Couples Session Near Paia, Maui

When most people think of a couples session in Maui, Hawaii, they immediately picture the beach. While Maui certainly has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there is so much more to the island than sand and ocean views.

John and Anna’s couples session took place on a beautiful private property near Paia, Maui, and it quickly became one of my favorite locations I’ve ever photographed. Since I am based in Minnesota, I am not what you would label a Maui wedding photographer. But, I will most certainly become a Maui wedding photographer when my couples ask me to be!

The morning of their session was absolutely perfect. It was a Sunday morning before church, and we were greeted with soft sunlight, comfortable temperatures, and a peaceful calm that seemed to settle over the entire property. The morning glow gave everything a warm and inviting feel as we explored the different areas available to us.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing many incredible couples over the years, but John and Anna are truly some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. They are deeply rooted in their faith, genuinely kind, and completely devoted to one another. From the moment you’re around them, you can tell that they have found their safe place in each other.

Portraits in the Jungle of Maui, Hawaii

One of the things that made this couples session so unique was the variety of landscapes we had access to. The private property featured a beautiful mix of jungle wilderness, open grass fields, and towering coconut trees. We spent the morning wandering through the property, taking advantage of each location as the sunlight filtered through the landscape.

While the beach often gets all the attention, I think sessions like this are a reminder of how diverse and beautiful Maui can be. The lush greenery, rolling fields, and tropical foliage created a completely different look than the typical Hawaii beach session while still showcasing the beauty of the island.

One of my favorite parts of photographing John and Anna was simply watching them interact with one another. They have a way of making every moment feel meaningful. One second they would be quietly soaking in each other’s presence, and the next they would be running through the fields laughing together.

They are the kind of couple who genuinely enjoys being together no matter what they’re doing. I am convinced they could sit and watch paint dry for hours as long as they were doing it side by side.

Portraits Surrounded by Coconut Trees in Maui

As we moved throughout the property, we found ourselves surrounded by coconut trees and beautiful pockets of light. 

Sessions like this remind me that the best photographs are rarely about the location alone. Beautiful scenery certainly helps, but what truly makes images memorable is the connection between the people in them. John and Anna made my job incredibly easy because they weren’t focused on the camera. They were focused on each other. Their joy was natural. Their smiles were genuine. Their affection wasn’t forced. They simply showed up as themselves and trusted the process.

Those are always the sessions that result in the most meaningful photographs.

From Maui to Minnesota

Although this couples session took place in Hawaii, John and Anna’s story started back home in Minnesota.

I had the honor of photographing their wedding at Bethany Bible Camp in Bemidji, Minnesota, alongside Cody from Adair & Cody, who captured their wedding film. It was such a joy getting to document both this session and their wedding day.

You can read more about their wedding day here.

Lighting McQueen

After the session wrapped up, we headed off to church. Of course, before church we made an important stop for coffee at a local coffee shop.

And guess who I walked right by?

Lightning McQueen himself, Owen Wilson.

Not many people can say they got a drive-by from Lightning McQueen after a couples session in Maui.

Kachow, John and Anna. Thank you for inviting me along on this adventure and for trusting me to capture such a special season of your lives. Spending the morning with you in Maui was an experience I’ll never forget.

If anyone is getting married in Maui, I would love to officially become a Maui wedding photographer, just hit me up 🙂