November 30, 2011

I hope you enjoy part II of Kristine and Hisashi’s Wedding. We sure did! The newlyweds went all in for a day-after shoot, where they got back in their wedding attire and had FUN! They were incredible sports, and this was a great way to capture them without the commotion of a wedding day.

Hisashi was all about leaving on a high note!

Love you two! XOXO

  • EMILIA:

    I was asking your brother a few times about pictures… And finally I see them. Georgeous. THIS IS THE BEST WEDDING ALBUM I HAVE EVER SEEN. YOUR BIG DAY WAS REALLY YOURS! Congartulation one more time from Kirk & Emilia

  • Tatiana Contegni:

    Beautiful work – I went to high school with Kristine and she was always such an inspirational person…your photos have captured such beautiful happiness and all that she is so wonderfully! Just stunning! I’m starting photography myself and would LOVE to shoot in the water – special camera or just a case? again, beautiful, thank you for sharing!

  • Mike Olbinski:

    OMG, that jump at the end is awesome!! Love this guys!

  • Babbo:

    OMG what a fun way to celebrate ‘the day after’. I suppose living in this area makes you want to live outdoors. Terrific shoot! Love the pics and creativity. Once again- hats off to you guys! XOXO


November 28, 2011

It was the halfway point. Maui, that is. Guests from, literally, all parts of the world arrived ready to witness one incredible union in paradise. Kristine, originally from New York, had moved to Tokyo where she met and fell in love with Hisashi… and so their story begins.

After meeting both families, laughing and crying together (even with a language barrier) it was easy to see why Kristine and Hisashi are so special. A traditional luau kicked off the three-day celebration, leading into a perfect day at Olowalu Plantation House, and ending with a wet day-after shoot.

The ocean breeze brushed through the curtains in the plantation room Kristine was readying herself in, and she spritzed her new bottle of Chanel. It was what she wore when the two began dating, and it was one of Hisashi’s favorite scents. Her mom latched the back of her gown, and they giggled over the load of dresses she had shipped to Tokyo, and tried on over Skype. She was calm, witty, and ready to see Hisashi all dressed up… hoping he’d remembered to bring everything on the list she left for him in the morning. She was merely practicing her wife skills; writing lists, and brushing it off when he forgets.

In another room, Marcus helped Hisashi place his custom collar stays, and recalls watching one of the happiest people he’s ever seen get dressed. I guess when Hisashi proposed to Kristine and she said yes, HE was the first to cry! But it makes sense, because that’s Hisashi – A warm, loving, deep-down in your soul committed man whose laugh can turn the worst of days into the best. His heart is so full of love and admiration for Kristine and the friends and family who surround him. Together, they are beautiful. And the thoughtfulness and attention to detail for their guests was spot on.

Kristine + Hisashi :: You are who and what we want to be around, all the time. Marcus and I could not be more thankful for experiencing your wedding and Hawaii through you. We had such an amazing time getting to know you both, and feeling your love. Oceans and languages apart, you two will always be in our hearts. Kris – if nothing else, I have THEE funniest emails to look back on. I love when you write me.

Beauuuutiful!!

Gah!! He’s always laughing and we LOVE it!!!

We were thrilled Kristine and Hisashi opted for a First Look and saw one another before the ceremony. IT. WAS. UNREAL!! Hisashi was so blown away by Kristine, and this was the first time Marcus and I BOTH cried during a first look! Beautiful.

The two were tucked away while guests arrived for the ceremony.

The stunning flowers were done by Bella Bloom. What a perfect fit!

It was so nice to see Hawaiian traditions incorporated.

Seriously? This backdrop?

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Jane and Lena from Belle Destination Weddings. They executed such a wonderful experience for everyone, and I’m SO excited they’ve branched into San Diego!

There were SO many meaningful and thought out details of the day. Here are just a few. How awesome is the ribbon table runner?!

The food by Aloha Events and drinks by Garnish Events were divine!

The cake toppers are modern interpretations of the couples’ Japanese zodiac years, and were made by an artist in Gunma, which is near Hisashi’s hometown.

There were about 30 guests, which we loooove! Marcus and I specialize in smaller, intimate weddings because that’s really where our heart is. It was so wonderful to connect with each and every person that attended! They were all WONDERFUL!!

Stay tuned for Kristine and Hisashi’s DAY-AFTER session!

Wedding Coordinators :: Belle Destination Weddings
Venue :: Olowalu Plantation House
Gown and Shoes :: J.Crew
Invitations :: Bella Figura
Calligraphy :: Kelle
Flowers :: Bella Bloom
Catering :: Aloha Events
Bar Service :: Garnish Events

  • Latasha Cardona:

    What a beautiful wedding!! Congrats to the lovely couple! I love the first look photos, Hisashi’s reaction was soo adorable! LOVE LOVE LOVE The photos!!!

  • Kristine + Hisashi :: Maui, Hawaii Day-After Photography « Gina Meola Photography Blog | Arizona-Based International Photographer:

    [...] « Previous Page [...]

  • Babbo:

    Gina and Marcus, What a joy to be able to go through these beautiful photos. The pictures speak for themselves. Wonderful ! The setting is amazing, the colors and the couple’s love for one another is so evident. I wish them well and the two of you are to be congratulated on an amazing shoot. AWESOME AWESOMWE AWESOME XOXOXO

  • Sarah H:

    Gina! You are seriously so talented. Love looking at your images, and I’m not even planning a wedding.

  • Kris:

    aaah, we love these photos so much and can’t wait to see more! Thank you, too, for getting the word out about all of the amazing professionals we worked with that day, so many of them working their magic behind the scenes. We are incredibly lucky to have met all of you and can’t thank you enough!

  • Steph - Garnish Events:

    It was such a privilege to be part of such a beautiful, magical day. The details were amazing, yet nothing felt stuffy or overdone. Just well thought out with pure love and joy. Belle Destinations are absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, all those little things you have dreamed of for so long — yes, mam thay make them happen! And Gina – reading this story, as you tell it, just brings tears to my eyes. When you see what most might call ‘vendors,’ participate as family – you get an extra magical event. Well that is my humble opinion, and I’m a-stickin-to-it. Congratulations Kristine and Hisashi, we wish you much love! (and SWEET job, Gina!)

  • Amber:

    That reception location is TO DIE FOR!

  • Lena & Jane:

    You did such a great job capturing the magic of Kristine and Hisashi’s wedding day. It was such a pleasure working with you and look forward to many more!

  • Melanie Rose:

    WOW. This is a breathtaking wedding, and they are very lucky to have had the two of you to capture it, doing it such justice. I have no words to describe the beauty and magic you’ve brought to these photos!


November 24, 2011

Tonight we celebrated a day of reflection and thanksgiving with our beautiful friends Alex and Ryan, their family, my mama and brother, and our dear friends James and Carrie.

I knoooow you know I cry all the time, but I so easily well up when I think of ALL the things in my life I don’t deserve but am ever so grateful for; most importantly eyes to see and ears to hear, a family overflowing with love, a husband I’m nuts about, and friends who breathe truth and joy in my life. God is so good.

Today we were thankful for::

XOXO

  • Alex Evjen:

    WOOOHOO! LOVE THIS!!! I’m so glad that you guys could join us. Very thankful for you! =)

  • Babbo:

    WOW….Happy belated Thanksgiving! This is a far cry from the first pilgrims. LOL. Although I guess you’d qualify as “The Pilgrims from Arizona”. Really enjoyed seeing all the fun you had. XOXO