Official Teenager!

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY ELIJAH! It's hard to grasp that today, you are an official teenager :). You've grown up so much! On this day, and every day, we hope you know how much you are loved.

Becoming a teenager is a special time, and the years ahead will play a huge part in the man you become someday. Remember to make the most of every challenge, and every opportunity, and great things will always be in store for you. I know you have the potential to become anything you can dream up if you put forth your efforts and try your best - visualize your goals and remember that "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." We are always behind you, and hope for all the best for you. Make good choices and never forget that you have a family who loves you dearly.

May Heavenly Father bless you with many more birthdays to come. We love you and hope you have an excellent day!

I ♥...

+ breakfast in bed.
+ pre-Valentine's Day dinners at the Crab Pot.
+ delicious dinners made by my hubby - beats having to fight the crowds, and yummier than a restaurant.
(yes - in general, i ♥ food. lol)
+ handmade Valentine's Day cards made by my baby girls, and how their faces light up with smiles and pride at their little pieces of art.
+ flowers when I don't expect it.
+ a day of endless "I Love You's" and "Happy 'ValenTIME's Day!" from my favorite people in the world.

And I'm thankful for...
+ lots and lots of l o v e.

Lucky me, this Valentine's Day :).

Website Updated!

I've had my Tiare Photography website up for a long while, but kept it "under construction" for MONTHS. Trying to catch up on long to-do lists, I finally updated it (I figured maybe I should get my money's worth each month? lol!). Check it out!

Just Because : TIARE TUIOLOSEGA | California

I took these photos last summer and never got around to posting them. My baby sister is the namesake of Tiare Photography :). She is sweet as can be, and I love her beyond all words. As much as she's grown over the years, I don't think I could ever see her as older than 2! She's a great aunty to our girls, and the best little sister ever ♥.

For as long as I can remember, Tiare has been quite the ham for the camera ;)! We had a good time taking a few pictures of her at a park close to my mom's house in California.

Love you baby girl!

Heaven Sent : ROSE RAMSEY-SUIAUNOA | Fife, WA

I've been MIA from my blog for a long while - the "busy-ness" of my days have reached an all-time high! I have a couple of other shoots to post, but wanted to get this one posted before the start of another crazy week!

This shoot was special to me for many reasons, and it was truly an honor to take these pictures. Rose is one of my very best friends, and in these photos, she's almost 37 weeks along with her baby boy, who we affectionately call "Baby L." There are some things of which I am COMPLETELY certain and have no doubt in my mind about - and one of those things is what an amazing, wonderful mother Rose will be, and how lucky and blessed her son and all his future siblings will be to have her as their mom. Rose is a second mom to my girls who love her to no end, and I know motherhood will be second nature to her! Rose is so many incredible things, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

She is absolutely RADIANT in these photos and will make one hot mama!! :)

Unconditional : The ESERA Family | Renton, WA

Side Note: I'm posting this on February 4th, but I actually started preparing this blog post on January 14th. Waaaay behind on photography stuff, and just getting back into the swing of things!

Over the weekend, I met up with my friend Kealoha and her little family - it's been YEARS since I've seen Kea, but thanks to Facebook :) and email, we've kept in touch. We met in college in Utah, and it was great to catch up again after so long.

Kea and her husband Troy just welcomed their brand new, beautiful baby girl into the world a few months ago. Baby Kellen joins her "sister" Meadow, Kea and Troy's adorable dog. The Eseras were visiting from Oregon, and it was nice to take some of their first family photos!

We met up in Renton late in the afternoon, so we struggled with the light a bit. Thankfully, it didn't rain!

After photos, Junior and I met up with them again for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - yummy food and good company :). It was great seeing you guys!!

A Year in Review: 2009

It's hard to believe the last day of 2009 is here! And what a year it's been - both personally and professionally for me. In June of this year, I decided to pursue photography - a quiet desire I'd had for a long time. I was nervous to start, and didn't know how things would turn out, but I never would've imagined I'd learn so much, meet so many great new people, and find a certain kind of happiness in doing something I loved, and sharing it with others. On a personal level, I am blessed with an extra-supportive husband, daughters who light up my life, and a baby boy on his way. I couldn't ask for more.

In review, here are some of my favorite images of 2009. Thank you family, friends, colleagues and clients for your support and for making this year so special! I'm excited to see what new challenges and opportunities 2010 brings, and can't wait for all that's in store. Manuia le Tausaga Fou (Happy New Year)!