#hawaii wedding photography

[ernieandfiona]

Capturing Dreams in Paradise: Destination Wedding Photography in Hawaii

A destination wedding in Hawaii is a dream come true for many couples, combining love and breathtaking landscapes in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine exchanging vows on pristine beaches, under swaying palm trees, or against the backdrop of majestic waterfalls. In this blog post, we explore the world of destination wedding photography in Hawaii, offering insights into how to make your wedding memories as stunning as the islands themselves.

1. The Allure of Hawaii: A Perfect Destination

Hawaii's allure lies in its diverse natural beauty, from white-sand beaches to lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. These stunning settings provide an unmatched backdrop for your destination wedding photography. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic coastline of the Big Island, the romance of Maui's sunsets, or the cultural richness of Oahu, Hawaii offers a plethora of locations to create truly extraordinary wedding photographs.

2. Mastering the Art of Destination Wedding Photography

Destination wedding photographers in Hawaii possess a unique skill set that combines artistic vision with technical expertise. They excel at capturing the raw emotions of your special day against the backdrop of Hawaii's paradise. Their understanding of lighting, composition, and cultural nuances ensures that your wedding photos not only capture moments but also tell a vivid narrative of your love story in this tropical haven.

3. Selecting Your Hawaii Destination Wedding Photographer

Choosing the right photographer for your Hawaii destination wedding is a significant decision. Here's how to make an informed choice:

Extensive Portfolio Review: Explore photographers' portfolios to assess their style and consistency. Look for images that resonate with your vision.

Interviews: Schedule calls with potential photographers to discuss your ideas, preferences, and concerns. This interaction helps establish a connection and determine if your personalities align.

Full Wedding Galleries: Request to see complete wedding albums to understand how the photographer captures various moments throughout the day.

Detailed Contracts: Thoroughly review contracts, including packages, pricing, travel expenses, and rights to the images.

4. Timing is Everything: Booking Your Hawaii Photographer

Hawaii is a sought-after destination for weddings year-round. Given the popularity, it's essential to book your photographer well in advance to secure your preferred date. This is particularly crucial if you plan to tie the knot during peak wedding seasons.

5. Infusing Hawaiian Elements into Your Photos

Elevate your Hawaii destination wedding photography by incorporating local elements that celebrate the island's culture and beauty. Consider wearing traditional Hawaiian leis, embracing the Aloha spirit, or capturing candid moments amid the vibrant flora unique to the islands.

Hawaii's natural beauty, combined with the expertise of destination wedding photographers, ensures that your wedding memories will be captured in a way that reflects the paradise you chose as your backdrop. The enchanting landscapes, the tender moments, and the intimate emotions all converge to create a photographic narrative that will forever hold the essence of your love in the heart of the Pacific. By selecting the right photographer and embracing the unique charm of Hawaii, you're setting the stage for a wedding album that embodies the magic of both your love and this tropical haven.

[kawaiijay]

[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…

[fraryguitar]

Butterfly Wedding. Now I know where caterpillars come from...

[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.”

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Hi, and welcome to the Masterlist of my Fluffbruary 2024 Challenge, hosted by @fluffbruary! 💜

On this Masterlist, you'll find all the prompts I've filled along the way, and they will combine angst, fluff and smut. Each one shot will have its own appropriate warnings when necessary. All stories will be '' x Fem!Reader '' unless specified otherwise.

If you'd like to check out my other works, you can find them on my Main Masterlist. I hope you will enjoy all the works I've created in anticipation of Fluffbruary! 💜

I do not work with a tag list. If you want to be kept up to date when I post new stories, you can follow @nicoline1998enilocin-library 💜

Banners & Header: Yours truly | Divider: @firefly-graphics

| 🥀 ~ Angst | 💜 ~ Fluff | 🔥 ~ Smut |

When I'm with you, I feel like I'm home | 💜 | NATASHA ROMANOFF Prompt | Engagement Getting married is something Natasha had not even considered until she met you and fell head over heels in love. Now, it's all she can think about; she wants nothing more than to call you her wife.

A new start | 💜 | ARI LEVINSON Prompt | Caress You've always dreamt of turning your career around and starting in a new field. When you mention this idea to your husband, Ari, he is very supportive in the best way he knows to be.

Sweet as pie | 💜 🔥 | RANSOM DRYSDALE Prompt | Dessert You're treating your husband, Ransom, to a beautiful and romantic dinner for your anniversary, but he doesn't know that he is the dessert you've been thinking of all week. You can't wait to sink your teeth into him and tasing every last bit he has to offer you.

... Who's the fairest of them all? | 💜 🔥 | LOKI LAUFEYSON Prompt | Kneel After your last experience in front of your life-size mirror, you switch roles, and Loki happily lets you take the lead. From telling him how to touch himself to showing how perfect he is as he reaches his highs, he will never get enough of it, and he might be convinced to switch roles more often.

Angel | 💜 🔥 | SEBASTIAN STAN (RPF) Prompt | Angel Dating Sebastian is a dream come true, and you want to take your relationship to the next level officially. As you're on a beautiful vacation in Hawaii with your boyfriend, you decide to give yourself to him entirely, catching him by surprise. What you don't know, however, is that he has a surprise for you, too, making it officially a vacation never to forget. 

Warm welcome | 💜 🔥 | TONY STARK Prompt | Evening It promises to be a beautiful night at home with your cat and a rom-com playing on the television when you're surprised by your fiancé, Tony. What was supposed to be a three-week mission turned into a two-week one and a surprise welcome, which you're very grateful for.

Love is in the air | 💜 🔥 | ROBERT DOWNEY JR. (RPF) Prompt | Bubble bath Valentine's Day has been incredible since you met Robert, but this time, he plans on making it extra special because this will be the last one where it is just the two of you. From breakfast in bed to a fancy dinner cooked by a private chef and a calming bubble bath, he is pulling out all the stops to make this a very romantic and relaxing day for you both.

A bun in the oven | Part 1 | 🥀 💜 🔥 | BAKER!TONY STARK Prompt | Bakery The relationship between you and Tony has been going steady for a while, and Tony is ready to take the next step in your relationship as he asks you to move in with him and his cat, Oliver. When you find out you're pregnant not long after the move, your relationship takes an unexpected turn, but you and Tony are set on giving your little baby the best life you possibly can.

Boudoir photoshoot | 💜 🔥 | YOUNG!TONY STARK Prompt | Photography Your wedding anniversary with Tony is coming up, and because of that, you venture out and make a special present for him. After some searching, you decide to go for a boudoir photoshoot, which will make a perfect maternity shoot. When Tony opens the present, he can't believe his eyes, and the two of you never leave the house on the night of your anniversary.

Baby fever | 💜 🔥 | YOUNG!TONY STARK Prompt | Wish You and Tony have three beautiful children, but since your youngest son is growing up faster than either of you would like, Tony's baby fever is kicking into high gear. He can't get enough of seeing you pregnant, and he's making it his goal to have it happen again. There's enough room in the house for one more, after all.

World's Greatest Dad | 💜 | CHRIS EVANS (RPF) Prompt | Care package With Chris being away for filming during long periods, parenting can be complicated by yourself. Luckily, your daily FaceTime calls help you through it all, though it is always most exciting when he finally comes home. This time, you and your twins have prepared a little package to welcome him home after another three months of being away from home, and Chris couldn't have wished for a better welcome home.

Life is better with music | 💜 | YOUNG!TONY STARK Prompt | Piano Music is something that has always been rooted deep into both your and Tony's families. From playing instruments since you were little to sing to your heart's content, it always brought you together. Now that you have your own family with your wonderful husband, you cannot wait to teach the same values to your own children, too.

[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

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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.

[trantrumsfromthevoid]

Twilight Advent ‘22

Day 13 (12.13.22) - “What college major did each one of Bella's human friends choose?”

Did Bella really have human friends? You sure?? Just kidding. But another time to revisit the ye olde Lexicon to remind myself who her friends were. (Edit: I actually found a couple “friends” I’d completely forgotten about and the movie didn’t include.) I’m only gonna do a couple, though, ‘cause there’s quite a few, actually.

According to the Lexicon Jessica Stanley went to college in California and probably majored in fashion design or interior design for a semester or two and then found her “true” passion. I feel like she probably would’ve done well as an elementary school teacher or some kind of managerial position (wherein she, essentially, gets to boss people around for a living). I feel like during her junior year, though, she met someone who totally swept her off her feet, fell in love, got married, and even had a kid or two; all before her twenty-fifth birthday. I think she still lives in California and really loves her life as a soccer mom. She’s known for her “award-winning” bake sale cakes, has a truly gorgeous husband (who’s a personal trainer - maybe even a legit model), twins, and organizes the cul-de-sac block parties.

I think Mike Newton always felt like he’d eventually take over Newton Outfitters and so he majored in business or economics. He probably went to Washington State or stayed relatively close to home and eventually married some plucky girl after his relationship with Jessica Stanley fizzled out and he realized Bella would never leave Edward for him, lol. I think he’s simply living his “best life” as an All-American, Boy-Next-Door type as the manager of Newton Outfitters; complete with a beautiful trophy wife, three kids, a dog (or two), and has never lived out of Washington State. The furthest he’s ever gone was on his honeymoon. Maybe somewhere like Hawaii or the Bahamas. (Not that there’s anything wrong with living in your home state all your life.)

Ben Cheney, according to the Lexicon, moved with Angela Weber to Seattle and went to the University of Washington. To be quite honest, I’ve always associated him with Eric Yorkie. I don’t think Ben was part of the movies and they just “morphed” him with Eric. But anyway, I fully believe he majored in graphic design. Or some kind of art/comic book design (like an illustrator of comic books; whatever they’re called). I think he’s actually really successful and eventually found a job at Disney and has done a lot of set design/character design for all the Marvel movies. I think he and Angela Weber are still in contact ... in fact I’ll talk about why next.

Angela Weber went to the University of Seattle along with Ben and they also lived together in Seattle. I think she probably majored in photography and minored in English or English lit or something along those lines. I think she probably got a job as a newspaper photographer right out of college and probably eventually found success as, like, an indie filmmaker or something like that, who maybe does wedding photography on the side. I think she and Ben continued dating throughout college (although they did “take a break” for about a year but eventually got back together) and eventually got married when they were twenty-five(ish). I think Angela still keeps in touch with Bella and is really good about sending emails, Christmas cards, etc. But Bella ... well, she’s Bella, you know? She and Ben probably have at least one child, maybe two.

Tyler Crowley (aka the guy who nearly killed Bella with his van) didn’t have a whole lot of “direction” after high school and joined a branch of the armed forces for awhile. He probably remained with (whatever military branch) for like five, maybe ten, years and spent a lot of time traveling stateside. Eventually, though, I think he returned to Forks and went to the local community college where he majored in kinesiology and eventually got a job at Forks High School as the football coach. I think he’s probably had a lot of girlfriends but has never really settled down. He has one kid with an ex-girlfriend, with whom he co-parents. But, again, he’s never been able to settle down.

[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.

[zerogravity-photography]

Top Breathtaking Destination Wedding Locations for Candid Photography

Introduction:

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and what better way to make them unforgettable than by choosing a stunning destination? For couples who dream of picturesque backdrops and candid photography that captures genuine moments, the location is everything. At Zero Gravity Photography, we specialise in turning these dreams into reality with our expertise in candid wedding photography. Here, we explore some of the most breathtaking destination wedding locations around the globe that offer perfect settings for capturing those spontaneous and heartfelt moments.

1. Santorini, Greece

With its iconic whitewashed buildings and stunning views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a top choice for destination weddings. The island’s natural beauty provides a perfect canvas for candid photography. Whether it’s a couple sharing a quiet moment overlooking the caldera or a joyful celebration on a sun-kissed terrace, the breathtaking scenery enhances every shot.

2. Maui, Hawaii

Maui offers a diverse range of settings, from pristine beaches to lush tropical gardens. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it ideal for capturing relaxed and spontaneous moments. Imagine candid shots of the couple walking hand-in-hand along the shoreline or guests enjoying a luau under the stars. Maui’s natural beauty and warm ambience make it a photographer’s paradise.

3. Tuscany, Italy

For a touch of rustic charm, Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villas provide a romantic setting for destination weddings. The golden hour light in Tuscany is perfect for capturing intimate moments, and the region’s timeless beauty adds a touch of magic to every photograph. From candid shots during a vineyard stroll to a heartfelt exchange in a centuries-old chapel, Tuscany offers endless possibilities.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Known for its serene beaches and vibrant culture, Bali is a destination that offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. The island’s diverse landscapes, from terraced rice paddies to tranquil beaches, create unique backdrops for candid photography. Whether it’s a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony or a sunset beach reception, Bali’s exotic allure shines through in every image.

5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and azure waters, is a dream destination for many couples. The charming towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi offer breathtaking views and romantic settings. The vibrant colours of the coast and the Mediterranean light create a perfect environment for capturing candid moments, from laughter during a boat ride to quiet conversations in a lemon grove.

6. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket’s crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for destination weddings. The island offers a range of beautiful venues, from beachfront resorts to cliffside villas. The natural beauty and vibrant culture of Phuket create a lively and colourful atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid and joyous moments.

7. Queenstown, New Zealand

For couples who love adventure and the great outdoors, Queenstown is an ideal destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, this location offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of tranquillity. The dramatic landscapes provide a perfect setting for candid photography, whether it’s a couple sharing a moment on a mountaintop or guests enjoying an outdoor celebration.

Capturing the Magic with Zero Gravity Photography

At Zero Gravity Photography, we believe that candid photography is about capturing the genuine emotions and spontaneous moments that make your wedding day unique. Our team of experienced photographers is passionate about creating beautiful, natural images that tell your love story. Whether you choose a romantic European villa, a tropical island paradise, or a rustic vineyard, we are dedicated to capturing the essence of your special day. Choosing the right destination is just the beginning. Let Zero Gravity Photography bring your dream wedding to life with candid photos that you’ll treasure forever. Contact us today to learn more about our destination wedding photography packages and start planning your unforgettable day.

[sterlingbatson04]

Photographers in Kona Hawaii: Discovering Excellence with Sterling Batson Photography

For those seeking to immortalize the stunning vistas and unforgettable moments of Hawaii, finding the right photographers in kona hawaii is essential. Sterling Batson Photography emerges as a leading choice for anyone looking to capture the unique charm and beauty of this island paradise. With their impeccable reputation and dedication to their craft, Sterling Batson Photography distinguishes itself among the numerous photographers in Kona Hawaii.

Exceptional Quality and Creativity

When it comes to photographers in Kona Hawaii, Sterling Batson Photography offers an unparalleled level of quality and creativity. Their work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and an artistic approach that brings out the best in every scene. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes of Kona or the intimate moments of a personal event, Sterling Batson Photography ensures that every photograph is a masterpiece. The team's innovative techniques and creative vision are what set them apart from other photographers in Kona Hawaii.

Tailored Services for Every Occasion

Sterling Batson Photography provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of their clients. As experienced photographers in Kona Hawaii, they understand that each event is unique and requires a personalized approach. Whether you’re planning a romantic beach wedding, a fun family portrait session, or a corporate event, Sterling Batson Photography offers tailored solutions that cater to your specific requirements. Their ability to adapt and customize their services makes them a top choice among photographers in Kona Hawaii.

Deep Local Knowledge

One of the key advantages of choosing Sterling Batson Photography as your photographers in Kona Hawaii is their extensive local knowledge. Their familiarity with the best locations and optimal times for shooting ensures that each photograph benefits from the natural beauty of the island. This expertise allows them to create stunning images that capture the essence of Kona, making them a preferred choice for clients who want their photographs to reflect the true spirit of Hawaii.

Client Satisfaction and Professionalism

Sterling Batson Photography places a strong emphasis on client satisfaction and professionalism. As top photographers in Kona Hawaii, they are committed to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Their approach involves working closely with clients to understand their vision and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of the photography session meets or exceeds expectations. This dedication to client satisfaction is a hallmark of their reputation as leading photographers in Kona Hawaii.

The Sterling Batson Photography Advantage

Choosing Sterling Batson Photography means opting for excellence and reliability. Their reputation as photographers in Kona Hawaii is built on a foundation of superior craftsmanship and a client-focused approach. Their portfolio showcases a range of styles and techniques, reflecting their versatility and skill in capturing various types of events and subjects. For those seeking high-quality, artistic photography in Kona, Sterling Batson Photography stands out as the premier choice.

Conclusion

In summary, Sterling Batson Photography is a top-tier option for those searching for photographers in Kona Hawaii. Their exceptional quality, creative vision, and deep local knowledge make them an ideal choice for capturing the beauty and special moments of this Hawaiian paradise. With their client-centric approach and commitment to excellence, Sterling Batson Photography is a name you can trust to deliver stunning, memorable photographs that will be cherished for years to come.

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Weddings In Botanical Gardens: Everything You Should Know

Selecting a place is among the initial significant choices that a couple must make. It should be roomy and picturesque and provide the perfect atmosphere. A tropical botanical garden in Hawaii can be the ideal location for your wedding if you want to have it outside amid beautiful flowers and trees.

Consequently, what information is necessary for planning a wedding in a botanical garden? Learn more by continuing to read.

A Botanical Garden Can Offer Several Advantages for a Wedding

Given their well-kept natural beauty, botanical gardens provide excellent locations for weddings. Wedding planners are beginning to like them because they offer large outside areas that are perfect for ceremonies and receptions.

If you hold your wedding in a Hawaii botanical garden in Oahu, it will be an unforgettable event for all those involved. A botanical garden is a great option for your site for additional reasons. It's important to note that botanical gardens have certain unique guidelines and requirements.

Built-in Decor -

Botanical gardens frequently have stunning statues, arches, fountains, and other eye-catching art pieces. You may display all that opulence without having to do the planning if you decide to hold your wedding there.

An Exquisite Background -

Botanical gardens provide the perfect setting for a wedding if you and your fiancé enjoy the outdoors. The verdant grounds will look exquisite in person and provide a wonderful backdrop for photography as well.

Planning Services for Weddings -

Some botanical gardens now provide wedding preparation services, like food and decorating, as a result of the high demand for their locations for weddings. You can feel secure knowing that your wedding planners have experience working in a botanical garden by utilizing these services.

Lovely Interior Areas -

Many botanical gardens also feature beautiful inside areas, like greenhouses and atriums, if you'd prefer some roof protection.

Endnotes

For these reasons, a tropical botanical garden in Hawaii is ideal for outdoor weddings. Your wedding is one of the most loved and awaited days of your life. After spending so much time planning, you want to be able to unwind and take a moment to smell the flowers literally.