Oahu Bridal Session: Tadashi + Akiko

February 26, 2011 | Filed Under Couples, Slideshows | 1 Comment

Two days after the wedding, he whisked her away from home in Japan… off to Hawaii for a grand tropical honeymoon!

When we first met, I couldn’t believe they had just flown in from Japan. Akiko looked stunning! Both the bride and groom looked so refreshed and eager to get started with the shoot. Their enthusiasm was catching. They were both so sweet, I really had a lot of fun with Tadashi and Akiko…and their friend Yumi, who came along to help out.

To see a slideshow starring the lovely newlyweds, click below:

Slideshow of Tadashi & Akiko from Jenni Speed on Vimeo.

They stayed right on the beach in Waikiki at the Outrigger Reef Resort.

Akiko, you are gorgeous!

Off the crowded beach of Waikiki, we found this quiet, romantic little garden. The light was beautiful.

Love this scene with Diamond Head in the background.

The photo below was taken by Scott Moffat, who was assisting me. With the harsh sunlight beating down on us that afternoon, we needed a little reflector action.

This girl has style! Love those feathers!

Photo below by Scott Moffat

Such a sweet couple!

Adi + Jesse: Engagement

February 15, 2011 | Filed Under Couples, Slideshows | Comments Off on Adi + Jesse: Engagement

February…the month of love…I can’t think of a better time to post my most recent engagement session. Here’s to new love!

I’ve known Adi for years and I was so excited to meet the man who captured her heart. Adi is a girl full of smiles. And her smiles come with greater rapidity when Jesse is around. Our day at North Beach was beautiful. The setting really complimented this gorgeous couple.

See below for a slideshow starring Adi and Jesse:

Jesse and Adi were so sweet and playful together…and busted up laughing when they got out the sand toys to play with.

I love when you can tell a couple is so completely in love.

This is one of the last photos we took and I think it’s my favorite! I love, love, love sweet moments like this.

12 Years

February 8, 2011 | Filed Under Couples | 1 Comment

Over the weekend my husband and I celebrated our twelve-year anniversary. John made me my favorite dessert, chocolate soufflé. It was so delicious, even better than usual. Perhaps it just tastes better when someone else does the work. Well, I loved it. And I love my sweet husband. He takes such good care of me!

Enjoy the recipe!

Chocolate Soufflé

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 Tbls butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup flour
3 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
*Optional: powdered sugar and raspberries to garnish

PREHEAT oven to 425 degrees. Grease ramekins or soufflé dishes and place on baking
sheet.

STIR together powdered sugar, flour, and eggs until well blended. Use a mixer for the
best consistency.

MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in large bowl until butter is melted. Stir until
chocolate is completely melted. Pour into the egg mixture and mix well. Divide batter
evenly into greased ramekins.

BAKE 15 minutes for 5 ounce ramekins. Bake 20 minutes for 8 ounce ramekins or
until cakes are firm around the edges but soft in the centers. Let stand 1 minute. Run
small knife around cakes to loosen. Immediately invert cakes onto serving plate. Sprinkle
lightly with additional powdered sugar and garnish with raspberries, if desired.

Makes 8 servings in the 5 oz. ramekins, or 4-5 servings in the 8 oz ramekins.

Variation: To make the soufflés a rich dark chocolate flavor, add ½ cup more chocolate
chips or substitute type of chocolate used.