So you may have been wondering, what’s up with all the photos from Oahu?  I had the honor of documenting MaryLee and Paul’s vow renewal on the North Shore last month.  I photographed their daughter’s wedding in May and they must like me, because they brought me out for a vow renewal with just ten very dear people.  I already felt a wonderful connection with this family and this vow renewal sealed the deal.  It was a sweet, heartwarming, simple affair.

Mary Lee and Paul’s kids did all the planning and decorating.  They rented a villa on the North Shore, right on the beach, with turtles, palm trees and blue skies.  They ordered leis and tis for everyone.  And, they braved some crazy afternoon winds to make a circle of coral decorated with local flowers.  A local priest, decked out in a casual Hawaiian shirt, wasn’t sure about  what to do, but when he saw the love of 35 years of marriage, he really got into the vow renewal.

After the ceremony, there was cake and toasts, many, many toasts.  MaryLee and Paul were surprised and pleased to know that they are a role model for kids.  I witnessed quite an emotional (laughter and happy tears) time.

From there, the big night out included a traditional luau at one of the best on the island, Paradise Cove.  It had all the classic elements:  pretty hula girls wearing coconuts, big fruity drinks, a weird/yummy coconut pudding, a sensational sunset, and fire dancers.  I know it all sounds a bit cliched, but it all meshed so perfectly.  Plus many of the dancers in the show are local kids who have been doing these traditional Hawaiian dances their whole lives.  They were enthusiastic performers with huge smiles all night long.

The highlight of the evening was when MaryLee’s brother and daughter went on stage to show off their hula skills.  They even got certificates verifying their new hula expertise status.

SUZI Q | QWEDDINGS Wedding Photography Austin, Texas