who i am, where i come from, and why i do what i do
Get to know the face behind the camera!
I grew up in Northern Michigan (basically almost Canada) but Hawai'i has always been my second home. My moms side of the family has lived on the Big Island for my whole life, so we spent a lot of time there growing up! In 2019, after 7 years of college and 2 years in Corporate America i decided i needed a lifestyle change and traded in my snow boots for sandals! In January of 2023 my heart and life were calling me to Denver, Colorado and I've been absolutely loving the seasons, the scenery, and all of the new adventures!
I have the most incredible, talented, creative, supportive family in the world. They truly believe in me and love me unconditionally, and because of them i felt confident enough in myself and my photography to make a business out of it. I am so blessed to have them all by my side.
Snow storms to sandy beaches to the mountains
my history...
Before we go any further, let's get one thing straightened out...
How in the world do you pronounce my name!?!
I get this question ALLLLL the time, and truthfully, i think about 3 people have gotten it right on the first try in my whole life (thx mom & dad for that lol). Anyway, it's really not too hard, lets break it down:
Spelling: Kali
Actual pronunciation: Kay-Lee
Most commonly mistaken pronunciation: Cali (like California)
If you've never met me before...
I'm kali - a wedding and couples photographer based in hawai'i and colorado
Whew! Now that we have that under control, let's get to the fun stuff!
I have ALWAYS loved photography. I remember when i was 9 or 10 years old and i should have been asking for toys or an iPod or dolls for Christmas, but all i wanted was a professional camera.
Growing up, i loved taking photos of our family dog, my friends, and outdoor landscapes. When i got into high school i was editor and head photographer for our yearbook. As i got even older i started photographing my friends, their engagements, their babies, really anyone who would let me put my camera in front of them!
I have always loved how photos can tell such amazing stories. The ability to be brought back to that exact moment, whether it's the first moment you wear that ring on your finger, your first kiss as a married couple, the first week with your new little baby, or your 50th wedding anniversary, every photo is filled with so much emotion, so much heart, so much of you. These photos are your legacy.
photos mean so much to me, and they should to you too!
My photography...
My drink of choice is a dry, bold red wine, but I'm also a biggg John Daly and Bloody Mary fan
Family, friends, travel, and adventures of any kind
We love to travel! This year we've already been to Hawai'i, Michigan, Mexico, California, Arizona, and New York!
Stove popped popcorn is my comfort food (with an outrageous amount of parmesan cheese of course)
I played college tennis at GVSU (Go Lakers!!) and still play allll the time - I'd rather spend 5 hours on the court then 30 minutes on the treadmill
My husband and i have 2 little fur babies! A 3 year old cat named Zelda and a chocolate lab puppy named Boomer.
I'm like an 80 year old lady when it comes to cards and board games, I seriously cannot get enough and I might be slightly over competitive with it
I am severely allergic to pineapples, so no Mai Tai's or pina coladas for me (tragic, so I've heard)
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Breweries and snowy hikes to the ski lodge.
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Roller coasters, Coney Island, beach time.
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Sunday night dinners and time with family.
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A glass of wine and a good book before bed.
