As an Oahu Wedding Photographer, my goal isn’t just to take beautiful pictures—it’s to tell a story that reflects a couple’s unique love. Every wedding is different, shaped by the personalities, emotions, and connections that make each couple special. Some weddings are filled with high energy and laughter, while others are intimate and quiet. What matters most to me as a wedding photographer is capturing those unscripted moments—the fleeting glances, the subtle touches, and the real emotions that make a wedding day unforgettable.
This wedding at Oahu Wedding Villas was an incredible experience from start to finish. The couple chose to reserve the villa for multiple days, allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the celebration with their closest family and friends. Instead of a rushed, single-day event, they had time to relax, enjoy the venue, and create lasting memories together.
A Wedding Weekend at Oahu Wedding Villas
One of the things that stood out about this wedding was how the couple turned it into an extended celebration. By staying at Oahu Wedding Villas for several days, they had the chance to enjoy the space beyond just their wedding.
The days leading up to the ceremony were filled with moments that made the experience even more special. They cooked breakfasts and meals together, lounged by the private pool, and spent evenings watching movies on the big screen with their wedding party and close family. As an Oahu photographer, I love when couples take the time to slow down and enjoy the process—it allows for a more relaxed wedding day and gives me more opportunities to capture natural, candid moments.
The Morning of the Wedding
Wedding mornings are always a mix of excitement and calm. The bridal suite at Oahu Wedding Villas was buzzing with energy—bridesmaids in matching robes, hair and makeup stations in full swing, and the bride going through final touches as she prepared for the day ahead. I started by capturing the details that tell the story—her wedding dresshanging near the window, the rings carefully placed beside the bouquet, the groom’s watch, and her chosen “something borrowed” and “something blue.”
Meanwhile, in another part of the villa, the groom and his groomsmen were taking a more laid-back approach—sharing drinks, adjusting ties and cufflinks, and helping each other get ready. These small moments are just as important as the big ones. As a wedding photographer in Oahu, I focus on documenting both sides of the wedding morning—the anticipation, the excitement, and the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed.
First Look: A Private Moment Before the Ceremony
The couple chose to do a first look, giving them a moment together before the ceremony. We found a secluded spot on the grounds of Oahu Wedding Villas, away from the activity of guests arriving.
The groom stood with his back turned, taking a deep breath, waiting for the moment he’d see his bride. When he turned around, there was an immediate shift in his expression—a mix of admiration and quiet excitement. As an Oahu wedding photographer, these are the moments I love capturing—not just the reactions but the connection between two people, the way they instinctively reach for each other, the subtle expressions that say more than words ever could.
The Ceremony at Oahu Wedding Villas
With guests seated and the groom waiting at the altar, the ceremony began. The flower girl scattered petals down the aisle, and the wedding party made their way forward, all while “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis played softly in the background.
When the bride stepped forward on her father’s arm, I focused on capturing both perspectives—the groom’s anticipation and the bride’s steady, excited steps forward. As a wedding photographer, I know these moments happen quickly, and my goal is always to preserve them in a way that allows the couple to relive them forever.
The vows were personal, reflecting everything that made their relationship unique. When the officiant announced them as husband and wife, the energy shifted—the nerves were gone, replaced by pure celebration as they shared their first kiss as newlyweds.
Golden Hour Portraits at Kaaawa Beach
After the ceremony, we took a short drive to Kaaawa Beach, a location that never disappoints for wedding portraits. Framed by the Ko‘olau Mountain Range, this spot is a dream for any Oahu photographer looking to capture dramatic landscapes and natural beauty.
Golden hour on Oahu is unbeatable, and we had the perfect conditions for capturing stunning portraits. Instead of overly posed shots, I encouraged the couple to just be themselves—walking hand in hand along the shoreline, laughing as the wind caught her veil, or simply pausing to take in the moment. The light shifted beautifully, creating soft, warm tones that made every frame feel timeless.
I also made sure to capture the wedding party, taking a mix of classic group shots and candid moments—the bridesmaids adjusting the bride’s dress, the groomsmen joking around, and everyone celebrating together. These are the moments that bring a wedding album to life—not just the posed portraits, but the interactions that reflect the couple’s relationships with the people closest to them.
The Reception: A Night of Celebration
Back at Oahu Wedding Villas, the reception was already in full swing. The evening was a mix of heartfelt moments and lively celebrations—toasts from the maid of honor and best man, the couple’s first dance under twinkling lights, and plenty of moments on the dance floor as the DJ kept the energy high.
As an Oahu wedding photographer, my goal during the reception is to document the full range of emotions—not just the big moments like the cake cutting and first dance, but also the candid interactions between guests, the laughter shared at dinner, and the quiet moments when the couple takes a step back to soak it all in.
The cake cutting was another highlight, with the couple sharing a laugh as they fed each other bites of cake. The night continued with one toast after another, each one adding to the celebration of their story.
Telling Their Story Through Photography
What made this wedding truly memorable wasn’t just the location or the golden-hour portraits—it was how the couple embraced the experience. By staying at Oahu Wedding Villas for multiple days, they were able to be fully present, making the most of their time with their closest friends and family.
As an Oahu wedding photographer, my job goes beyond just taking photos—it’s about telling a story. This couple’s love story wasn’t just about the big moments, but about all the little ones in between. The way they laughed together in the days leading up to the wedding, the way they looked at each other when no one else was around, and the way they held onto each other long after the formalities were over.
For couples searching for the perfect venue, Oahu Wedding Villas offers an intimate and luxurious setting that allows for both celebration and connection. If you’re looking for an experienced Oahu Wedding Villas photographer, my name is Chris McChesney and I’d love the opportunity to capture your love story in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
💍 Congratulations to this amazing couple for creating a wedding that was truly their own—a celebration of not just their marriage, but their journey together.
📸 You can see more of my work with weddings and elopement, engagement, suprise proposals, family and couples photography and get in touch with me at Oahu Photography. 🌺📸😊 Mahalo! -Chris McChesney.
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