Monthly Archives: September 2008

a week on oahu

And now for just a few fun/personal Hawaii pictures! Since Chris and I were out in Hawaii specifically to shoot a wedding, I was feeling a little over-cautious about things and didn’t want to put myself in any situation where I might not be 100% for the Big Day. Meaning, I didn’t want to get sunburned, sick, sore, stung, kidnapped, lost, etc., so Chris and I just hung out around Waikiki most of the time relaxing and taking it easy. Which was totally nice and not a bad time at all. We had been to Oahu a few years ago and did a lot of the must-see stuff, so we didn’t feel like we were missing out. And both of us really needed some time just to rest. (That said, I don’t have a ton of super exciting look-what-we-did-all-over-the-island photos. I have those from our first trip.)

We ended up staying at the Sheraton Waikiki right on Waikiki beach, where we stayed the last time we were in Hawaii. I especially love their pool right off of the beach with the amazing view, so it was an easy decision to book there.

I say “ended up” because we were originally booked at the Aqua Palms, which I selected because it was the closest hotel to the military hotel, Hale Koa, where Jenn and Stephen (the bride and groom) were staying. However, when we checked into the Aqua Palms and went to our room, I discovered that it was a room above the street that was a little noisier than I could handle. To be fair, I’m a super light sleeper, and very sensitive to noise. No other rooms were available, and I never fell asleep that night! So in my exhausted state, I blearily hopped onto the Internet kiosk in the lobby and booked a room at the Sheraton for the remainder of the week. (I have to mention though, that the staff at Aqua Palms were really sweet and very accommodating for the night we were there. And it’s a good value for a hotel right in the heart of Waikiki.)

The vacation gods were smiling upon us as we checked into the Sheraton, because they upgraded us two levels to a luxury suite! Check out the amazing ocean view from our lanai, looking right at Diamondhead:


And this was our view further to the right:

Self-portrait via point-and-shoot:

We took this cute trolley around the city when things were beyond walking distance. $2 each way…can’t beat it.

Waikiki is pretty touristy, but is kept really clean and manicured, and still has a good bit of lush tropical flora amongst the high-rises.

And one last random photo – one of our fresh flower leis. Jenn and Stephen gave one to everyone in attendance at their wedding!

So, all-in-all the trip was a nice mix of resting and working, and really…how can you really call a wedding in Hawaii “work?”

jennifer & stephen – 09.25.08

As some of you may know, Chris and I were away this week with the honor of photographing one of my dearest friend’s wedding in Oahu, Hawaii! We returned safely this morning, and we’re a little jet-lagged but I just couldn’t wait to get a few photos on the blog for Jenn and Stephen.

Gosh, what do I even say about Jenn and Stephen? I’ve known Jenn for about ten years now and I just adore her. And as one of Jenn’s matrons-of-honor, Rosa, said in her toast to the bride and groom, “Jenn has had her share of frogs.” But she has certainly found her prince in Stephen, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.

So Jenn and Stephen planned an intimate celebration week for friends and family on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Chris and I arrived on Saturday evening to get ready for the big week. On Monday, Jenn set aside some time to do a makeup and hair trial, and we took the opportunity to take some pictures of course. This is just one of my favorites (I think she looks positively stunning here, but wait until you see her on the wedding day!):


A few of her day-of details like the dress…

And shoes…

And flowers! I wish you could smell these plumerias, because they were so fragrant and heavenly. Sadie of Picket Fence Florist provided Jenn and Stephen with the amazing bouquets and leis for all of the family members and guests!

I know in this next photo it looks like Jenn is doing all the work, but her fabulous hair and makeup are courtesy of her Aunt Susie who has her own salon on Oahu. Susie also did Jenn’s trial hair and makeup earlier in the week. She also did the hair and makeup of the entire bridal party, mother-of-the-bride and grandmother-of-the-bride. How she did all of that this week so quickly and so expertly without showing a hint of stress or fatigue is beyond me!


This absolutely adorable shot of the flower girl, Jenn’s niece, is courtesy of Chris, who was my second-shooter:

Stephen’s reaction as Jenn walks down the garden path (I think he likes what he sees!):


The Maile Garden at the Hale Koa was lush, cozy and private, and simply beautiful.

Another great shot by Chris (isn’t he so good at this?!):


Mr. & Mrs! Yeah!

We had to race against the clock right after the ceremony because we were rapidly losing light, but we managed to get a few portraits of the happy couple and of the families.

Jenn and Stephen’s dinner reception was also at the Hale Koa, and it included tons of creative DIY touches.

The placecards were also a DIY touch, and they made for a perfect “fun” ring shot:


I especially liked the part of Tracy’s (sister/matron-of-honor) speech where she referenced my favorite show, Friends, and how Jenn has “found her lobster.”

Jenn and Stephen, it was our honor and pleasure to celebrate with you in Hawaii this week and to capture your wedding memories for you. Chris and I had a great time, and I’m just in awe of your grace as host and hostess amidst all of the wedding planning. I know it’s a tough job to plan a wedding, much less a destination wedding, and coordinating everyone’s travel and leisure on top of that. You both did a fabulous job and everything was beautiful and without a hitch. Well, except you two getting hitched! (Get it?) Congratulations and best wishes! I love you guys!

kate & jeff – 08.13.08

Two Saturdays ago I spent the day second-shooting for Jill Myers at Kate and Jeff’s wedding. I’m crazy short on time this week, so I’m also going to be short on words, but hopefully the photos will speak for themselves a little bit. I’ll even let this next photo give you a hint as to where the wedding was:  



The ceremony included stories about how Jeff and Kate first met.


Kate’s mom reaching out to Kate’s grandmother.

A teary-eyed flowergirl?

Lovely reception details:



Dancing away, late into the night:

ms ambassadors ball

Last night I had the honor of participating in something different and very special. I attended the National MS Society Ambassadors Ball as a volunteer photographer and witnessed an amazing charitable event. The ballroom of the Hilton Washington was all decked out for the ball:


So many fabulous items were up for bid in a silent auction, and so many people opened their hearts and their wallets to try to win the items and to raise money for a great cause. I know what Chris would’ve wanted to win:

And I know what I really wanted to win! (Yes, that’s a real yellow lab – she’s 10 weeks old!)

A few international performances provided entertainment for the evening:

How cute is this little one?!


Once the dance floor was open, The Wright Touch had everyone out on the floor for the rest of the evening, showing off their best moves.


I’m thrilled to have been able to help out in some small way, so thank you to Sarah, Hilary and Abra for inviting me out! (And it was nice to meet you too, Emily! Please do email me anytime about photography. You’ve got a good eye, girl.)

f a c e b o o k