In a world that moves faster than ever, film photography invites us to slow down — to be intentional, to appreciate imperfection, and to create something timeless. While digital photography dominates the wedding world for its speed and convenience, we’ve seen a beautiful shift in recent years: couples are falling in love with the magic […]
Our Favorite Wedding Venues Across All of Hawai‘i As a husband-and-wife photo and video team based in Hawai‘i, we’ve had the honor of documenting weddings across every major island — and we never take for granted how lucky we are to call this place home. Hawai‘i is a dream destination for couples from all over […]
1. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts CollectionA refined blend of luxury and nature. From the serene fishponds to the white sand beaches, Mauna Lani offers endless photo opportunities and elegant event spaces. The sunsets here feel especially sacred. 2. Mauna Kea Beach HotelAn iconic Hawaiian resort with timeless style. Its ceremony locations overlook a crescent-shaped beach, […]
Katherine and Tyler’s engagement session at The Fairmont Orchid in Waikoloa was a perfect blend of romance and natural beauty. The resort’s stunning landscapes, with its golden sandy beaches and lush tropical gardens, provided a breathtaking backdrop for their photos. From tender moments beneath swaying palm trees to laughter shared by the shimmering ocean, every […]
A celebration of love, tradition, and breathtaking beauty, Manpreet and Rikky’s Indian wedding at The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii was a true celebration. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, their multi-day wedding brought together the vibrancy of Indian culture with the serenity of Hawaii’s natural beauty. The […]
Anna and Dominic celebrated their love at the stunning Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. With its lush gardens, oceanfront views, and luxurious atmosphere, the venue provided the perfect setting for their unforgettable destination wedding. Their ceremony took place beneath a breathtaking floral arch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, beautifully designed by […]
Our Favorite Wedding Venues Across All of Hawai‘i
As a husband-and-wife photo and video team based in Hawai‘i, we’ve had the honor of documenting weddings across every major island — and we never take for granted how lucky we are to call this place home. Hawai‘i is a dream destination for couples from all over the world, and each island offers something entirely unique. From luxury resorts to lush gardens and hidden coastal gems, here are some of our absolute favorite wedding venues across the islands.
Big Island
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Elegant, soulful, and rich in Hawaiian heritage, Mauna Lani is one of the most photogenic venues we’ve ever worked at. The sunsets, ancient fishponds, and lava rock coastlines create a backdrop that’s both magical and timeless.
Fairmont Orchid
With oceanside ceremony sites framed by palm trees and a team that truly cares, Fairmont Orchid weddings are as seamless as they are beautiful. We’ve captured everything from intimate elopements to multi-day cultural celebrations here — and it always feels special.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Classic, iconic, and effortlessly chic. This hotel’s timeless architecture and soft golden beach are a photographer’s dream. It’s perfect for couples wanting a sophisticated and serene setting.
Maui
Andaz Maui at Wailea
Modern luxury meets island charm. The design of this resort is sleek and stylish, but still feels warm and welcoming. Incredible food, oceanfront views, and top-tier service make it a favorite for both destination couples and planners.
Hotel Wailea
Exclusively adults-only and perched above the coast, Hotel Wailea is ideal for couples craving privacy and refined romance. The views are next-level, and it’s one of the most intimate luxury resorts on Maui.
Olowalu Plantation House
A historic estate right on the water, with some of the most epic sunset views you’ll find. The banyan trees, wide lawn, and vintage charm make it a go-to for stylish outdoor weddings.
O‘ahu
The Royal Hawaiian (The Pink Palace)
This iconic Waikīkī hotel offers a glamorous setting with old-world charm and oceanfront views. Its bold pink exterior makes every photo pop, while the service is second to none.
Lanikuhonua
A true hidden gem on the west side of O‘ahu, Lanikuhonua feels like untouched paradise. Think: sweeping lawns, private beach coves, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s a favorite for couples seeking a more natural and exclusive location.
Kaua‘i
Haiku Gardens
While technically on O‘ahu, this stunning venue offers a tropical garden oasis with views of the Koʻolau mountains and a hidden waterfall — making it feel like it belongs in Kaua‘i’s lush landscape.
Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens
On Kaua‘i’s North Shore, this venue is pure fairytale. With sculptures, tropical blooms, and oceanside cliffs, it’s one of the most artistic and visually rich places we’ve ever photographed.
Final Thoughts
Every island in Hawai‘i holds its own magic, and every venue tells a different story. Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot ceremony on the sand or a multi-day celebration at a five-star resort, there’s a place here that will feel like it was made just for you.
If you’re still searching for the perfect setting, we’d love to help guide you. As creatives who have worked across the islands — with film, digital, and drone — we specialize in capturing weddings that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
1. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
A refined blend of luxury and nature. From the serene fishponds to the white sand beaches, Mauna Lani offers endless photo opportunities and elegant event spaces. The sunsets here feel especially sacred.
2. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
An iconic Hawaiian resort with timeless style. Its ceremony locations overlook a crescent-shaped beach, and its architecture provides a perfect mix of classic and modern. It’s perfect for couples who want luxury with a deep sense of place.
3. The Fairmont Orchid
Tucked between lava rock and lush gardens, the Fairmont offers a peaceful, romantic setting. Whether it’s an oceanside ceremony or a starlit reception, every space here feels cinematic.
4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Truly one of the most exclusive wedding experiences on the island. With world-class service and private villas, this resort is ideal for a couple looking to treat their guests to the very best Hawai‘i has to offer.
5. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
This recently reimagined property is a hidden gem that feels authentically Hawaiian. Surrounded by black lava, turquoise water, and lush tropical greenery, it’s a sanctuary for intimate, unforgettable weddings. Every detail is curated with intention — and it shows in the photos.
A celebration of love, tradition, and breathtaking beauty, Manpreet and Rikky’s Indian wedding at The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii was a true celebration. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, their multi-day wedding brought together the vibrancy of Indian culture with the serenity of Hawaii’s natural beauty.
The festivities began with a colorful Mehndi ceremony, where intricate henna designs were applied amidst joyful music and laughter. The Sangeet that followed was a night to remember, with lively performances, heartfelt speeches, and a delicious spread of traditional Indian cuisine.
On the wedding day, the couple exchanged vows in a stunning outdoor mandap adorned with vibrant florals and draped fabrics. The ceremony blended traditional Hindu rituals with the natural beauty of the resort’s oceanfront location. Manpreet looked radiant in her red and gold bridal lehenga, while Rikky exuded charm in his ivory sherwani, both complemented by the dazzling Hawaiian sunset.
The reception was a grand affair, featuring a mix of modern elegance and cultural flair. Guests enjoyed a night of dining, dancing, and heartfelt toasts, all expertly coordinated to perfection. The couple’s first dance under the stars, surrounded by family and friends, was a moment of pure magic.
Manpreet and Rikky’s wedding was not just a union of two hearts but a vibrant celebration of heritage, love, and the blending of two beautiful worlds.
Vendors:
- Venue: The Fairmont Orchid Resort in Waikoloa Hawaii
- Planner: Coordinated by the incredible planners at The Fairmont
- Florist: Shoots Blooms
- Caterer: Fairmont Orchid
- Makeup & Hair: Indigo Grace Artistry
- Photographer/Videographer: Apricity Photography & Videography
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In a world that moves faster than ever, film photography invites us to slow down — to be intentional, to appreciate imperfection, and to create something timeless. While digital photography dominates the wedding world for its speed and convenience, we’ve seen a beautiful shift in recent years: couples are falling in love with the magic of film again.
And we completely understand why.
The Timeless Allure of Film
There’s something undeniably romantic about film. It has a softness, a texture, and a depth that digital images can’t quite replicate. The way film captures light — especially during golden hour or by candlelight — is pure magic. Colors feel more organic, skin tones are warm and flattering, and there’s a dreamlike quality that gives every frame a sense of nostalgia.
For weddings, where emotion and artistry intersect, that timeless feel is everything.
Why Couples Are Choosing Film Again
In the age of instant everything, film offers something rare: anticipation. Knowing there’s no immediate playback encourages presence. It makes moments feel more sacred — more real.
Couples are drawn to the look of vintage romance, but also to the feeling it evokes. Many of our clients tell us that their favorite wedding photos were shot on film — not just because they’re beautiful, but because they feel like art. Real, raw, and unrepeatable.
How We Use Film in Our Work
While we shoot digitally for the majority of the day to ensure full coverage, we integrate film photography seamlessly throughout your wedding experience — especially during slower, more intimate moments. Think: getting ready, golden hour portraits, romantic candids.
We shoot with 35mm and medium format cameras, and we often incorporate Super 8 film for couples who book both photo and video. It adds a layer of storytelling that’s rich with nostalgia — soft movement, grain, and everything analog lovers adore.
Digital + Film: The Best of Both Worlds
One of the things our clients love most is that we offer both mediums. You don’t have to choose between fast, full coverage and artistic, intentional imagery. With us, you get both.
We curate the experience so that your wedding day is fully documented, while still carving out space for creativity and quiet beauty. The result? A collection that feels luxurious, editorial, and deeply personal.
Final Thoughts
Film photography isn’t just a trend — it’s a return to storytelling with heart. It reminds us that love isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But that’s what makes it beautiful.
If you’re drawn to that feeling — to the timeless, the tactile, the imperfectly perfect — then film might be for you, too. We’d be honored to create something unforgettable for you, in both digital and film.5
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With a shared love for travel, nature, and connection, we’re inspired by the beauty of the world and the bonds that bring people together. When we’re not behind the lens, we’re devoted parents to our son, passionate animal advocates, and stewards of a small nonprofit sanctuary on our property. Together, we bring heart, creativity, and purpose to every moment we capture.
Embracing an altruistic way of life together
Meet Shelly & Max
Crafting artistic, visionary images that captivate, inspire, and immortalize authenticity
our mantra and vision
- Rachel, 2024 bride
Shelly & Max are the perfect blend of professionalism and fun! They make sure every detail is covered, ensuring you feel comfortable and enjoy every moment. Multiple guests even mentioned how impressed they were by their presence during our reception. On top of that, they are incredible artists, effortlessly guiding and composing breathtaking shots that capture the essence of the day.