Posted by frank on October 04, 2008 at 04:11:07 AM (216 views)
Moana Surfrider: One of My Favorite Venues Posted by frank on September 12, 2008 at 02:24:47 AM
I just love the Moana Surfrider so much! Why? We'll I won't write anything about it but instead just let these two weddings do the talking (click on read and view more images below). If they're available for your wedding day, I'd suggest you book it!
NOTE: Some of the images presented on the next page (teasers) were NOT taken at the Moana Surfrider.
Posted by frank on September 12, 2008 at 02:24:47 AM (602 views)
Wild Week+ Sucky Server Posted by frank on September 01, 2008 at 03:31:23 PM
You probably have noticed that within the last two weeks my site was acting a bit funky. It was up, it was down, up and then down again. At first, it was down due to a server upgrade which was supposed to take 5-10 hours (to migrate all the files from one drive to another). Unfortunately, it was down for 3 days! Finally after the migration took place, 3 days later they found out that new server had a faulty hard drive. So 2 days later, it went down again for an emergency upgrade. This time the migration from one hard drive to another was a bit shorter, however it took another 3 days to have it synched! It was pure craziness.
If you sent an email or inquiry which I haven't responded to, it's probably that I haven't received it. Please resend any emails or inquiries that you may have sent within the last two weeks. Thank you so much for understanding!
Have a wonderful Labor day weekend!
Posted by frank on September 01, 2008 at 03:31:23 PM (0 views)
Kiyana - A Year in a Glance Posted by frank on August 20, 2008 at 04:28:26 AM
It's amazing how one year has gone by so fast. Our little Angel is already one years old! Her birthday was on July 27, 2008. It feels like it was yesterday when we first brought her home.
Parenthood is awesome. I'm still amaze on how much she has learned. When I think of it, it's not what how much she learned, but it's more what she has taught us. By raising our little girl, we have learned to know the true meaning of love. A love that is indescribable beyond words. Kiyana has taught us to appreciate our parents and made us understand why we were brought up a certain way. As my wife and I want only what's best for Kiyana, I can now truly understand that our parents always wanted what's best for us.
The other day, I was asked a simple question. So simple but complicated at the same time. "Could you ever imagine your life without your baby?". I can't even think about the life I had before. I could only think of my life starting on the day she was born.
On August 10, 2008, we celebrated Kiyana's first birthday. Over 170 people attended and it was memorable success! I would have to agree that she won't remember anything, however we have video and photos to reflect later when she's older.
Here's a video slideshow I put together. It showcases Kiyana's milestone from birth to one year. I actually cried so many times as I was putting this together. It was a surprise for my wife as I presented it on the day of Kiyana's birthday party. Babe, hope you liked the slideshow as much as I do (I love you! You make such a wonderful Mommy!).
Posted by frank on August 20, 2008 at 04:28:26 AM (258 views)
nicola+kevin: turtle bay resort, oahu Posted by frank on July 11, 2008 at 12:23:14 AM
After checking out my old posts from previous weddings, I thought I have pretty much covered all venues but except for one. How could I leave this one behind? Turtle Bay is popularly known for it's golfing, but is a highly desirable venue for weddings. And being the only major resort on the North Shore, it's impossible to miss. Luscious greens and crispy golden sunsets make up for this beautiful venue. And if you time it right during the winter, you could easily see surfers from around the world catching mountainous waves which the North Shore is famous for.
It was an amazing day for Nicola & Kevin. The weather was perfect but there was also these gusty trade winds that would make you want to grab onto something whenever it blew. First thing that came to my head for the bride was...more hairspray and flying veils! Nicola and Kevin were such troopers coping with the wind. It didn't bother them one bit. It was great...it was awesome and because of the wind, I was able to capture one of the most amazing photos I have ever created at Turtle Bay.
Thank you Nicola & Kevin for having me be part of this special occasion. I really had a great time creating these images of the both of you.
And one thing I need to add, Nicola...you win the award for the biggest and one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever photographed.
Posted by frank on July 11, 2008 at 12:23:14 AM (499 views)
jennifer+andy: the pink house, oahu Posted by frank on July 09, 2008 at 06:19:55 PM
I remember when I first received an inquiry from Jennifer through my email. In my head I thought, wait...Jennifer Lopez is already married. Is she getting married again? And she wants me to photograph her wedding? How cool!
I've never felt so connected with a couple as much as I did with these two. And to be there help capture their special day meant a lot to me. And regardless of Jennifer being a superstar, they're both already superstars in my book!
Thank you to Jennifer and Andy for letting me be part of your celebration. It was truly and honor to be surrounded with your love and friendship.
For all the brides who are now considering The Pink House as a venue, book it. It's now one of my favorite venues to shoot. Amazing house with lots of window light which is perfect for portraits.
Posted by frank on July 09, 2008 at 06:19:55 PM (274 views)
christie+joe: somewhere Posted by frank on June 18, 2008 at 04:25:01 AM
This was an "anniversary shoot" for Christie and Joe. Even with an overcast day, the weather held up perfectly without any trace of rain. Being that there was no sunset, (clouds completely blocked out the sun) light was running out very quickly. This became a bit challenging for me. Flash here, flash there, running around back forth setting my flashes everywhere. Despite of this tricky situation, I learned a few new things with my flashes. And being the couple that Christie & Joe are (sweet and very fun loving)made it so fun for me. Thank you Christie & Joe for being so patient with me. I really enjoyed hanging out with the two of you. Looking forward to our 2nd shoot in July!
Posted by frank on June 18, 2008 at 04:25:01 AM (301 views)
belinda+derrick: koolina, oahu Posted by frank on June 18, 2008 at 03:56:26 AM
Another amazing day at Lanikuhonua! These type of shoots always reminds me of why I love my job so much! Belinda & Derrick wanted to do some pre-wedding photos. Derrick had no idea that this was sorta like a 'trash the dress" session which included him being completely submerged! How fun and how cold! hehehe. I really had a blast hanging out with the two.
Posted by frank on June 18, 2008 at 03:56:26 AM (246 views)
leanne+stacy: hilton waikaloa, big island Posted by frank on June 12, 2008 at 03:37:36 AM
I was blessed to work with this two amazingly beautiful couple and the wonderful people that help put this wedding together. On top of that, this wedding was held at Hilton Waikaloa Village. I remember when I took my first step into the lobby, I was quite blown away on how BIG this resort was. You actually had to take a train or ride a boat from going from one tower to another. What's funny is that I got a voicemail message from Leanne and it went something like this...., "Frank IF you get lost, please call me". It should have been, "Frank WHEN you get lost, call me". "IF" was an understatement. Thank GOD I arrived one hour early.
What more can I say about the details! I was quite blown away with all the wedding decor. The florist/designer happens to be the bride's sister! Larissa Rehder from "Inviting Ocassion" is an amazing designer and I was honored to photograph her work. Two words to describe her work, "Simply Amazing!"
Cheryl Liem Shoemaker from Orchid Isle Weddings was just awesome to work with. She coordinated the wedding and made sure that everything went smoothly as planned (I look forward working with you again!).
Thank you Leanne & Stacy for having me be part of this special occasion and including me into your circle of friends. You both are truly blessed to have each other.
My apologies to everyone but I think I went a little overboard with posting these images. After I counted 30 images I new I had to stop or else I would have posted the entire wedding!
Posted by frank on June 12, 2008 at 03:37:36 AM (415 views)
rachel+henry: moana surfrider, oahu Posted by frank on June 12, 2008 at 02:51:41 AM
Thought I post this wedding up because it was my first time in a VERY long time that I have photographed a wedding at the Moana Surfrider (first time this year!). With that being said, I was anxious, I was nervous...you know that tickle thingy in your gut, feeling? Prior to arriving, I had all these ideas in my head but once I step foot into the hotel, I had a total brainfart and totally forgot everything that I creatively thought about. But what's good about the Moana is that there's just so much you can do. One shot just leads to another.
Thank you Rachel and Henry for having me be part of your special day. I really had a great time working with the both of you!
Posted by frank on June 12, 2008 at 02:51:41 AM (213 views)
annie+jimmy: private estate, oahu Posted by frank on May 20, 2008 at 02:51:53 AM
From Jimmy Z to A to Z! Thank you guys for having me take part in this special occasion. You both are truly blessed to have each other. Your wedding will be one of those I remember forever. The entire day was such an awesome adventure. Thank you guys! Here's a few teasers from your wedding day.
Posted by frank on May 20, 2008 at 02:51:53 AM (361 views)
The Many Faces of Kiyana Posted by frank on March 27, 2008 at 02:01:18 AM
Today, Kiyana just turned 8 months! Happy Birthday my little ANGEL! Amazing how time has flew by so fast. Now I can understand when parents say that their children grew within a blink of an eye. She is getting bigger, her face is becoming mature and I can easily say she got her beautiful looks from her mom (the only resemblance she has of me would be her feet, hands and earlobes!). I reflect back when the first day my wife and I brought her home. I tell myself, whoah, so far, my wife and I did a very good job raising her. And I can't thank my wife enough for steering the boat of parenthood. She's an amazing wife and mother (I love you!).
My daughter is a blessing to my entire family. With a simple laugh or smile, she lets her sunshine through making all the gloomy and rainy days go away.
A few things she has learned/accomplished within her 7 months of age:
1) Sit up on her own.
2) No more belly crawling. She's on all 4 crawling as if she was at a race track.
3) She waves "HI" at random people she find interesting.
4) Knows how to clap her hands.
5) Pulls her self up at a standing position.
6) She can walk on her own (side to side) while holding a rail for assistance.
7) Tie her own shoelace (JK) Knows how to wake up mommy and daddy (she pokes her finger in my nose and pull at my ears)
9) Bottom tooth is starting to show
10) Knows how to open and close her hands
11) Watches "Baby Einstein" and pretend that noone else is there. She is so in tune with the DVD. She watches is as if she never seen it before (I think she saw it over 20 times already!)
12) She knows what we mean when we say, "Kiyana, NO NO!".
13) Solid food Eat'em aller.
14) And yesterday, we saw her dancing for the first time! Seriously, up and down, side to side going with the beat! I think we got it on video (i'll post it on youtube soon!)
Here's a few random images of her (and associates) at 7 months.
Don't bother me, Baby Einstein is on.
Go Baby Einstein! Go...I don't hear mommy and daddy at all.
So glued to Baby Einstein! Pretending that this is the first time she's watching it (after watching it at least 20 times! hahaha!).
Road testing for her driver's license.
She still thinks the mirror is her friend.
She's so happy she found all the eggs!
Now I know the taste between a real egg and a plastic egg.
Posted by frank on March 27, 2008 at 02:01:18 AM (413 views)
renee+adam: lanikuhonua, oahu Posted by frank on March 07, 2008 at 07:11:25 PM
Detail after detail after detail. This is one wedding were there was endless details to be captured. You could easily tell that there was so much work and thought put into this wedding. It was perfect, it was flawless. Another beautiful wedding at Lanikuhonua! And it wouldn't have been possible with the help of Sandra from Finishing Touch and Sue of Su-V Expressions.
From the time when I first met Renee & Adam, there was something special about the two of them. And from the first email exchange, we instantly became good friends. Attending their wedding felt like if I was part of their family, part their circle of friends. During the ceremony, it was so tempting to just pull a seat to sit and watch as the two promised their lives together.
Thank you Renee & Adam for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. I was so honored to be there during the most important day of your lives. You both have blessed me with your love and friendship. And I am looking forward to our "honeymoon" shoot very soon.
Posted by frank on March 07, 2008 at 07:11:25 PM (731 views)
won-kay & keith: somewhere, oahu Posted by frank on March 06, 2008 at 01:27:44 AM
Another fun day under the sun. Won-Kay & Keith flew down to Hawaii to celebrate Valentine's Day (What a cool gift for each other!). But I think the real reason is that they actually wanted to hang out with me and to be photographed! J/K.
To Won-Kay & Keith, I really had blast working with the both of you. You guys made it so easy for me. I look forward to the big day coming up in September! Keep smiling.
Take it easy and I will see you both soon. Best Wishes!
Posted by frank on March 06, 2008 at 01:27:44 AM (377 views)
lisa+john: luana hills, oahu Posted by frank on February 29, 2008 at 03:22:57 AM
Sometimes waking up is the hardest thing to do. I woke up at 5:30am for this special event. And NO, I didn't have a hard time waking up early, I had the hardest time going to sleep! I guess I was just to anxious to be at Lisa & John's wedding at Luana Hills. The last time I photographed a wedding there was in 2004!
I remember first meeting with Lisa & John about a year and half ago. They would have to be one of the most kindest and sincere couples I have ever met. It's funny how we never really talked about their wedding. But instead, with all of us being photographers, (John is an amazing underwater photographer ~ www.onebreathphoto.com, Lisa the avid photography junkie) we totally geeked out on photography. "Consultation - Subject: Photography" hehehe. We totally hit in on and from that day we all grew in becoming good friends.
To my new amazing and talented friends. Thank you for having me be part of your special day. I am so blessed to have you both as my friends. Live life, love one another and go on with your journey together as you both continue to touch people lives with your talent.
And I am so looking forward to our "day after honeymoon shoot!" See you both soon!
Posted by frank on February 29, 2008 at 03:22:57 AM (598 views)
Sent a Wedding Inquiry Lately? (AGAIN) Posted by frank on February 28, 2008 at 01:13:53 PM
If you have recently sent me an inquiry (within the last 2 days) through my contact form, it's most likely I did not receive it. There was another upgrade to this server which I was not aware of (by the company who is hosting my website). It affected both my blog and contact form. For those who sent me an inquiry, please email me directly at info(at)frankamodo.com, with your name, email address & wedding date. My apologies for the inconvenience this may have caused you. I look forward hearing from you.
Posted by frank on February 28, 2008 at 01:13:53 PM (0 views)
Tried Emailing me? Bounced Back Email? Posted by frank on February 24, 2008 at 12:22:45 AM
For those of you who tried to contact me at my other email address, "info(at)frankamodophotography.com" please email me again. Apparently my server ran out of disk space and no longer had any room for any new emails. I freed up some space so my email should be working again. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you!
Posted by frank on February 24, 2008 at 12:22:45 AM (0 views)
danelle+tuan: halekulani, oahu Posted by frank on February 19, 2008 at 03:54:48 PM
This was my last wedding of 2007 held at the Halekulani.
Dani & Tuan exchanged early xmas gifts and gave each other the greatest gift of all, LOVE. With their wedding being held during the holidays, it was perfect timing for all friends and family to unite and witness the two as they promise their love and life together.
To my new friends, Danni & Tuan, Thank you for having me be part of your special day. Wishing you the best and as you both start your new life together.
Posted by frank on February 19, 2008 at 03:54:48 PM (359 views)
janelle+jordan: anela gardens, oahu Posted by frank on February 12, 2008 at 12:25:17 PM
Waikiki's hidden secret, Anela Gardens. Need a wedding venue that's private but yet need to be in Waikiki? Forget the over-crowded beaches! It was my first time at this location and I didn't know what to expect. Once I stepped foot into this property, I was quite blown away. A mansion, church, gazebo, water fountain and a nicely sized grassy area perfect for a medium sized wedding.
Janelle and Jordan's wedding was perfect! I could never been more blessed to work with this wonderful and beautiful couple. Special Thanks to Janelle and Jordan for having me be part of your special day.
Posted by frank on February 12, 2008 at 12:25:17 PM (469 views)
hellen+brandon: downtown, oahu Posted by frank on February 07, 2008 at 08:46:58 PM
This engagement session was like dodging the bullet. This would be one of the days it did NOT rain. We were blessed with "almost" perfect weather.
I had a fun time hanging out with the dynamic duo, Hellen & Brandon. Hellen seemed a bit nervous at first and Brandon was just....Brandon. A few shots here and there and all nervousness just faded. During the middle of our session, they were already pros and I knew they were just plainly having fun. They knew all the poses and all the moves.
Thanks to Hellen and Brandon for the fun times. Remember, it's against company policy...NO romancing in the lab! J/K! See you both soon.
Posted by frank on February 07, 2008 at 08:46:58 PM (443 views)
christine+brady: somewhere, oahu Posted by frank on February 06, 2008 at 01:05:43 AM
Why are engagement sessions necessary? It's breaking the ice between the couple and the photographer. That way during the wedding day, the couple has an idea on how the photographer works. This also provides an idea for the photographer on how the couples are towards each other. They also consider this as "practice" for the wedding day. But in reality, engagement session is just an excuse for your fiance to have cuddle time.
Here's a fun engagement session I had with Christine & Brady. I remember going into the shoot and NOT knowing exactly what I was going to do. We pretty much made it up as we went along. Christine and Brady were such a fun and loving couple to work with. I've gotten to know them well and it came to a point where it felt as if I've known them for years. Thank you Christine and Brady for that memorable day. I look forward photographing your wedding this summer!
Posted by frank on February 06, 2008 at 01:05:43 AM (491 views)
jennifer+colin: princeville, oahu Posted by frank on February 06, 2008 at 12:04:24 AM
Another blast from the past. Kauai would have be the most beautiful island on the Hawaiian Island Chain. And I was fortunate to photograph at one of Kauai's most beautiful resort, The Princeville. It was another amazing day perfect for a wedding. Special Thanks to Jennifer + Colin for having me be part of your special day. You both were fabulous to work with!
Posted by frank on February 06, 2008 at 12:04:24 AM (290 views)
jessica+matt: punahou chapel, halekulani, oahu Posted by frank on February 02, 2008 at 11:44:59 AM
This is a another set of jewels from the past. You're probably already familiar with their engagement session: http://www.amodophoto.com/site/blog.php?page=showcomments&id=87
Now here are some of their wedding photos. Thank you Jessica & Matt for having me. It was a pleasure working with the both of you!
Posted by frank on February 02, 2008 at 11:44:59 AM (559 views)
jeannie+ronny: somewhere, oahu Posted by frank on January 31, 2008 at 11:33:20 PM
Literally trashing the dress. I mean, right after our shoot, she changed and threw the dress away!
How cool is that? Should I make it where my TTD session require "literally" trashing the dress? Why keep a dress that is unusable, right? Let me know your thoughts.
Here's another gem that was pulled from my 07 Summer Sessions. What do you get when you get to work with an awesome couple, clear skies, light winds and a beautiful sunset? Sunburn. Yep, forgot the sunscreen!
Thank you to Jeannie and Ronnie! I had a blast working with you guys.
Posted by frank on January 31, 2008 at 11:33:20 PM (396 views)
liane+kent: lanikuhonua, oahu Posted by frank on January 31, 2008 at 12:16:57 PM
I've been looking through my Summer 07 weddings archive and there's a bunch of jewels I haven't posted. That's how behind I am with my blog. I'll be posting a bit more very often....well at least I'll try.
It was another beautiful day at Lanikuhonua. It's always perfect out there! And this day wouldn't have been possible with the coordination of Dianna Shintanishi of Hawaii Weddings and Events.
One of the most memorable moments was photographing Liane & Kent during the car ride. They incorporated convertible MINI's as transportation for the wedding pary. How cool is that? And I still can't get over what I saw in the TRUNK...LOL.
Thanks to Liane & Kent for having me be part of this memorable event. Wishing you both the best in your future.
Posted by frank on January 31, 2008 at 12:16:57 PM (369 views)
sandy+joey: ihilani, oahu Posted by frank on January 30, 2008 at 06:53:08 PM
Here's a few images from Sandy & Joey's wedding which was photographed back in June 07. Awesome, fun and energetic couple. Thank you Sandy & Joey for having me be part of this memorial event. You were truly a blessing to work with.
Posted by frank on January 30, 2008 at 06:53:08 PM (308 views)
Kiyana @ 6 Months....ALREADY? Posted by frank on January 27, 2008 at 11:35:42 PM
Today, January 27 is an important milestone for Kiyana. She just made 6 months old. It's amazing to see how much she has grown and how much she has learned. Kim and I are so blessed to have Kiyana in our lives. We can't imagine life without her. Just when you thought you have loved someone at the most, it's nothing compared when it's your own child as it's a love beyond anything you have experienced.
Here are some skills that Kiyana has mastered:
1. Rolling from one location to another
2. She has good eyes. She can follow you around the room with her eyes.
3. Belly laughs, giggles whenever there's something funny happening.
4. She can make complete turns (360's) on her tummy.
5. One of the fastest tummy crawlers on her block.
6. She knows how to say Mama and Dada.
7. She knows who Mama and Dada is.
8. Mimics sounds and noises you make.
9. Can stand on her feet but needs to hold onto something sturdy.
10. Understands the words, "take a bath! take a bath! take a bath!", "mummum", and "shhhhhhhh".
11. Bathes really well. Knows how to splash and dips her hair in the water.
12. Finally eating solids as of January 26, 2008.
13. Attentive listener when we read her books.
14. Smiles at everyone she sees.
15. She knows how to strike up a conversation and make friends.
16. Sippy Cup drinker.
17. Balances on all 4's.
18. Knows how to "peek-a-boo" with her blanket or while under the covers.
19. Knows how to "agree" to true statements with a "mmmmmm".
A few things that she hasn't learned as a baby:
1. She doesn't know how to suck on a pacifier. She chews on it and spits it out.
2. She doesn't know how to drink from the bottle. Instead, she drinks from a sippy cup.
3. Not sleeping through the night.
4. She doesn't suck on her thumb, she sucks on all her fingers.
5. Doesn't know how to cook.
6. Hasn't learned how to drive a car.
Here are her pictures from Newborn to 6 Months:
Newborn - Special delivery straight from Heaven.
Kiyana at 1 Month. Intimate moment with mommy.
Kiyana at 2 Months. Dried up right after a bath.
Kiyana at 3 Months. Random photo shoot with Daddy.
Posted by frank on January 27, 2008 at 11:35:42 PM (398 views)
kristine+neal: turtle bay, oahu Posted by frank on January 26, 2008 at 01:05:47 AM
Another awesome celebration at Turtle Bay. It was an honor to be part of Kristine & Neal's wedding. Such a beautiful couple with so much energy! This was another amazing event put together by Wedding Planners Hawaii and floral artistry by Carolyn at Sweet Petals.
Thank you to Kristine & Neal! Enjoy your new life and new home together!
Posted by frank on January 26, 2008 at 01:05:47 AM (378 views)
dianna+mike: sheraton waikiki, oahu Posted by frank on January 25, 2008 at 11:49:28 PM
This is one wedding that I couldn't resist not posting. Although this wedding was awhile back, I consider this as one of my favorite weddings of all time. I had a really great time spending the entire day with this couple. From a pre-bridal shoot a few days before the wedding, to a tea ceremony which started at 8am in the morning, traditional wedding in the afternoon, to a night filled with fun and endless entertainment. Thanks to Dianna and Mike for letting me be part of this memorable event. And thank you for accepting me in your Phamily. Cåmøng.
Posted by frank on January 25, 2008 at 11:49:28 PM (289 views)
monnette+brian: halekulani, oahu Posted by frank on January 24, 2008 at 01:32:11 AM
Thank you to Monnette and Brian for having me document your special day. It was truly a blessing to be there capturing the beautiful moments of the both of you. Your images will always continue to inspire me and remind me of "why I love what I do".