Ashley and Edison’s wedding at Hepiko No Waiohuli brought together the people and places that shaped their relationship. They celebrated with family in the Waiohuli Hawaiian Homestead community, made time for portraits with two classic cars from their uncles, and ended the night surrounded by music and dancing.
Ashley used the word pilina - connection - to describe what she wanted for their day. That idea stayed with me as I photographed it. The Upcountry views were beautiful, but the moments between Ashley, Edison, and their families gave the wedding its heart.
Getting Ready with Family
Ashley got ready at a cottage in Kula with her bridesmaids. Music played as everyone helped with the final details, shared a toast, and enjoyed some time together before the ceremony.
Edison and his groomsmen prepared outdoors on Ashley’s grandmother’s property. They greeted one another, toasted the day, and kept up their tradition of chewing sunflower seeds. Those familiar details made the morning feel like theirs.
A Family-Led Ceremony at Hepiko No Waiohuli
The ceremony took place against the venue’s wide Upcountry views. Before Ashley walked down the aisle, Edison shared an emotional moment with his mother and sister as they remembered his father through a childhood photograph.
Ashley’s grandmother officiated. Having someone so close to them lead the ceremony made the exchange of vows feel especially personal. When Ashley and Edison shared their first kiss, their family and friends erupted with cheers.
Classic Cars and Upcountry Portraits
After the ceremony, we headed to an Upcountry spot that was already meaningful to Ashley and Edison: we had photographed their engagement there, too. Two of their uncles brought a red Porsche and an El Camino, giving us another way to include family in the portraits.
We made photographs with the cars, the wedding party, and the open landscape before taking a little time with just Ashley and Edison as the light softened. The portraits felt connected to their history rather than like a separate stop on the schedule.
A Reception Full of Music and Movement
Back at Hepiko No Waiohuli, guests gathered beneath the tent for dinner, performances, and dancing. Ashley danced hula, friends and family performed, and the dance floor stayed full as the sun went down.
I’m grateful Ashley and Edison trusted me to photograph the day. From our first conversation at Stillwell’s Bakery to the last moments of the reception, it was clear how much their people meant to them - and how happy everyone was to celebrate with them.
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If you’re considering a wedding here, you can explore my photographer’s guide to Hepiko No Waiohuli for more about the setting, light, and flow of a wedding day.
