Friday, July 27, 2012

Baby Kaila at 8 Weeks

Last Friday I spent some quailty time with Momma Raeli, Brother Kaleb, Auntie Lauren, Grandma Lisa, and, of course, this adorable little girl Kaila.

Since my husband and I moved in next door to the Silva family, we have watched Raeli and her family grow. Only a month after we moved in, Kaleb was born. Then last year I had the privilege of photographing Raeli and Matt's wedding at The Hui in Makawao. And now, of course, I had the pleasure of spending time taking pictures of this precious 8 week old, Kaila.

One thing about newborns: they really do work on their own schedules. In an hour and change, Kaila went from alert and smiley to fussy and hungry...then to tired....then she slept a bit. And by the end of the session she was smiley again.

Brother Kaleb is a typical two year old. That being said, it was difficult for him to focus during our session. But between Momma Raeli and Grandma Lisa (and the help of some fruit snacks), we got some cooperation.


Kaleb was quickly relieved of his brotherly duties and resumed playing with Auntie Lauren so we could get a few more shots of Kaila.





Thank you Raeli, Lisa, Lauren, Daddy Matt (though he wasn't able to make the session), Kaleb, and of course, Kaila, for letting me take Kaila's newborn photos!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Liz Graduates!


Well, not quite yet seeing as the school year hasn't started. But soon enough she will be adorning a cap and gown and receiving her diploma.

I met Liz through my good friends the Yamashiro's (they own Ululani's Shave Ice, and if you haven't tried it yet...sweet mother of pearl, you are missing out!) when she and her family came out to visit. Malia, the youngest Yamashiro and Liz have been friends since their early soccer days and have maintained a relationship that has spanned nearly 2500 miles! I had the privilege of spending a delightful afternoon with part of the Yamashiro family and the Yankee family as we hiked Four Waterfalls in Haiku.

And even more exciting (though swimming to that fourth waterfall, rock-hopping, and mud fights were pretty fun), two days after our hiking adventure, I got to take Liz's senior photos and spend more time with these awesome Vancouver-ians!





 Even the family got in on the action! I love it!



See what she is sitting on? When I said "Hey Liz, go sit on that precarious, questionable bench" she fired right back "OK!"


Liz is incredibly natural in front of the camera. Of course, you didn't need me to tell you that. From standing in ankle deep water to cautiously stepping around lava rocks at Secret Beach, this photo session was quite the adventure. Thank you Liz, Shari, and Pete for choosing me to take Liz's senior photos!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Kehau and Freddie get Married!

Last Sunday I felt so very honored to be in attendance at Freddie and Kehau's wedding at the Maui Tropical Plantation. The day was filled with many personal and touching moments as well as many hysterical ones later in the evening.

Freddie and Kehau's love story was so incredibly sweet. They met through a mutual friend and though Kehau had no intentions of getting into a relationship, Freddie was persistent. He constantly pursued her, knowing she was something special, until Kehau finally caved. Turns out, she had feelings for him too. What started out as a date to silence Freddie's requests, ended in a truly beautiful love story.

The day started out at The Grand Wailea in Makena. Kehau and her girls had their hair and make-up (and mani-pedis the night before) done on-site by the talented Melissa Alameda from U'ilani Salon & Spa. Though we weren't allowed to take pictures on the grounds, we could still soak in the beauty of the Grand from our garden/ocean view balcony.





 

From the Grand, we made our way to Wailuku to the Tropical Plantation. Freddie took his place on the gazebo, and patiently waited for his bride.

 



Their minister, Laki Ka'ahumanu had everyone laughing!




It's Facebook official now!
After I the ceremony and bride/groom photo session, the reception started. It was beautifully adorned with purple orchids and floating candles. The entertainment was provided by Next Level Entertainment. From the music choice to the Newly Wed Game, these guys were a blast. Check out these photos of the Newly Wed Game:

The panel

Some got the questions right...
Some got the questions wrong...
And others were just completely embarrassed!


And they danced the night away!


A big mahalo to Kehau and Freddie for letting me be a part of your special day. I can honestly say that I laughed, cried a bit (every tried to take pictures with cloudy eyes? There were a few moments of intense blinking on my part), and then laughed until my sides were sore!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Buswell Graduation Party

On Friday, I attended my first graduation party since I moved to Maui; and it was a blast! When I graduated, once upon a time, my parents set up a tent in the backyard, served chicken wings, and casually mingled with guests. I get the feeling things are different here in Maui!

As guests arrived, they were greeted by family and friends and asked to sign a large portrait of Venessa as her guest book. Once a majority of the guests had arrived (some from as far as Chicago!), Venessa made her grand entrance and gave a nice speech.

Venessa certainly is a talented young lady. She learned a hula dance to preform for her out-of-town guests, as well as two Tahitian numbers that made my jaw drop. How these girls can move their hips always impresses me. She even had members of the audience come up and participate as she attempted to teach them some Tahitian! They were great sports about it. Venessa concluded her portion of the party by presenting a slideshow she had created. There was always something going on a this party





The night was full of great food, provided by the wonderful folks at the King Kamehameha Golf Course, and excellent entertainment by Next Level Entertainment. Thank you Venessa and family for including me on this wonderful celebration! And congratulations on your graduation!