2008 - A Year in Review

2008 has definitely posed many challenges for me & my family. With the economy in its current financial situation and everyone cutting back on expenditures - business has definitely had their ups and downs. With just a day left of 2008 and a welcoming of 2009, I couldn't help but reflect on all that could have possibly happened this year. I must admit - I am quite happy to see 2008 go and very excited that 2009 will be prosperous and filled with much happiness... but even in light of all the difficult times - I could not help but reflect on all that was positive in our lives this year.

A few highlights for 2008:

July 2008 - Always means... Forever, Productions establishes itself with a new name and face - "Ho'onani Photography" The business that once catered to Wedding & Event Planning changes to become one solely focused on Photography.

Sept. 2008 - Ho'onani Photography purchases their second DSLR camera, a Canon Rebel xsi 12.2 MP - yippee!!!

Oct - Dec. 2008 - Ho'onani Photography donates 2 (two) $100.00 Gift Certificates to the Kihei Notary for the Taste of Italy Auction. (that was so fun... we are sure to do it again)

Nov. - Dec. 2008 - Busy! Busy! Busy! Family photo shoots are a must for the Holiday Season...

A few 2008 Photos:

Mike & Kellie Ferraro's Vow Renewal

Mike & Kellie Ferraro's Vow Renewal - Tuesday, Dec. 9th, 2008

As mentioned in the previous entry - it has been very busy for us. Kevin (my husband) and I, had the privilege of shooting the vow renewal of Mike & Kellie Ferraro. This couple traveled many miles from Chicago to have their vows renewed here on the beautiful island of Maui where they honeymooned after their first wedding 3 years ago. The ceremony was beautiful and very unique - performed by Kahu Derego.

It was a busy busy day of weddings and Secret Cove was filled with 3-4 weddings going on all at the same time. Kevin and I really enjoyed working with this couple as they were so loving and playful and we really had lots of fun...

thank you Mike & Kellie for spending the time with us.

Here are a few shots from their shoot:

Christmas Eve Rainbow

It seems like forever since we have had the chance to update our blog for Hoonani Photography. Things have been so crazy with the Holiday Photoshoots and family gatherings.

On our way to the Family's house on Christmas eve - my husband Kevin caught this pictures while he was sitting in the passenger seat (driving down Haleakala highway). He was using our 3 or 4 year old Casio Exilim 7.2 mp. I thought this was a great picture to bid farewell of 2008 and welcome 2009.

AJ & Marsha's Wedding 11.17.08

Kevin and I had the privilege of shooting AJ & Marsha's wedding this past Monday. The wedding was officiated by Judge Boyd Mossman and it was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you to AJ & Marsha for allowing Kevin and I be a part of your wonderful life... and Congratulations! Here are some photos from their session...

Fun on a slow day...

It was a lazy dazy day here in Pukalani yesterday... my son Ka'eo went outside to play for a little while and I caught him jumping around the yard. A child's innocence is worth more than gold when captured in the act. ;-) I couldn't resist posting a picture of him having fun.







We were also privileged to catch a beautiful sunset from our porch. The colors lit up the sky like an acrylic painting. It was absolutely beautiful...

There are many times I wish that my family and I could move some place else - where the cost of living would be more affordable... but then a sight like this one helps me to see Hawaii's true colors... I am truly lucky to live Hawaii. ;-)

Mother Nature

This shoot was fun - but a challenge. It was a warm day in Pukalani but we made it work. Our model loved how the pictures came out and I had fun shooting the photos and doing her makeup. ;-)

More BFF's

Best Friends and their men...

In our earlier posts - we uploaded pictures of Brooke & Dave and Jenny & John. They were on island attending a friend's wedding and wanted to get some pictures in while they were here. Brooke & Jenny are best friends (and in fact - consider themselves sisters) and we took a few shots of the BFF's and a few shots of their men. These two couples were a joy to work with and they truly made Kevin and I's job easy. They knew what they wanted and their poses were natural and fun. Thank you to Brooke & Dave and Jenny & John for spending the late afternoon with us. We hope your trip was fun and that you enjoyed your time here. ;-)

Jenny & John 10.11.08

Kevin and I also had the privilege of shooting Jenny and John who are here on island with Brooke & Dave (our engagement couple). It was the sweetest thing to capture their love on camera. Here are a few pictures of the couple. They were also very fun to work with. ;-)

Brooke & Dave's Engagement Shoot 10.11.08

Kevin and I had the privilege to shoot Brooke & Dave yesterday. They are on island for a few days because they attended a wedding for a friend & they wanted to get some engagement photos in before they left the island. They are visiting from Portland Oregon and they were so much fun to work with. The camera absolutely loved them and they were so easy to photograph - especially since they made our job easy and fun. ;-) Here are a few pictures taken from their shoot.

A fun photo shoot

I had the privilege of shooting a few fun and exciting pictures yesterday. In preparation for the Halloween Holiday - I took out my make up train case and started painting away. This is definitely a conversation piece. ;-)
Here is a shot that I edited and wanted to share.

the Kanemitu Ohana

It was such a privilege for Kevin and I to shoot the Kanemitsu ohana this past saturday at D.T. Flemmings. They were dressed to impress and we had lots of fun with all of them. Here are a few family pictures that we captured that day.

We are now... Ho'onani Photography

You can visit us online at Ho'onani Photography (www.hoonaniphotography.com) We have a new look and new logos. After much consideration - we decided to make our main focus "photography" as it is one of our passions. Our new (very cool) website is flash and so much fun to go through and take a look around.

We are very thankful to all of our faithful clients for encouraging our growth and success. It's because of your support that we have made it this far.

We are in the process of switching and rerouting our old domain (www.alwaysmeans4ever.com) to connect with our new site. For those of you who have our old site bookmarked - please be sure to make the change. ;-)

We are looking forward to a great future with all of you. Mahalo again!

My cute Hawaiian Boy

My son is always up to take a picture - whether he's taking the picture or smiling for the camera. I took him up to Iao Valley Kepaniwai Park this past weekend and shot a few pictures of him. He looks so much like his daddy ;-) Here are a few cute shots of him.