Auntie Ami's 50th Birthday Party!

I am an only child. I don't say that with bitterness, I'm just saying it because it's fact. I'd like to think that I never acted like "one of them," but who knows, maybe I did act like a diva once in awhile. I know for sure that I do sometimes act like one now & then. But I own it & I think it's fun.

If you've known me since I was little, you've known that I was raised with my cousins, Chelsea & Chandra. Chelsea & I are the same age & Chan is 3 years younger than us. I can remember so many things about my childhood & spending my weekends with them. Most of all I remember my Auntie & Uncle ALWAYS having the family over. I remember tons of food, lots of laughing, music, more laughing, dancing, drinks & more laughing. It's always been that way for as long as I can remember.

A few months ago, while having lunch with my cousins, discussion of throwing my Auntie a surprise 50th birthday party came up & before we knew it, plans were in the works. All seemed to go perfect....until TWO DAYS prior when the tents showed up at the house. So it didn't turn out EXACTLY as planned but it was still so much fun. It was just like old times, hanging out in the yard, listening to music, eating, drinking & dancing....with tons of laughter.

Auntie Ami....i love you!! Even though I called you a "party ruiner," it was all in fun. I hope you had a GREAT birthday party & I hope to look as fabulous as you when I turn 50. love you...

Kamehameha Class of 1968 Birthday Celebration

Growing up in the mainland, I know that I missed out on A LOT of things.  I often wonder how things would be different for me had I been raised in Hawaii.  I remember during my freshman year in junior high, my Dad asked me if I'd be interested in going to Hawaii to finish school.  I told him "NO! What about my friends?"  Looking back, I now know why he wanted me to go.  It was because I would never experience certain things here, that I would there.

While taking photos for the Kamehameha School Class of 1968 60th Birthday celebration last evening, I had a deep appreciation for what I was seeing & was asked to be a part of.  I was envious of the friendships that still remain after all these years & the closeness of everyone.  You could tell who was the kolohe ones, because they still are.  And you could tell the ones that were in charge, because they took charge last night.  The evening consisted of dinner, a few small speeches, cake & a couple of slideshows.  One slideshow in memory of the classmates that are no longer with us.  And another slideshow of everyone's senior photo with a few recent photos.  The best part was that the slideshows were put together with their class singing 'Sail On, O My Soul' at the 1968 Kamehameha School Song Contest.

Auntie Mervina, thank you so much for asking me to take photos of this memorable night for you folks.  Not only did I meet someone that I was related to (crazy small world), but it was a nice reminder of how friendships & staying in touch with one another is so important in life.

Okekai & Steven - Married

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting Okekai & Steven's wedding day. I remember last year when the planning began & I was asked if I'd be their photographer...the year flew by so fast.

The morning started with the girls getting their makeup done at the MAC counter at Nordstrom's at the Tacoma Mall while sipping on iced mocha's. It seemed as though from the moment we left there, the day took full speed & before I knew it, the ceremony was in full swing.

As the 93 degree weather beamed down on the guests, there wasn't a dry eye as Steven confessed his love & admiration for Okekai. I found myself wiping my eyes several times so that I could focus on what I was shooting. The ceremony was short & sweet ending with a sand ceremony & then they were announced as husband & wife.

Okekai & Steven, thank you. Thank you for reminding me that love is so sweet & so kind. I admire the love & sincerity that surrounds the both of you & your boys. Mahalo for everything...

NSC - Tailgate

My brother inlaw, Miguel, is always planning something. When he came up with the National Speedskating Circuit, NSC, he gained a ton of support by all those that know him, because something like this had never been done before in the speedskating community.

My inlaws have always been into speedskating. I've been told that they moved to this area so that the kids could join the best team in the state. Although the other 3 siblings no longer skate competitively, Miguel still does. In fact, he is a 4 time inline speedskating national champion.

Last week, he held his 4th NSC Event at Pattison's West Skating Center. At this particular event, he decided to have a pre-sale/mini car show/tailgating party in the parking lot to promote & sell tickets to the event. I stopped by to snap a few photos of some of the cars that showed up.