Yesterday I went to my first ever pre-wedding photoshoot. -But don't worry, It's not for me! My childhood friend Karmen is getting married in October, and if you thought that having a breathtaking wedding was the only thing keeping couples up at night, you may be surprised to find that all the glamour starts months beforehand. We have not seen each other in years, and she also wanted me to meet her fiancee Bryson.
I was asked to tag along for moral support for an all day, island-wide shoot to keep spirits up, carry things, and of course take a few photos for my own amusement. Here are the photos I took on my phone, I can only imagine what the actual photographers captured!
We went to Hawaii-Kai first, on the East Coast of Oahu. It was raining off and on, so everyone had to time it to not get soaked. It was amusing, and an unforeseen challenge.
Allan from Azuki Media was their all-day photographer, he was polite and extremely professional. There was even a second photographer named Koji who came in to shoot photos and videos from a drone!
Koji said that depending on the weather, running a drone can be difficult. If the wind is too strong, or if a tree or another object clips the drone, it can crash into the water. In Hawaii, it's a default to have photos with the ocean- So he always has to bring his A game.
Allan had attached his camera for these shots to a stabilizer. I've never seen one in person before, it's so that all of the shots (for video) come out smooth, and doesn't bounce from the operator walking/moving. It was already shaping up as an interesting day.
Next, we went to Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu. This is where the King and Queens of Hawaii once lived; including Queen Lili'uokalani before Hawaii became a part of the United States. What better way to feel like a princess than in front of a stately home!
Then we went to the Disney Aulani Resort at Ko'olina. They shot a really cute video of them walking along the tracks, and additional photos afterward.
Even though there were lots of poses, walking, and retakes- Everyone had ample time to goof around. There was never an awkward silence. (Maybe that's why they brought me!) I talked about video games and crypto with Bryson in their downtime. I approve!~
Since mostly video was being taken. Karmen and Bryson were asked to talk about anything and laugh to "give the illusion of conversation" and having fun. Literally blah blah blah, and OH LOOK- The sun! Chicken nugget chicken nugget chicken nugget. Karmen's really enjoying herself.
Allan helps explain one of the poses to Karmen. I didn't realize how many different gestures, angles, and ways there were to hold a dress. He was pretty experienced and immediately knew what shots would look good. He says every wedding is different, and although there are some "classic shots" to be had, he enjoys extending the boundaries and expectations of what is possible in his own photography.
I was literally screwing around, making faces at the bride and groom to get some good laughs and reactions. I think it was around this time, that I realized that I had taken over 300 photos. Sure they were off of my phone- But I don't think I've ever taken that many in a single day.
Sure, my photos may not be fantastic...
... But it's not like they were bad either. Here's how that pose came out.
I'm going to start looking for what camera I want to buy! I might not become a wedding photographer perse, but I do appreciate aesthetic visuals and creativity.
By the time the sun set, everyone was exhausted. I had a lot of good times with this troublemaker! xD
As a thank you, she took everyone to dinner. Not only did I get to play around all-day, but I got free food too. Definitely a victory won ❤
I don't know if I'll be getting married anytime soon, but it was delectable to be able to sneak peek this kind of event that I probably wouldn't get to see otherwise! I may just book Azuki Media as well. I mean look at these photos, and that's with a low-end phone! I cannot wait to see the kinds of photos Karmen gets back from the pros, she deserves only the best c: