Heather + Troy had a beautiful intimate ceremony at one of my absolute favorite hotels – the Honua Kai just north of Lahaina in Maui. Everything went just right that day – with Cherise from The Perfect Maui Wedding, how could it not?  I’m ready to be back there, right now!

Ceremony & Reception: Honua Kai Resort & Duke’s Restaurant
Photographer: Melissa McClure
Photography Assistant: Jason Vint (aka the best boyfriend ever)
Wedding Coordinator: Cherise of The Perfect Wedding Maui
Officiant: Valentino Rosete
Cake: Maui Wedding Cake
Guitarist: Joshua Kaula
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Pam Jensen
Bride’s Dress: Kirstie Kelly Couture
Groom outfit: Kenneth Cole

The Darker Shade of Grey – Dark & Dangerous

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Ana + Christian – the dark side of Grey!  If you are familiar with the books, you know of Christian’s deep secrets and his red room of pain.  Sara with So Chic Events totally rocked the details in this inspiration shoot!  I mean, can you believe the attention to detail with the leather and even the handcuff wine charms!  So fun to be a part of this!

The Lighter Shade of Grey – Love & Light
My good friend Sara of So Chic Events sent me a text message one day and told me about an idea she had for a photoshoot and how she wished I lived closer so I could shoot it.  I loved the idea so much – I made that happen!  I flew out to Central Illinois to photograph this.  Thankfully, the awesome group of vendors were able to work around my travel schedule!   Sara really made this book come to life.  With the popularity of the novels by E.L. James, I was shocked no one had actually done an inspiration shoot like this!  Now we know the chances of someone actually having a 50 Shades wedding is quite slim, but it was so great to see Sara’s vision come to life and be able to capture it for her!

Today, enjoy the Love & Light part of this shoot.  Tomorrow, I will share the more risque set up!

Photos by Mandi Contreras, Associate Photographer

I love the smiles that Adrian + Elia save for each other!  Thanks to the ladies at Swann Soirees for sending them our way!

I had such a fun time getting to know Cole and Nicole of Cole Joseph Photography! We’ve been Facebook friends for awhile but our paths had never crossed.  It’s such an honor when another photographer wants you to photograph them.  We recounted their first date, which was a tour of SDSU campus (funny story – read about it on their blog, link below)  We laughed and talked shop for over an hour – such a blast! It was great getting to know them.  Check out the fun spots we found!

Don’t forget to head over to their blog to check out their own top picks from the shoot!