Katie & TJ – Hawaii Destination Wedding Photographer

September 11, 2019

I sat down to write this blog post, took a deep breath, and so many thoughts and emotions flooded my head. Where do I even begin? How do I even do this justice in a little blog post? Can I even? Luckily pictures are worth a thousand words they say, and I took thousands at Katie & TJ’s wedding this April at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu in Hawaii.

I’ve known Katie for several years now. I met her through a mutual friend, and she hired me to shoot her wedding to Mike in 2014. The day of her wedding, we had no idea what would come three weeks later. Losing Mike was beyond tragic, but I won’t try to share this story, as it’s not mine to tell. It is a moment that will stay with me forever. And a moment that reminded me exactly the reason my job is SO important.

I spent the next few years following Katie’s journey through social media as she moved to Hawaii to rebuild her life. Her strength, vulnerability, and grief inspired me regularly. I looked up to her and, of course, wanted nothing more than for her to find happiness. Then came TJ. My heart beat so strongly out of my chest and my face lit up with a smile so big you could see every single one of my teeth. We all deserve love, but I hoped the biggest and best for this woman.

When Katie contacted me to shoot her wedding to TJ, I was overwhelmed. Yes! Please let me continue to tell your story! She wanted to make sure this day was about her and TJ. She wanted to find a photographer that would understand. So it was such an honor to be present, feel every emotion, lock onto Katie’s eyes as we made our way on the boat to see TJ, and revel in the beauty that has transpired over the last five years.

Life is unbelievably hard. Sometimes things happen that we will never understand, but if we don’t give up, we can find beauty on the other side. Mike was very present at this wedding, but this day was a new life and new beginning for Katie, TJ and their son, Max. It was so beautiful to see the woman Katie has become though it all and the life she’s created. TJ is truly her balance, and the love he has for her is transformative. He lights up anyone’s life with his smile. He’s lighthearted and reminds Katie to not sweat the small stuff (even if it’s pouring your entire wedding day). I have never seen this woman let go, smile and laugh as much as she does with him! I think you can see the freedom in her soul in these photos. There is indeed so much power in love. And through that love, a full, fun life is being lived by these two.

Congrats Katie, TJ & Max! I love you all to the moon and back! Thank you for letting me share you story!