Jesse + Justine

They were from two different high schools, something that during adolescence feels more like two different worlds. But as fate would have it they met. And fell in like. And then in Love. And though they went on to different colleges, they fought to not let the distance between them separate their hearts. When Jesse finished school and went on to the Marine Corps’ Basic School in Virginia, it was time for Justine to come, too. And again, last spring when Jesse began flight school in Florida, Justine was by his side the entire way. Last Saturday, in front of friends, family, a Marine Corps sword arch, and the back drop of Oahu’s North Shore, Jesse and Justine vowed to love each other for better or worse, through thick and thin, and come rain or shine. And despite the torrential down pours and impending winds, the pair just kept smiling – overjoyed that the day had finally come when they would marry their best friend.

The couple planned a dreamy affair at Oahu's Sunset Ranch. With rolling hills, rustic barns, and a breathtaking view of the ocean, the day was off to a pretty wonderful start...

I'm shamelessly in love with this ring. Ever since I first met Justine last fall I've been looking forward to photographing her gorgeous engagement bling. Is that weird? A little creepy? Maybe.

Jesse's reaction to seeing his bride for the first time was one of the sweetest and most emotional reactions I've had the honor of experiencing.

You two are perfect.

Before the ceremony we had a time for a few bridal party pictures outside. During which the sun decided to make a much welcomed appearance!

Ceremony time!

Oh, what was that? You wanted to see some more of Justine's bling? Mmmk, I think I can arrange that.

And then it was time to par-tay - something Jesse + Justine's friends and family know how to do extra well.

Jesse + Justine, I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have photographed your wedding. You two, along with your absolutely wonderful friends and family, made me feel more welcomed and at home than I can even express in words. Your love is so, so sweet and it was an honor to capture it over the course of your day. Thanks Mahalo a millions time over and welcome to the start of forever!!

Lots of love, Michelle

A Last Minute Purchase

SHUT UP!!! I answered Colton’s call with an extra obnoxious squeal through the telephone. It's been just a few days short of a month since I've seen my husband and his call marked the first time in just as long that I'd heard his voice. Unfortunately, because I’m in Hawaii for Saturday’s wedding I won’t be back to Southern California until late Monday evening - making the next few days of knowing Colton is back but not being able to see him absolutely brutal. This morning, after a series of texts and phone calls and I refuse to wait until Monday night to see you’s, we bought Colton a last minute ticket to Honolulu. His flight left forty five minutes later and as we speak he’s sitting in the San Francisco airport awaiting his flight to Oahu.

I'll admit it was a little indulgent and yes, he’ll hardly be on the island 48 hours before we leave. But they’re 48 hours we wouldn’t have otherwise had together. And with the year of training and deployment that lay ahead, those 48 hours of beach laying and frosty beverage drinking with a man I’m madly in love with? I wouldn’t trade those for the world.

People have asked how I’m doing with Colton deploying this year. Being completely honest I keep brushing the comments off because it seems a little early to be thinking about it - almost as if it's making his seven month trek into a fifteen month ordeal. But the truth of the matter is that it’s real and it’s our life. We like to think of it as just one of the many adventures, and twists and turns, that will create the stories we'll one day tell our grandchildren.

Aloha.

Michelle

Kind Words + Something Navy

When Malia first emailed me to ask about an upcoming feature, I was caught completely off guard. Malia, along with her business partner Kaelyn, are the editors of the military inspired wedding blog, Something Navy. Being completely honest, I could have really used this blog a few years ago when Colton and I were planning our own wedding. At the time I hadn’t the slightest idea what a sword arch was, let alone at what point before, during, or after the ceremony it came into play. So when Malia went on to ask if they could feature not one but two of my wonderful clients on their blog I was absolutely floored. I was flattered and humbled and speechless, all at the same time. Which leads me to my next point. I know every small business owner says it – well, I hope every owner says it, but I really, truly feel blessed to get to work with the people I work with. I know I’m fortunate in that I get to spend what is quite possibly the happiest day in a couple’s life with the couple. But beyond that, what really makes my job a delight is working with these couples for the months and weeks leading up to their day. I love getting to know a bride + groom, becoming their friend, and then being there to watch as they vow their lives to one another. It’s a truly beautiful process and one I do not take lightly.

When Malia wrote back to let me know the first feature had been published, I immediately checked the blog – much like I do with every publication. What I wasn’t prepared for was the write up that the bride had written about her wedding day and her photographer. I sat in my office and read the sweet, kind words that Jill had written and without any warning I started to cry. Happy, grateful, humble tears.

Do you remember Joe + Jill and their unforgettable proposal story? This time it was their wedding that was featured! To see their big day and kind words on Something Navy CLICK HERE

And today I was thrilled to see Steve + Kristi's Washington D.C. engagement session featured on the blog as well. CLICK HERE to see their sweet, sweet love story.

To my incredible past, present, and future brides and grooms, thank you for being the beautiful people you are - inside and out. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for all the sweet + lovely goodness that you are. You make my day, my week, my month, my year, and my life a much, much brighter place.

xoxo, Michelle