#hawaii wedding photographer

[tetianamephotography]

Looking for the perfect Big Island wedding photographer? Look no further than Tetiana Me Photography! With a passion for capturing the magic and beauty of your special day, Tetiana Me offers a unique and personalized approach to wedding photography that will leave you with stunning, timeless images to cherish forever. Whether you're planning an intimate beach ceremony or a grand, luxurious affair, Tetiana Me Photography will work with you to create the perfect photographic memories of your Big Island wedding. Contact us today to learn more!

[oahuphotographers]

About Oahu and Honolulu

Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii and the third largest. Honolulu, the capital and largest city of Hawaii, is located on the south shore of Oahu. Confusingly, the entire island of Oahu is part of Honolulu County, although Honolulu itself only occupies a portion of the southeastern end. Here’s a breakdown of the relationship between Oahu and Honolulu: Oahu is the island. It’s known for…

[puremediahawaii]

Victor + Sidiqah // Kahala 

https://puremediahawaii.com

[austinsmutler]

The Wonder of You - Austin!Elvis x Reader

Summary: While on your honeymoon in Hawaii, you and Elvis decide to try something new in the bedroom: taking photographs. You're a little bit unsure at first but Elvis is keen to show you how beautiful and truly sexy you are.

What you’ll like: Kinky Elvis, newlywed vibes, emotional connection while also just getting railed, erotic photography, Elvis appreciating every inch of you

Words: 1,600

Warnings: None, but there is some consensual smut. Minors DNI.

Masterlist | Requests are currently open (Please tell me everything you want!)

You giggled as Elvis carried you over the threshold into the small hotel room. Small, because you had had a private wedding at Graceland and wanted to keep things private, if only for a week before he’d be back on tour. That meant a small honeymoon, far away from prying eyes.

So, one private plane trip to Hawaii later, here you were. The hotel was small, but the staff were known for their discretion, and for the first time since… ever, you and Elvis were alone. No Colonel, no screaming fans, no Memphis mafia. Just  husband and wife.

“Elvis! Put me down!”

“Okay,” he grinned as he threw you on the bed. You screamed and bounced before scowling up at him.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Definitely.” He smirked, framing you with his fingers. “Mrs Presley, you look like a pretty lil painting.”

Heat rose to your cheeks. Elvis turned and locked the door, and you couldn’t help but rake your gaze over his body. You’d traveled in simple clothing to avoid suspicion: you in a sky-blue button-up dress, him in black trousers and a matching shirt that was barely buttoned down, the hair on his chest visible. You wanted to feel that body against yours, wanted so many things only he could give you. 

Elvis turned and saw you squeeze your thighs together. He smirked, before a thought occurred to him and he bit his lip. 

“What is it?”

“There’s something I’ve always wanted to try.” 

You sat up and beckoned him forward with a finger, leading him down for a kiss. “Tell me what you want.”

He made short work of your dress, stripping you down to your lingerie in minutes. While the dress was simple, your wedding lingerie made you look like a winning lottery ticket. White lace with black detailing, shimmering with rhinestones with every shaky breath you took. 

Elvis stood above you, taking in your whole body before he leaned down and whispered, “I want to photograph you like this, honey. Just like this.”

You shuddered as hot hands trailed down your bare sides. Need shot straight to your core, pulsing in tune with your rapid heartbeat. 

“Okay.” You whispered. 

“Really?” Elvis pulled back with an almost boyish grin on your face. You bit your lip and nodded.

“Anything for my husband.”

 Elvis pulled away to rummage through your suitcase. Light filtered in through the hotel window, bathing the room in a golden sunset glow. Elvis found the camera and turned around, humming as he took in every inch of your body. 

“Mmm, My wife is so beautiful.” 

“Elvis.” You gasped out a laugh, but it did nothing to hide the flush of your cheeks. The darkness in his eyes was intense enough, but with the camera that hovered over you, unblinking, you could combust at any moment. 

“Look right into the lens, baby.” Elvis breathed, and you heard the click of the camera as he captured you, laid out on the navy blue hotel sheets. You bit your lip and he took another photo. Then another. And another. 

Elvis focused all his attention on you, hands drifting over your bare skin, caressing your sides, your thighs. Positioning the blue satin to his liking. Snap. Snap. Snap. A shiver ran down your spine with every photo. 

“Open your mouth just a little, baby. That’s it, you’re beautiful.” Elvis murmured, hardly blinking as he drank you in. 

You grew wetter with every click of the shutter, much to your surprise. This was not something you’d considered before- cameras were for public and family events, not capturing the most intimate moments of life. E

ven wearing lingerie, this was the most naked you’d ever felt. The space between you and your new husband scorched your skin, goosebumps rising as he positioned his body over yours for a close-up. 

Elvis was hard already, grinding slowly against you, capturing your every reaction as his length rubbed against you. The gasp you made when he pulled your bra down to tweak a nipple, the sigh when his tongue found the sweet spot on your neck and he sucked, turning the skin deep purple. 

You probably weren’t even in focus for half of these, Elvis’ attention focused in front of the camera instead of behind it. But the clicking shutter still urged you both on, pulling a moan from low in your throat.

“You’re so beautiful.” He put down the camera to take your face in his hands, exploring your mouth with his tongue as if for the first time. His fingers hooked your bra strings, starting to slide them down your shoulders. “Can I take these off, baby?”

You knew what he was really asking, and nodded shyly.

“If you’re not comfortable, we can stop.”

You hooked your hands around his neck and pulled him down, wrapping your legs around his waist to draw him closer. “I want it. Please, don’t make me beg.” 

He purred against your neck. “Maybe later.”

Elvis sat up in bed, taking you with him so that you were on top. “Go sit on the end of the bed.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion, but with a glance there, you understood. At the foot of the bed was an enormous mirror that spanned almost the length of the wall. 

You sat. Waited. Held your breath.

“Spread your legs.” Elvis had the camera back in hand now, the clicking of the shutter resuming. He kissed down your neck and slid the bra from your shoulders before tossing it to the other side of the room. 

You both groaned as his fingers found your wetness, rubbing you through the lace. “You like this, hmm Mrs Presley?”

You could only nod, reaching up to hook an arm around the back of his neck. “Please, E, please-”

What were you begging for? You couldn’t say. Couldn’t think as a finger dipped inside your panties and slid inside with no resistance. Before you could think of anything, two fingers curled inside you, hitting your spot with practiced ease. 

“This what you want, baby?” 

You whined, bucking your hips as his fingers stilled, waiting for an answer. You slapped his arm and Elvis chuckled. 

“Is that a no?”

“Please. Please make me cum, I need to-” Words dissolved into a moan as Elvis redoubled his efforts, bringing you torturously close to the edge before his fingers stilled again. 

“Why?” Tears sprang up behind your eyes. Elvis grasped your chin and turned you to face the mirror, where his eyes were black with lust as he scanned over your body. 

“Because, wife, when you come tonight, it’s going to be because I’m inside you. Fucking you. I could get you there with my fingers right now, but I’d rather use my cock. What do you think?”

He punctuated the question with a few slow pumps of his fingers that left you bucking your hips, desperate for more contact. 

“Fuck me.” 

Click. 

Heat surged through you as you thought of the photo he’d just taken: you were almost completely naked while he was still fully-clothed, two fingers knuckle-deep inside you. Your mouth open and panting, legs spread obscenely wide while he nibbled on your earlobe, whispering filthy things in your ear. 

Elvis spun the two of you around so you were on your back on the bed, him kneeling between your legs, taking the white lace of your panties between his teeth, slowly tugging down your last item of clothing and flinging it over his shoulder. 

His hot breath crested over your clit and had you tangling your hands in his hair, tugging desperately. “Please, you don’t need to- to-” 

You stuttered as his tongue licked a slow trail to your clit, hips bucking as he set to spoiling you with his mouth. He slowly undid the buttons on his shirt, never once taking his mouth from you until your whole body quivered. 

Elvis sat back to remove his shirt and trousers, which joined your underwear in a pile on the floor. 

He knelt upright on the mattress, gripping your hips to pull you onto his cock. You both groaned as he sank into you fully, your legs wrapping around his hips and digging into his ass. If you’d stammered before, you were completely incoherent, unhinged as Elvis tortured you with slow strokes at first, before building up until the only sound that filled the room was slapping flesh. 

“This what you wanted?” Elvis reached down to squeeze your breast. “This how you like it?”

“Deeper. Please, deeper. I n-need to feel you.” 

Elvis growled and grabbed your hips with bruising force, hitting somewhere inside you’d never felt before. Everything else in the hotel melted away, your only anchor to reality was the soft sheets fisted in your palms as Elvis pounded into you relentlessly. 

“Need you to come for me, baby.” Elvis’ blue eyes were dark with lust, body slick with sweat as he showed no signs of slowing. 

You could do nothing but nod as he sped up, thumb pressing on your clit until you came in a blaze of white light and moans. Your whole body shook as Elvis followed you over the edge, releasing inside you. 

He slowly pulled out and collapsed beside you, panting. Neither of you could speak as you caught your breath, still clenching around nothing. 

When you could speak again, you turned to smile at your husband. “Well, that was a good start. What do you want to do now?”Elvis rolled on top of you with a growl, burying his face in your neck. “Mrs Presley, we are just getting started.”

[vintagelasvegas]

The first wedding chapel in Las Vegas opened September 29, 1933.

There are no existing photo of the business simply known as "The Wedding Chapel." It was here 513 South 5th (Las Vegas Blvd), later known in the 40s as Lucky Wedding Chapel. It was a 24-hour service from the start.

In the late 20s California and other states adopted "Gin marriage laws" which established waiting period for marriages aimed at preventing marrying while drunk. Nevada's no-wait marriages and the boom in automobile travel turned Las Vegas a marriage destination. City Hall was the logical choice. The Wedding Chapel offered convenience.

“New Super Service To ‘Tie the Knot’ – Happy young couples contemplating marriage in Las Vegas need no longer worry about the many and varied details … J.D. Foster has opened a ‘wedding chapel’ at his office, 513 South Fifth street and he not only agrees to shoulder all responsibilities but will supply witnesses for the occasion if they are desired.” - Review Journal, 9/29/1933

Other chapels to open in the 30s included Gay Wedding Chapel, Potthoff Chapel, Hitching Post, and McKee's circa ‘39 which is still open today as Graceland.

In later years, Wee Kirk O' The Heather claimed to be the “original” and oldest chapel in Las Vegas, a claim that was went unchecked at the time the chapel was demolished in 2020.

✶

Photo: Lucky Wedding Chapel (513 South 5th) and Model Motor Inn (507 South 5th) circa '40-'43. Woody Strode and Princess Luukialuana Kalaeloa of Hawaii were married at Lucky Chapel on 10/13/40. L. F. Manis Photograph Collection (PH-00100) UNLV Special Collections. “Nevada Retains Record for US divorces given.” Review-Journal, 10/17/30; “New Super Service to Tie the Knot.” Review-Journal, 9/29/33, p7; “You Furnish the Bride, JD does the Rest.” Las Vegas Age, 9/29/33, p1; Courtroom Turns to Wedding Chapel. Review-Journal, 8/13/1935.

[aklv808]

AKLV || Oahu ‘23

#fujifilm #photography #velvia #fujixseries #adobe #hawaii #oahu #island #beachlife #travel photography #tropical #beach #nature hikes #island life #diamond head #AKLV #leviathan photography #35mm photography #filmisnotdead #film stills #still photography #kodak portra 400 #kodak ektar 100 #hasselblad #pentax #canon #sony #art #landscape #vintage

[tumbleweed-writes]

Lilies and Thistles: Chibs Telford X OC Fic

This fic is at least a decade old, but I am starting up updating it again. I figured it can't hurt to share the first chapter here.

--------

Lily Unser managed to stumble out from the rain while keeping a tight grip on her leather camera cases. She knew that if she allowed the slick rain to trip her up and pull one of the cases from her grasp then she'd be screwed.

Cameras and photography equipment weren't cheap and she only had as much as she had thanks to the wonders of hunting for deals through online shopping and Black Friday sales.

She'd long ago developed the ability to maneuver through the rain without slipping. By now she had it all down to a fine art. It was a necessary skill when it came to living in a constantly rainy place like Seattle.

When she'd first moved from Charming California to Seattle Washington she had been looking forward to the rain and cold weather, but now she was missing the warmth of California and the small town atmosphere of Charming.

She guessed that old saying there's no place like home rang true.

Lily was spent just as she always seemed to be after a long afternoon and night of working weddings. Wedding Photography was a pain in the ass, but it paid generously.

It was a good job for her to have over her summer break from school. Doing wedding photography allowed her to fine tune her talents while keeping her rent paid and food in her fridge.

The pay almost wasn't worth the trouble though. Lily had reached her limit for the day of dealing with a highstrung bitchy bridezilla, a snooty mother in law and mother of the bride, drunken groomsmen, and a father in law who'd thought it was a great idea to pinch Lily's bottom.

It had been enough to make Lily wish that she could partake in the flowing open bar. A nice tropical Blue Hawaii or a fruity Mai Tai would have been the perfect drink to take the edge of the day and night right off.

She knew enough though to realize that most brides and grooms weren't too thrilled when their wedding photographer took a break to get tipsy off free booze.

Lily wanted nothing more than to get out of her black strappy high heels, slip out of her black cocktail dress, undo her long dark hair from it's twist, and collapse in her modest twin bed. She was too exhausted to even entertain the idea of grabbing a quick shower and washing the dark makeup from her face.

She knew that she would have to wake up bright and early tomorrow and make it to the darkroom at the art and photography academy she was attending, so she could develop all these photos she'd taken.

The bride and groom she'd worked for had insisted on going with the old fashioned traditional film route over the digital camera route.

It was a pain in the ass to develop the film, but at least it gave Lily some much needed quiet time.

The darkroom had always been Lily's sanctuary. She could go sit in it and put her mind to rest for a moment as she developed film.

She had always loved the process of seeing pictures develop from practically nothing. To Lily the entire process was the closest thing to magic she would ever witness.

She'd spent the past three years of her life attending the Art Institute in Seattle. She was studying Media Arts focusing primarily on Photography, and was loving every second of it.

She'd spent the first year and a half after high school attending a community college in Seattle studying Accounting. It had been her father's idea.

Sheriff Wayne Unser had wanted his daughter to have a good education in a secure field. Accounting had been the perfect career for Lily, or at least according to her father it had been perfect. She'd hated the program and had left a year into it. She'd switched her major a couple of times before leaving school for a little while as she attempted to figure out just what she wanted. She'd worked odd jobs around Seattle ignoring pleas to come home and give a local community college a shot.

Lily's true love laid in art and photography and she'd used this love to guide her future. Yes she was good with numbers, but her heart laid in taking pictures.

So she'd worked hard to get back into school, finish up her core courses, and had gone for her true love in an art program. Her dad hadn't had much room to argue over this decision. As a grown woman nearing her later twenties, her father had long ago had to accept that Lilian Unser was an adult

Lily had always been strong willed and the sheriff knew by now not to get in her way.

The only reason Lily had been able to get into the art institute was because she'd worked her ass off getting every scholarship and every bit of financial aid she could get her paws on. She'd worked hard and she knew that it was all worth it at the end of the day.

Lily knew for a fact that she didn't want to photograph weddings for the rest of her life. She'd only been doing it for a few months; freelancing, and she'd hated every second of it.

The money was what kept her coming back though. She was a struggling photography student with no family nearby, money was something she couldn't refuse.

What Lily wanted more than anything was to be an independent photographer. She wanted to work on her own terms. She wanted her own studio. She wanted to hang her works up in galleries where people would come near and far to view.

She wanted success. To her success meant no more bitch brides, no more drunken jerks pinching her bottom or asking her to dance, and no more being up on her feet in all too high heels while carting around a heavy camera.

Lily entered her dark studio apartment somehow managing to make it to the ringing phone sitting by her sofa, without tripping over any dirty laundry or shoes.

She did her best to hide her exhaustion as she spoke up. "Hello."

Lily widened her eyes stunned to hear her father's voice on the other end of the line. "Hey kid."

Wayne Unser and his daughter weren't the type to have long conversations over the phone. It didn't mean that they didn't care for one another. It was just that talking on the phone had never been their thing.

Long talks over the phone had always been Lily's godmother Gemma's thing. Gemma Teller Morrow spent just about every Wednesday calling Lily to check in on her.

Lily cleared her throat doing her best to hide her shock as she spoke. "How are you? Is everything okay with Della and the girls?"

She cringed a bit at her question. To be honest she couldn't care less about her step mother and her half sisters. Della had never taken to her step daughter and Lily had never taken to her.

Kate and Jade Unser were both a bit spoiled by their mother Della. Lily had always felt animosity for her 24 year old and sixteen year old half sisters.

When Lily was younger she'd tried hard to please Della, but it had become clear fast to Lily that Della and she were never going to get along. She'd tried hard to bond with her sisters but Della had always made a point of spoiling the girls while Lily was lucky if she got something other than hand-me-downs at the start of a new school year.

Lily knew it was cliché but she had always felt a bit like a fairy tale brought to life; a girl whose mother had run off leaving her with her father, an evil step mother and evil step sisters. It was all a bit too much like Cinderella when Lily really let herself think about it.

She shook her head a bit at the Cinderella thought. Life wasn't a fairy tale and she sure as hell wasn't Cinderella.

Lily knew that her step mom was just a bitch who held a grudge against Lily's mother. Lily knew that her step sisters were just rotten. And that this was all just life; life could sometimes be shitty.

There was no dashing prince charming coming to rescue her, and the closest thing she had to a fairy godmother was Gemma Teller Morrow.

She was pretty sure that the Grimm Brothers weren't picturing Gemma when they wrote about Cinderella's magical godmother.

She twisted her mouth a bit trying not to burst out laughing at the thought of badass biker queen Gemma being anyone's fairy godmother. She found herself easily picturing Gemma turning a pumpkin into a motorcycle.

Lily shook her head at the ridiculous thought leaving it all to it just being a long night stacked on top of sleep deprivation.

She turned her attention back to her father as he spoke. "They're okay...Kate's engaged and Jade is getting ready for her junior year of high school. Jadey made first chair with the cello. Della wants you to do Kate's engagement photos. The wedding is taking place this fall...and it's costing me an arm and a leg. I keep telling Katie that she has to leave some money in my savings account for when Jade ties the knot. At least I know I can count on you to stay on budget when you get married."

Lily let out a soft sigh not thrilled at the prospect of dealing with Kate getting married. She had a feeling that her half sister would put most of the bridezillas Lily had to deal with for work to shame.

She hated to think of how bad Della would be about this whole wedding thing.

"I tried to call you on your cell, but it went straight to voice mail." Unser pointed out lightly scolding his eldest daughter.

He worried about Lily being so far from home. If it had been up to him she would have gone to school in Oakland, but Lily had gotten scholarships to Seattle and he'd known that they'd be fools to turn down that opportunity.

Lily sat down on the arm of her old beaten up brown sofa as she reached down finally freeing her feet from those awful heels. "I turn it off when I'm working weddings...Most brides aren't too happy when Ace of Spades starts blaring out during their vows."

Unser laughed at this comment stopping to cough mid laugh. Lily frowned at the cough her intuition sparking at how horrible it sounded. Something was wrong with her dad; she could just sense it.

She spoke up almost not recognizing her voice. Lily found herself feeling more like a child than a twenty four year old woman. "Are you okay daddy?"

Unser took a deep breath his voice sounding so heavy as though he had the world sitting on his shoulders at that moment. "I have bad news sweetheart...It's my colon...fucking cancer. The doctors say it doesn't look good...I'm sick Lil. I need you."

And with that little statement Lily quickly realized that the life she'd known in Seattle was over.

Her dad needed her and she had to be there for him.

-----------------------

Sheriff Wayne Unser glanced across the arm rest onto the passengers seat of his old Ford Pickup truck, where his young daughter sat her arms crossed over her waist as she peered out the window.

Unser was surprised to find that his daughter had changed in her time away. Though she still looked younger than she really was it was clear that she'd grown into her features loosing a tiny bit of the baby-fat she'd held as a teenager.

Her long dark brown hair was pulled up into a high pony tail revealing a youthful pale face. Her big dark eyes were locked on the scenery as it passed them by.

The only things Lily had seemed to inherit from her dad were brown eyes and brown hair. The rest of her was all her mother, or at least Unser was sure it was her mother though some might argue her larger eyes had come from Unser. 

Lily's mom had been a pretty young thing whom Unser had met at a bar. It had been a bad time in his life; his dad had just died and his relationship with Della had hit a rocky patch.

Vera had been her name, or at least that was what she'd told Wayne Unser. She'd been an attractive woman much like Lily, average height, a pear-shaped body, a sweet petite smile, an upturned little nose, and big doe eyes.

Unser shook his head still a little stunned at how much Lily had taken after the woman. His daughter had grown into a gorgeous young lady. In her time away it seemed she'd matured losing some of the baby fat she'd held at eighteen. 

In a way Unser could admit he found it dismaying to realize she'd grown in her time away. It wasn't as though she'd taken many visits back home or at least her visits with him had seemed so short. She may have come home for the occasional Christmas, but her visits to Gemma Teller Morrow had always seemed to a little less brief than her visits with her father and his family.

Realizing that his oldest child truly was now an adult left Unser feeling a bittersweet sense of discomfort. In a way he had thought of her, in her absence, as the fresh faced eighteen year old who'd left California for Washington years before. She may be nearing 25 but he'd always see her as a child. 

He cleared his throat trying his best to make small talk with Lily. "I have a futon in the office set up for you. Kate is staying in her old room while her fiance and her plan the wedding, and Jade is in hers...Della turned your old room into a craft room and she'd skin me alive if I touched anything in there...so the office is just going to have to cut it till I can get you set up with an apartment."

Lily turned to face her father giving him a sheepish smile trying to hide her irritation that Della had taken over her room the second she'd moved out. "That's okay dad...I talked to Gemma last night while I was packing up some final things, and she wants me to stay with Clay and her. They have the room for me so it's no trouble. I can stay in one of their guest rooms till we get me a place of my own. It'll work out...You won't have to sacrifice your office for me."

Unser nodded his head trying to hide the annoyance he felt over Gemma sticking her nose in to this, but he knew better than to be shocked. This was Gemma after all.

He should have known that Gemma would stick her nose into things the second he'd made her Lily's godmother.

He let out a sigh turning his eyes back to the road. He could admit that at times he felt as though he didn't understand a thing about his daughter.

It was his own fault. He knew this.

He'd been so tied up with work that he often hadn't taken the time to really connect with Lily. Della just made everything all the more complicated.

Della Unser resented Lily. She saw the young woman as a constant reminder that Wayne hadn't remained faithful during their rocky patch.

Della couldn't help but to feel bitter when she looked at her husband and his daughter. Della hated the fact that Lily had taken the place in Unser's heart as his first born child; his baby girl.

Unser frowned remembering the day Lily had been brought to his front stoop by her mother. The way Vera had shoved a crying Lily into his arms while a pregnant Della stared on.

Wayne shifted the crying infant in his arms feeling lost as how he could get her to calm down. He sighed when he stared down at her realizing that her little face was as pink as the onesie she was wearing.

The yelling hadn't helped the already fussy baby's temperament. The little girl had already been screeching when she'd been shoved into his arms but Della's screams had only made it worse.

Wayne still remembered the exact words Della had screamed at him as she'd stormed out of their tiny house ''I'm going to stay with my mother. You handle this you prick.''

Wayne sighed guilt flooding him as he remembered the way Della had glared at little Lily. She looked at the infant as though Lily was a cyst on the face of humanity.

It wasn't the child's fault. It was all him, Wayne knew that.

Della and he'd had a fight the night Lily had been conceived. He'd gone off to a bar to drink away his heartache. He'd met Vera that night at the bar. She had been so gorgeous. Her long dark hair had been so long that it had almost almost reached down to her hips. She'd had a mischievous little smile on her face as she'd sipped her beer. The bell-bottoms she'd been wearing had hugged her backside perfectly.

Wayne could remember that Vera had reminded him of Cher; tall and gorgeous.

That night Vera and he'd shared a few beers and talked about the music playing over the loudspeaker. They'd both loved the Allman Brothers and Janis Joplin. They'd gotten tipsy and after a bit of flirting they'd wound up back at a motel where they'd slept together.

He'd spent a passion filled night with Vera unaware that this little life had been created.

The girl's name was Lilian; Lilian Winter Unser.

Wayne was little Lilian's father Vera had insisted as she shoved the screaming infant into his arms.

Wayne had barely had time to squeeze a word out as Vera spoke. ''I'm leaving her here with you. You have a good set up here Wayne. You can give our daughter everything I can't. I don't have anything to give her. I just can't be a mom...I'm not ready to take care of a kid. Please be good to her and tell her I loved her.''

And with that Vera had walked away jumping into the taxi she'd taken leaving Wayne in the dust with a crying baby and a pissed off pregnant fiancee.

Wayne knew that Vera might have a point about him being the more stable option for Lily. He had a nice little home and a good job with the police station. He was normal compared to Vera.

Vera didn't have much from what he knew; though it was the early eighties Vera was still locked in the hippie free love lifestyle. She never stayed in one place too long. She drove from town to town doing whatever it took to survive. She was always on the move like a modern day nomad. Vera was a free-spirit too careless and unstable to be a proper mom to a little girl.

Wayne had done the only thing he could think of at a time like this. He'd reached for the telephone calling the only person in the world he could think to call; his childhood best friend Gemma Teller.

Lily was still screeching as Gemma entered the room her high heeled boots clicking against the wood floor.

She shook her head staring down at the upset infant. "Shit Wayne. What have you done?"

"I fucked up Gem. Her mom is god knows where. She just dropped her on me...I don't know what to do? I mean I could leave the kid with my mom but what about Della?" Wayne spat out shifting Lily in his arms.

Gemma narrowed her eyes at Wayne stepping closer to him. Her voice took on a stern dangerous tone as she replied to this. "You aren't dumping this little girl on your mom. Fuck what Della thinks. This is your daughter. Family is forever Wayne. You can't tell me that you don't feel something for this baby girl?"

He sighed knowing that Gemma was right. The second Vera had placed the little girl in his arms he'd felt something in his heart pull. Despite all the dramatics and chaos Wayne knew he loved his baby girl.

He wasn't going to send her away to his mother's like she was something he should be ashamed of. No her conception hadn't been under the best circumstances, but she was still his child.

He was going to do the right thing; be a dad.

Wayne shook his head his mind going a mile a second. "What am I going to do Gemma. I don't have anything for her...no crib, no toys. There's barely any clothing but what's in that backpack. Anything I have is for the other baby...that's if Della comes back after this mess."

Gemma tossed her purse down on the sofa taking the baby from Wayne's arms as she spoke. "I'll get into my storage locker. I should have some shit left over from Jax and Thomas."

Wayne cringed at this statement; Thomas. Little Thomas Teller had died just the year before of a heart condition. He hadn't been much older than Lily was now.

Gemma didn't let Wayne's look of pity deter her as she shifted the sobbing infant in her arms. "What's her name?"

"Lilian Winter Unser." He remarked still a little stunned that Vera had given the girl his last name.

Vera had left the child's social security card and her birth certificate in the small backpack of things she'd left.

All that was in the bag not counting these two documents were a few purple and white dresses, a white onsie with little yellow ducks on it, a small package of diapers, formula, and a little white teddy bear.

Wayne knew he'd need more than that to raise a child. He needed a crib, a carseat, a changing table, more clothing, more diapers, toys, a stroller, and at least a dozen other things.

His brain ached as he realized just how much it took to raise a baby. His brain only ached more when he realized he'd be raising two babies once Della gave birth that is.

She shook her head at this name. "Well that's no good. Lily...we'll call her Lily."

"Why does she keep crying? I can't get her to settle down...you don't think there's something wrong with her do you?" Wayne blurted out his dark eyes growing wide as he stared at Lily.

Gemma rolled her eyes at just how clueless Unser was; a typical male. She spoke as she patted the infants damp bottom. "She needs to be changed."

She didn't give Wayne the chance to say anything as she snatched up the backpack heading to the back bedroom.

She spread a blanket out on the bed making quick work of unfastening Lily's little onsie. As soon as the baby had a fresh diaper on she calmed.

Gemma smirked a bit as the little girl smiled up at her one of her tiny hands reaching up to play with one of Gemma's necklaces.

She spoke to the girl her voice soft and soothing "You've got a long road ahead of you Lily...that father of yours is a disaster and don't even get me started on his fiancee. Don't you worry bout shit though. No one's going to hurt you as long as I'm around. You have Momma Gemma to look out for you."

Unser let out a huff knowing that he probably wouldn't have made it through Lily's first few years without Gemma.

Gemma had long played a mother role in Lily's life.

It bothered Unser to admit this. After all Della was her step mother and should be a mother to Lily.

Lily and Della had done nothing but fight all their lives though. Wayne hoped that with all the pain of his illness the two would come to tolerate one another and might even learn to lean on one another.

He spoke up knowing the perfect way to maybe start that bonding between his wife and daughter. "Della wants you to come over for dinner next Friday."

"Della want's me to come for dinner?" Lily replied raising an eyebrow at this. She could see straight through that comment enough to see the bullshit.

Lily shook her head feeling a little guilty that her step mother and she couldn't find a common ground. She silently reminded herself that she'd given Della all the opportunities on the planet to be a good mom and Della had failed time and time again.

It was no shock that Lily had moved out of the Unser household and had moved in with Gemma and Clay when she was fifteen.

Gemma had welcomed Lily with open arms and had made sure that Lily was taken care of, just the way a mom should.

"I'll think about it." Lily blurted out knowing that this was the easiest way to tell her father no.

She had a feeling she couldn't avoid her step mother forever though.

Lily felt her stomach roll at the thought of facing Della Unser. No one could drive Lily up the wall faster than her step mother.

Yep No place like home.

---------------------------------

Lily practically jumped out of the truck as it pulled into TM Auto.

She ran to Gemma her arms encircling the woman a soft laugh escaping her lips as she spoke. "Momma Gemma."

"Hey baby. Look at you. You've grown up so much." Gemma replied smiling at the young woman who she'd always seen as a daughter.

Wayne sighed as he exited the truck watching his daughter and his friend together. He could admit he was a bit envious over the way Lily looked up at Gemma.

Lily adored the woman. She always had.

Though Unser was thankful that Gemma had been there for his daughter he couldn't help but to be irritated at the way Gemma was always jumping into things when it came to Lily.

Gemma had given Lily everything her little heart desired; a car when it was time to start driving, new clothing, jewelry, a place to live and hideout when Lily had gotten into a big fight with Della or Wayne.

After a while it had seemed as though Gemma was Lily's parent not Unser.

Gemma only saw this as her being there for Lily. She saw how Della treated Lily. Gemma knew that Wayne was too damn blind to see the truth. Della had always had a hold over Unser, even when it came to Lily.

Unser gritted his jaw as Gemma spoke up. "Come on baby lets get you settled in. I've already looked at some apartments for you and I may have sweet talked Clay into getting you some furniture."

Lily grabbed her suitcase from the back of Unser's truck giving her father a hug as she spoke. "I'll see you later dad. Call me after your appointment."

Unser let out a sigh watching his little girl walk away and disappear into TM Auto's tiny office.

Sometimes he wished he could turn back the clock. Maybe if he could do that he could fix all the mistakes he'd made with his baby girl.

Chibs Telford frowned looking up from the Harley he'd been reconstructing as he saw Sheriff Unser's old pickup truck pull into the parking lot.

It wasn't police business at least Chibs realized. Still though the sight of the sheriff always made his stomach churn, never mind the fact that Unser had been on the Sons payroll long before Chibs had even come to Charming.

He was perfectly ready to stare back at the Harley until the passengers' door on the truck opened up revealing a petite young woman.

Chibs let his eyes scan the young woman's body not helping but to like what he saw. The black jeans she wore showed her hips and bottom off perfectly and the low cut plum tank top she wore under her jean jacket showed off a small but perky set of breasts. He could see three necklaces dangling in between her cleavage; a long uncut rough clear crystal that was wrapped around wire hanging from a chain and two thinner silver chains with tiny heart trinkets hanging from them.

What Chibs liked the most though was her long dark hair. It was pulled up high into a ponytail. Chibs was sure that if she took her hair down it would reach down to the small of her back. He had to admire her smooth pale skin as well. Her skin seemed all the more milky when paired with those big dark eyes of hers.

She was pretty, he'd be a liar if he tried to deny it.

His interests were only peaked as Gemma left the office to be ambushed with a hug from the young woman.

He raised an eyebrow at the words that left the young woman's mouth Momma Gemma.

Chibs was puzzled as he saw Gemma smile down at the girl the same way he'd seen the Queen of SAMCRO smile at Jax Teller.

This was an interesting development Chibs realized.

In the five years he'd lived in Charming he'd never once seen a woman make Gemma smile like that.

Whoever this girl was she was obviously close to Gemma's heart, which Chibs knew wasn't an easy task.

Her closeness to Gemma only sparked Chibs' interest.

He continued to work as he tried to casually eavesdrop on this woman's conversations with Gemma and Unser.

Chibs found himself dying to at least know this woman's name.

He was sure he'd never seen her around town before. He was pretty sure he'd remember a pretty face like that not to mention a body like that.

He widened his eyes as the young woman gave Unser a tight hug. He only caught one word from her mouth dad.

Chibs sighed realizing that he had no place looking at this woman, not when she was a cop's daughter.

Chibs reluctantly decided that he better keep his distance if he knew what was best for him. Flirting with the sheriff's daughter wasn't a bright plan. Following his instincts with this girl was just asking for trouble.

He wasn't sure why he was so damn fascinated anyhow. After all it wasn't like he didn't see pretty girl's every damn day of the week.

The clubhouse was full of sexy women who'd gladly spread their legs for him without him even having to say a word.

A small voice in the back of his head pointed out the obvious though The girls in the clubhouse had been passed around from guy to guy at least a dozen times or more. The croweaters didn't make Gemma smile like that.

Chibs sighed knowing the truth; the truth was he was sick of the croweaters. It wasn't really any fun when you could get a woman without having to put the work into it.

As much as he hated to admit it he missed having more than sex with a woman. Yes sex was nice and all; it felt good and it was satisfying. But the satisfaction never lasted and at the end of the day Chibs was always left sleeping alone.

He was tired of always sleeping alone.

Chibs hadn't been able to move on from Fiona and all that had happened back in Ireland; all that had drove him to the MC and to Charming California.

He had almost gotten accustomed to being alone. It was just that when he saw a pretty girl like that, a girl that made the Queen of SAMCRO smile, his mind allowed itself to dream of maybe having something more than sex with her.

Chibs shook his head at these thoughts.

He knew these were just the thoughts of a foolish man, a man who wasn't getting any younger and didn't have a life that any woman would want to be a part of.

Despite the fact that Chibs knew it was best to just ignore his curiosity and stay back he found himself peeking back at Gemma and the woman as they disappeared into the office.

He let out a huff realizing that staying away would be harder than he thought.

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

Something Old (Sashnetra pt 1/4)

Hi, I haven't published a fic since high school...so if this reaches you, feedback is more than welcomed :)

Read on ao3

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha Colby was proud of being a business owner in one of the most competitive industries in the country. Sure, she had no family of her own, no romantic partner, or even any pets, but her booming wedding planning business was all she ever needed in her life. Who had time for a personal life when she had her own business to run?

Sasha stared her business with wedding photography in her early twenties. Being kicked out of her family's house in Hawaii after coming out as a trans woman, she needed to find a way to make money and survive on her own. Couch surfing and working minimum wage could only get her so far. Luckily for her, her talents had paid for her transition, and eventually led her to opening up one of the fastest growing wedding planning businesses in LA. 'Colby's Cherished Celebrations' (or the CCC, as nicknamed by her assistant manager, Malaysia) has been built from the ground up and growing strong for five years, and Sasha couldn't be prouder of herself and her talented staff.

She and her team were all housed in an old office building in downtown LA, arranged on separate floors. On the first floor, had all of the bridal and bridesmaids dresses, on beautiful display. Her two lead dress consultants, Luxx and Mistress, helped brides, bridesmaids, and the occasional Prom goer, find the dresses of their dreams. Luxx and Mistress were excellent at balancing anxious brides trying on dresses, and putting rude family members in line during dress appointments.

Moving up to the second floor, held the business's floral arrangement department. Sasha met Aura and Robin when she photographed their wedding a few years before. The couple had started a flower shop in their garage, and after befriending Sasha, they had all decided to collaborate for several weddings afterwards. After a night of drinks to celebrate the successful wedding season that year, the couple moved their business from their garage and into the second floor.

And lastly on the third floor, sat Sasha's office, as well as the alterations department. Sasha was close friends with the lead seamstress, Loosey. Loosey had moved to LA from Connecticut around the same time as Sasha, and the two became fast friends after meeting at a Wedding Expo in Las Vegas. Sasha wouldn't admit it to the rest of her team, but she loved sharing the same floor as her friend. Herself and Loosey found themselves often in deep conversations during work hours, and kept each other company during the slower off-season as well.

Sasha started her day in her eloquently decorated office, getting to the CCC before any other employee. Her best photography work from Hawaii hung on the walls, against a deep purple paint on all four walls, making her office inviting for her clientele. She had her first cup of coffee finished already, and getting ready for the first consultation of the day. A knock on the old wooden door pulled her away from her thoughts, in which she automatically called out the the person to come in.

"You're first consult is in the lobby, the bride and her mom."

Malaysia, stepped in to the office, handing the intake file to Sasha.

"Great, anything I should know before I meet them?" Sasha flipped through the file, scanning through the bride's information.

Malaysia pursed her lips before speaking, "Her name is Anetra, and she and her groom are Mormons. They're from Las Vegas, and the groom is polyamorous, so she will be wife number 2."

Sasha looked up, trying to hide the surprise on her face. Sasha had worked with many brides and grooms over the years, but a Mormon with more than one wife is a first for her. In the file, it said that this bride was 20, and her planned bridal party consists of her future sister wife, and her younger sisters. Sasha shook off the any pre-conceived notions about what she read about Anetra and her groom, hoping that the her and her family won't be ultra-religious, bigoted, assholes during the planning process. Sasha glanced at the small trans flag in her pencil holder, and looked back to Malaysia and smiled.

"Okay, send them up here."

Malaysia nodded and left, and a few minutes later she heard a middle-aged woman's voice heading up the stairs in mid-conversation.

"...And that young man that drove the Uber over here, you know the one with the eye liner and nail polish. This town probably made him one of those gays too!"

Sasha made the split second decision and grabbed the trans flag out of the pencil holder and put it back upside-down, with the pink, blue, and white material hidden in the cup. She wasn't ashamed of being trans, just...needed to make a quick business decision, that's all.

In walked a shorter middle aged woman, who Sasha presumed was the voice she heard from the staircase. She had tanned skin, and long dark hair tied into a bun and carrying a large purse. Behind this woman, stepped in a younger brunette woman, who was a couple inches taller than Sasha. Her hair was tied in a plait that hung against her back, and her eyes remained downcast while trailing her mother and into one of the chairs in front of the desk. Sasha took notice of the woman's athletic build and the elongated features of her face.

Sasha began her usual spiel, explaining to the bride and her mother her team and the planning process, including pricing options and answered their questions. Anetra's mother did most of the talking to Sasha, while Anetra nodded along on occasion to stay engaged in the conversation. About half an hour into the appointment, the mother piped up, and asked politely "I need to use the ladie's room, where can I find that?"

"It's at the end of the hall, last door on the left." Sasha answered before the older woman stepped out of the office.

Usually Sasha and her clients don't have many awkward moments of silence. But with a bride this quiet and shy, she had to be the one to break the ice. "So...are you excited to get married?" she asked as she leaned closer to Anetra.

Anetra nodded, like she had been the majority of the appointment before she spoke "Yeah, my mom has been waiting for us to get engaged. I'm the oldest sibling and she's been waiting for a wedding since the day I turned 18."

"How did you meet him?"

Anetra looked up, and Sasha noticed her warm, brown eyes. "He's one of the leaders of our church, and he and his first wife have been looking for another wife in their marriage."

"Oh, well they seem lucky to have you in their relationship." Sasha said in a sincere tone. She had excellent small talk skills, especially talking to nervous brides.

The two were interrupted by Anetra's mother walking back in to the office, and they had continued with the rest of the consultation. Sasha put in her schedule book the next appointments, like dress fittings, alterations, cake tastings, and made referrals to her usual photographers, hair and makeup artists, and caterers. Sasha walked her clients out of the office and down the stairs, and into the lobby.

"Okay, I will see you two again next week for the first dress appointment!" Sasha smiled as she opened the front door, and all three said their goodbyes.

"Ten bucks says that they're part of a weird religious cult."

"Mistress!" Sasha spun on her heel, shooting a glare to her employee.

"What? She's got a point, why else would she be the second wife to a Mormon pastor?" Luxx pointed out. standing next to Mistress, tilting their head while crossing their arms.

"And what do you two know about cults?" Malaysia asked from the front desk across the lobby.

Sasha let out a soft cackle as she walked back upstairs. "Today is going to be a long day for us. Let's make some happy brides, girls!" She didn't know why, but Sasha couldn't stop thinking about the shy and reserved bride from that morning for the rest of the day.

[afteriwake]

Mythea, 3, gold

This was also an answer to the 30 Day Writing Challenge, which gave us the title for the story. The prompt this request gave me was "Close the door behind you."

Promises Made, Promises Kept - Anthea extracts a favor from her husband for her help, leading him to think about the start of their whirlwind relationship that was years in the making.

READ @ AO3

"Close the door behind you."

Anthea did as she was told, walking into Mycroft’s office and sitting on the edge of his desk next to him. “Long day ahead?” she asked, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“The Americans,” he said, placing his elbows on his desk and putting his head in his hands.

“No further explanation needed,” she said. “Representative Occasio-Cortez’s visit?”

“Yes, but she’s the least of the problems. It’s the three other people coming with her and their entourage.” He sighed and then looked up at Anthea. His assistant, his lover, his wife. He didn’t know what he would do without her. “If you take care of them I will buy you the gold earrings you had your eye on at Harrod’s.”

“I already bought them,” she said with a smile, then leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Make me puttanesca tonight and I’ll solve your problems for you.”

“Deal,” he said, reaching over for her hand and kissing the back of it. She smiled wider then got off his desk and made her way to her own area of the office, on the other side of the door. He leaned back in his seat, wondering if they had all the ingredients for puttanesca, before glancing to one of the many photographs littering his desk.

Strange, what one encounter with a homicidal sister will do to a man.

Lestrade had not left his side until Anthea arrived at his home, and he was a smart enough man to realize there were Things Unsaid between himself and his assistant. Lestrade gave her a rundown of tings he might need that evening, starting with some more brandy, and then he left, wishing Mycroft good luck.

Sherlock may have had doubts about Lestrade’s level of intelligence, but Mycroft knew the man was smarter than he seemed, at least when it came to human nature.

Anthea had waited until Lestrade was gone and poured herself a snifter of brandy, topped off Mycroft’s, and then put the decanter back, almost dropping it from how much her hands were shaking. He’d have given anything to keep the fear at bay, even if it had cost him a decanter of brandy, but after a sip she launched herself at him, holding him close.

Of course, the private feed into Sherrinford.

There was the private feed into his office. After the bomb, she must have figured it out and watched it. She had seen everything with her own eyes and knew exactly how close she had come to losing him. And when embraces became heated kisses and two snifters of brandy were spilled on the floor while they tried to find suitable space to show each other the things they had never had the bollocks to say out loud, things had changed.

It was impossible to hide their relationship, and he hadn’t wanted to. Fortunately, the Home Office felt it was in the country’s best interest for them to continue their professional relationship in addition to their new personal one, so he didn’t have to get a new assistant. Which helped matters when Anthea found out she was pregnant eight weeks after their first session of lovemaking on the desk in his study. A quick marriage later and he had to admit, he was blissfully happy.

There was a photograph from the wedding in Hawaii, the sonogram of the little boy they were having, photos of Sherlock and Dr. Hooper, who had had a similar conversation in the aftermath, it seemed. Photos of his parents and strangely enough, one of Eurus. Despite her actions, the results were favorable, and while she no longer verbalized things, it was a comfort to know she had gotten what she had wanted: her family back.

But the one that caught him the most was one of Anthea in her wedding dress, long-sleeved white and gold lace over a tight bodice and loose skirt. She was breathtaking in that photograph, wearing a lei of white orchids given to her by one of the members of the extended family who had attended, he forgot who. She was stunning, as she always would be. He turned away from the photographs to start ordering the ingredients for puttanesca to be delivered to his home, as he had made a promise to make it, and all promises, no matter how small, should be kept.

And if that meant cooking tonight to make his wife happy, so be it.

[tetianamephotography]

The Best Big Island Wedding Photographer!

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most breathtaking and romantic locations to tie the knot. And when it comes to capturing those special moments, you need a skilled photographer who can make your Big Island wedding photos look nothing less than magical.

Contact Tetiana Mezhenska, a well-known Big Island wedding photographer - a professional who knows the island inside out and can capture your love story in the most stunning way possible. With her expertise and experience, she can create a visual narrative of your wedding day that will take you back to that moment for years.

From the majestic volcanoes to the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, we offer some of the most incredible backdrops for your wedding photos. And with a skilled photographer by your side, you can be sure that every detail and every emotion of your special day will be captured in stunning detail.

So if you're planning a Big Island wedding, don't forget to hire a professional photographer to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. Trust us, you won't regret it!

[epicfx]

International Wedding Photography: Celebrating Love Across Borders

Love knows no boundaries, and neither should your wedding photography. With the rising trend of international weddings, couples seek skilled photographers to immortalize their special moments in breathtaking locales. Whether it’s a serene beach or a historic castle, an international wedding photographer ensures every memory is captured beautifully.

Why Choose an International Wedding Photographer?

Professional wedding photographers specializing in international weddings bring unique skills to the table. They understand diverse cultures and are adept at working in different environments. Their expertise ensures your wedding day is documented with finesse.

Key Benefits:

Experience Across Destinations: Skilled in shooting at various global locations.

Understanding Cultural Nuances: Ensures traditions and moments are respectfully captured.

Tailored Services: Packages customized to fit your needs and preferences.

Destination Wedding Photography: A Growing Trend

Destination weddings combine travel with celebration. Capturing these moments requires a photographer who can adapt quickly to changing settings and lighting conditions. From the sunlit beaches of Bali to the vineyards of Tuscany, destination photographers excel in portraying the romance and grandeur of your chosen venue.

Popular Destinations:

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Santorini, Greece

Rajasthan, India

Kyoto, Japan

Hawaii, USA

Essential Skills of an International Photographer

An international wedding photographer isn’t just a camera expert. They bring a mix of artistry and professionalism to ensure your memories are timeless.

Must-Have Skills:

Versatility: Comfortable with various photography styles.

People Skills: Engages seamlessly with diverse groups.

Adaptability: Handles unpredictable weather or logistical challenges effortlessly.

Attention to Detail: Captures every precious moment, big or small.

What to Expect in an International Wedding Album

Every wedding album tells a story. International photographers craft narratives that blend scenic beauty with heartfelt moments. From couple portraits to candid shots of the bridal party, each photo reflects joy and love.

Key Highlights in an Album:

Bride and groom solo portraits

Emotional family moments

Dance floor celebrations

Scenic venue shots

Candid captures of guests

Choosing the Best Photographer for Your Big Day

Finding the right photographer is crucial. Start by researching portfolios, reviews, and expertise. Look for someone whose style aligns with your vision. Discuss your expectations and ensure they’re comfortable traveling to your chosen destination.

Pro Tips:

Schedule a pre-wedding shoot to understand their approach.

Ensure they have experience with international travel logistics.

Discuss backup plans for unforeseen circumstances.

Stories from Across the Globe

From elopements on mountaintops to grand celebrations in royal palaces, international photographers have countless stories to share. Each wedding offers unique challenges and unforgettable moments that enrich their craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an international wedding photographer different?

They specialize in capturing moments across diverse locations and cultures.

How much does destination wedding photography cost?

Costs vary based on location, duration, and package details.

Do photographers handle travel arrangements?

Most photographers manage their travel but discuss specifics beforehand.

Can they work with local photographers?

Yes, many collaborate with local teams for comprehensive coverage.

How far in advance should we book?

Ideally, book 9-12 months before your wedding date.

Conclusion

Your wedding deserves to be remembered forever. An international wedding photographer transforms fleeting moments into lasting memories, ensuring your love story is celebrated worldwide. Invest in a professional to bring your dream wedding to life, wherever it may be.

[lazypelicano]

The son of the son of a navy sailor, immigrant roots via

vessel, my father fished King Mackerel commercial and

pursued big gamefish globally while maintaining a home

pulse on the Indian River and Florida keys. His passion

found a keen observer in me and I caught the bug at an early age.

In 2009 I earned my bachelors degree in Anthropology

from the University of Florida, but professional life was

not for me. I’ve since grown into the roll of photographer

and cinematographer documenting extravagant

weddings, creating music videos, outdoor films as

well as commercial & editorial works for the following:

Andros Boatworks, Surfer Magazine, The Surfers Journal,

Coastal Angler Magazine, USA Today, Florida Today,

Troll The Edge TV, Olukai, Billabong, O'Neill Wetsuits,

Lost Surfboards, Surfline.com, Freestyle Watches,

Vero Watches, Tomahawk Robotics, Breakwater Supply,

Body Glove Wetsuits, Sun Bum, Bajio Sunglasses,

Sawgrass Rods, Manta Racks, Catalyst Surf Shop,

Orchid Island Brewery & Dark Seas Division. 

Growing up surfing and fishing the famed Sebastian Inlet

of Kelly Slater and Dick Catri (who was a poker and fishing

buddy of my pops), exploring the Indian river lagoon,

upper keys and Appalachian lakes and rivers. Honed and

upgraded my skills through training and certifications in

lifeguarding and vessel Captaining; working in Hawaii

aboard the islands' premier charter fleet, earning the role

of 1st mate and some helm time aboard the 80ft vessel.

I had the opportunity to bartend in 8-10 ft seas,

freedive off a moving vessel to secure the submerged

mooring, and guide divers at night through a giant

manta ray feeding ground. But for all the experience

in seamanship I gained, the customer service in

high stress scenarios was more valuable. 

“To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Sebastian Inlet District

I've known these waters my whole life. With an abundance

of bait and clean saltwater flowing through the pass

daily, the mangrove stands, spoil islands and flats

surrounding the inlet provide home to some of the best

shallow water sport fishing you can find anywhere. 

From a pre war hot spot for the rich & famous to a historic

gator trout fishery, with snook populations higher than

ever, its great place to call your home fishing grounds.

I like to focus on trout & snook and but there are options

at other game fish in the area such as redfish, tarpon,

jack crevalle and triple-tail.

“Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow…”

- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

[tetianamep]

[hawaiimeetings]

Plan the Hawaii Event of Your Dreams: Where Beauty Meets Warmth

Hawaii is not just a destination; it’s an experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a destination wedding, or a family reunion, Hawaii offers the perfect backdrop for your special event. With its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and welcoming aloha spirit, Hawaii is the ultimate paradise to make any occasion unforgettable.

Why Choose Hawaii for Your Event?

Hawaii’s unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture sets it apart from other event destinations. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach with waves gently lapping at your feet, hosting a gala under a canopy of stars, or organizing a team-building retreat amidst verdant rainforests. Here’s why hawaii meetings and events should top your list for your next event:

Stunning Venues: From luxury resorts and beachfront villas to botanical gardens and historical estates, Hawaii boasts an array of venues to suit any event theme.

Year-Round Sunshine: With its tropical climate, Hawaii offers pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an ideal choice regardless of the season.

Cultural Enrichment: Incorporate authentic Hawaiian traditions, such as a hula performance or lei ceremony, to make your event truly unique.

Adventure Opportunities: Hawaii provides endless activities, from snorkeling and hiking to whale watching and surfing, ensuring your guests are entertained throughout their stay.

How to Plan Your Perfect Hawaii Event

Planning an event in a destination as picturesque as Hawaii requires careful consideration. Follow these steps to ensure your event runs smoothly:

Choose the Right Island Hawaii comprises six main islands, each offering its own unique charm.

Oahu: Known as the "Gathering Place," Oahu is ideal for large-scale conferences and vibrant nightlife.

Maui: Perfect for intimate weddings and luxury getaways, Maui boasts stunning beaches and upscale resorts.

Big Island: For adventurous events, the Big Island’s volcanoes and lush rainforests offer unparalleled experiences.

Kauai: The "Garden Isle" is perfect for nature lovers, featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and serene settings.

Book Your Venue Early Hawaii’s popularity as an event destination means venues can fill up quickly. Secure your preferred location well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Incorporate Local Elements Make your event memorable by including Hawaiian music, cuisine, and traditions. Serve dishes like poke, kalua pig, and tropical cocktails to give your guests a taste of island life.

Work with Local Vendors Partnering with local vendors ensures your event reflects the true spirit of Hawaii. From florists who specialize in tropical arrangements to photographers who capture Hawaii’s natural light, local expertise can elevate your event.

Activities to Delight Your Guests

Hawaii offers an abundance of activities to enhance your event experience:

Water Adventures: Treat your guests to snorkeling tours, paddleboarding, or dolphin excursions.

Cultural Immersion: Organize a luau with traditional Hawaiian performances and cuisine.

Nature Excursions: Explore waterfalls, hike through lush valleys, or take a helicopter tour of the islands.

Relaxation: Pamper your guests with spa treatments or yoga sessions by the beach.

Make Your Event Hassle-Free

Planning a destination event can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. HawaiiMeetings.com is your go-to resource for creating a seamless event experience. From finding the perfect venue to connecting with reliable vendors, HawaiiMeetings.com simplifies every step of the planning process. Their expert team ensures that your event is not only well-organized but also filled with the magic of hawaii meetings aloha spirit.

 

Hosting an event in Hawaii is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. With its enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality, Hawaii offers everything you need to make your special occasion extraordinary.

[dominik-taia]

Evotia Tamua

Photographer Evotia works out of Auckland, New Zealand. She is of Samoan heritage and began her photographic career by capturing the cultures of the Pacific Island people in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Evotia comes from a career background of photographing weddings, events, portraits and documentary where she has practiced her skill for 20 years to become a successful commercial photographer.

Her 2016 Creative New Zealand/National University of Samoa artist-in-residence award allowed her to spend three months in Samoa, where she worked on a documentary photo essay about her community, Salelesi. November 2016 saw her hold her first solo exhibition in Samoa as a result of her residency. Evotia is presently developing Salelesi: A Village in Samoa, a photography book. Alongside the book launch, there will be a touring exhibition in Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii.