenes items, so they only remember the main events.

Your Wedding Ceremony

Once you have set the date, you have to consider the following:

- Type of Wedding. Will it be indoors, outdoors, local or out of town. Will you go formal or, themed? This decision will be what drives the rest of your planning for both the ceremony and the reception. Also, plan out three or four dates until you have your destinations decided on, in the event those places are already booked on your selected date.

- Size of Wedding Party. Who will be responsible for what during both events?

- Who is Performing the Service. Sometimes this can be tricky if you have different religions involved, so discuss it first. Also, if different religions are involved, you may consider both officiate.

- Use of Vendors. In the event you are not using a wedding coordinator, you will have to select particular vendors that meet your wants and needs, as well as your budget. Don’t feel obligated to anyone and don’t settle on the first one. There may be more value for your money out there.

- Photographers. More than any other vendor you hire, the photographer is the one that should be of the utmost importance. After all, they are the ones that will be capturing your lifetime moments.

Be sure to look at their portfolios, websites and spend time with them. Do they seem like someone that you can work WITH or against you? Do they seem like they care about you or your money? Be thorough and comfortable.

- Videographers. Much like your photographer but not as distributable as photos. Much like the photographer, see plenty of their work and get a feel for their personality. Are they creative enough or can a tripod in the corner do as well.

- Florists. The flower arrangements you decide on are the first things your guests will see as they arrive. So select flowers that are in bloom, that represent you and arrangements that will catch their attention. Be sure your florist can be at both locations early for set up.

- Music. Selecting the proper mood music prior to the start of the ceremony sets the tone for the ceremony. Is it sleepy or too annoying? Is it music people will know or be offended? This also goes for the music that is played during the ceremony. Do you need an instrumentalist? A singer? Or just music on a cd?

Your Reception Ceremony

Much like the wedding itself, your reception will reflect you and how beautiful or memorable people will remember after they have left. Therefore, many of the above suggestions from the wedding ceremony also play out here.

- A Themed Reception? Make this decision early as it will dictate how the location will be decorated or what music will be played, as well as the attire by your guests; such as a Hawaiian theme.

- Your Vendors. The vendors used for your wedding should also be used for the reception. The only exceptions would be the music, the cake and the caterers.

- Music. Will your music be provided by a live band, a DJ or prerecorded music? If you are going with a band or a DJ, get references. Were they boring during and in between songs, did they keep the party moving and fun, and do you feel comfortable with them. What kind of music do they have or play? Be thorough.

- The Wedding Cake. Be sure they arrive early for placement and sample their cakes for taste. Also, see photographs of their work.

- Your Caterers. Much like the wedding cake (and sometimes they can be the same person), look over their menus. Look at all the options and ask questions. Be sure they have food that vegetarians can also enjoy. Will it be served or buffet style? Be sure to give them a final count of guests as this will allow them to prepare plenty of food.

In addition, discuss any seating arrangements with them ahead of time, so they know where the people of priority are sitting, such as parents of couple, etc.

So as you can see, details are everything. Just be sure once you have decided on your vendors to follow up with them a couple of times, including a week before just to touch base. Never feel obligated to hire a vendor, especially if you are not comfortable with them. This is your day, not theirs. Now go and have fun!

Author Resource:- Behind The Lens Maui specializes in professional quality photography, with an emphasis in Maui weddings. If your looking for a wedding photographer, visit our website at http://www.behindthelensmaui.com or call us at 808-205-2366. Behind The Lens Maui – 75 Waiaka, Wailuku, Hi 96793