Saturday, October 18, 2014

Stone Brewery Reception: Tina and Clint

Tina and Clint's wedding was absolutely perfect - and offered all of the beauty and romance that Kauai has to offer.  But of course, because of the long trip away, not all of their loved ones were able to attend the celebration.  So they decided to hold a formal reception at one of the coolest wedding venues in San Diego, Stone Brewery Liberty Station.

It was so amazing for Tina and Clint to invite us, not as photographers, but as guests.  And they even tried to insist that we not bring cameras because they didn't want us to feel like we had to work.  But Dick and I simply couldn't resist getting a few photos of the event.  We just brought along one camera and one lens - here are our favorites.



Mmmmm... drink tokens for Stone Brewery



Just a few of many faces of the adorable Tina


and her lovely bridesmaids


oh, behave ladies!!

And just to prove that we really were only there as guests, here's Dick holding my drink for me




 


As it got darker we were really wishing we had brought all of our professional equipment!  These may not be the most impressive photos technically, but I just had to post these shots of Tina and Clint's first dance.



Thank you so much, Clint and Tina, for asking us to be your wedding photographers and for inviting us to be guests at your beautiful reception.  It was such an honor to be part of these amazing events and we hope the photos are the first of many that we take of your new, happy family!

We love you guys!!  - Julie & Dick


Saturday, October 11, 2014

Kauai Honeymoon... more fun photos of Tina and Clint

When we heard that Tina and Clint would be driving up the coast of Kauai to Hanalei for their honeymoon on the day after their wedding, we decided to take the opportunity to follow them on their trip, getting more fun photos of the happy couple on the way up.  Here are some of our favorite shots from this super fun all-day photo shoot with them!

If you've ever been to the south end of Kauai, you've driven through this tunnel of trees.  Having vacationed here a few times, we love the feeling of driving through this mile of trees - it's how you know you've really arrived in this beautiful tropical paradise.  Tina and Clint felt the same way about the spot and wanted to get some photos here. 


I'll admit, it was a little dangerous... but we were super careful, and Dick was off to the side scouting for cars to make sure we didn't get hurt.  I love the result!!  

This spot was a special request from Tina and Clint.  In case you were wondering what is painted on this wall... this is a whale.

On our way up the coast we decided to stop at Dukes in Lihue and take a few photos in the cove there (which is right by the hotel where Dick and I were staying).  We enjoyed a little stroll on the beach.


And of course, you can't stop at Duke's without enjoying some of their delicious tropical cocktails (and lunch).

Dick and I had never been to the Marriott in Lihue, and were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful and lush gardens there.  Since we were right next door, we brought Tina and Clint in to get a few more shots.




Back on the road and on our way north, we stopped at one of the most breathtaking spots on the island, the Hanalei overlook. 

silly Clint...


Then we headed down the hill into Hanalei.  If you've been here you've seen the single lane bridges - I thought I'd throw in a couple shots to give you the feel of our drive

And then we arrived at our destination, Hanalei Bay. The clouds and mountains were so beautifully dramatic and the perfect backdrop to these fun and romantic photos of these two.






I absolutely love being able to shoot with Dick.  He captures great behind the scenes moments.  And while I don't usually post photos of myself, I thought it would be good to show some proof that I really was working... :-)  (thanks monkey)


And a short walk out onto the pier...



Mission accomplished!!  Now it was time to celebrate before turning in for the night.  So we enjoyed some delicious appetizers and drinks at the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant with the newlyweds.





Friday, October 10, 2014

Destination Kauai: Tina and Clint's wedding

Tina and I knew each other... ahem... about 20 years ago and have kept in touch through Facebook.  So then when she stopped by the Bridal Bazaar booth last year I was thrilled to see her in person and super excited when she asked us to fly to Kauai (one of our very favorite places on earth) to take her wedding photos.  She and Clint had seen Dick's and my vacation photos from Kauai and wanted us to capture that same mood for their wedding.  What an HONOR!

So, we packed up the gear and flew out to the middle of the Pacific to the beautiful Garden Island where Dick and I met up with with Tina and Clint and a handful of their family and closest friends. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful location or a more meaningful and touching celebration.  And we truly had a blast helping them celebrate!

Tina and Clint prepared for the big day at a beautiful rental property in Poipu, which is on the south side of Kauai.




Because Clint is a member of the SDPD the two thought it would be especially appropriate and fun to incorporate these beautiful, custom handcuffs.

I loved that the stones on Tina's veil matched those on her beautiful ring.




This little cutie was so much fun to photograph.  We had no problem getting adorable poses out of her!

Clint shows off the handcuffs

Groom and ring bearer, "Nate-dog"
 
The gorgeous bride and her cork-man

In true Tina-style, there was quite a bit of impromptu singing throughout the morning.  If I'm not mistaken, at this time, they were belting the chorus to "Total Eclipse of the Heart".  And no, the radio wasn't playing it.  They were just singing a capella at the top of their lungs.

Tina and Clint were married at The Beach House Restaurant.  When the groomsmen arrived, the staff there helped pin on the beautiful boutonnieres.

What a happy moment as Tina walked down the aisle with her parents.  And look how gorgeous she looks!!
 




Stunning ceremony!


Tina's dad did a fantastic job officiating!

Oh man, just looking at this one makes me a little weepy.  Tina didn't have her own microphone, so she borrowed her dad's.  I can't get over the expression on her face as she says her vows to Clint.

As Clint pulls out his tablet to read his vows, Tina comments that she's marrying her dad (who, as you can see, was also using a tablet).  Then, he didn't have is own microphone either, so decided to use the same method that Tina did to make sure he was heard.  It was such a sweet, unplanned moment.  And as you could see, dad was beaming.

Nate's big moment with the rings is rapidly approaching...





The happy crowd turns around for a quick photo

What a fun wedding party!

We very quickly paused to get a few sunset photos of Clint and Tina before the sun set completely.







Clint's beautiful daughters - the other women in his life


Now, I didn't ask them to get down onto the grass to take photos, but I certainly didn't complain.  So much fun!



Tina and her mom





Tina and Clint - thank you two again for asking us to fly to Hawaii to help capture this celebration.  It was so much fun and so beautiful.  We just feel so fortunate to have been part of it!

Stay tuned for more photos of Clint and Tina, both on the way to their honeymoon and at their San Diego reception the following week.