Warm-up Day for Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surfing Contest 2009: Waimea Bay

The world's best big wave surfers practiced for the 2009 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surf Contest at Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore yesterday. They practiced in 20 to 25 ft. surf in choppy, windy conditions. Jamilah Star (second photo) got smashed against the rocks near the shorebreak on her first paddle-out, but she went back in and surfed with the big boys. You go, girl! Getting back on shore was another challenge and the crowds lining Kamehameha Highway and the beach cheered when the surfers came in. Several of them, including Jamilah, dropped to their knees and thanked God.

I don't know who most of the surfers in the shots are. The surfer with the red board is Kala Alexander. If you know who the rest are, let me know.

The Eddie is on today in beautiful weather and 40 ft. surf at Waimea Bay.

Ke Iki Beach Wedding, Oahu: Mark & Morgan

Mark and Morgan, an ocean-loving couple, had a destination wedding on beautiful Ke Iki Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Their friends and family rented all the units at the oceanfront Ke Iki Beach Bungalows, where the reception was held. The weather gods were kind to this surfer-diver couple as the gale force winds died down and rainclouds gave way to a beautiful sunset during the ceremony officiated by Rev. William Webb (808-625-9692). The outdoor reception was a fun affair with a scrumptious Indonesian buffet catered by Annie of Baik Catering (808-393-1513, baikcatering@hotmail.com). Congratulations to Mark and Morgan!

View more images of this wedding on the Oahu Wedding Photo facebook page.

By the Sea: Hawaii Lifestyle Photography

Newlyweds requested couple portraits (including a few photos with Jesse, their playful chocolate Lab) at their home on the North Shore of Oahu. They told us that they didn't have a proper wedding so they have no good wedding  photographs. The couple's parents were asking for photos so they decided to invest in our By the Sea lifestyle session. The weather was overcast when we started the photography but the clouds parted for a nice Hawaii sunset.

Haleiwa Shingon Buddhist Wedding: Anna & AJ

Oahu Wedding Photo clients Anna and AJ traveled from Florida to Hawaii to have a small destination wedding at the Haleiwa Shingon Mission, the same temple where Anna's grandparents had got married. Anna and AJ were married by the same priest who had married her grandparents! Of course, a group photograph was in order! Anna was escorted down the aisle by her grandfather. This was the first time we had photographed a Shingon Buddhist ceremony. It was simple and beautiful. The priest was so peaceful and had an aura of compassion and happiness. We are confident that the priest's blessings will bring Anna and AJ good luck, courage and peace. After the ceremony, the couple and their family went to Jameson's by the Sea for dinner. Anna and AJ had hired us to cover the ceremony and beach portraits, but we were touched that they invited us to join them for dinner at Jameson's.

Sunset Beach Wedding Oahu: Donica and Josh

Josh and Donica had a beautiful sunset ceremony at Ke Iki Beach on the North Shore last weekend. They said their vows in front of Rev. Greg Christopherson and about 50 close friends and family. The reception was held at the Turtle Bay Resort. Donica and Josh were so laid back and calm on their wedding day - they acted like it was just another day at the beach - amazing! Donica and Josh are clients of Oahu Wedding Photo, my wife's company, so she was the lead photographer and got to boss me around :)