More Than A Gathering

These photos didn't make it into my portfolio, but they're some of my favorites.

This shoot brought together so many things that mattered to me. I knew I wanted Pasifika people both in front of and behind the camera, and I wanted the focus to be on the wedding party itself. The goal wasn't to center a bride and groom, but to capture the joy, connection, and relationships that make up a celebration.

A lot of care went into every detail. Pieces were sourced over several weeks, florals were handmade, and the set slowly came together until it felt just right. There were a few last-minute changes, including a model's husband stepping in with a suit he happened to have in his car, but somehow everything worked out exactly as it needed to.

What I remember most is how much fun we had. The room was full of laughter, incredible food, and good company. And yes, he really did pick up the guitar and serenade us with an original song he wrote in college. Truly Unforgettable.

Photography by Kailey Gainer + Kara Schumacher