The Grand Hyatt Kauai

From the proposal to the moment of “I do’s” the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a property where your dream weddings come true. Settled between the lush mountains and the ocean, it is truly magnificent Hawaiian paradise.

Shipweck’s beach, only a few steps away from the property, is iconic and recognizable to anyone who has had the pleasure of walking on it’s golden sand. 

Warm rains create one of a kind rainbows that remind us to take time and look up and cherish every moment.

The magic of the property brings cherished beginnings to a life long relationship with the person of your dreams.

Worth the Wait || Engagement Photography

In my 6 years of being a photographer, and photographing couples in Hawaii for engagement sessions, or Weddings, I've come across many love stories. None, however, can compare to the one I heard recently. This Love story not only enchanted me and warmed my heart, but it is the type of story that you watch in movies or read about in books. It all began back in High School for Rashelle and Donny. Donny's heart was stolen the moment he met Rashelle his Junior Year. But being his young, shy, high school self the most he could hope for was a glance once in a while from her. As insignificant as that may seem, he was content with that extent of interaction then.

After 3 years they ran into each other at CEU in Price, UT. And Donny felt confident enough to say "hello", exchange some small talk and asked for her number. They occasionally talked and Donny would stop by her work with flowers once in a while. He was stuck on her hard and knew she was the "One". But unfortunately Rashelle held back. While he was determined to not give up, time passed, and Rashelle moved. They still kept in touch from time to time. Donny questioned whether it was worth to continue trying to win her heart, so he moved on. Donny began to date others and so did Rashelle. After a couple of years he heard through the grapevine that Rashelle was engaged to her old High School boyfriend.

Donny was heart broken and this time, he let her know. Two years went by again, and he heard that Rashelle had broken off her engagement a few months after he found out, but now Donny was the one getting married. The tables had turned and now Rashelle was heart broken.

Donny got married April of 2002 and Rashelle got married Oct. 2002. Two years later they met up again for lunch. Donny was still taken back by her beauty and thought "she will always be the One that got away." They both knew that they could not see each other again for the sake of being faithful to their marriages.

2014 came around and Donny sent Rashelle a "happy birthday" text. Then a year later on Donny's birthday she texted back to say "Thank you and Happy Birthday." After almost a decade they decided to meet up again, and their chemistry was unquestionable. Donny got divorced and reached out to Rashelle and found out that she too was getting divorced, this was all in 2015. Donny then realized that perhaps their story wasn't quite over, maybe he would get a second chance. Fairy tales can come true... right?

In April of 2016 they went on a trip for a few days together and they immediately clicked, Donny knew he was still in LOVE with Rashelle and that she was the "ONE" after all. On Nov. 26th, 2016 at sunrise Donny proposed to Rashelle and she said "YES." Some LOVE stories take months to come together but this one took 19 years. A slight detour well worth taking.

Wedding is set to take place in July of 2017.

For some tips on arranging your own engagement photos, please check out this blog.

Written by Francys T. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Engagement Photos || What to Expect

Your wedding is weeks away and the anticipation is so exciting. Being engaged is an important time in your life, as you transition from a couple to a married couple. Engagement photos share the connection that brought you together in the first place. It also makes it much easier to relax and enjoy wedding portraits on the big day.

Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we believe that having an engagement session is important for many different reasons. It allows you to get comfortable in front of the lens and showcase your personalities in a fun setting. Engagement photos have many different uses such as, a guest signature board, save the date cards, or even decorations for your future home.

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Of course, this is a great excuse to dress up, but it is important to wear something that makes you feel like you. Engagement photos are going to reflect who you are, and what your like on a day-to-day basis. Don’t forget, the ring is the star of the show, so make sure to give it a little cleaning for extra shine.

If you and your fiancé are feeling a bit camera shy, ensure each other that you look amazing. Make your significant other laugh and have a great time. This will help you both relax, smile, and enjoy yourselves.

As you prepare for your engagement session, remember to trust your photographer and allow them to be creative. Your photographer works with everyday couples all the time so there is no need to be nervous. Amazing things happen when you trust your photographer, and give them the creative freedom to take one of a kind images that you will cherish forever. An engagment photography session is also a great way to get to know your photographer and test them out to see if they would be a good fit for your Wedding Day.

Lastly, be on time. Timing is very important. Photographers are dependent on the sun. We want to make sure that your images come out breath taking and lighting is the key to a successful photo shoot. Take a look at a previous post on why lighting is so important.

That’s it! We hope you have a better idea on what to expect for your upcoming engagement session. Most importantly, have a wonderful time!

Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Candid Beach Photos? | A Kauai Surprise Proposal

We at Pacific Dream Photography were blown away by this well planned proposal on the Island of Kauai. What began as a simple girls day out photo session ended as the sweetest surprise proposal. When Lindsey booked a girls photo session at the Grand Hyatt Kauai with Pacific Dream Photography, she had no idea what surprises were in store. Little did she know, her soon to be husband reached out to us in advance with his sneaky proposal plan.

After a laugher filled girls beach photo session, we took Lindsey and her friends to the Mahalapu Heritage Trail. Jeremy anxiously awaited his bride to be, as he stood in a secret disguise. When Lindsey least expected it, we gave Jeremy the signal to surprise her. Finally Lindsey laid eyes on Jeremy, she couldn’t grasp that he was here in Hawaii. Not only did he fly all the way here to surprise her, he was down on one knee and popping the question. Of course Lindsey said yes! It was a truly magical moment.

When Lindsey looked up, the soon to be married couple’s family appeared as well to celebrate the engagement. It seemed as if the surprises never ended! Jeremy pointed out everyone who had been a part of his secret master proposal plan. They shared many laughs, happy tears, and excitement. We could feel the love and joy between everyone.

To commemorate the day, Jeremy brought along some fun props for the now, engagement session. Their enthusiasm and fun lightheartedness mirrored each other and highlighted exactly why they were simply meant to be.  It’s such an privilege for us to document these special moments when two lives change forever.

What better way to capture an engagement photography session, than overlooking the Hawaiian sunset?  Lucky for this couple, they get to cherish the memories forever with gorgeous photos on one of Hawaii's most beautiful landscapes.

After the surprise proposal, we headed down to Shipwrecks Beach for even more candid photography. The couple ended their photo shoot with a jump in the foaming Hawaiian waves, as they shared a true love’s kiss.

If a standard proposal just won’t do for your sweat heart, contact us at Pacific Dream Photography. We will help you come up with something amazing and capture your dream proposal. We can help you come up with a plan to sweep your partner off of their feet.

Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Tips for Choosing Your Favorite Photos || Kauai Family Portrait Photography

You and your family just had a fabulous photo session with Pacific Dream Photography and now, it's time to choose your favorite photos! By the next day, our team of photographers have your images professionally edited and ready to be viewed. For some, this is the most exciting part of the photo session. This is where the session comes to life as you get the opportunity to reflect on precious memories from your unforgettable trip. Although looking through many amazing images can be fun, it can also be a bit of a challenge narrowing down your favorites when there are so many great ones to choose from! Fear not, here are five timeless tips that will help ensure you with a collection you'll be forever ecstatic about.

1. Choose The Images That Reflect You and Your Family

This is a very important step when selecting your favorite photos. This is what makes your favorite images stand out from the rest. The best images are the ones that tell a story while allowing your personalities to shine through. 

2. Eliminate Photos That Are Similar

You may have photos that look similar. You don’t want both, but you would like to choose one. So which photo should go and which photo should stay? Choose the photo that speaks to you. Pick the photo that allows you to achieve what you hoped to gain from your shoot.

3. Don't Miss Hidden Treasures

Maybe you’re in love with the facial expressions in a photo, but there’s something a little off. Maybe it’s a small spot on your hubby's shirt, or a tiny distraction in the background. Don't be afraid to let your photographer know! With a little magical editing, the photo might end up being your absolute favorite. Look for photos with genuine emotion. Some of the best images aren't posed, but suggested by life itself.

4. Go With Your Gut Reaction

Going with your gut reaction is one of the best options. Ask yourself, does this photo draw my attention? What makes this photo stand out from the others?

5. We Have Tricks Up Our Sleeve

At your viewing party, it is time to sit back and relax. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we have a couple tricks up our sleeve that allow us to help you pick your favorites. As Professional Photographers, we have the tools to help you choose the best. We wouldn't let you leave the islands without your favorite collection of your paradise getaway! 

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Sunrise or Sunset? || Couple and Family Photography Sessions at the Grand Hyatt Kauai

One of the most important options to consider when booking your reservation with Pacific Dream Photography is whether to choose a sunrise or a sunset time. For some of us, who aren’t early risers, the sunset time is an easy choice; although, the sunrise light is exceptional! Here at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai, there are advantages and disadvantages to each time.

The sunrise session is one of our personal favorites. The quality of light is gorgeous! You’ll notice a crisp quality of light, soft flattering skin tones, and a rose gold hue to the color, on some occasions. It is also important to consider the metaphors associated with a sunrise, for example: new beginnings. If you will be joining us celebrating something like an engagement or baby-moon, you might want to consider this time. It can also be a little more private with less people on the beach.

Typically, the sunset session is the most desired time. The light is rich and golden with saturated colors and strong contrast, making for striking imagery. The sun sets in the west and lights up a golden Shipwrecks beach cliff, creating a beautiful color contrast between the blue sky and ocean. The one possible downside to a sunset session is that there might be more people on the beach, and in the background of your photos.

So, choose wisely! You can’t go wrong with either choice; but we certainly want to capture you the way you’d like to be remembered.

- Written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)