Ryker & Ashlyn

Maui Couple Photographer Captures a pre-Sushi Date, A Surprise, and a Sunset YES: Ashlyn & Ryker’s Perfect Kihei Proposal.

It was a romantic afternoon they’ll always remember. It was Ashlyn’s birthday — but unlike any other, this one came with a very big surprise. Ashlyn, a devoted sushi lover, had no idea Ryker had been planning the whole evening down to the smallest detail. Being the hopeless romantic he is, he arranged an early dinner date. Around 4 p.m. they biked to Miso Phat Sushi in Kihei for a relaxed, delicious meal. After they finished, Ryker suggested a leisurely walk to the beach just across the street.

I was tucked into the trees, camera ready, waiting to capture whatever came next. They strolled along the sand, laughing and talking, until they reached the “spot” Ryker and I had agreed on over the phone. The sunset light was soft, the ocean calm, and everything felt perfectly set.

“I have a birthday surprise for you! I love you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” Ryker said. He reached into his sock, pulled out a ring, dropped to one knee — and asked Ashlyn to marry him. She said “YES!” — and the rest of the afternoon was all smiles, hugs, and the kind of magic you remember forever. I loved documenting the surprise, the laughter, and those quiet, joyful moments between them as they celebrated the start of a beautiful new chapter together. Congratulations, Ashlyn and Ryker.

“ I love that Ryker makes me laugh so much. He is also the most selfless person ever. He truly is my best friend.” - Ashlyn 

“The thing that makes me love Ashlyn the most is that she is the smartest, most beautiful, and funniest person I have ever met. She is my best friend and now soon to be wife and I don’t know what I’d do without her.” -Ryker