Tone Studio - Wedding Photography Booking Guide

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Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in Tone Photography! I’m excited and grateful that you’re considering us for one of the biggest days of your life! This guide will walk you through the booking process, what to expect when working together, and hopefully reassure you that wedding photography and videography doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Halekulani Wedding Venue in Waikiki at the Hau Terrace

Booking Overview

Here’s how it all goes down (the quick version)

1. Initial Inquiry

2. Secure Your Session

3. Session Planning

4. Session Details

5. Sneak Peek Photos

6. Receive Proof Gallery

7. Receive Full Gallery

Step 1: Initial Inquiry

You send me an inquiry (yay!). After your email or phone call, we’ll chat about: (we prefer email so everything stays in writing and can be referred back to on your wedding day)

• Your preferred date, approximate guest count, and venue (or venues, if you’re planning something ambitious)

• The style of photos you’re drawn to — candid, documentary, editorial, cinematic, emotional, or a mix. Don’t know? Send us a few screenshots of images you like best.

• Any unique ideas or requests you have. I’ve seen it all: sparkler exits, barefoot vows, even brides riding on horses to their ceremony.

Step 2: Securing Your Date

• Electronic contract: I’ll draft a custom contract based on your needs and requests, and send it over for review and signature.

• Deposit: 50% of your package secures your date.

Once that’s done, your date is officially locked in, you can relax knowing your photographer is set.

• Remaining Balance: Remaining payment is due 7 days before the day of your wedding. Payment on the wedding date is okay too, but taking care of it before makes things easier for everyone.

Step 3: Session Planning

I’ll review your final timeline with you once it’s ready. If you’re working with a professional coordinator, it’s usually best to have your schedule finalized with them first, then I can confirm the photo portions fit smoothly.

If you don’t have a coordinator or just want a second opinion, I’m happy to help answer questions after you book us and make recommendations about things like:

• First look vs. aisle reveal

• Bridal party and family portrait timing (keeping it efficient so you can enjoy cocktail hour)

• Sunset photos and golden hour planning

• Building a flow that balances must-have photos with candid moments

  Step 4: Session Details

  A few days before your wedding or session, I’ll send over a quick details check-in to confirm timing, locations, and any last-minute updates. This helps make sure we’re fully aligned before the day arrives. From there, you don’t need to manage me or worry about what’s next, I’ll show up prepared, on time, and ready to capture everything as it naturally unfolds. If you created a shot list or would like to send me a few “must have” photos, this is a good time to do so.

  Step 5: Sneak Peek Photos

  Within one week of your wedding or session, you’ll receive a small sneak peek gallery with a curated set of highlight images. These are fully edited and perfect for sharing with friends and family while everything still feels fresh. Think of this as a preview of the final look and storytelling style of your full gallery. Check out a sample blog HERE.

  Step 6: Receive Proof Gallery

  After your sneak peek blog is delivered, you’ll receive a link to your full proof gallery with all images captured during your day. These photos are unedited, straight out of camera, and provided for selection purposes only. From this gallery, you’ll select your favorite images for final editing based on your package size. For example, if your package includes 75 images, you’ll choose your top 75 from the proof gallery. To preview the final editing style, you can refer back to your sneak peek blog. If you’d like to purchase additional images beyond what’s included in your package, you can do so directly from the proof gallery. Once your selections are made, we’ll send an invoice for the additional images.

  Step 7: Receive Full Gallery

  Your complete online gallery will be delivered in about 4–5 weeks. From there, you can easily download your images, share the gallery with loved ones, and order prints or albums if you’d like. Your photos are delivered in high resolution with full print rights, so you’re free to use and enjoy them however you choose.

What to Expect For Wedding Photography bookings

• Professional coverage options from 1 to 12+ hours

• 50% deposit and contract required to secure your date

• Second shooter add-on $100/hour

• Online gallery delivered 4–5 weeks of your wedding

• Additional images, film coverage, and other add-ons available for purchase

Male’ana Gardens Wedding Venue in Kailua

Meet the Team

- Mike and Shelby at Big Sur, California

Meet Mike - Owner/Photographer/Videographer

My name is Mike and I’ve been a professional photographer on Oahu for over 12 years, and I’ve seen just about every scenario you can imagine. That experience is what makes me so comfortable photographing weddings. No matter what the day brings, I stay calm, keep things moving, and make sure you get beautiful photos. When I’m not working I’m usually surfing or skateboarding. I also enjoy playing drums, guitar and pickleball. 

Experience and Skills

• 15+ years with photography and videography. 

• Photographed over 150+ weddings at Kualoa Ranch 

• Laid back and easygoing presence that helps people relax in front of the camera

• Expert with natural light, fast timelines, and candid storytelling

• Comfortable shooting in any weather or lighting situation

• Good at blending in, observing moments, and capturing them quietly

• Fast turnaround, clean edits, and consistent color

• Preferred photographer at Kualoa Ranch, Hyatt Hotels, Hawaii Polo Club Weddings, Male'ana Gardens, and Dillingham Ranch

Meet Shelby - Day of Coordinator/Drone/Second Shooter

My name is Shelby and I’ve been a Locations scout and manager for film and TV productions on Oahu since 2015, which basically means I’ve spent the past decade figuring out how to make chaos look organized. A lot of that work happened right here at Kualoa Ranch, which slowly became one of my favorite places on the island.

After years of helping film crews chase light and hit deadlines, I started helping couples do the same thing, only now there are flowers, vows, and slightly less yelling. I still run timelines, keep things calm, and quietly make sure everyone ends up in the right place at the right time. It’s kind of the same job, just with nicer outfits and a lot more meaningful.

Experience and Skills:

• 10+ years in film and television coordination across Oahu

• Deep familiarity with Kualoa Ranch logistics, staff, and site access

• Expert in managing tight timelines and early-morning schedules

• Calm, organized presence when plans shift or weather changes

• Strong communication and vendor coordination skills

• Trained eye for composition, flow, and detail

• Known for being early, prepared, and quietly keeping everything on track