Meet Makani and Kanae. Their love story began when they were teenagers, both dancing hula to stay connected with their cultures. Back then, they shared quiet, stolen moments at rehearsals, stealing glances and kisses despite living far from each other. Although their youthful romance couldn’t fully blossom at the time, it was far from forgotten. Life took them in different directions—both marrying, then divorcing—until their paths crossed again almost four years ago. This time, they couldn’t let go. Now, as they plan their wedding for October 2025, their engagement photos symbolize more than just a new chapter—they mark the rekindling of a love that never truly faded.

A Perfect Proposal by the Beach

For Makani, the proposal at her favorite beach in Point Reyes couldn’t have been more meaningful. She thought she was heading out for a simple beach day planned by her daughter and Kanae, but she was in for a surprise that would change everything. As Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us” played, Kanae got down on one knee, with Makani’s daughter capturing the moment behind the camera. But the surprises didn’t stop there. After she said “yes,” her closest friends appeared from the dunes, running down to the beach to celebrate the newly engaged couple with a picnic. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the people dearest to Makani’s heart.

What made the proposal so perfect wasn’t just the location or the planning—it was how deeply personal it was. Makani’s daughter had been a part of the moment, and the friends who surrounded them made it feel like a true celebration of love. It’s a memory that Makani will hold onto forever, made all the more special by the people who shared it with her.

*Proposal pictures provided by the couple.*

Mare Island: A Place of Deep Connection

When it came time to choose the location for their engagement photos, Mare Island was the clear choice for Makani. She’s always loved the island’s historic buildings, overgrown greenery, and deep-rooted history. It’s a place that’s part of her personal story, and it holds even more meaning when she reflects on her family.

Makani’s father played a significant role in Mare Island’s history, serving as the Director of Economic Development in Vallejo when the Navy decommissioned the site. Growing up, she spent time exploring the island and listening to her father’s stories about it. It’s also the place where she graduated from Touro University’s Physician Assistant program in 2014. For Makani, having her engagement photos taken here was a way to include her late father in the journey leading to her wedding day. Picking Mare Island was a tribute to her family’s history and a deeply personal way of keeping her father close to this important chapter of her life.

I asked Makani a Few more questions:

What are you most excited about for your upcoming wedding?

We're excited to enjoy our closest friends and family as we celebrate starting this new chapter of life together! For us, coming together in a "better late than never" kind of way begins to close the circle we started all those years ago and we are truly looking forward to that.

What was the scariest part of engagement photos?

The scariest part for me, as an older bride, was just wondering if we would look ok! I have full faith in James' work and any fear came down to personal insecurity but James was so fun and great to work with, all of that faded away as we just all enjoyed each other.

What advice would you give to couples about to have their engagement photos done?

Relax, be vulnerable, and enjoy each other! Remember why you're there and have fun. Don't worry about being silly with each other, we don't get these opportunities that often so just go with it!