In the fall of 2024, Denis and I celebrated 20 wonderful years of marriage. To mark this milestone, we spent 10 unforgettable days in Hawaii, just the two of us. As someone who believes in the importance of capturing life’s big moments, I decided to hire a professional photographer while we were in Maui. From my very first inquiry, I knew Mark Tablang Imagery was the perfect choice. Every photo in this post (except for the selfie with Mark!) was beautifully captured and edited by him. We are so grateful to have worked with someone who shares our faith and helped celebrate God’s goodness in our 20 years together. If you’re heading to Maui, we can’t recommend Mark enough for creating stunning keepsakes.

Trip Planning: Where to Go?

For over a year, Denis and I tossed around ideas for our trip. We considered London (a favorite of ours), glamping in Ireland (okay, maybe that was just my idea), and Japan (Denis couldn’t convince me to endure the long flight). At one point, we even had flights booked to the UK using Aeroplan points and a hotel in Maui reserved with other travel points. Clearly, we were indecisive!

Initially, I wanted an adventurous trip filled with exploring on foot—something like a culinary tour across Europe. But as the year progressed and challenges piled up, the thought of a fast-paced trip became less appealing. When a beautiful resort in Maui opened up, we both felt it was exactly what we needed: peace, quiet, and warmth. It was the perfect remedy for our tired souls.

Finding the Perfect Photographer

Searching “photographer Maui” on Google brought up an overwhelming number of results. Luckily, I have access to a database of photographers who use the same client management software as I do. Filtering the list to Maui photographers made things much more manageable.

Mark’s portfolio immediately caught my eye. His vibrant editing style made every photo leap off the screen, and his clients looked genuinely joyful. After a quick exchange of messages, we were booked—contract signed and deposit paid. Mark’s professionalism and warmth made the whole process so easy.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Since Mark has lived in Maui for years, we trusted him to recommend a great spot. He suggested a beach close to our resort, so a few days before the shoot, Denis and I went there for a hike. Let me tell you, every lookout point was more breathtaking than the last. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

My only concern? The wind. It was intense! But I reminded myself that Mark was a pro and trusted he knew how to work with the conditions.

The Day of the Shoot

When the day arrived, I was surprisingly nervous. I had planned our outfits weeks in advance and knew how I wanted to do my hair and makeup. Still, I couldn’t shake the worry that I’d look awkward or that my smile would seem forced. By the time we got to the beach, I was so “in my head” that I started dreading the next 30 minutes.

We arrived early to secure parking and waited for Mark. When I shared how I was feeling, he immediately put me at ease with his calm demeanour. We headed down to the beach, and as expected, the wind was relentless. And, to my chagrin, Mark did not have a magic off switch. My carefully curled hair was flying in every direction. At that moment, I had a choice: stress out or trust Mark to work his magic. I chose trust, and it paid off. The session felt more like a fun date, with Mark as our cheerful third wheel.

A Memorable Ending

Mark gave us so much of his time, and as we were wrapping up, dark storm clouds rolled in. Minutes later, the skies opened up, and we were caught in a downpour. By the time we reached the car, Denis and I were soaked and laughing uncontrollably. It felt like the perfect metaphor for our year: unpredictable, challenging, but filled with unexpected blessings. God had shown up for us in ways we couldn’t have anticipated, giving us exactly what we needed.

A few days later, we received our sneak peek from Mark, and we couldn’t have been happier with the results. Thank you, Mark, for capturing this special milestone with such care and creativity. You exceeded all our expectations and gave us memories we’ll treasure forever.

Celebrate Your Love with Laura Perron Photography

Are you celebrating a special anniversary in 2025? Let’s make it unforgettable with a stunning photoshoot tailored just for you. Whether it’s a milestone anniversary or a quiet celebration of your journey together, I’d be honoured to help you capture the love and connection that defines your story.

Visit Laura Perron Photography to book your session today. Let’s create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime!