violetsky photo

Kaeo + Glo

2011-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Maybe a Ute and Cougar can live happily after all

Glo and Kaeo, I'm SO happy for you!! I speak not as your photographer, but as family. Being able to witness your relationship grow has been such an awesome thing and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. Thank you for the honor of documenting your love and I hope you have a blast on your wedding day in Hawaii! Please celebrate to a great marriage over shaved ice and manapua! ;) Love you!

Forgive me for not keeping up with my photo blog. New Years resolution?!

A Sweet Farewell

2011-08-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Growing up and watching my dad and his brothers interact with their sisters with so much love and respect was such a blessing for me.

This past weekend, I bid a final farewell to my grandmother who holds a very special place in my heart. She was the last of my grandparents and lived almost 91 years. Going home to Hawaii has always been a treat for me. I can still see her sitting in her living room chair as our car pulled up in her driveway, every time we went to visit her. This last trip was different and I felt it the minute I boarded the plane. On the drive from the airport to Laie, I thought about how empty it felt and how I will miss her eagerly looking out the window when we drove up to her home. Although being back home was bitter sweet, being with family eased the sorrows. There's always much laughter, loads of food and lots of love and this time-even under these circumstances-was no exception. It was emotionally exhausting but my Mama's final day was beautiful and spiritually uplifting.

She leaves a big void in my heart but I know she would want me to fill it with all the love and happiness I can muster up. I begin with the happiness and joy of her reunion with my grandfather. I love you Mama!

A tribute to my grandmother

University of Utah Class of 2011: Matt Asiata

2011-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

One last look!
I love this picture. It depicts the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one.

The Asiata's are good friends of ours and we are so excited for Matt. College takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work but accomplishing this while raising three children and being the football star is something extraordinary! It takes special dedication and perseverance to get through such a demanding role both at home, school and on the football field. Your determination to reach your goal has been admirable. It has been exciting to watch you these last couple of years. I'm past warming up to the Utes. You have made me a fan but...I'm Still a Cougar ;). We congratulate you and wish you the best as you embark on your next exciting adventure.

Class of 2011: Whitney Faleseu

2011-04-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

I can always appreciate a young woman who wears her YW medallion religiously. Congratulations Whitney on all your future endeavors!

Tupea Family 2011

2011-03-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have a special place in my heart for this family, especially my 4 J's. This is my beautiful younger sister and her family. I HEART U!

Devyn 2011

2011-03-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

My Devyn is growing up!

Thank you Sepa and Omi for your wisdom and love.

Mr. Ray Leger

2010-12-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of working with this artist before and since then his music career has taken off. Selling out shows in California, crowds singing his originals word-for-word and traveling to various states. It's been amazing to watch and I know there are many more wonderful things in store!

Next stop...Laie, Hawaii
Click here to see pictures from this shoot.

Hannah: Bridals

2010-10-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

I love bridal shoots. It pumps up the excitement to such an emotional, important day...particularly for a woman. This woman has waited long enough for this day to come and she beamed with joy on the day of her bridals. Hannah being the animal lover that she is suggested we shoot at her job site--a horse ranch. She was completely in her element. Congratulations Hannah. All the best!

Benson + Hannah: Engagement

2010-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

High school sweethearts who were on again, off again and as TRUE LOVE would have it...these two love birds finally found their way back to each other FOR GOOD--or I should say--for eternity. Marriage is a beautiful thing and I'm so excited to see Benson and Hannah make that big step. Congratulations and ALL the best in your adventures together!

Baby Iona

2010-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Proud parents are Lora & Hobart Auelua

Visiting from So Cal...

2010-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

is Josh and Merita, plus 2! A fun shoot with a BEAUTIFUL family. Thank you for being so fabulous! We love you.

Kea Auelua

2010-09-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun shooting Kea. Her dad brought her over and he came in a matching outfit to get some shots with her (the guy in the previous post), BUT Kea was not about to let her dad take the spotlight away. She rocked it out all on her own! lol. You have a BEAUTIFUL daughter Misi and Lilly!

Goal for the rest of the week...

2010-09-07T19:08:00.001-07:00

to be as happy go lucky as this guy! :)

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Wight Family 2010

2010-08-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to shoot and meet the rest of the Wight family visiting from Seattle. Sally and I go way back to the Hunter high days and she doesn't look a day old from high school. Now, she's a busy mom and going back to school to be a nursing student. You are an inspiration! Thank you for a fun shoot and allowing me to capture your beautiful family.

Lupeamanu Family 2010

2010-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

I remember being so nervous the first day I started school here in Utah from Hawaii. I didn't recognize a soul and I was use to seeing nothing but golden brown skin seated in classroom desks. I scanned the room and FINALLY saw a girl with golden brown hair. It was Jennifer! I came to find out she was also foreign to this place we now call home. She had also just recently moved from California. We immediately became friends, and soon became the best of friends. She had an older sister Mo, who was the same age as my older sister and they also became the best of friends. It was a perfect set up! We all four played volleyball and I remember clearly Jennifer's mom yelling from the stands, each time any of us would screw up. Lol! I love that lady. Well not much has changed and I was so happy to see them all together for their family reunion. Thank you all for allowing me to capture your beautiful family. Love you!

Preview: Baby Iona

2010-08-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

I had to put up atleast one today, just for Iona's dad. We welcomed into the world Baby Iona on August 3rd. 8 pounds 15 ounces, 22 inches long. Proud parents are Lora & Hobart Auelua. More to come!

The coolest 8 year old in the world. No lie!

2010-08-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

I'm soooo behind with photography work but I'm buckled down ready to get er' done! First...my nephew Jordan was baptized. Jordan holds a very special place in my heart. He was always my baby boy. He would follow Uela around, always want to sleep over and he loved to spend time with us. I remember clearly having him over to sleep even when I was 9 months pregnant with Devyn. One bed, big belly and all...Jordan still squeezed his way on the bed. Oh what joy for me! He's now grown up and still loves to spend time with Uela and I. I love it! Jordan is a very intelligent boy who never ceases to amaze our family with the things he knows. He can carry on an adult conversation with the most random people. Thank you Jordan for being such a sweet spirit. I love you!

ps-Lots more blogging to come!

Three of the cutest boys!

2010-06-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm on my way out the door, as most of you know summer comes with the hustle and bustle of activities and fun! But I wanted to post the Tuipe'a boys. They are true boys...didn't want to be bothered with a photo shoot. Cars, playing ball and McDonald's was all that was on their little, busy minds. Thanks to the long winter we had, this shoot has been put off for more than a month but I was happy to see the sun come out and play this day. Thanks Tasha for you're help. You are super mom!

Summer is HERE!

2010-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

After what seemed to be thee longest winter, I'm glad to say that summer is finally here!! My favorite part of summer is it feels like one loooong holiday. Nothing beats the smell of my bro inlaws BBQ (hint), the outside pool, flip flops--although they are year round in my household but much more fun in summer, watermelon and the endless activities with the husband and my babygirl. I welcome you SUMMER!

Here is my little miss Devyn growing up too fast! :(

Striving for Perfection!

2010-06-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I haven't been great on blogging and well, I'm not sure I will ever be good at this but I am striving for perfection in other things. Here are two shots from my latest trip to Hawaii. Both are straight out of camera...no editing, just a little sharpening of the eyes. My first time shooting at a beach and I loved it!

Class of 2010: Jasmine Kelsall, Bountiful High

2010-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I've been sooo behind on editing and posting it's driving me nuts. I took an unexpected vacation to Hawaii and now I'm more behind than ever! So here is one for ya...

It's that time of year again...the hussle and bussle of graduation. Caps, gowns, college, life just starting again and claiming our independence--yes here is Class of 2010. Jasmine Kelsall all the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations!!

Three beauties and a precious boy on the way!

2010-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Facebook, Jessika found me and we were able to hook up to do her maternity pictures and also catch up on the last ten or so years. We grew up in the same neighborhood! She hasn't changed much from childhood...still gorgeous as ever.

Can you believe all this beauty in one family?! Her younger sister Cassandra is a senior at Granger High--I'll forgive her on this one hehe--and is on the drill team. The last time I saw her, she was sooo young but I wasn't surprised to see she's grown into a BEAUTY! Damiana is Jessika's precious babygirl. After taking a little bit to warm up, she took direction very well. Love her! Believe it or not, Jessika is now due any moment with a babyboy. I already know he is GORGEOUS!

Thank you for holding it down despite the wind. It's always so good to catch up with childhood friends. All the best!

Dan and Zeromeh: Engagement

2010-04-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite couples to shoot. Dan and I have been friends from BYU, we danced and traveled in Living Legends together. I was thrilled to hear he was FINALLY getting married (lol). Patience really is a virtue...literally! Zeromeh is gorgeous and has a smile that can light up the night. It’s so evident how Dan loves Zeromeh. Quietly, rationally, beautifully. Just seeing the way they interact one can easily see Zeromeh is Dans balanced counterpart. The way he touches the small of her back, the way he looks at her, the way he smiles when she whispers in his ear. He loves her. And Romeh loves him back. With every ounce of her tiny frame, she loves him back.

Thank you Dan and Romeh for reminding me of what true love looks like. You're perfectly matched and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for such an amazing team! I wish you the best in your lives together!

Ray Leger's Album is HERE!

2010-03-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

It is finally here! The album release of Ray Leger, titled 'Love Messenjah' Reporting for Duty. Most of you might remember, I did a shoot with an up and coming new artist (here). I am so excited to share with you that Ray Leger's album is complete and he will be having his album release part this Friday, April 2nd. Those of you who will be in town this weekend will NOT want to miss this. There are still discounted tickets available til tomorrow!! Call the numbers on the poster and get your tickets NOW!

Congratulations Ray and ALL the best!

Check out two singles below!

Pryncess turned 8!

2010-03-26T15:24:00.001-07:00

Yes and princesses need to have comfortable shoes too! I love it.

This is my gorgeous niece Pryncess. She turned 8 and was baptized, so we took her out for a shoot to create memories to remember this important milestone in her life. I love you Pryncess!!

Precious Kierstyn

2010-03-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

The Fa'amoe family welcomes their first babygirl, Kierstyn! Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? Baby Kierstyn is so alert for only being two weeks old. She was awake the whole shoot, except for about 20 minutes. Congratulations!!

Rissa + Franklin

2010-01-31T19:14:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine growing up with a second set of parents and three additional sisters? Well that's how it was between our family and the Tafiti's. When we first moved here from Hawaii, they were my parents first friends. At the time, they had three girls and their were three of us girls. It was an instant friendship that soon turned into a family bond. There are so many people that fall into that "I grew up with" category, but we literally grew up with the Tafiti's. Every family vacation, every school break and holidays were spent with the Tafiti's. When my parents were ready to purchase their first home here after moving from Hawaii, the Tafiti's found a home right behind their backyard that would solidify our lifetime friendship. Til this day, there are wooden steps that lead from their backyard to my parents backyard. Now, everyone has taken on new challenges in life but we have remained close, real close...as sisters!

Rissa is the baby and the one everyone protects, especially Sala (lol). She is the last of us six to be married. It was an honor to shoot her engagement session. I am grateful to know that she is truly happy and has found her Prince. Frank is a sweetheart and I take comfort in knowing that she will be taken care of. You are a BEAUTIFUL couple. Welcome to the family Frank. I love you both!

Maumau Family

2010-01-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

I love this family! Cameron was such a cutie and if you're wondering why his mom is holding him in more than half the pictures, well...he's a big momma's boy and there ain't nothing wrong with that. Thank you Maumau family for being patient.

Baby Kiona!

2009-12-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

This cute babygirl is Kiona Mata'afa. Her proud parents are Harris and Miranda. She's half Samoan and half Maori and full, 100% Cougar fan (or she better be) lol. You might remember, I shot her mama's belly right before she was born (Miranda's Belly). As you can tell, she was very alert and aware of what was going on. We couldn't get her to fall asleep to put her in some cool positions but I think we managed to get some beautiful shots. Harris and Miranda, great job...she is GORGEOUS!

What I'm working on

2009-11-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

Jolley Family

Baby Kiona

So much to do, so little time! I've been waaaay behind and now with the holidays here, I'm in panic mode trying to catch up on my editing. Stay tuned!

The Koller Family

2009-11-19T15:02:00.001-08:00

This is the beautiful and perfect Koller family. They were awesome to work with and the kids are just darling!

Last month I got together with five of the most amazing women and mothers I know. We share the same passion and we retreated to Park City for a relaxing and fun getaway. We laughed, shot, snacked on chocolate covered almonds, laughed and laughed some more! I love you gals and can't wait til next year...Big Apple, here we come.

Operation M.A.L.A.E.L.A. Volleyball Tournament

2009-10-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Operation M.A.L.A.E.L.A. is holding a volleyball tournament this Saturday as part of their relief in helping our families in Malaela. It will be held at Hunter High from 8am-2pm. You're welcome to register a team or just come and hang out. For more info pls refer to the blog at Operation MALAELA or the official website Malaela
See you all there!

Solovi Family

2009-10-19T20:04:00.001-07:00

Love this family! It was a special family shoot because we did pictures the day before Corrine moved to New Zealand. Miss Lina wanted a shot of her own family after chasing everyone home! :) You all were troopers in the cold weather. Thank you for allowing me to shoot your beautiful family.

Only in San Francisco

2009-10-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Only in San Francisco do you go to a NFL game even if you are not a fan of either team.
Only in San Francisco do you find average break dancers who put on a 10 minute show and get paid more than I make a week at my job by hustling the audience.

My sisters and our hubby's took a weekend get away to San Francisco. The bay is beautiful and the food is delish!

Baby Vaisioa

2009-10-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

She's turning the BIG 1 this month! Baby Vaisioa was so much fun and such a good trooper. I know it was just suppose to be all about her but I strong armed her beautiful mother to take a few shots with her and...they turned out great!

Thanks baby Vaisioa and Tina for a fun shoot! Lets not forget your assistant Elva :) Great to see you gals again.

Playing catch up

2009-10-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still recovering from the month of September. Two funerals and one wedding about did me in. The good thing is, I got to spend a lot of time with my extended family which I absolutely LOVE! After two family funerals, September ended with my first cousins wedding--Tia. It was a beautiful all day event. It started in Draper with the sealing performed by Elder L. Tom Perry. That was a treat! I wish I had the job of photographer for this event, but when it comes to family--I'm the server or the dish washer, etc. lol I managed to capture a few shots of their glorious day and some of my fabulous family. Love and miss you all. Congratulations Tia and Marie!

I hope to be all caught up very soon! :)

Miranda's belly shots

2009-09-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

I think we could all agree that there is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman and Miranda is no exception. This hot mama is due any day now with their first child. Pregnancy is just the beginning of the experience. Aside from preparing to welcome baby Kiona, Miranda and Harris are both full-time students at BYU. I admire them both! Thanks for being a good sport. I'm just glad we didn't push you into labor with all the walking and climbing on the tree stump :) I can't wait to see baby Kiona! Love you both

Life Happens

2009-09-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated my photo blog and trust me, everyday I wake up with that itch of posting and then...life happens! I'm on my way to getting back into the groove of things but this past month has been a crazy and busy month to say the least--full of tears, laughter, love and lots of prayer. Earlier this month I lost a beautiful niece, Si'iva Journey Auelua and we just said our goodbyes to a dear Uncle. If you know my older sister, then you know what a sweet and gentle soul she is. Lora is someone who has a good heart. A heart that bleeds genuine care, love, and peace to those around her. She will be a perfect mother. Si'iva is her first born and although she was here for a short visit, I learned so much from her. The hardest thing for me was to watch my sister through her pain, sorrow and heartache. Is it weird to say I felt her pain?!...Well I know I've said, "I know how you feel" many times before but this time was different. Although I've never lost a child, I TRULY felt my sisters pain or because of how close we are as sisters, I shared her pain. Maybe not at the same magnitude but my heart aches for her. Even though we understand the eternal plan, I've never yearned for someone to live so much. I selfishly wanted so much for Si'iva to stay for my sister. I couldn't even bare looking at her in so much agony. Si'iva returned home, but I was reminded of the eternal perspective of things. We become so mangled with things of the world and we sometimes neglect the people and things that really matter. In my parents living room stands a picture of the 3 of us girls when we were younger and it sits in a wooden frame. The frame reads, "Nothing comes as close to what we share as sisters." Years ago, I really didn't know the meaning. Growing up with two sisters was a trial in itself but now that we are older and have our own families, it is such a great blessing and I thank my heavenly father everyday for the relationship I have with my sisters. Si'iva has taught me the true meaning behind this saying. We have always been close as sisters but for the first time I felt exactly what this means. There is always great lessons learned from our beloved ones that have passed on, whether they lived for an hour or a lifetime.

Si'iva now works from the other side and our work must continue here. I take comfort in knowing that she now awaits us. Thank you Si'iva for your short visit and for reminding me of all the things that, "really matter." We'll be seeing you. You are OURS FOREVER!

John and Sharla married!

2009-08-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life has a way of surprising you, with something or someone. Such is the case with John and Sharla. I met them for the first time on the day they got married! Sharla has a soft gentleness to her, and John is her equal counterpart—with a great big smile that can light up a room. I fell in love with them the moment they walked out of the golden doors, it was a perfect fit. There wasn't a soul who didn't know Sharla and John were two of the happiest people in the world--no, the universe--marrying each other. Their smiles were contagious and if emotion was visible, love would be ooozing from their pores...they were happy, ecstatic, elated. And everyone knew.

John and Sharla met in college at Brigham Young University--woo woo--which made me love them even more! :) John, like every other male needed a little extra push to ask Sharla out. As life would have it--11 months later--Sharla found herself seated at a park near campus with musicians serenading her while John popped the big question. Two amazing souls were uniting and everyone knew.

John and Sharla...I truly felt the love you share. Thank you for allowing me to document the day when God stopped to give you the blessing of eternity. Uela and I left that day so inspired by your love. I felt so incredibly happy to commemorate your lives together and I can't wait to see what the future holds for some of the most amazing people I know!

Just the Girls!

2009-08-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

These are some of the young women of the Heritage samoan ward. I was asked to do a shoot for this months value which is "Individual Worth." These YW were so cute and unique in their own way. I loved working with these fabulous girls. They were sooo sweet and kind, which makes me wonder--was I that mature when I was their age?! Hmmmm, I would hope so. Thank you girls for taking me back to my young women days--these will be some of the best years of your life where you will make lifetime friends. Enjoy!

Measina A Samoa

2009-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I love Samoan flag day. It happens one week out of the whole year and I especially love seeing the young ones share their samoan culture. This year Devyn, my nieces and nephew participated in an all kids group and they were all too cute. Congrats Measina A Samoa for a job well done! You kids did great.

Devyn-All grown up! :(

2009-07-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is for my husband and family who give me grief over not having enough pictures of Devyn. I was in tears going thru her pictures. I can't believe my baby is almost 4 and grown up! :( I was just thinking, another year almost gone by. Devyn will start preschool in September and I realized that I don't have a baby anymore--sad!

Devyn has wanted to be so much more independent lately. She has learned to do all of the things I used to have to do for her, and now all I hear is "Mommy, I can do that myself." It breaks my heart to hear that. I've realized that I need to be ready for the years to come and that I will need to keep growing with Devyn. But my attention and care will take on a different form. She will be all grown up sooner rather than later and I'm grateful to share in her simple joys and the simplicity and the innocence of her happiness.

Sweet baby Peyton

2009-07-16T18:36:00.001-07:00

This gorgeous babygirl is Peyton Faalolo'i Young Yen, my niece. She's the newest addition to the Young Yen family and we LOVE having her, especially Devyn who wanted to get in on the action during Peyton's shoot. I love you Mama!

Ray Leger (Singer/Artist)

2009-07-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ray Leger--a true talent! Ray is the best of both worlds, half tongan and half samoan. He's an up and coming artist with a range that is crazy. I am lucky to hear this amazing talent, just about every week with my request of "Adore" by Prince (my absolute favorite by Prince and Ray). During his shoot, I wanted to capture him in doing what he does best...sing, and he serenaded me with an R&B version of, "I love to see the temple!" :) It was SWEEEET!! Be on the lookout for his new album and to all the single ladies out there--Ray is single and ready to mingle! lol Thank you Ray for your amazing talent.