One of our favorite families is back!  Click HERE to see their previous shoot with us.  We scheduled their shoot a little later than we typically do, because we waited for Jalen’s school break.  When Jorel (“Little Ham”) got out of the car, I had to look twice.  Not only was he taller than me, but his hair was just stunning.  Where did all of that hair come from?!  I can’t call you “Little Ham” anymore…you’re all grown up! Jansen and Jalen brought their smiles and hilarious sense of humor (this is what makes this family so special to us), and Jasper lost his two front teeth!  Where did the time go?   As always, we had a fun and fast moving shoot.  Everyone is always so easy to work with!  Jasper was fully of happy smiles (I think he wanted to show off his missing teeth, LOL!), and the sense of “family” just made everything so right.  Thank you for coming back to us every year, Mom and Dad!  This was technically our 10th annual shoot with you!  Click HERE to see their first shoot with us. It’s been a wonderful decade together!  May your 2020 bring you even more amazing memories  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek:

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We had an incredible downpour the evening before our original scheduled shoot date.  We had crazy weather last month!  Hot, humid, rainy…every single day.  Fortunately, the weather on our reschedule date was much better, thank goodness!  Loved the energy that Joshua, Luke and Kensie brought to our session.  Everyone participated, and did a great job with their individual, sibling and family shots…loved the patience!  Thanks for a great photo shoot, Mom and Dad!  It was a pleasure meeting you and your amazing family  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek:

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Happy belated anniversary Mr. and Mrs. S!  We were so honored to finally meet you in person (my parents have such wonderful things to say about the two of you…)!  K, you have a gorgeous house, and an even more amazing family!  Thank you for inviting us into your home for a warm and intimate shoot with your family.  I loved the overall plan for spontaneity, coupled with a few more “formal” family photos (everyone always wants at least one photo where everyone is looking at the camera).  I’ve always loved color, and I didn’t realize until I was processing your images, how cheerful your couch photos looked with the infusion so many brightly colored accents.  I felt like the smaller accent pillows, magazines and block game really added some vibrancy…which was so appropriate for the kid photos!  Our shoot was filled with laughter and energy, and finished off with a family dinner at dusk.  Thank you again for your hospitality…it was such a pleasure meeting you all!  I mixed some of the “formal” shots with some of the more candid/blooper shots in your sneak peek 🙂

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It was yet another blustery day.  We had to reschedule our shoot because our initial shoot day was awful.  It was sunny during the week, but grey skies appeared as soon as the weekend approached.  We were on a timeline, because Tristan (4) and Kai’s (2) family were on vacation here in Hawaii, and were planning to catch a flight home the day after our rescheduled shoot.  They wanted some beach shots of their family, especially because mom was expecting  🙂  Such an exciting time for everyone!

Tristan and Kai were amazing!  They both had the brightest eyes and sweetest smiles.  I was surprised at how well they took instruction (especially at the beach, which can be very distracting for little ones).  They made our jobs so easy!  I hope they had a fun time at the beach…even though it wasn’t sunny.  Mom, I felt like I was doing a commercial ad for you.  You were gorgeous!  Ahh, if only I looked that incredible when I was expecting.  Mom and Dad, you have such a photogenic family.  I loved your candid family and couple shots! You will have a lot to choose from in your proofing gallery  😉

It was wonderful meeting all of you!  I wish I could have brought more sunshine…but at least I didn’t bring the rain  🙂  I hope you all had a great family vacation!  Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your newest family member!!!  Here’s your sneak peek:

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Hotel:  Hale Koa

Ceremony/Reception Site: Cafe Julia Hawaii

Hair/Makeup: CJ Siepka

Florist:  Created For You Flowers

Disco Mobile and Lighting: Groovin Mobile Entertainment

Transportation:  Noob Entertainment

Videographer:  Orig Media

Wedding Planner/Coordinator:  Wedding Planner 808

Photography:  Images by Kellie Ann

 

It was the big day!  We met Anastasia and Marion as they were preparing for their upcoming nuptials.  The previous night was full of fun (click HERE to see their Pre-Wedding shoot with us), but today was mostly business.  Rain was in the forecast, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky…it was a gorgeous day!  I was with the women during their pre-wedding preparations. Lots of giggling, lots of fun, and lots of smiles!  Edson was with the men, and he said they were calm, cool and collected…no nerves in sight. We needed a little space to shoot the bride’s detail shots, luckily, one of the bridesmaids came to our rescue and let us use her room (thank you Michelle!):

There were gifts for the bridesmaids (adorable pouches and handcrafted earrings).  The matron of honor even gave each gal a personalized tumbler…such a fun idea!  Who knows what was in those cups  😉  The groom also received a beautiful watch set as a wedding gift from the bride.  Everything about the day was so symbolic!

Everyone hustled down to the lobby, where the Bride and Groom had their “First Look”.  I loved Anastasia’s “attack” approach.  Poor Marion didn’t know what was coming!  They were both stunning.  Just a nod to their day ahead.  After the First Look was over, I took a few more photos of the bride as we waited for the Party Bus…yes, a Party Bus  😉

We rode the Party Bus over to Cafe Julia Hawaii.  It was their last chance to take a deep breath (in air conditioning!), before reaching the ceremony/reception site.

Cafe Julia Hawaii…we made it!  Here’s when things kicked into high gear.  We took some ceremony detail shots. Don’t you love the hand painted envelope box, chalkboard signage, and tags for the chairs…Anastasia, you thought of EVERYTHING!

I took formal photos of the wedding party on the front steps of the venue.  It was a little bright, but everyone was a good sport about it.  They all ran to an air conditioned room as soon as we were done…I didn’t blame them!

Everyone waited anxiously for the ceremony to start:

Then it was showtime!  Anastasia and Marion, what a heart tugging ceremony…complete with lei giving to parents, a special bride-dad handshake, beautiful and inspiring speeches from the officiants (one of them was Marion’s mother!), and an exit to remember.

Once it was over, there was a collective sigh of relief.  It’s official!!!  Anastasia and Marion signed their marriage license, and took formal family photos in front of the pool.  While we took the family photos, guests mingled during cocktail hour, as the venue set up for the reception.  As we entered the cocktail hour room, we were greeted by laughter, story telling, and friends reuniting.  Drinks flowed freely, and pupus were plentiful.  We took some reception detail shots as they were setting up the tables.  The bride made ALL of the centerpieces!  How creative, and amazing is this woman?  The cake was absolutely beautiful, Athena…just gorgeous!

Enter the Bride and Groom for the reception! Their first dance was a joyous one, and family members and friends joined in the latter portion of the dance:

After dinner, the formal program started.  We were treated to a graceful and breathtaking hula (Anastasia said this was one of the highlights of the wedding for her…how sweet!), cake cutting, touching wedding party speeches (some elicited laughter, others brought on the tears), and the toasting (with another special handshake!).

Anastasia and Marion, congratulations!!!  Your wedding night was definitely something that everyone will remember.  You stayed true to your theme of Good Times with Family and Friends, and it was very evident that all of you guests had an amazing evening!  Edson and I wish you all the best in your journey forward.  We were so honored to be part of your special night!

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Click here for a slideshow of the wedding photos that I used for this sneak peek:

 

 

 

 

 

Quite frankly, this was a shoot that I was looking forward to doing for months. When Anastasia told  me that she was willing to get her hair and makeup done (and wear her gorgeous wedding dress) for her pre-wedding shoot, I was thrilled!  When she mentioned the location, I was floored.  Pint + Jigger, thank you so very much for being accommodating…your new speakeasy was absolutely amazing!

Marion and Anastasia, you both looked like you stepped out of a movie.  Anastasia, like your name, you looked like a princess.  Marion…those shoes!  LOVE.  What more is there to say?!  I love that their wedding/pre-wedding theme was, in Anastasia’s words, “Based on something that we both love to do!”  Relaxing and spending time with friends…who could ask for a better combination!  Edson and I brought our studio lights to the location, and did a few test runs before starting the shoot.  Once we started, the time just flew by. For a couple getting married the next day, Anastasia and Marion were incredibly calm 🙂  It was also nice to meet the wedding party before the actual day of the wedding.  You were all so great to work with!  I tried to get “your best sides”  😉

Thank you for an evening of laughter, Anastasia and Marion…I think your pre-wedding photos captured your fun-loving personalities.   More of that to come with your wedding photos!  Here’s your pre-wedding shoot sneak peek:

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I knew we were going to be a great photographer/client match the minute I started receiving emails from her.  I loved the detailed timeline shared via Google, complete with photos of special guests!!!  Denalee…I truly appreciated your organization.  When you handed me my own labeled wedding folder, complete with timeline, guest list and seating arrangement, I had a flashback to my own wedding.  I did the EXACT same thing for my wedding party, LOL!  I know how much time you put into it. Despite being highly organized, Denalee was also one of the most flexible brides I’ve ever worked with…especially in terms of the timeline.  You were a dream to work with! So calm and elegant…just GORGEOUS.  Ka’eo, we are so happy for you both.  We loved how you incorporated your own style, and made the wedding so personal to you and your families. It was great seeing you and all of your friends again!

Thank you for sharing your special day with us, so many wonderful memories and friendships. We hope you are enjoying your first few weeks as a married couple, with many more wonderful years to come  🙂  Here’s your sneak peek (slideshow of the photos at the very end):

It started off as a beautiful morning.  The sky was a gorgeous blue…an amazing start to a wonderful day!

Denalee had a beautiful dress…and I loved her cute little “I Do” shoes.  Everything was so personalized.

Then there was the “Best Friends” trophy…a gift from two of the groomsmen to Ka`eo. It was later used as a drinking cup for champagne (for the guys, of course).

In the meantime, the bridesmaids and bride were getting dressed in an adjoining suite.  Loved the colorful robes…I’ll bet those were great selfies!

Finally, the official “first look”.  Just look at Ka’eo’s face as he sees Denalee for the first time.  Lots of cheering, some crying from the crowd.  Pure happiness!

We headed out to the beach for some Bride/Groom shots before the ceremony. I don’t think we could have asked for better weather.  It was clear, and amazingly, not too windy! Denalee, you were gorgeous! Ka’eo, stunning as always  😉  The groom and his groomsmen were dressed in true Ka’eo fashion, complete with slippers. What a great looking couple.  Hugs to you both!

We took some formal (and not so formal) photos of the wedding party.  I’m sure the photo I took of the groomsmen looking down on me looked pretty interesting if you happened to see us on the beach…

Time for the reception. Denalee’s father not only walked her down the aisle, but was also the marriage officiant. It made for even more tears (and cheers) as the guests saw him give her away to Ka’eo. It was very touching with the handing off of the robe from groom to father, and handing off of daughter from father to groom. When the vows were over and the rings were exchanged, Dad gave the couple a huge hug.  As they walked back up the aisle as a married couple, I stood behind Dad and continued to take photos. I saw him give a huge sigh as they walked away…

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed pupus and mingled, while the bride and groom signed their marriage certificate.  It’s official  🙂

The reception program…one word…hilarious!  I haven’t laughed so hard in awhile  🙂  I had a feeling Ka’eo expected no less from his friends.  Boy did they roast him!  Denalee’s friend gave one of the most heart-felt speeches, ever.

At last, it was time for everyone to celebrate and DANCE!  The lights were turned down low, and the glow sticks came out.  Practically every child and adult had a glow stick in his/her hand…and many of them made their way onto the dance floor.  What a show!!!

 

Thank you, Ka’eo and Denalee, for inviting us to share in your amazing day. From the excitement filled “wedding prep”, to the celebratory flashing and glowing lights at the close of your reception…it was one of the most joyous weddings we’ve had the pleasure of photographing!  We wish you both the very best in your journey together.  Thank you!!!

 

SLIDESHOW

 

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We have the best clients!  This beautiful family was a referral from another wonderful family that we shoot a couple of months ago (click HERE to see their photo shoot).  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Izzy, Emma and Brooklyn were so incredibly easy to work with…so much fun!  I loved photographing the girls, because they were so giggly and sweet. Each girl had her own distinctive personality (which you can definitely see by looking at their individual photos).  They each had their own poses and expressions, and I absolutely loved it ALL!  I have to give a special shout out to poor Izzy.  She stepped on a Portuguese Man o’ War about 10 minutes into our shoot…and boy is that painful.  She was a trouper and stuck it out for us (and you can’t tell anything happened in her photos…it happened before we took any of her individual shots).  Thank you for being so resilient!  Don’t you just love the sister shots?! So sweet. Thank you for an amazing shoot, Mom and Dad, your girls were gorgeous!!!  Here’s your sneak peek:

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We are fully booked for 2016.  We are currently still accepting newborn shoot inquiries, as well as shoot inquiries for 2017.  We will resume our regular shoot schedule in January 2017.  Thank you 🙂

A family photo shoot…exactly what every preteen and teenage boy wants to partake in.  Mom contacted me and asked if we could do a family photo shoot before her eldest son went off to college.  Our first shoot was a rainout (I believe we had it scheduled for the weekend of Hurricane Darby).  The weather on the day of our rescheduled shoot was not much better.  It was windy, hazy and wet…not ideal conditions for a shoot at the beach.  Luckily, mom just wanted some group shots, and everyone (except for mom) had relatively short hair. At least I didn’t have to address a lot of hair editing in their photos!  Mom kept it simple…just a few family shots, a few sibling shots, and some of the boys being “their normal [selves]”.  Gotcha.  We did the family shots, then focused in on the sibling shots.  At first, everyone was civil…until I said, “OK, just act like how you typically do with each other.”  The result…what you see in some of our sibling shots!  Well, at least they will always remember what it was like to “kid around” with your brothers  😉

It was great seeing you all again!!!  Here’s your sneak peek:

 

 

It’s not often that we are asked to do “formal” family photos, but we do love them!  Dylan’s (click HERE to see Dylan’s last shoot with us) family welcomed us into their beautiful home, and it was great to meet his aunts, cousins, grandparents and great-grandparents. I even got to meet their happy, friendly dog (yes, that’s him sneaking into the family photo–don’t worry M family, I have more family photos sans Lucky…but I loved him so much, I wanted him to be on the blog). Thank you, M family, for sharing your amazing family with us!  Here’s your sneak peek:

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