Red Heart Photography » wedding lifestyle photography on Hawaii

A week ago I got asked by owner Tanna Dang to become the Wedding Cafe’s newest photographer member!  Of course I said “YES!” and now I am joining the ranks of some pretty incredible people in the industry.  Thanks to Tanna + Bryson, Maile + Keith, Kanoe + Justin, and my hubby Jason for making this opportunity possible. 

How does this change Red Heart Photography?  All meetings will be held at the Wedding Cafe.  There is a private loft upstairs where we can view photos and discuss wedding plans.  There is a lot of wedding info at the cafe and a few upcoming workshops that will help anyone who is planning a wedding.  

Here are a few shots I took after my last consult at the cafe.

I am about halfway through Wedding Belles.  I have been smiling and ALMOST crying the entire time.  Great stories!!!!

Here is the comfy couch in the loft.  It is a cozy spot to chat and get to know my brides.  Downstairs there is so much info and some really cute jewelry.  ;)

If you haven’t already, go sign up for a workshop.  I will be at the Photo Showcase on the 11th with my new sample books.

I am so excited!!!!  

Just like last year’s TTD contest, only now I have a few new locations and props (vintage car) in mind.

ever heard of trash the dress? wanna get killer photos of you in your wedding dress? think this, but you and your dress!

the prize:  two hours of my time, on location. photography and post processing. online gallery and choice of 25 images on disc.

the requirements:  send me a photo[s] of you and your dress you want to trash.  let me know why you want to trash your dress in less than 50 words.

the rules:  must be 18+.must be married or getting married. i want a real bride.    must be prepared to have a fun and amazing photo shoot in March on Oahu. must sign photo release for my use of photos for print and web.

entries must be e-mailed to marina@redheartphoto.com by February 10th, 2009. one winner will be announced February 14th, 2009.  good luck brides. i cant wait to see your entries!

So get snapping and email me your entry.

xoxo, Marina

Last year’s winner, Kate from Seattle

November was my busiest month this last year.  My second Kona wedding was a delight of all sorts.  First off, I had only had a half dozen phone calls with the groom in the month prior to the wedding.  Matt is also a photographer and was looking for someone that would capture his wedding with an artistic vision he could appreciate.  Second, I was stunned at the beauty of the ceremony location, Kikaua Point.  The originality and care of the set-up by the groom and groomsmen was so touching.  Next, I got my first peek of Victoria through my zoom lens.  She was just the most joyful and excited bride I had ever captured.  She was literally jumping for joy after the kiss.  Finally, the reception was at a private home.  In a combined effort of family, friends, and the visual stylings of Hawaii Sound & Vision the property was totally transformed.  

Now that they are back from a fabulous honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands, they can enjoy the moments of that amazing day.

As a photographer I am always oooooo-ing and awe-ing over exotic locations.  ”Wait, don’t you love in Hawaii?” you may be thinking.  Yes I do, so my version of exotic is a little different…..

First, I would LOVE to shoot a snow wedding.  Yes, I have only seen snow in real life three times (once in Oregon at my grandpa’s, once in Heavenly, and then again this year in Tokyo) but the fantasy of it is just so magical.  My fascination with snow brides all started with this image from Nicole Van.   

Second, I would LOVE to do a wedding on a private yacht.  Not a lot of people know that I lived on a yacht for a year when I was a little girl. My parent’s always has a sailboat of some sort and I grew up with the wind in my hair.  I am a true sailor at heart.  Here is a link a vintage luxury yacht here in Honolulu, the sister ship to JFK’s Danny Boy.

Third, anything in Scotland, Ireland, or New Zealand.  I want green rolling hills, a castle on a foggy moor, and  maybe a herd of sheep on a 500 year old dirt road.  Maybe throw a bareback horse ride into the mix and we have ourselves a fairy tale. 

Fourth dream wedding would be in Las Vegas baby!  I would love to do a shot in front of the Bellagio’s dancing water at night and maybe a trash the dress session at the Neon Boneyard.  Really, any ‘ole wedding chapel will do.  It is all about the strip and throwing a whole deck of cards up in the air. 

Fifth, a Disneyland Park wedding.  Really, what girl doesn’t want Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as the backdrop of her wedding to prince charming?  I think it would be more then fun to have such a unique wedding.

Finally, my ultimate dream wedding, and the most exotic, the ceremonial Tahitian wedding.  Just to see a bride brought onto shore like a real Tahitian princess would be spectacular.  The next day we could take advantage of the crystal clear waters and do a partially underwater bridal session.  Think they have shark tours in Tahiti?

So there you have my wish list of weddings to dream about.  I know that in this economy, most of these destination aren’t feasible, but I encourage you to never stop dreaming and find a way to make your wedding as special and personal as you can.  

Up next I will be posting one of my dream weddings, an oceanside ceremony on lava rocks, that came true before I even made this list.   

xoxo, Marina