Ashley Goodwin Photography

The house was quiet yet full of motion.  Tables being moved, chairs set-up, the sweet scent of roasting pork rose into the salty air.  With a full heart Melanie & Mark’s friends and family transformed the Billabong House on the fabled North Shore from their weekend’s surf destination to the couple’s dream wedding.  Everyone happily worked together alongside Cathy, the Day Of Coordinator to create an event that was truly a labor of love.

Melanie was a stunner as she floated down the soft beach across the coral lined aisle and into her Groom’s vision, igniting a big, bright Mark smile unlike any other.  The couple graciously exchanged leis and long hugs to their sweet and generous parents and in front of guests doning lace parasols were cheered on as newly minted husband and wife.

Barefoot on the grassy lawn, visiting guests toasted local beers and enjoyed a delicious home cooked dinner by the couple’s friend Jeff.  Vintage jam jars and bottles holding delicate pastel blooms colored the tables mixed with crocheted dollies, vintage handkerchiefs and heart shaped rocks (that the couple had been beach combing for for months!).  And as the sun began to softly set, the tide began to rise and the rolling waves of Pipeline put on a show, taunting the mainly southern California surf crowd.

Tiki torches lined the yard and cafe lights lit up above as Mel & Mark swayed together under the breezy palm trees and long into the dark of night.  It’s always better when we’re together.

Mel + Mark.  I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed being apart and the time I have spent with you guys kickin’ it and BBQing.  Thank you for your warm spirits and hospitable hearts, you guys are true gems.  Mel, you looked freakin’ gorg in that dress (with pockets!), it kissed at the wind so beautifully.  But then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less!  Mark!  You are so…just…cool.  The way you look at Mel, gently holding her arm and kissing her on her cheek is a sure sign that you’re simply smitten.  You two I enjoy, and your friends and families are a good bunch.  Your weekend wedding events went off without a hitch and was perfect, I was thrilled to be a small part in it.

 

 

Venue:  Billabong House  |  Event Design:  Bride, Melanie Watkins  |  Day of Coordination:  Kathe Garcia  |  Florals:  the Blooming Pot  |  Hula Dancer:  Wanna Hula  |

The homes enveloping the loop of the charming town of Lanikai are made of dreams.  One of my favorite places to visit in the mornings, the town on the East Side of O’ahu is filled with quaint homes surrounded by calm, turquoise waters and vivacious island scenery.

“Yep, I’m gonna need you to hit the lottery so we can buy a house down here…”-Marshall

“Excuse me?  Don’t you know my business is going to be so successful we won’t need a lottery?” -Me, duh.

Until then, we’ll dream.  And peek into other people’s yards.

 

Film photos, shot on Contax 645 and developed & Scanned at Indie Film Lab.

It’s no surprise I love champagne. Cham-pahg-nay Marshall says. Or, as Heather Dubrow fabulously dubbed it, champs. Maybe it’s the celebratory feel, or the pop of a cork that never fails to get a party started, or that my husband oddly found himself nicknamed after the cocktail, but I love the bubbly stuff. I was even met a girl who was named Champagne. “Great name!” I congratulated. I hope she knew I was being totally serious, Marshall said he doubts it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, I’d be on a champagne diet if I could! But somebody’s gotta work around here. Clearly I’m not the only one who has lots of great times celebrated with a glass of the good stuff. Thanks, champagne!

(this. is. my. favorite. From SNL and kinda not safe for work.)

“The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone, before any words came through. A damp streak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek, and her hand was wet with glistening drops as I took it to help her from the car.  ’Are you in love with me’, she said low in my ear, ‘or why did I have to come all alone?”

-the Great Gatsby

 

It’s not that often  the rain really comes down here, but when it does, it’s magic.  |  Contax 645, Fuji400H