I love to photograph destination weddings. Sure the inspiration that comes from travel reflects in my photography, but I love having the time that comes with destination wedding commissions, to fit into the community of friends and family that have come together to make a couple’s wedding the perfect celebration. This makes for such natural, spontaneous and authentic photography.

There’s many advantages to taking your photographer with you on your destination wedding and often, depending on your package, the travel costs can be absorbed or the extra coverage time provided by your photographer will make up for cost of your photographer’s travel. You’ll have the chance to bond with you photographer prior to your wedding and feel relaxed in that connection. Your photographer will also be with you to capture your guests and the moments outside of the ceremony itself. The welcoming party, your exploration of your destination and for lifestyle portrait sessions.

Planning a destination wedding or looking to combine your wedding and honeymoon? Let me introduce you to a location I recently visited to photograph the wedding of Rose and Adam. A New York couple who decided they wanted to find an intimate place where they could have a wedding unique to them, but also where they could have a relaxed, private holiday with friends and family.

Hale Pohaku  is a charming stone house situated in an idyllic setting on the white sands of  Waimanalo Beach Ouha Hawaii. The property boasts a private beachfront which made for the most intimate ceremony and the extended gardens formed the perfect canvas to style their wedding. Debbie from Designs By Hemingway  and Ashley from the Catering Connection brought Adam and Rose’s vision for their wedding into fruition. As they met and fell in love in Hawaii, they wanted to celebrate the food and lifestyle of Hawaii.

Chilled lobster bisque with coconut cream and Maui Potato chip crusted Mahi Mahi was served as fire dancers and hula girls danced in the distance. Crisp white linens and glass beaded charges filled small round tables under a soft fabric canopy. Every detail on the tabletops, from the vintage vases, to the cracked glass stemware and frosted glass tea lights added so much romance to the beach side property.

 Images by Amber Johnson Photography

Ms Gingham says: Some really valid points made here by Amber! Another great reason to consider the romance of a destination wedding!

About Amber: “I’m Amber. A wedding photographer based in Melbourne Australia.I’m an avid traveler and storyteller. I shoot lifestyle, travel and wedding photography.”