The Engagements
Although Kyra & Ian's relationship blossomed in the great state of Texas, Kyra's roots come from the island of Maui, which became the focal point of their wedding vision. Included in their package were engagement photos, and both Kyra & Ian were eager to use this additional photo session as a chance to capture beautiful images in front of iconic Maui waterfalls. The workers at Twin Falls at Wailele Farm were so gracious in granting us permission to use their beautiful landscape as a backdrop for these engagement photos. This gave us a chance to meet in person, get to know one another and work together before their upcoming wedding, allowing them to just be comfortable in front of my camera.
Getting Ready
Starting with the details, Kyra's Bhldn wedding dress hangs gently against a bold, blue barn door. Her Betsy Johnson wedding shoes are placed against the laced train of her dress. The floral arrangements were created by the bride herself, who later went onto create her own floral design business, Honey Bee Flower Co. The stylists from Salon 253 transformed Kyra & her bridesmaids into a stunning vision. Both the groomsmen & bridesmaids got ready at the Maui Banyan Resort in Kihei.
The finishing touches.
The Ceremony
The Five Palms in Kihei provided the backdrop for Kyra & Ian's windy wedding ceremony. The weather was beautiful nonetheless, with blue skies and white clouds. Their friends and family, some local and some from the mainland, gathered together on the resort's grass lawn, facing towards the ocean. Ian's Father, Clive, was the minister, which was an honor for him to be able to perform the ceremony for his son and soon to-be daughter-in-law.
The Reception
A chic, rustic wedding reception with an island vibe would be the perfect way to describe it. The reception took place at the infamous Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center which has a beautiful, 1917 charm that includes a reflection pond, large arched windows, and metal railings on its façade. Fruits, flowers and fallen leaves are seen everywhere you look. It's easy to see the bride's vision infused into the wedding reception decorations.
The flower arrangements were again created by Kyra, the bride and the floral designer. Each arrangement placed inside different sized golden bowls, set on top of the big rustic farm tables.
As the sun began it's descent towards the horizon, the bridal party used this opportunity to capture great moments together as they walked around the property.
The Bride & Groom
The portraits for Kyra & Ian were effortless. When you've got beautiful lighting, a great location to shoot and a great couple to work with it's hard to take a photo that isn't worth keeping. The bride & groom took full advantage of The Hui No'eau's expansive property as we found plenty of benches, tables, archways and gardens to take our creativity to.
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.”
– Alfred Tennyson
I always love when a bride or groom has some type of special surprise to give their spouse during the reception, whether it be a wrapped gift or a song. Kyra, who used to dance for Tihati here on Maui, planned a special dance in honor of her husband. Everything about this wedding was just a perfect blend of two individual's families, cultures and passions melded into one beautiful celebration. They didn't need loud music or flashy dance lights, they didn't need a packed out venue or a big fancy wedding cake. It was all about family and honoring those closest to them. I can't remember the last time I covered a wedding where the groom's father cooked the meal for the whole reception! Thank you again, Ian & Kyra, for allowing me to capture your wedding. It was such a pleasure working with you, your family and friends. I hope that you'll cherish these memories forever. - Aaron Najera
See below for a mini-gallery of Ian & Kyra's wedding.
