Hawaii is a photographer’s dream—a place where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and serene landscapes come together to create unforgettable moments. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a destination wedding at Ka’ala Vista in Waialua, Hawaii. This stunning venue, nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, was the perfect backdrop for a celebration of love.

The Venue: Ka’ala Vista

Ka’ala Vista is a hidden gem. Perched high up on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the Waialua countryside, with lush greenery, distant mountains, and a gentle breeze from the Pacific Ocean. The venue has a relaxed, intimate feel while still being grand enough for a wedding.

The couple I worked with wanted a ceremony that reflected the natural beauty of Hawaii, and Ka’ala Vista delivered. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the ceremony space, where the couple exchanged vows beneath a simple but elegant bamboo arch adorned with tropical flowers. The lush surroundings and the stunning view of the North Shore in the background made for incredibly cinematic photos.

One of the highlights was capturing the post-ceremony moments. As the newlyweds strolled through the venue’s gardens, hand in hand, the light was soft and golden, giving the whole scene a dreamy, ethereal feel. These are the kinds of moments where Hawaii’s magic truly comes alive in photographs.

The Wedding Details

Hawaiian weddings are known for their rich culture and tradition, and this wedding was no exception. The couple incorporated traditional Hawaiian elements, such as the exchange of leis and a Hawaiian blessing during the ceremony. These touches made the day even more special and personal. I was able to capture close-up shots of the leis being exchanged—such an intimate, beautiful tradition that symbolizes love and unity.

Ka’ala Vista’s natural setting didn’t need much in the way of décor, but the bride and groom added some personal touches that really brought out their style. Bright tropical florals, soft fairy lights, and rustic wooden details gave the wedding a bohemian yet tropical vibe. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and as a photographer, that’s always a dream to capture.

Final Thoughts

Photographing a destination wedding in Hawaii, especially at a venue like Ka’ala Vista, is truly a photographer’s paradise. The stunning scenery, the unique cultural elements, and the raw beauty of the island come together to create something extraordinary. Coupling that with an adventurous engagement session at Sandy Beach made this trip even more unforgettable.

If you’re considering a destination wedding or engagement session in Hawaii, you’re in for a treat. The islands have a way of bringing out the best in love, life, and of course—photography.

And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your destination wedding or engagement session, whether it’s in Hawaii or anywhere else in the world, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you document your love story in a way that is as unique and beautiful as the moment itself.

Josh Wong Photography
Bringing your love story to life, one photo at a time. Contact me here to discuss your destination wedding and how I can be there to capture your moments.

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Katrina + Marc | Indian River Marina. 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
captured by New York City and Delaware Wedding Photographers Josh Wong Photography

Katrina Szish and I became friends from the many charity events around New York City we use to attend. She was a red carpet celebrity regular while I was the regular house event photographer covering the events. So when she asked me to be her wedding photographer for her wedding at Indian River Marina in Rehoboth Beach Delaware, I was all in. Indian River Marina at Rehoboth Beach Delaware is a historic quaint seaside beach town. A beach wedding was a perfect fit for Katrina, a National News Anchor Journalist for Newsmax, and her fiance, Marc, as the bride always concentrated on fashioning an intimate and elegant affair, but one that is not overly formal or forced.

Photographing Love in Every Detail

What made this wedding so special was the attention to detail and the emotions that shone through in every aspect. From the carefully chosen floral arrangements that mirrored the colors of the sea, to the beautifully set reception under the open sky, it was clear that every detail was thoughtfully planned to reflect the couple’s unique style.

My goal was to capture those fleeting moments—the ones that tell the real story of the day. The laughter between Katrina and her bridesmaids as they got ready, the quiet, stolen glances between the bride and groom during the ceremony, and the heartfelt toasts at the reception. Each photograph was a snapshot of genuine emotion, allowing the story of their love to unfold naturally.

A Celebration to Remember

The evening was filled with celebration—dancing, heartfelt speeches, and the joy of friends and family coming together to celebrate Katrina and Marc’s love. It was a true testament to the strength of their bond, and it was an honor to be the one to document those moments.

Final Thoughts

Photographing Katrina Szish’s wedding was a remarkable experience. Indian River Marina provided a beautiful, natural setting, and the love between Katrina and her husband was palpable in every moment. Capturing such intimate and candid moments was both a privilege and a joy, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of such a special day.

Here’s to the couple’s bright future, and the many beautiful memories they’ll share together.

Rehoboth Beach Delaware Wedding photos wedding talent:

Location: Indian River Marina at Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach, DE; Planner: Make My Day Event Planning, Rehoboth Beach, DE; Photography: Josh Wong Photography; Floral Design and Lighting: The City Florist, Salisbury, MD; Cake: Nage, Rehoboth Beach, DE; Wedding Dress: Sharon Elle Design

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wedding – Playa Del Carmen, Mexico photographed by International Destination Wedding photographer Josh Wong Photography

Jade and Peter’s whirlwind three-day destination wedding at the Grand Velas Resort and Spa in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico in the Maya Riviera was nothing short of spectacular. Their wedding incorporated the dreamy beach wedding that most can only dream about. Friends and family started arriving for their wedding on Thursday and Friday to celebrate with Jade and Peter. On Friday, they had their rehearsal on the beach and later had their rehearsal/welcome dinner at Luca, an Italian restaurant at the Grand Velas.

The Grand Velas is a AAA 5 Diamond luxury all-inclusive resort which is a stunning property with great food, great service, and beautiful accommodations. This was the first time I stayed at an all-inclusive resort and I have mixed feelings about. For the most part though, the experience is quite amazing. Getting pampered all day long never gets old.

Welcome Party and Rehearsal Dinner – Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wedding

My team and I flew into Cancun, Mexico on Thursday evening to get situated with the environment and to scout out possible photo shoot locations in and around the resort. Because the resort is all-inclusive, security is actually ridiculously tight. Getting in and out of the resort required you to check in and out with the resort attendants each time. The property is gated and they will not let you enter until they locate your host.

On the day of the wedding, Jade started with a trip to the Spa to get ready with her bridesmaids. She spent most of the time there until it was time for the wedding. Because it was a beach wedding, Jade and her bridesmaids went barefoot and had gorgeous designer foot jewerly. Peter on the other hand also spent some time with his groomsmen at the spa before heading back to his room to get ready. They did a spa package that included various types of cold and hot baths and a mud bath. The wedding took place on a private beach sectioned off by the Grand Velas. The beach offered fine white sands with and a breathtaking backdrop for the guests. After the ceremony, all the guests headed back towards the resort to party the night away with their family and friends.

The next day. We set out for another photo shoot.

For day three, we scheduled a day after/trash the dress photo session. The plan was to head into Tulum, Mexico to try to get some images with the Mayan ruins. Unfortunately, we had a late start, which is understandable since everyone was up late partying for most of the previous night. We ended up hitting the beach and wandered into the town area where we happened upon this an amazing boutique hotel cafe where we were able to capture some truly amazing shots. Here are a few of my favorites from the 3 day destination wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Enjoy!
© Josh Wong Photography

Are you planning your dream wedding at Grand Velas? I’d love the opportunity to capture your special day at this stunning venue! If you’re interested, feel free to contact me—I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can make your wedding memories unforgettable.

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A Wedding Love Story
by Janine & Derek

On December 5^th, 2015 we connected on Bumble and decided to meet that night. Janine jokingly asked how Derek felt about ‘long-distance’ relationships, her living in the UES, and him in the West Village… so we agreed to meet in the middle at a swanky wine bar in Gramercy called Casa-Mono. Janine thought Derek was handsome, charming, polite (a Canadian), and quite obviously, tall (6’4”). Derek was immediately drawn to Janine’s intelligence, witty banter, sophisticated and striking features but throughout the evening developed a sense of her high emotional IQ and caring/loving nature.

After clearly hitting it off, we decided to meet up with a few friends that were in the area and spent the rest of the night hopping around the city. Before going our separate ways, we had already made plans to meet again the next day. We saw each other just about every day we could after that … we were inseparable.

Fast forward to spring 2018, we went ring shopping together at [Kwiat Jewelers, Madison avenue NYC for a shape, fitting and all of the 4 Cs. July 3^rd, 2018 we had planned a spontaneous trip to Tulum, the ring, a stunning and flawless 3.5 Carat Radiant cut, was ready the day before and Derek worked with the Papaya Playa Project’s guest ambassador to plan the perfect proposal. Flowers, Dom Perignon, a hidden photographer were set up on a tree-top balcony suite overlooking the ocean. Derek got down on one knee and forgetting just about all of his lines, popped the question and Janine said ‘Yes’!

We decided we wanted to get married in Italy but found it challenging for all of our family and friends to attend. One of Derek’s best friends and Janine’s sister already had dates slated the next summer. After much back and forth, we decided to do it our way and have the best of both worlds, an epic, romantic elopement in Positano on July 3^rd (1 year to the date after the proposal) and a bigger celebration on the rooftop of the William Vale hotel in Brooklyn on Aug 3^rd with family and friends, overlooking the Manhattan skyline where it all started. Both were amazing and we wouldn’t change a thing about our decision.

In Positano, we worked with a wedding planner SPOSIAMOVI (Valentina) that we found through social media, specializing in Amalfi coast weddings. Janine sent vision boards and they made everything come to life. We flew to Italy, wedding dress (Alon Livne) and tux (custom by Cielo, owner, and designer Stephanie Higgs has also fitted LeBron James) in tow, and arrived at Covo Dei Saraceni where we spent a few days acclimated before the big day. We got ready in our own rooms, Janine had hair and makeup done by Beauty Livery and though it was just the two of them, their families were there in spirit with parents sending flowers, champagne, and best wishes.

Hotel Covo dei Saraceni Wedding Photos, Positano Italy

The bride got ready in the master bridal suite at Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. The bridal suite had a seashell theme with a terrace that overlooked the Amalfi Coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea / Mediterranean Sea.

The designer wedding shoes were the ALEXANDRE Birman 100 Crystal Clarita Sandal. The groom also prepared at Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. His room also had amazing views of the streets below and the homes that line the Amalfi Coast.

The ceremony was held on top of a small intimate terrace, covered with petals and a beautiful floral arch, where we exchanged our handwritten vows and shed a few tears of happiness. After magical I-Do’s, we hopped on a boat for a sunset cruise along the coast and then back to Rada for dinner on a private terrace. We cut the cake and had our first dance to a live violinist, who played Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. The celebration continued as we danced the night away at Rada’s Music on the Rocks in our own booth with more champagne. The entire evening was filmed by FADE productions (Fabio) and photographed by Josh Wong, who traveled from NYC and would also be capturing our wedding at The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn, NY.  

After a beautiful boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, the couple headed back to the restaurant for candle lit dinner.

Straight from the Amalfi coast, we left for a mini-moon in Capri to relax, take in the sun, grottos, and amazing food… while reflecting on our amazing journey.

We planned to do a full honeymoon in 2020 but COVID has delayed our travels. Perhaps our next vacation will be a baby-moon instead. Regardless, our adventures together have just begun and we couldn’t be more excited.

A Destination Wedding Trip Around the World in Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Destination Wedding Details: Positano, Italy Amalfi Coast

Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Rada Restaurant
Wedding Coordination & Event Design: SposiamoVi Wedding Planners
Wedding Photography: Josh Wong Photography
Florals: Rosalinda Rellino
Wedding Dress: Alon Livne
Reception Dress: Dany Mizrachi

About Josh Wong Photography:

Josh Wong is not your typical cookie-cutter wedding photographer. As a photo artist, He loves real, raw, and organic moments and is not into cheesy wedding photographs. As an in-demand renowned fashion photographer, Josh loves merging the fashion editorial style and organic candid moments to create imagery that is intimate, edgy, high contrast, and editorial looking. This unique vision has attracted corporations and celebrities such as Victoria’s Secret, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez. He prides himself in this rare photographic combination and is how Josh separates himself from the rest.

If you are interested in hiring Josh, please contact him below. Once he is booked, that’s it.

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Santorini Greece Destination Wedding by Top International Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography.

Your Love Story, Captured Anywhere in the World

Your wedding isn’t just a day—it’s an experience, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that deserves to be captured beautifully. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a sun-drenched beach, in a charming European villa, or beneath the Northern Lights, I specialize in turning these moments into timeless, cinematic images.

As a top New Jersey and NYC wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing love stories across stunning locations like Positano, Sonoma, and beyond. My passion lies in storytelling—documenting every breathtaking backdrop, every stolen glance, and every unfiltered emotion in a way that feels authentic, elegant, and uniquely yours.

Why Choose Me for Your Santorini Greece Destination Wedding?

Experience & Expertise:
With a strong portfolio of high-end weddings across diverse locations, I understand the unique challenges of destination weddings—lighting, weather, cultural nuances—and how to adapt seamlessly.

With a strong portfolio of high-end weddings across diverse locations, I understand the unique challenges of destination weddings—lighting, weather, cultural nuances—and how to adapt seamlessly.

Part of the Wedding Experience

Finally, If you’re planning a Santorini Greece Destination Wedding and envision a sunset ceremony as magical as this one, I’d love to help capture your love story. Reach out to me, and let’s create something beautiful together!

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Santorini Wedding by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. The sunsets there are breathtaking! Came here on vacation a few years back capturing these images and am looking forward to return to shoot our first wedding there soon.

Destination Weddings: Greece, Athens, and Santorini by destination wedding photographer Josh Wong Photography

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A Chic and Stylish Wedding at Montage Palmetto Bluff

As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like capturing the love and joy of a couple on their wedding day. And when that wedding takes place at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, it’s all the more special.

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding at Palmetto Bluff, a stunning location that truly captures the beauty of the South. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the natural beauty of the area, with lush greenery and tall oak trees draped in Spanish moss creating a romantic atmosphere.

The bride got ready in the bridal suite while the groom got ready at one of the cottages on the Palmetto Bluff properties.

The wedding itself was held outdoors next to the charming May River Chapel, a quaint white structure that exudes Southern charm. As the ceremony began, the bride walked down the aisle in a stunning Galvan wedding dress, escorted by her parents.

The ceremony was filled with touching moments, from the couple’s heartfelt vows to the emotional readings by family members. As a photographer, I was able to capture each of these moments, freezing them in time for the couple to cherish for years to come.

After the ceremony, we took advantage of the beautiful surroundings for some stunning portraits. The bride and groom posed under the towering oak trees and walked hand-in-hand along the banks of the May River. The golden light of the setting sun created a warm and intimate atmosphere.

The reception was held in a tent next to the River House, a charming venue with views of the river and the marsh beyond.

Throughout the evening, there were plenty of heartfelt speeches, laughs, and tears, as family and friends celebrated the couple’s union. As the night drew to a close, the couple exited the venue under a shower of sparklers, beginning their new life together in a blaze of glory.

Magical Fall Color Tones at Palmetto Bluff

As a photographer, it was an honor to capture such a beautiful wedding at Palmetto Bluff. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the love and joy of the couple, made for a truly unforgettable day. I am grateful to have been a part of it, and I look forward to photographing more special moments like this in the future.

About Montage Palmetto Bluff

An unrivaled destination in coastal South Carolina, Montage Palmetto Bluff sets the stage for truly unforgettable gatherings replete with Southern charm.

About Josh Wong Photography

Josh Wong Photography is a wedding photographer based out of New York, New York. Josh blends his knowledge of photojournalism, fashion and editorial to create a contemporary style of wedding photography. He provides stunning images of the special moments and intricate details of your big day that you can cherish for a lifetime.

CONTACT or INQUIRE ABOUT BOOKING JOSH WONG FOR YOUR WEDDING

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Jenn and Stephen’s 3-day Maui wedding began with the wedding rehearsal at the Holy Ghost Mission in the Kula which is in the upcountry neighborhood of Maui. The church was established in 1879 and the historic octagonal church was built in 1894. The altar and the Portuguese language Stations of the Cross were specially brought in from the Cape of Good Hope in nine crates and then hauled by oxcart from Kahului Harbor to the church. These unique church artifacts are now recognized as examples of museum-quality ecclesiastical art. The 6 couple wedding party, the bride and groom’s parents, close family members, and Friar Ray (from Northern California) were all in attendance. Following the rehearsal, everyone headed to the Makena-Wailea neighborhood to the Honua Kai Lani Estate where the couple had their rehearsal luau which was complete with Kalua Pua’a (roasted pig), fresh fish, delicious liliquoi passion fruit bars. The Honua Kai Lani estate (aka Sugarman estate) is located on a state reserve as it overlooks the South Maui ocean and where the couple and their guests enjoyed a beachside Maui sunset.

On the day of the wedding, the bride and bridesmaids got ready at the Fairmont hotel while the groom and the groomsmen got ready at the Makena Resort. The bride wore a custom-made white chiffon gown, sparkly gold Louboutin heels, and a custom-made necklace. The entire bridal party headed to the Haiku Mill Estate for bridal party photos in the gorgeous and very unique all-white bridal cottage called the Cane House. This was also the site of the “first look” for Dad and the bride. The secret garden was a sight to behold with dripping crystals that were suspended in the middle of the dance floor, a waterfall in the background, and jasmine and gardenia blossoms that were in full bloom. This would be where the wedding banquet and celebration would take place later that evening.
The following day, the bride and groom joined us for a unique trash-the-dress session in a canyon that was complete with a small rambling creek and a banyan tree on a 22-acre coffee plantation called Fern Grotto.

Fairmont Kea Lani Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii – Jenn & Stephen – Wedding Pictures by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography,

After the hair and makeup was complete, we traveled over to Haiku Mill to put on the wedding dress.

The bride getting ready in the bridal suite at Haiku Mill. Haiku Mill Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii – Wedding Pictures by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

Bride and Groom Bridal Portraits at Ho’okipa Beach Park Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii – Wedding Pictures by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

Elaborate crystal chandeliers hang from open air ceiling of Haiku Mill. Haiku Mill Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii – Wedding Pictures by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

The day after trash the dress photoshoot. Fern Grotto in Maui Hawaii Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii

The day after trash the dress photoshoot. Fern Grotto in Maui Hawaii Destination Wedding, Maui Hawaii – Wedding Pictures by Destination Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

ABOUT HAIKU MILL, Maui Hawaii

Haiku Mill is steeped in over 150 years of history, with roots in the island’s once-prominent sugar industry, making it an important landmark site. With its unmatched beauty and elegance, unique past, and lush, tropical location, Haiku Mill is unlike anything you have ever seen before. It has a breathtaking mix of French-inspired décor, vine-draped ruins, and spectacular flora. A stroll beneath the Mill’s archway is like a trip back in time.

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Venue: Bella Collina
Photography by: Josh Wong Photography

Anytime I’m invited to shoot a destination wedding at a warm or far away place, my answer is always yes. While Orlando is not too far from NYC and is still US based, the weather is always warm and beautiful. It was a lovely escape as the wedding was during the first days of winter and NYC was already getting quite cold. The opportunity to hit the warmer weather was a definite no brainer.

The Venue: Bella Collina

Bella Collina, with its grand Tuscan-style villa, terracotta tiles, and vibrant green lawns, is an Italian-inspired paradise nestled in the heart of Florida. It’s a venue that feels like it’s been plucked from the hills of Italy, with panoramic views of the countryside and a lakeside setting that offers the perfect backdrop for photos. Every corner of Bella Collina seemed to whisper romance, and I knew this was going to be an unforgettable day.

The ceremony took place on the grand terrace, where the couple exchanged vows under an arch adorned with flowing greenery and soft, delicate florals. The warm Florida sun bathed everything in a golden glow as the couple shared their first kiss as newlyweds, with the picturesque landscape stretching behind them.

Capturing the Moments

As the photographer, my job was to freeze these fleeting moments in time. From the intimate first look to the heartwarming moments shared between the couple and their families, I made sure to capture every detail, knowing that these photographs would be cherished for a lifetime.

The bride’s stunning lace gown twirled gracefully on the dance floor as the couple shared their first dance, surrounded by the warm light of chandeliers and the laughter of their closest friends and family. The couple’s laughter, their tears of joy, and their stolen glances were all part of the story I aimed to capture — and Bella Collina provided the perfect backdrop for each and every one.

The Sunset: A Magical Ending

As the sun began to set behind the hills, the venue transformed into an ethereal dream. The warm hues of the sky blended perfectly with the couple’s theme, and the atmosphere became even more magical. We snuck away for a few intimate portraits just as the last light of day kissed the horizon, and it felt like the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

The couple’s love story unfolded beautifully, with every detail carefully curated and every moment captured perfectly. The joy, the laughter, and the elegance of their Tuscan-inspired wedding at Bella Collina will forever be a part of my memories — and I’m so grateful they allowed me to tell their story.

A Final Note

Being invited to photograph a Tuscan-inspired wedding in Florida was a dream come true, and I’m so honored to have been part of such a special day. It’s weddings like these that remind me of the beauty in storytelling through photography. Every couple, every wedding, and every detail is unique — and it’s my job to capture it in a way that lasts a lifetime.

To the couple, thank you for trusting me to document your love story. It was an honor to fly to Florida and be part of your beautiful celebration.

Of course, the amazing team that made this all come together:
Wedding Planner and Coordinator: www.ohsoclassy.com

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Destination Wedding Carmel, CA – Day After Vintage Pool Party photo shoot. Congrats to Rachel and Sampath again! All of Rachel and Sampath’s bridal party and friends who participated in this shoot were absolutely fantastic.  I had such a great time creating this image and seeing it all come together!  Who’s my next bridal party?

© Josh Wong Photography

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