So much to be thankful for.

I know, I know…Thanksgiving was a week ago. Tardy as it may be, I just couldn’t let the holiday come and go this year without a blog post on the subject. It has been an amazing year for me. Below is what I’m most Thankful for:

Pat. for his endless energy with our son, his commitment to his family, his sense of humor, and his unwavering patience and support this past year as I started my photography business. Having someone believe in you is truly the greatest gift. I scored big time when I said yes.

Konstandino, for his long curly hair, his refusal to participate in circle time, his up-for-anything attitude, and for the endless challenge and love that he offers us each day. It’s a better life with him around.

A much better life…

I cannot remember who said this, but one of my favorite quotes has always been: “To know when you have enough is to be rich without measure”.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jack Henry

Congratulations to the adorable Jack Henry and his parents who recently celebrated his first birthday. I went to their home on Monday and we did a relaxed portrait session in the back yard. Jack Henry was on the go in a major way, barely stopping for his parents (let alone a stranger with a camera). However, with some creative shooting, a few snacks, and lots of help from mom and dad (thanks, guys!) I managed to get some gorgeous close-ups and some incredibly sweet candid shots of him loving up his parents. One is such a precious age. This morning his mom told me that he is now walking without holding onto her hands. What? The portrait session was only four days ago! It is bittersweet, the way that they grow and change so rapidly. Today my son asked me: “Mama, when will I be a little baby again?” I thought of Jack Henry and almost cried.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Thanks you guys, I loved everything about this portrait session!

Amy and Scott’s Kaua’i Wedding

Congrats to our dear friends Amy and Scott who tied the knot on Kauai on October 19th. They planned an entire week of festivities for their wedding guests prior to their big day. This was a spectacular week and the most gorgeous wedding. Here are some images from the week. Aloha!

The Plumeria trees smelled heavenly.

Sophie

Ben

Jack

I love the slower pace of life here.

An endangered Monk Seal sleeping on the beach.

A self-portrait with my Lensbaby

Impressive mid-air Warrior 2 pose…

My kid is still talking about this hot tub.

The Sunset Sail with Holoholo Charters was gorgeous.

Lei-making lessons on the eve of the wedding.

Steve taught the kids to fish and then played and sang traditional Hawaiian music while we ate that evening. For me, his spirit exemplified what Kauai is all about. Check him out online at: www.endlesssummerfishing.com

Sophie’s big moment.

Pat got this one of Kosta and I in Poipu. He is really into kissing these days. You can barely see the roped-off area for a sleeping monk seal in the background.

One of my favorites.

Another Lensbaby shot. Note the sticker reading Lingle Loves Bush (ouch)…for more info on what you can do to help the residents of Kauai in their efforts to boycott the Hawaii Superferry, CLICK HERE.

Amy and Scott went all out. Judy, who owns a Bikram Yoga Studio in Kapa’a, taught three private yoga classes for wedding guests. She was awesome.

View from Dali Hale, the wedding location as well as our lodging for the week.

Some details from the Wedding Day:

I love this series of Sophie. The available light was gorgeous.

Hair and Make-up were done by Dianne at White Orchid Bridal Services.

More available light for the boys’ portraits.

The Groom. Anyone who knows him will instantly recognize how annoyed he is with me at this very moment.

TuTu

Eva

Scott’s brother-in-law made this beauty of a cake.

The most beautiful dress ever.

And some unbelievable shoes. I grabbed a couple of different shots, but couldn’t decide which one I liked best.

It was so cool to see how happy Scott’s kids were during the Wedding Ceremony. They are crazy about Amy. Who wouldn’t be? She was the loveliest, most beautiful bride.

Some fun reception shots:

Scott and Scott Jr.

I just love this one.

Yep, it’s the electric slide.

Uh, yeah…and the Macarena.

I guess I’m usually long gone by the time that people start busting out the Worm. Impressive form. Nice socks, too.

Sweet.

Congratulations Amy and Scott. Thank you for the wonderful week, we feel honored to have been a part of it. We love you guys.