Tokyo Wedding

When Hughes Photographics was asked to photograph a traditional Japanese wedding at the 5-star, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, we were thrilled and gladly accepted! We planned a two week trip with the wedding about a third way into our stay. This was only my second visit to Japan, previously visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, the Mt. Fuji area and Osaka over a three week stay. It was decided to spend the bulk of time in Tokyo and focus on what we could absorb of the world’s most populated area.  Right… two weeks! Awesumo!

The excitement built once we were on site the day prior to meet with the great people at the hotel. As we always do when visting a new venue, we invest the time to view the locations and become familiar with the schedule and logistics. This photo is from the day prior and shows a small portion of the magnificent gardens of the hotel.

On the day of the wedding, our early morning start found us on site two hours prior to the ceremony time. Teruko and I spent time with the bride and groom in their respective rooms preparing for the day, as well as the two families in their waiting areas. The bride’s kimono and hair prep was different to what we are accustomed, but the bride’s 'before ceremony jitters’ were familiar.

The ceremony started on time at 10:30 AM and again, it was different from western weddings but all went smoothly. Very well organized, everyone knew what to do and when, so there were no surprises.

Following the ceremony and a brief break, an eleven (!) course meal was started off with the parents and the couple breaking open a barrel of sake!

The day after their wedding, the couple was off to Croatia for their honeymoon!

Photographing each and every wedding is an honor. Being charged with the responsibility of capturing the images of this wedding is one we will never forget!  Email if Hawaii or Japan is the location of your wedding!

Afternoon Wedding on Maui

I had the pleasure of providing the photography of Ira and Marlene's Maui wedding. Hawaii Island Weddings put together an event that was enjoyed by all. The stunning florals were created by Fabulous Florals Maui.

A nice alternative set up of chairs and flowers utilizing a fabulous ceremony area!

And the ground floral arrangement...

The site was the grounds of Gannon's Restaurant in Wailea... the view is breathtaking! The location is so much more than a restaurant!

Following the ceremony, the 'paperwork' was signed, a pair of doves and the couple's family and friends helped start the celebration!

The lovely Marlene and my take on the couple's request of 'the dip'!

After viewing the photography with the couple several days following their Maui wedding, the groom mentioned to me that every aspect of the day was flawless. Props to all involved, including Hawaiian Island Weddings, Fabulous Florals Maui and Hughes Photographics!  Email to discuss your Maui wedding.

Best Time of the Year for Your Maui Wedding?

Last week we talked about the time of the day that is preferred for a Maui wedding, and photography in particular. But what about the time of the year? We’re talking about Hawaii, right? There are slight differences, but you really can’t go wrong by getting married during any month of the year if your wedding takes place in Hawaii!  Lets break it down to the four seasons of the year.

Winter: December through February
Common thought is that it rains a lot on Maui. That is true, it does rain a lot in some areas. Not so much on the western coasts and the south coast of Maui in particular. Where I live, Kihei gets less than ten inches a year. But if it is raining, it’s more likely happening in the winter. That’s just that way it is. But the good thing about a winter wedding is you are escaping some terrible winter weather back on the mainland! The winter is a popular time to visit the islands, so room rates, airline fares may be higher. And during the entire winter, we have the visiting humpback whales!

Spring: March April May
Spring is beautiful almost anywhere, right? Especially here! The whales are thinking of heading back north, but they are still here for at least March and well into April. Winter weather hopefully is in the past on the mainland and that causes less less people to visit, so it is less busy. As said, the weather is awesome, and room rates and fares are likely to be lower. Before I relocated, I marked May as my favorite month to visit and that applies to weddings too.

Summer: June July August
Many schools are on a nine month schedule and once June arrives, the kids are out and that brings vacationers! Check this, but I believe you will find the best fares and lodging rates during the summer months. The weather is sweet, the whales have exited though but the water is great! The longer daylight days peak on June 21 if you are keeping track. The sun sets as far north as it gets and it is a bit (5-10°) warmer, but still very sub-tropical (lovely!).

Autumn: September October, November
School is back in session for many, so fewer families are visiting. The trade-winds often taper off a bit in September, but it has cooled down a bit as well. This window between Labor Day and the December holidays has always been a busy time for us and weddings. It is an excellent time to visit and/or tie the knot.

There you have it. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Anytime is perfect for a Maui wedding, just some seasons vary from the others. If you have a particular date in mind, get in touch with Scott or visit Hughes Photographics online.

Best Time of the Day for Your Maui Wedding

Lets talk a bit about outdoor wedding photography and the time of day. Couples come to Maui to marry for a variety of reasons, with the incredible, natural beauty of our island at the top of most lists. As a photographer with Hughes Photographics, I am often asked, ‘Whast is the best time to get married on Maui? Is there a difference in how the photos will look between a morning ceremony and one late in the day?’

Absolutely! The lighting changes in several aspects drastically throughout the day. Photos made in the early morning, mid-day and late afternoon appear quite different from each other simply because the change in the lighting.

This photo is from a January wedding that took place early in the morning, around 8AM. Notice how the sun has yet to blanket the beach, although Molokini and island of Kaho’olawe in the distance are sun drenched. In a few minutes, this intimate wedding will transform into a bright, eye squinting scene.

A late morning, midday or early afternoon wedding may be convenient for various reasons, but realize that the lighting is going to cause harsh shadows, squinting eyes and it likely will be more uncomfortable because of the heat. There is no doubt, great photography can result from midday weddings, but there are compromises. This photo was made during an late morning vow renewal in Makena, Maui. I’m starting to perspire just looking at this photo!

The more popular time for weddings (and photography) is late in the day, an hour or two before sunset. The reason a late afternoon ceremony time is popular is because as the sun begins to drop in the sky, the light warms up and the direction is not coming straight down. Many people refer to the hour prior to sunset as the ‘golden hour’ as it is truly is a beautiful and magical time of day and in my opinion the preferred time for great photography. This photo was made within thirty minutes of sunset.

If you have questions, get in touch with Scott, visit Hughes Photographics on the web, or dial 808.879.2879