from the

first aloha

Love at first aloha

A single glance was all it took, something in that moment that your heart recognized and knew, that you'd never be the same, that your lives would be forever changed and that you'd fall in love from the first blush on your cheeks.

Aloha, I'm Shanyn Kiesler, the owner and cinematographer behind Portola Wedding Films. I am a documentary, storytelling filmmaker on a mission to capture every moment from getting down on one knee to your final grand send off. Crafting love stories into timeless film to be passed down from generation to generation. I want to tell your story. 

Olowalu Plantation House

Featured Wedding Film:

Hannah & Terry | 06.07.2023

view their full love story

Teagan + Henry

meet our lovely couple:

Seattle, Washington | 04.13.2023

The Grand Wailea

Featured Wedding Film:

Amy & Jordan | 09.17.2022

view their full love story

Hannah + Landon

meet our lovely couple:

PORTLAND, OREGON | 08.21.2023

South Maui Gardens

Featured Wedding Trailer:

Coral & Michael | 09.23.2023

view their wedding Trailer

Bri + Erick

meet our lovely couple:

BEND, OREGON | 09.17.2023

client love:

"The videos are perfect"

The videos are perfect. You seriously made the day so amazing. Neither one of us had much memory of what actually happened. So we are so blessed that you captured all of the fun and love and excitement of the day.I am so truly happy and blessed to have found you!!!! 

"You are amazing at what you do"

Thank you so much for capturing our wedding day and putting this together for us so quickly!! We can’t wait to share it with all of our friends and family back home. You are amazing at what you do. We are so very thankful for you and highly recommend you to anyone who wants to capture special moments!! 

-Ken Ballard

-Ken Ballard

-Ken Ballard

Aloha is choosing love in every moment, showing up and being lovingly present no matter what it looks like on the inner or outer.
Aloha is Compassion

meet your filmmaker

meet the cinematographer able to bring stories to life and capture unique moments through her lens.

Aloha, I'm Shanyn. An intensely nostalgic person with a flair for creativity. When I was 10 years old, my dad passed away very suddenly and that has taught me to live in the moment. Time is so fleeting, and the best moments seem to pass the fastest. Your wedding day will be done in the blink of an eye. I ask you, what is the point of putting so much time, energy, and money into a day that will be so packed and emotional you'll only remember the most impactful moments, if you don't document properly. Make it all worth it by preserving those moments. This is the only time that this exact group of people will ever be together. When else will both sides of your family, your bestie from grade school, and your college roommate be in the same room? I promise, you will never regret documenting it. Over the years you may wish you had picked a different dress, gone with a different color palette, wish the flower trends were different when you got married. But as time passes, so do people. Having those memories preserved on film is one expense you will never regret. Let me help you preserve your memories. 

Cheers, shanyn

Candid

Bespoke

Nostalgic

Your wedding day is about two lives and families joining. It is a time to be in love and spend time with those you cherish most in life. It isn't about making a film. I film your wedding with the intention of documenting how it unfolded, not directing it into the story I want to tell. My approach is minimalist while still using all the equipment I need to produce a beautifully cinematic, professional, candid wedding film.

No two couples are the same. Before your wedding day we'll go over all the details about what is most important to you and what will make your film one you'll cherish for a life time. During the day I'll capture everything as it unfolds, with minimal direction. When you do need a little direction I'll always speak up to help out. And while you probably won't hear me talk much during your day (audio is so important to my films, I don't want to ruin the authentic moments from your day with my voice)my main goal is to make sure you both look amazing. So if an angle is unflattering, if a hair is out of place, or mascara is smudged- don't worry, I've got your back! My intention is for you to adore your film, and part of that is making sure you look your best.

No matter which film package you go with, I always record all of the important moments and record professional audio. Often times unexpected moments happen at weddings, and I make sure to capture all those moments, the good, the bad, and the ugly (not that there is much ugly to be had at a wedding, but I have seen a groomsman split his pants on the dance floor before). I think most can agree that hiring a photographer is a must for a wedding, but so may people undervalue video. There is something so different in seeing a picture of your dad crying versus seeing the video. Seeing his mannerisms, hearing the words he speaks to you. A picture can never evoke those emotions as well as a video with audio can. Nostalgia lives in videos and it is the biggest gift you can give your future self from your wedding day. 

my approach

services

our

the engagement

the elopement

the big wedding day

Weather you're planning to propose while vacationing on Maui or want to have a save the date film made, I have plenty of offerings to make sure you have beautiful keepsake video footage from your special moments

Elopements on Maui are pure magic. Just you and the one you love most, celebrating your love. I offer a range of hourly packages to fit any type of elopement. 

This is your day. Wheather you just need 4 hours of coverage for an intimate wedding, or you want rehearsal dinner filmed and 12 hours on the wedding day, we can tailor a collection that is perfect for your needs.

get in touch

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FAQs

Do you require a deposit when booking?

Yes. I require a non-refundable retainer fee and a signed contract to book your wedding. When I book your wedding, I am reserving that day for you alone and turning away other clients. For this reason, the retainer fee is non-refundable. 

How soon after the wedding will i get my assets?

I put so much time into editing my couple's films, because of this it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to finish a film. If you need your film by a specific date, that usually isn't a problem, just let me know ahead of time. I can almost always accomodate a rush request as long as I have been given advanced notice.

Do you do elopements as well?

Absolutely! I love the intimacy of elopements and the artisitic freedom that comes when there isn't a strict timeline to adhear to. Reach out so we can chat and tailor an elopement collection to fit your specific needs.

Do you travel or only stay on Maui?

I have my passport and am ready to travel all over the world! Paris, Lake Como, and Iceland are on my bucket list. In some cases I may be able to offer a deeply discounted rate to have the opportunity to film at these locations. Let me know where you're planning to go and we can work out the details!

Once i get in touch, what happens next?

If I'm available for your date and location, we'll schedule a phone call to determine what your needs are and so you can get to know me. Then I'll send you a proposal and you can decide if we are a good fit! I ask for a retainer fee and signed contract to reserve your date. 

Lets say aloha

get in touch