One of the things I loved most about this Waialua Valley Farms Wedding was how intentional the entire day felt, especially when it came to time. From the very beginning, Jenn and her coordinator built a timeline that supported being present while still making room for meaningful photos. Nothing felt rushed or stacked back-to-back. Instead, photos were woven gently throughout the day, which kept the energy calm and the experience enjoyable. And honestly, that approach changes everything, not just for photos, but for how the day feels as a whole!
Starting the Day Calm and Unrushed
We began with getting ready photos, and within minutes I knew Jenn was absolutely my kind of client. Taylor Swift was playing in the background, the mood was relaxed. And there was no pressure to rush or perform for the camera. She was laid back in the best way, present, excited, and fully trusting the process. Her taste was immaculate (soft, romantic, intimate, something straight out of a fairytale). And she trusted me to document it all without micromanaging every detail! That trust allowed the morning to unfold naturally, which always leads to better photos and a better experience.
Keeping Family Photos Simple and Intentional
One of the smartest choices Jenn made was keeping her family photo list short and intentional. While we absolutely captured the most important groupings, she was completely okay with not checking off every possible combination. That flexibility mattered. It meant she could spend more time actually being with her people instead of being pulled away for extended photo blocks. Family photos stayed efficient, organized, and stress-free, which is exactly how they should feel on a wedding day!
Spreading Portraits Throughout the Day
Rather than doing all portraits at once, the timeline allowed us to spread them out, and this is something I wish more couples realized the value of. Wedding days are long, and photos can be surprisingly tiring when everything is scheduled back-to-back. We did portraits after the first look, quick portraits right after the ceremony, and another short round after dinner. Each session was brief and intentional, which kept things feeling fresh instead of draining. By the end of the night, they weren’t burnt out, they were still fully present and enjoying themselves.
Why This Timeline Worked So Well at Waialua Valley Farms
This day is such a good example of how a thoughtful timeline supports the entire experience, not just the photos. Fewer interruptions. More breathing room. More moments actually lived instead of rushed through. Jenn trusted her team, prioritized her people, and allowed the day to unfold naturally, and that’s exactly why her gallery feels so full, romantic, and real! When you make time for photos throughout the day, you make space to truly enjoy your wedding while still documenting it beautifully!
Ready For Your Dream Waialua Valley Farms Wedding? Would Love To Chat!
Lohelani Photos | Oahu Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding at Waialua Valley Farms (or anywhere on Oʻahu) and want a day that feels calm, intentional, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to help you think through a timeline that supports that. If it matters to you, it matters to me, and that includes how your day feels, not just how it looks! Head to my contact page so we can chat about all the ideas you have and how we can bring them to life! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!!
Vendors
Planning/Design: For The Good Events | @forthegoodevents
Catering/Bar: Memoirs Hawaii | @memoirshawaii
Video: H Films Hawaii | @hfilmshawaii
DJ: Aloha Event DJ | @alohaeventdj
Rentals: Aloha Artisans | @alohaartisans
Linen: The Wedding Linen Company | @theweddinglinenco_
Florals: Belle De Jour Floral | @belledejour_floral
Cake: Mana Cakes Hawaii | @manacakeshawaii
Desserts: Kalele Eats | @kaleleeats
HMU: Reveal Hair & Makeup | @revealhairandmakeup
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