Roman and Rocky

Fitisemanu Family 2015

Martinez Family

A Sweet Farewell

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

Tupea Family 2011

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!

Visiting from So Cal...

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

Wight Family 2010

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

  

     

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!