Extended Family Session- Kahili-Frantela Family.

24 February 2021


The days leading up to this session, much of the South had experienced a record-breaking snowfall. Icy roads to the point where the Army actually canceled work (p.s. this almost NEVER happens!) and the temperature was literally 7 degrees at one point. And yet, somehow, on the day of this particular shoot, it was in the mid-50's and the sun was shining bright. How did it happen? I'd like to think it was a little bit of Hawaiian magic :)

Kayla and her family live here in Clarksville. Her husband, Ramon is stationed at Fort Campbell and his family flew out from Hawaii and grandma came from Seattle to spend some time with their loved ones. I genuinely mean this when I say it absolutely lifted my spirits just to be around them. Despite the snow covering the ground, I felt like I was back in Hawaii. There is a different culture, energy, and love that comes with Hawaii locals. I'm sure anyone that's lived there can attest to this statement. We were strangers, but I was still "aunty" to the little ones. With so many people (10 in total), there was so much going on, but here are a few things I would like to remember about this session--

  1. There was a quiet strength in all of the women; it was beautiful to see. Each of them was so different and yet undeniably powerful. I especially loved seeing them in their roles as mothers--some to their children that were very young and some to their grown children.
  2. OK, how friggin CUTE is baby Aila?!? She looked perfect in every shot I got of her! Her mama told me she was Boo from Monsters, Inc. and I just about died. Adorable. ADORABLE.
  3. Just for fun, I asked the group who made them late. Immediately, all heads turned one way. I included this picture in the post; try to figure out who it was!
  4. I felt so bad before the session even started because I changed the location from outdoors to indoors back to outdoors last minute due to good weather. The family couldn't have been sweeter and more understanding... thank you!
  5. It felt great saying "SHAKA." It is not a "Hang Loose"...it's a SHAKA. ;)

This was obviously a special session for me, and I really am so grateful to have had this opportunity. Kahili-Frantela family, thank you so much for allowing me to capture these special memories. I so enjoyed the short time I got to spend with you all! Safe travels back home and ALOHA <3.