Sunrise Engagement Photoshoot On Waimanolo Beach- Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii Engagement Photographer
Senne proposed to Zach with the ocean behind them, the sun slipping beneath the horizon, and a handcrafted Japanese engagement ring in her hand. That moment—quiet, intentional, and bathed in golden light——the kind you only find on the islands of Hawaii—set the tone for everything that has followed in their love story. So when it came time for their Signature, Bespoke Engagement experience, we chose a destination that would mirror the feeling of that day—a shoreline that felt like home.
They showed up just before sunrise, wrapped in the kind of softness that can only come from knowing each other deeply. The light was calm, the breeze fierce, and the waves lapped against the sand like applause. This wasn’t a performative kind of session. It was intimate. Heartfelt. Real.
Senne wore a light sage green sundress with spaghetti straps and a softly ruched bodice that moved like poetry in the morning breeze. A floral crown rested in her mermaid-red curls—equal parts ethereal and enchantingly animated, like she’d stepped right out of a dreamy watercolor frame. Zach, in his charcoal vest and soft smile, looked at her like she hung the stars.
Together, they moved like two people who are both anchored and free—comfortable in silence, playful in laughter, and wildly in love.
They already have their elopement day attire picked out for the big day: Senne’s dress is a shimmering seafoam green ballroom gown with a corseted top, sweetheart neckline, and a glittering finish that feels like stardust spun into fabric—unapologetically romantic. She described it with the kind of sparkle in her voice that tells you it’s not just a dress—it’s a vibe.
This couple’s story spans states and oceans: they met in Wisconsin, moved across the Pacific, and have built a life together surrounded by sea life and slow mornings. She’s a visual artist and pet portraitist; he’s a screenwriter crafting a graphic novel. Their relationship is a collaboration—equal parts vision, support, and creativity. Their dreams are creative and adventurous, bold and deeply personal: a honeymoon in Tokyo, curiosity shops, vintage bookstores, DisneySea, temples and shrines… and a lifetime of art, travel, and gentle mornings like this one.
When they picture their elopement, it’s not about grand gestures. It’s about peace. Beauty. Connection. They dream of a beach ceremony just the two of them—no guests, no stress, just vows shared quietly beneath a sky that isn’t too bright, on a beach with greenery in the backdrop. “Probably really emotional,” Senne said during our call, laughing as she realized she’d need waterproof mascara. Her makeup style, by the way, is entirely her own—glittered shadows, soft undereye detail, and blush swept high on her cheeks, inspired by Japanese techniques and intentionally far from the Western standard.
And that morning? It was full of those “pause and remember this” kind of moments: the way her dress caught the wind, the way his eyes softened when she laughed, the way they held each other like the world faded around them. It was everything an engagement session should be—not a checklist of poses, but a celebration of connection.
Next up for these two lovebirds: a honeymoon trip to Tokyo, a sun-drenched elopement here in Hawaii, followed by a cozy reception in Wisconsin after the air turns crisp, the leaves begin to fall and the summer light fades. And honestly—who can resist a breathtaking autumn wedding?
They’ve already begun dreaming up their perfect elopement day experience—maybe a post-ceremony snorkel at Shark’s Cove or Hanauma Bay, soaking in the calm and the sea life and the “let’s never leave” kind of joy that makes the best memories. Because for Senne and Zach, love isn’t just about grand declarations—it’s about being fully present in the moments that matter most.
Senne and Zach, thank you for showing up so fully—and for inviting this Hawaii engagement photographer into your story. For letting the morning be what it was—wild, soft, sparkly, and true. I’m humbled by your graciousness and I can’t wait to share more of your story.
🕊️✨ Onward To Happily Ever After! 🥂
Planning your own Hawaii Proposal, elopement or destination wedding?
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From sun-drenched elopements to fall celebrations drenched in color—wherever love leads you, I’ll happily be there to preserve every cherished memory along the way.
