Visions of memories to be...

When the realization of us being pregnant finally sunk in, I started thinking about all the things I wanted to do. 1) Eat healthier for someone other than myself, 2) decorate the nursery in a country theme, 3) cherish this blessed time with hubby, and 4) possibly take maternity pictures.

If any of you know me really well, you know that #4 is a big one for me. I HATE being on the opposite side of the camera and I try to get out of it as much as possible - even when Al tries to document moments in our life. But I knew this is something I had to do. I want to have memories of this time forever. Memories of the little one that I already loved so much before I even met him/her.

First I need to thank my husband for going along with this idea. Al wanted to take my maternity photos and he still will. I promise to let him take all the pictures he wants of my growing belly. I'm sure he'll take some true professional location portraits here and there as I grow. But I also wanted him to be in some these pictures - because we really don't have anything like the ones I've seen on blogs that I've fallen in love with. And I want that. For us and for Baby Q.

When we got married we cut a lot of corners to save costs. We knew it was about each other and our family and friends and not about what favor someone was going to pick up and most likely toss away when they went home. One of those costs was a photographer. We decided to forgo the thousands of dollars spent on that portion of the wedding and were blessed that we had a photographer friend step up and offer to take the pictures. I have never regretted that decision, but I do wish I had some of the "location" or "intimate" portraits of us - the kind of portraits that I see on wedding photographers blogs. The kind of portraits I see on Ohana Photography's blog.

I don't know how David came across my site and decided to leave a comment, but it is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in the internet world (besides meeting hubby!). David is one of the most inspirational, uplifting, encouraging people I "know". He always has a nice word to say about everyone and is always giving without expecting anything in return. When Al and I were scheduled to go to Hawaii for Al's business trip, I asked David for info about the islands since that is a big part of "who he is". He sent me a pretty lengthy e-mail about what to check out, where to get the best shaved ice, what to avoid, etc. He really took the time to inform us about things when he really didn't know us or expect anything out of it. You don't get that type of kindness every day - especially from someone who was technically a "stranger".

So when Al knew how important it was for me to document this time of our lives, he jumped on board and was happy knowing that having maternity portraits taken was going to make me VERY happy. And he knew who would be taking them. It was an easy decision for me. It HAD to be David and Kimi. Not just for the fact that their images are INSANE, but for who they are and how they make people feel. :)

David gave me permission to borrow some of their images to share. If someone came to my site and was considering having us photograph a special part of their lives, that's wonderful - but if someone ended up choosing Ohana Photography after this post, I'd be just as happy. I feel that Ohana Photography should be shared with my family, friends, blog readers, and potential clients. Again, not just for their beautiful work, but for the kind of people they are and how they make you feel. That's most important in life.

While writing this entry, I decided to look up "character" because I think that's what truly makes up Ohana Photography. I found this quote that speaks volumes to me about my interactions with David up to this point:
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet, novelist, playwright, scientist and philosopher (1749-1832)

I know that God works in mysterious ways and all of our paths cross for a reason. David and Kimi, we are so thankful that we will be celebrating the end of our pregnancy with you and are so excited to see the beautiful images on our walls for years to come.

Here are a couple of my absolute favorite images from them. Please take time to visit their site and read through their blog. It can only enrich your time spent on the internet - and it might possibly enrich your life. :)

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