Life Through My Lens - Hawaiian Wedding

A bit of fun employment and nice weather has allowed me to take some lovely photos over the last few months. I also have someone very special to thank for fixing my 50mm 1.4 lens. Seriously, there's nothing more annoying than being a photographer in a very photogenic environment without a lens that works. A Youtube video, a few tools and lots of patience on his part saved me a few hundred dollars and my creative sanity.So I'll be posting my life of the last few months through my lens.

First, a trip down a very green, gorgeous memory lane. I went to Hawaii's Oahu a few months ago for my friend's wedding. The talk of Hawaii's beauty is not just hype. The island is green and lush, reminding you of a pre-historic oasis - perhaps because Jurassic Park was filmed there? Despite technically being in the United States, you feel like you're in a different country, surrounded by Polynesians who come from the other side of the world - or at least the other side from New York City. We stayed in the Turtle Bay Resort on the North shore. There is something priceless about being able to stroll from the beach to the pool, to your hotel room, and then back to the beach for a wedding. It's hard to decide what I loved more - the pristine, uncrowded beaches of Tulum or hearing the loud waves lull us to sleep in our Hawaii hotel room. I split a room with a couple which worked out fine because the rooms were huge and we all got along perfectly. Plus it helped that my friends and I have the same traveling desires - mainly those that revolve around food, relaxation, water and minor exploration.

Oh. So I caught the bouquet. I've never caught the bouquet before. Usually I duck in horror like a typical single, career woman living in New York City. But this time I was surrounded by single, career women living in New York City who all ducked and consequently, the bouquet went flying into my face. I caught it perfectly, in self defense. My roommate took a picture to document the moment. Truth be told she had to take about five photos because I had trouble mustering a genuine smile when shock and anxiety were my first emotions. But months of the bouquet drying nicely in my apartment has helped me happily embrace this possibility.

Life in Photos: Colorado

I'd like to interrupt my regular writing for some photos I've taken over the last month or so. As I'm sure many others have done, I've used Instagram to quench my hunger for street photography. But recently, I've started carrying around my Canon 40D, using my fixed 50mm 1.4 lens around - because it's currently the only working lens I own.So.. here it goes. I've been fortunate enough to have gone to Colorado every summer for three years in a row. My second cousins on both sides of my father's side have all converged in Colorado. Even more coincidentally, every year for the past three, one of them has gotten married. I'm absolutely in love with the state and am lucky to have such an awesome extended family.

Colorado Part 2 - The Wedding

My second cousin Cory and her new husband Chase

The beautiful couple again

Friends of the bride

The view from the mountain top venue

Cousin's friends

My other second cousin and her adorable daughter Kate

Another second cousin with her adorable and delightful son Neil, brother of the bride Kent, in the background

Coloradians knows how to get down

My second cousin Kent

Colorado!

I probably should have warned my readers that I was going on vacation to Colorado for about a week. I went to a wedding for my dad's cousin's daughter, stayed with my mom's childhood friend, then we stayed with second cousins on the Aaker side who we've never met. All in all, it was a super, awesome, life changing trip. I have so many thoughts swirling through my head now about New York vs. the West, family, history, genetics, life, love, health, religion.. that it will take me a bit to process it all. For now, I'll throw some photos your way. Day 1 & 2

My dad looking like a politician while he's presumably talking religion and politics with my sister.

Golden Colorado

View from our big American car (rental).

Family photo before Grooms dinner. I have flat hair. I'm not even sure I can grow my hair as long as my sisters..

Probably right before I got altitude/ motion sickness. Fun times.

Doesn't really need a caption..

Smile

This video made me smile. The wedding entrance took place in a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hollar. Represent. I definitely do not have that much rhythm and am not that brave nor do I have theatrical, dancing friends.. but I can totally see my wedding being something like that.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&hl=en&fs=1&&w=425&h=344]