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)

Honeymooning in Maui || Couples photography

The romantic and serene ambiance of the Andaz at Wailea Resort is simply the perfect location for couples celebrating their honeymoon in Maui.

Nathalie and Jon came to us all the way from Australia to enjoy this special time together just days after their wedding in Sydney. Being used to posing for photographers by this point (after enduring both engagement and wedding photography) the couple was able to relax on the beach and surrounding property during their Experience Photography Session.

Both agreed that the islands breathtaking natural beauty along with the modern elegance of the resort were excellent choices and exceeded their expectations. With the many dramatic backdrops, it is clear why the Andaz Wailea is a top sought out location for Maui couples photography. You can see more examples of beautiful portraits taken at the Andaz here.

We look forward to seeing them return to Maui's beautiful beaches for future anniversaries and to capture more special memories of their love.

Written By Sarah S. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort)

Family Photography || 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Dads

1. Dads know how to have fun! 

2. They will pick you up, throw you up, and even turn you upside down! 

3. They give the best hugs!! 

4. Moms love them! 

5.  They love you no matter what! 

This Father’s day, let’s celebrate with favorite photos of dad! Will you be using a throwback or using this as an excuse to take new family photos? 

Happy Father’s Day from The Pacific Dream Photography Ohana! 

-written By Marie J. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Fairmont Kea Lani)

Woznicki Ohana

The beautiful Woznicki Ohana comes to the Montage Kapalua Bay every year to spend time together. Our photographer captured a great mixture of solo and group shots, delivering a perfect souvenir for a Hawaiian vacation.

The Mitchell Ohana

The Mitchell Ohana came to Maui to celebrate the high school graduation of their oldest son. The Montage Kapalua Bay was the perfect spot to capture the memories of their trip.

Photographer Tips || Wedding Photography

We recently had the privilege to photograph a Hawaii destination wedding for a sweet couple. As great as the finished product may look, wedding photography is no easy task. It is always the perfect balance of how to make a wedding look nice with hurdles and obstacles being thrown your way. The lighting can be challenging, the better photo spots can be unavailable and you could be pressed for time. 

Think about your most challenging obstacles with Wedding Photography. What can stand in your way from producing quality work and delivering a positive experience for your client? Will it prohibit you from doing good work? Will you find ways to overcome it or will you fold under the pressure and deliver mediocre photography. You will overcome it! Because some of the unavoidable challenges that await wedding photographers such as time, lighting and location after reading this post you can be better prepared.

1. Time.

Wedding timeline! We can’t stress it enough. A wedding timeline will keep the day rolling smooth and easy. We always provide clients with a sample timeline letting them know the typical photo times of a wedding and how long each of them will take.

2. Lighting. 

Lighting is one of those factors you can't control. Ceremony sites can be half in the sun and half in the shade. The shade can give your images a flat look or create a blue tint, lighting at a reception can be dim which means you need to use a flash, and the list goes on.

Knowing how to overcome these setbacks will make you a better wedding photographer. For example: if your getting ready space is cluttered learn how to crop and use the mirrors available in the room.

3. Location. 

Lucky for us, Pacific Dream Photography has a multitude of beautiful beachfront Wedding venues which we highly recommend to all future bride and grooms. Choosing a beautiful venue for your big day is key.

-written by Brent S. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel)

Returning Guests || The Kahala Hotel Family Portraits

What a remarkable gift it is to be the ones to capture the special moments of our guests from all over the world. During every photo session, it is so important to our photographers to give our clients a beautiful memory they will cherish forever and an experience they will never forget.

So what makes this experience even more touching and unique for us? It is when we are given the pleasure of capturing these precious moments all over again, when our guests return to Hawaii and allow us to become a part of their vacation tradition! It is a privilege to reconnect with our clients over the years and see how their families grow.

Last week, we had a returning family from Japan visit us for another photography session on the beach at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The first time we met them, their infant son could not even walk! This year, their baby boy was walking all by himself & we were so excited to capture how much they had grown as a new family in just under a year!

Part of the joy of being a photographer for Pacific Dream is to watch our clients evolve in their everyday life and join us again for another unforgettable Hawaii photography session experience. It is moments like these, that make our job so rewarding. Surrounded by love and sharing these moments in time with growing families, newly weds, or couples who have been married for over 50 years, the list goes on! This is what we live for, because love is a beautiful thing.

Written By Loryn R. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Hotel & Resort)

Couple’s Session || Daniel & Courtney

You can almost see it, the pristine beach, the warm sand between your toes, and the sunny blue skies as you hold your lover’s hand among the shoreline. Just the name Hawaii sounds romantic. For many, Hawaii is a dream destination and if you are lucky enough to pay Hawaii a visit, you are in for a real treat. 

We recently had the pleasure of photographing Daniel and Courtney at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. If you want to see Hawaii on a grand scale, stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Nothing can top this place for a romantic getaway. The tropical grounds smell of sweet scented plumeria and you can’t forget the stunning ocean views. 

This very much in love couple opted for a sunset session to celebrate their seven-year anniversary. There is no doubt that Hawaii is for lovers. We have the joy of capturing lovers every day and we couldn’t be happier. 

Whether you are celebrating your anniversary, honeymoon, or a romantic getaway for two, you won’t go wrong booking a session with Pacific Dream Photography.  Between all the romantic places and fun activities, remember to leave some time to capture these breathtaking moments. Tell us your story and together we will create something beautiful. Don’t be afraid to show us your genuine, quirky, fun love that you share together. This will allow our team to capture the story behind your true love. 

As you can see, Daniel and Courtney’s love radiates through the camera lens. After seven years of marriage, this young couple is still as giddy as when they met. What better way to spend sunset than strolling along Shipwrecks Beach, while capturing the moment? 

Daniel and Courtney spent their days on Kauai exploring countless waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, and enjoying the natural paradise. Not to mention the scenic drives and glorious beaches. No wonder why Kauai screams romantic getaway! To end the night, the happy couple shared an intimate candlelight dinner at Tide Pools restaurant. What an amazing night in tropical paradise.

From everyone at Pacific Dream Photography, Happy Anniversary! Daniel and Courtney, thank you for celebrating with us.

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

Montage Laguna Beach || California

California has been romanticized for decades. The state itself has such a vast variety of landscapes including the gorgeous beaches, miles of dessert, looming mountain ranges, and bright cities.

People from all over come here to visit and see what it has to offer. Being a photographer in Laguna Beach, I see people doing “staycations” all the time! Even if they live in a nearby city, they still come to this small beach city to spend their time.

At Montage Laguna Beach, it is so easy to completely lose track of time and spend your day at the beach, spa, or going on a stroll through their beautiful pathways lined with stunning flowers and greenery.

There is no better place to take photos of our guests then right here on the property. We don’t have to go far to capture the essence that this resort has to offer.

Written by Savannah S. (Pacific Dream Photography at Montage Laguna Beach)