Rachelle Winkler
- Apr 15, 2023
- 5 min read

Intimate Wedding Photographers on Oahu/ Hawaii Photographers/C & J

J reached out to me about one month before her big day, asking if I would be available to capture her nuptials. This request took me by total surprise, but I was absolutely honored that she thought of me.

J & I go back. Way, way back. As in elementary classmates. As in intermediate/middle school days. As in living just down the road from her family and hanging out with her and her five sisters almost every day after school until my parents bought a house and moved us to the other side of the island. We eventually split up schools when we made it to high school because of our geographical district, but we had the same friends and sometimes hung out with the same crowd, so we continued to keep in touch in some fashion. But then we lost touch after high school because I ended up moving to the mainland for college and she also began the next chapter in her life, to include serving for the Coast Guard.

J & I reconnected once again when I moved back, at a women's networking event held by Oak n Pine. Our good friend (whom I also haven't seen in a while) is a part of this women's group and she invited both J & I to attend an upcoming workshop. And walah! We were united once again! Between the three friends, it was like the good ole' days!

C & J held their intimate wedding in the Konishiki Hale on the leeward side of the island in Waianae. For those of you who don't know who Konishiki is, he was a very famous, super successful sumo wrestler from Hawaii. He won many matches during his prime time, and was a fan favorite in his hometown. He now lives in Japan with his family and he rents out his house for special events and vacation stays. There were going to be about 25-30 guests in attendance. C's family and a handful of his childhood friends flew in from Seattle. J, her beautiful kids and her beautiful mom are the only ones in her family that still lives in Hawaii. Her sisters, all of them served or are currently serving in the military, are scattered all over the world. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions at that time, and scheduling conflicts, only three of her five sisters were able to attend. They flew from CA, GA and AL. Thank goodness for modern technology though, because her other two sisters were able to attend and be a part of the special day via Face Time, social media and the likes.

One thing I love about J is that she is a huge supporter of small businesses/entrepreneurs because she's one herself. Most of her vendors that were a part of her wedding were connected to her somehow. We appreciate her love and support, and the opportunity to take part in her big day.

I arrived at the venue around 230p. It was a very hot, but absolutely beautiful day. I found J sitting on a high chair finishing up part two of her henna art by Henna Happens and TSB Artistry. Some of her sisters and family members were getting their hair and makeup done. A couple of her sisters were making her bouquet and putting some last minute touches to some decorations. The catering company was cooking on the premise. Elegant Picnic Company was setting up the dinner and lounging area. The groom, groomsmen and father were simultaneously setting up the bar area and watching Seattle Seahawks play. J's daughter was finishing up her own henna work before hopping in the hair and makeup chair, and the boys were keeping themselves busy until it was their turn to get ready. The food and table decorations were placed at the last minute so that the flowers wouldn't wilt and food wouldn't get cold.

We ended up falling a little behind of schedule and at this point, we were chasing the sun. So the last hour was sort of a blur, lol. As the bride was finishing her hair and makeup, her sisters and I hurriedly got her kids ready. And once they were ready, the sisters got dressed and we all hurried to the upstairs bedroom so we could quickly help J get into her dress, snap a few pictures and then rush downstairs, down to the beach to get ready for the ceremony.

J looked GORGEOUS! The ceremony was beautiful, short and sweet. Just as the sun started lowering below the horizon, C & J each read their personally written vows. The kids were so happy to see their mom so happy and so excited to be a part of the wedding that they never left her side. It was just the sweetest to see. The ceremony ended right as the sun went down. We had just a few minutes to snap a few pics with the family and friends before heading back to the house to serve dinner. During dinner, the thank-you's were done. The toasts, the maid-of-honor and best man speeches, and time for other friends and family members to share their memories and well-wishes. Then we moved onto the first dance and then after that, they mingled with their guests and danced the night away! It wasn't until later that evening that C realized that they didn't cut the cake, so mid-dancing, we brought out the cake to celebrate. The evening winded down about 1130p. The kids and adults had already changed out of their clothes, but the celebration continued on. And just like that... in a flash... the day was over!

What a wild ride! J provided a rough schedule of how she wanted the day to run. However, just like real life, things happen and did not go according to schedule. She knew it, and mentally prepared for it. J went into the day with a go-with-the-flow attitude, "whatever goes, goes" sort of outlook. If it went as planned, GREAT! If not, GREAT! This was the kind of approach I think every bride and groom should take. Things will probably go wrong. Itineraries are hardly ever on schedule. Should you stress about it? Absolutely not! Let all of us (friends/family/vendors) take care of it while you guys enjoy your day!

Congratulations again C & J! You guys are a gorgeous couple filled with so much love and respect for one another. Surrounded by your loved ones. Laughing, smiling and celebrating together. It was a wonderful evening; an absolutely beautiful intimate wedding! Wishing the both of you years and year of happiness in your marriage!