A Timeless Wedding at St. Catalina Seaside Chapel & Makapu’u Beach with Oahu Photographer Chris McChesney - Hawaii

Chris McChesney
Feb 10
3 min read

Updated: Feb 19

Some weddings are so filled with love, admiration, and pure emotion that they remind me exactly why I do what I do as an Oahu wedding photographer. Capturing this stunning wedding at St. Catalina Seaside Chapel on Oahu was truly an honor. From the heartfelt ceremony to the romantic beach portraits, every moment was a testament to the couple’s deep connection and joy.

A Beautiful First Look – Anticipation & Emotion

One of my favorite parts of the day as a wedding and elopement photographer was the first look. There’s something incredibly special about the moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time—the build-up, the anticipation, and the flood of emotions as everything becomes real.

As he stood waiting, I could see it—the nervous excitement, the love in his eyes, the overwhelming eagerness to see how beautiful she looked. And when she finally stepped toward him, glowing with joy, excitement, and just a touch of nervousness, the moment was pure magic. Capturing those raw emotions on camera is exactly why I love being a wedding photographer in Oahu.

A Heartfelt Ceremony at St. Catalina Seaside Chapel

The ceremony inside St. Catalina Seaside Chapel was nothing short of breathtaking. With the ocean as the backdrop, the couple exchanged vows that were filled with deep love and admiration for one another. You could see it in their eyes, in the way they held each other’s hands—their love was genuine, pure, and unshakable.

The intimate setting of the chapel made every word and every moment feel even more meaningful. As they sealed their vows with a kiss, surrounded by family and friends, the room was filled with happiness, cheers, and heartfelt emotion.

Romantic Portraits at the Chapel & Beyond

As an Oahu wedding and elopement photographer, I always look for ways to incorporate a variety of stunning backdrops into my couples’ wedding galleries. After the ceremony, we took full advantage of the gorgeous surroundings. We captured classic and elegant portraits inside the cathedral, showcasing the chapel’s grand architecture and timeless beauty. Then, we stepped outside to photograph the couple against the picturesque backdrop of the chapel and its lush surroundings.

But the real adventure began when we left for Makapu’u Beach Park, where the teal-blue ocean and dramatic coastline awaited.

Golden Hour Romance at Makapu’u Beach

As the sun began to dip, we arrived at Makapu’u Beach Park, where the couple stepped onto the soft golden sand, embracing the beauty of the moment. The contrast of the crashing waves, dark volcanic rocks, and the glowing skymade for the perfect setting for their post-wedding portraits.

They held each other close, letting the wind and ocean mist swirl around them. The groom couldn’t stop admiring his bride, and she couldn’t help but smile as he whispered sweet words to her in between shots.

One of my favorite moments? The two of them standing on the rugged rocks, waves crashing all around them, completely lost in their love and joy. It was raw, breathtaking, and cinematic—the kind of wedding photography that truly tells a story.

A Celebration Back at the Chapel

While we were capturing these stunning beach portraits, their guests were back at St. Catalina Seaside Chapel, enjoying pūpūs and appetizers at the reception. The setting was intimate and relaxed, allowing their loved ones to soak in the beauty of the day while awaiting the couple’s return for the evening celebration.

Why This Wedding Was So Special

This wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, romance, and adventure—from the intimate ceremony at St. Catalina Seaside Chapel to the wind-swept, ocean-kissed portraits at Makapu’u Beach. The couple’s love was palpable, real, and deeply moving, and capturing it all as an Oahu wedding photographer was an absolute joy.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic Hawaii wedding, elopement, or surprise proposal, I’d love to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments in breathtaking locations across Oahu. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a seaside chapel, on a secluded beach, or atop a stunning cliffside, I specialize in wedding, elopement, engagement, and surprise proposal photography to create timeless images you’ll cherish forever.