Mainland Trip Part 3 - Ohio

Off to Youngstown, Ohio we ventured for some good family time. This was the focal point of our trip. I got to meet the lovely Ruth Birskovich, Gabe's grandmother and an incredible lady to say the least. Grandma showed us the most wonderful hospitality. We visited a couple of local museums, my favorite was the Looney Toons exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art. At Gabe's insistence we made sure to visit a true Italian Deli, Jimmy's, were we stocked up on meats and cheeses, roasted peppers and marinated olives, cheesecake and cannoli, what a feast! I got to meet Gabe's Aunt Noni, and his cousin Teri with his daughters Karen and Kristen. Grandma even honored me by helping with my wedding dress shopping at a local David's Bridal. It was so nice to meet everyone and we had a wonderful time. Next time I think we will try to visit during warmer months!



Hanging with the Penguin outside the Butler



A cool mirror at the museum



BURRR, Gabe was mad because I refused to participate in a snowball fight. It just wouldn't be fair, he would kick my butt! I did end up starting a small one in our room though ;)






Thank you Grandma for a wonderful visit!

Mainland Trip Part 2 - Chicago

I was too cold to hold my camera while we were in Chicago so thank you to the fine artists who submitted their pictures for me to post here :)


Despite the biting cold, Chicago was so much fun! Everyone is ready for winter to be over but I was ridiculously excited to see the smallest snowflake :) It was so good to see my old college buddy Sarah and her husband Nick. The happy couple is expecting their first little one the very weekend Gabe and I will be joining in holy matrimony. I can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl and I wish I could be around to take pregnancy pictures! Nick keeps very busy as a talented tattoo artist at his shop The Chicago Tattoo Company. Gabe was hoping to take advantage of Nick's skill but we were all just too busy, maybe next time!


Sarah and I got some awesome girl time in shopping for wedding dresses at the Brides Against Breast Cancer dress sale. I didn't find my perfect dress but I still highly recommend the sale to anyone out there looking. They had beautiful dresses! Some were worn once others were brand new, donated by designers and bridal boutiques across the country. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be there. It is a wonderful cause that I am happy to support. I am considering donating my own dress after I tie the knot this summer. Thank you so much Sarah, for being an amazing friend and dress helper. You are the best!



Snow!!!



Sarah and I on our way to the dress sale. Check out the snowflakes!



BURRRR!


We also had a great time hanging out with my Chicago cousins. I am so happy I got two introduce everybody to Gabe. As expected, he loves you all. Thanks to Barbara and Stu for all of the rides, Lauren and Benji, Elisa and Kevin for the hospitality. With two year olds Rosie and Haley running around and one very bouncy 5 year old Albert how could it not be a good time. Plus Elisa 9 months preggers and ready to pop...is my next little cousin born yet? We even got to attend little Hallie's 2nd birthday party. What a treat!



Cousins



Baby Cousins



Haley, the Birthday Girl



We're ready to party!


Thank you everyone! We will see you here in Hawaii next time!

Mainland Trip Part 1 - San Francisco!

Gabe and I had the pleasure of touring across the mainland for a couple of weeks, visiting friends and family. We had a fantastic time! Our first stop was San Francisco to visit with his sister Hallie and her family, my Aunt Laurie, some great old friends, and the Mission district for burritos! Nephew and niece Zach and Isla were so much fun and we got to be there for Isla's 1st birthday! Thanks everyone for making us so welcome!



Isla is truckin!



Zach shares Uncle Gabe's dislike of having his photo taken...tough!






Sister & Bro



Lil Troublemaker



Daddy's little angel




She wasn't quite walking yet so Isla was easier to catch!



But I caught you Zach!




Then there's us big kids


I even managed to get out one day and take some pretty pictures in the neighborhood.







Stay tuned for Chicago and Ohio!

Wedding Photography Contest Nomination!

Hi Friends!

Two of my photos have been nominated as finalists in a wedding photography competition! Voting is open to the public so have a look and cast a vote!

Wedding Photography Contest Finalists

Check out the nominated images below :) Thanks Megan & Chris and Nicole & Brian for being so gorgeous!

Aloha,
Michelle

Katja

Everyone is having babies! Katja is one of my very best friends so naturally her baby shower gift from me was a maternity shoot. I was so excited for this one because for one, Katja is gorgeous, two, because I photographed their wedding not long ago and it I'm glad to be a part of the next big step, and three, because it's always great working with friends! I can't wait to meet the little girl in a few weeks!!!

Akasha

I had the fantastic experience of working with Akasha to create some amazing images. Akasha is an incredible belly dancer. Her costumes were gorgeous, she is gorgeous, and combined with a couple of beautiful Hawaii locations and an awesome sunset we couldn't go wrong! We had a great time and the pictures are stunning! Here are a few samples, for more look at my Flickr page. Thanks Akasha!