Photography by Bridget Kaleki

Luis and Silvany traveled from Brazil to the Big Island to share their love on the beach with relatives that are based in Hawai’i.  It was a beautiful blend of two cultures and countries into one family.  Quite fitting as I have always found Brazilians to be warm hearted and full of life and love just like Hawaiians, and loads of fun to be around. It was a gorgeous beach wedding location, with an even stellar sunset to seal in this special day for this couple and their ‘ohana. Luis and Silvany, you were incredible to work with (Silvany you are a stunning bride!)  congratulations and aloha nō!

A Hui Hou*

It was a day well waited for by many.  Kai & Jaime brought together their ‘ohana and loved ones to witness and celebrate their love and commitment to one another under the shade of the Kiawe tree overlooking Hapuna Bay.  They took some time to r&r for the afternoon poolside, before heading up mauka to the charming Pukalani Stables in Waimea.  It was perfectly matched planning for this ocean loving // farming family who really like to just keep things low key and fun, while surrounding themselves with the ones they love. Kai and Jaime,  mahalo for being so wonderful to work with (and good looking at that) and for putting up with my infamous “Just one more shot line…”  you guys kept your easy-going-chill-vibes through it all and it was obvious that everyone LOVED celebrating you–Here’s to many more!

Aloha Nui*

There’s no better way to renew your vows than with your loved ones, at sunset, on the beach in Hawai’i—especially when you hail from the midwest.  Chris and Ginger have been sweet hearts since high school and decided to celebrate and re-dedicate their love for each other with their son, and parents while on vacation here in Hawai’i.  I had the honor of photographing the redemption of what could have been a disastrous nightmare when Chris and Ginger’s phone gave them the wrong beach location to give to the minister and I as we ended up at a beach in South Kona which was an hour away from the beach they were waiting at—AT SUNSET time.  I prayed so hard the whole way there that why should I be one bit surprised that God heard and answered prayers so wonderfully– as it turned out to be the most spectacular evening with the Kona sunset serenading us all while enveloping this couple as a sign of the heavens agreeing with their love- it was as if they were right where they were supposed to be after all that!   Mahalo Chris & Ginger for staying cool and calm through the chaos- you kept the chill factor the whole way through!  May the Lord continue to bless your marriage and ‘ohana in wonderful ways.

The day had finally arrived, and no amount of wind could blow out this big day, as many days had turned into months of preparation and planning for Mike and Kelsi’s wedding!!!  Kelsi, is a dear, dear friend and an extremely, talented creative who is making quite a name for herself at Bluekai Designs where she has found her niche in designing exotic florals for all special events and occasions as well as wedding planning.  If you know Kels, then you know she is a Hapa-Hawaiian baby at its finest, with the perfect mix of, up-mauka farm girl, and makai mermaid fueling her soul.  And your best bet in finding Kelsi when she’s not pumping her creativity with caffeine at the Waimea Coffee Company, is down by the ocean to play.  It’s no coincidence that her new hubby Mike, is a boat captain by trade, and so it was a beach wedding on Waialea Bay for these two, with all the right touches and not too much, adorned with elegance and simplicity, which was all planned, designed and crafted by The Ms. Bluekai Bride herself, including her own spectacular bouquet (should we be one bit surprised?).

‘Ohana and friends from California and various islands in Hawai’i came together to witness and celebrate the coming together of this beautiful Santa Cruz + Hawaiian duo tie the knot and say “I Do” to a lifetime of side by side navigation together. Mike & Kelsi, you two are well on your way to becoming a dynamic duo as you take on the adventure of sailing through life together. I know that with the Lord at the center of all of it,  you’re bound for a wild ride and oh the stories you will have for those grandkids of yours one day—Get Ready!

Me ke aloha nui *