Just last week I had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Maui to capture Mallory and Gene’s intimate Olowalu Plantation House wedding. And to say it was lovely would be an understatement. Built in the 1800s, this stunning historic venue was originally a sugar plantation and I can see why it was converted into a venue- who wouldn’t want to get married here?! Gorgeous sea and sunset to the West, tropical Mountains to the East and, oh my… the rainbows!!!
We arrived just before 2pm, just in time for a few finishing touches before Gene and Mallory shared their first look and a nice stroll through the palms prior to their walk down the aisle. Their ceremony was presided over by the delightfully incomparable Rev. Laki Kaahumanu, the great-great grandson of Queen Kaahumanu (said to be the favorite wife of King Kamehameha the first). The words were light-hearted, funny, and included nods to the aloha spirit as well as a few bonus kisses (as is tradition in Rev Laki’s ceremonies).
After the ceremony, as the rest of their guests played lawn games and mingled, we had to opportunity to walk out on Olowalu’s lovely little rocky peninsula. Here the newlyweds had a chance to spend a bit of time together while the sun set before heading back to their reception. Amazing food, wonderful toasts, lots of laughs and so much love filled the evening. After they enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife, Mallory shared a first dance with her dad while Gene sweetly danced with her mother.
And then it was all party time! Hawaiian dancers performed beautiful solo dances before then teaching the entire wedding how to hula and fire dancers amazed us with their skills and stunning athleticism. It was then time for open dancing and this group did not disappoint. Seriously, this was such a fun crowd and simply joyous couple, I didn’t want it to end. But as we all know, everything good thing must come to an end. Mallory and Gene bid ado to their guests as they rushed through their sparkler exit on the way to their awaiting car.
This was such a glorious day of love and family. I am so incredibly honored to have been asked to photograph this fantastic couple’s most magical of days. Truth be told, these two are family to me (for those two don’t know, Mallory is my cousin’s sister in-law). However, in our family there are no “in-laws” or “second-cousins-once-removed”. Family is just family, and that’s all there is to it. Anyone who’s spent time in Hawaii (or has at the very least seen Lilo & Stitch) knows about Ohana. Ohana means family, however you define it, and that is what Mal and Gene and their families are to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this beautiful day with me. I can’t wait to see you all again very soon! xo, Amy
