MONICA + JUSTIN

     I’ve never experienced a shoot filled with this much beautiful emotion. Monica and Justin are from Utah but decided to have their bridals and first look done in my hometown in Hawaii. I mean first looks are already so rad but I don’t know that I’ve seen a couple so incredibly excited to see each other especially considering this wasn’t even their actual wedding day! The number of happy tears and kisses happening was unbearably precious. Oh and then there is also the part when we jumped into the ocean afterward (always my favorite part)! There were a few moments that I felt the need to apologize for putting these two in the line of fire of the huge North Shore winter shore break. We definitely got pushed around a few times, but they held up (survived) and I think we all considered the sand in our hair afterward well worth it. 

“My nerves were on fire waiting for Justin to see me as his bride for the first time. I had no idea what his reaction would be. It surpassed all my expectations. I love this man with my whole soul. ”

Here’s a prime example of one of the moments that we’re all having fun and for a sec I had to stop and ask “wait, are you guys okay?” Monica’s face says it all! An amazing mixture of a whole lot of joy and a little fear haha! 

Monica and Justin must not have been that frightened by the waves because they willing sat in the middle of natures human washing machine for this shot! Those waves come out of nowhere. Worth it and all smiles by the end! 

First look Video

During this shoot, I had the pleasure of working alongside Luke and Kristine Porter who created this beautiful video from the evening! They added even more laughs and fun to our time together, plus you can see how amazingly talented they are! You can check out their work HERE! Also, this same song was playing when Justin and Monica saw each other for the first time so it really feels like going back into that moment.