Pati Pakulis Photography

MY BOY…. Colin Pakulis – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:02:29 +0000

Almost 4 years ago, just 3 weeks into his freshman year at Desert Vista HS, my son Colin lost his dad to cancer…

He had just started playing in the marching band and was excited to start high school. We didn’t know that we were going to loose Peter. He had been battling cancer for 2 years, although working through it the entire time, running his chiropractic office and supporting his family. There were so many moments Colin and I both believed that Peter was going to make it – and continue life here with us, but on August 28th at 9am, that changed. My husband, Peter Pakulis left this earth… and went to be with the Lord.

This morning, As I watched my son go to school on his last day of high school, I was taken back to the morning his dad passed. I remembered how Colin was still such a boy… so young.

The level of maturity he had even then, still blows me away. I remember how he spoke at his father’s funeral, with both sister on each side of him, and I could see then, that though this devastating and painful loss would be a huge void in his life, that he was still going to make it. He would be ok. Not completely whole.. But also, not completely lost to grief, or disillusionment or bitterness or depression or the hundreds of other things that can occur in the heart of a young freshman boy.

That day he spoke at the funeral, I could see his father in him… as so many people do, every time they look at Colin.

On a daily basis, I see Colin most of the time, who he is, and who he is becoming, but I’ve got to say, there is a moment every year, it usually happens on prom, not too sure why, but as I look through my camera to take his photo, I completely SEE PETER – it literally takes my breath away and I have to stop and just gather myself for a moment. I see the spirit of my husband shining through his son… and I’m undone.

He has been an amazing son, brother and friend. These 4 years of watching him grow up, go to high school, play in marching band, date, learn to drive, be there for his sisters, do chores, work, get his first car, get his first ticket lol, go to Europe, grow a beard, play drums for me at church, hold on to his faith… well, it has been a complete treasure to me. He has been nothing short of WONDERFUL… and I am so proud that I could burst!!

So today, I get to post photos of MY KID.., my amazing boy who’s turning 18 on Sunday. My son who is funny, loves movies and TV shows, collects vinyls, plays music non-stop, is a talented drummer and the BEST big brother in the world – (and that is truly what my girls think) they know how lucky they are…. I would simply say to him…WELL DONE Colin! Your dad and I are SO PROUD of you…and we are cheering you on as you go into the world and find that “wonderful plan that God has for your life” that your dad spoke of every night!

I LOVE YOU and I AM ALWAYS here for you bud! It’s been such an honor!

XOXO!

So here are a few things about this kid of mine:

Meet Colin Pakulis. Desert Vista High School Senior ~ Class of 2013

Colin loves music and drumming, playing video games, watching TV and movies, “reading sometimes and OCCASIONALLY even some physical exercise.”

Something he can’t live without is “definitely my music. Listening to music has become a huge part of my life, especially in the last couple years and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Colin says his friends would describe him as easy-going, laid-back, happy, trustworthy, funny and talkative.

Someone who inspires Colin? “I actually really admire Stephen Spielberg for his accomplishments and extremely wide span o movies he’s made in the past 30 years.”

Colin’s favorite music: “I like pretty much all music except for country, but mostly indie, alternative, hardcore and rap music. Bon Iver is one of the faves, for sure.”

His favorite memory from high school was his trip to Europe after sophomore year. And he will NOT miss getting up at 5:30 am for marching band practice.

One of Colin’s biggest life goals is to have a career “where I can reach masses of people and affect them in a positive way.”

Colin describes himself as FUNNY – EASY-GOING – FOCUSED – ENTHUSIASTIC and UPBEAT

After high school, Colin can’t wait to move out and stay up as late as I want!

He plans to go to ASU and major in something….not sure what yet!

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Colin Drum Shoot

Pati — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:29 +0000

So this is yours truly…MY son Colin on blog. He got his first drum set in Middle School… and we recently said good-bye to it. It’s a little too big for a dorm room at ASU.

So I wanted to share of few shots of our “FAREWELL DRUM SHOOT” This wasn’t his official SENIOR shoot…that’s yet to come

Enjoy!

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Dylan Cooper – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:23:40 +0000

Meet Dylan Cooper – Desert Vista High School – Class of 2013 I don’t think there are enough words to describe Dylan… sweet, fun, cute, adorable, the list goes on and on. I SO enjoyed her shoot! And it took us THREE rescheduled sessions to finally even take her photos! It was worth the wait!

Dylan likes to hang out with friends and go to the gym.

She can’t live without her dog, Marley. “I don’t know what I would do without her!”

Dylan describes herself as FRIENDLY – EASY-GOING – FUN and SILLY

She prefers mountains to the beach, which is appropriate as she plans to attend NAU after high school.

Dylan Cooper….This is ME!

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Natalie Krafft – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:55:35 +0000

Meet Miss Natalie Krafft – Desert Vista High School – Class of 2013 We met early in the morning…. Natalie was a trooper! She’s a really – fun, sweet and seems like a really good friend to ohers!

Natalie is a runner – she has been running competitively since she was 10! And runs cross country & track at DV.

She says she can’t live without her friends, family & 2 dogs. “They are always there for me!”

Natalie’s friends would describe her as sarcastic & funny.

Natalie says she is inspired by her parents. “My mom and dad both inspire me. They are so hard working and supportive of everything I do!”

One of Natalie’s best high school memories is a school trip to Spain last summer. And she will not miss the drama.

Natalie describes herself as FUNNY – AMBITIOUS – DARING – DETERMINED and UPBEAT

Something she has too many of? Old running shoes!

After high school, Natalie plans to go to the ASU Barrett Honors College and study international business…”but, knowing me, that could change!”

Her life goals include traveling all over Europe, studying abroad in Spain, and becoming fluent in Spanish.

Natalie Krafft….This is ME!

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Naomi Ricciotti – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:47:39 +0000

Meet Miss Naomi Ricciotti ~ Desert Vista High School Senior ~ Class of 2013 Sweet, adoable, fun, a little shy, is all the words I’d use to describe Naomi! I think adorable fits her best! I loved my time with her!!

Naomi loves softball, hiking, snowboarding, long boarding, and sewing.

She has been playing softball her entire life and has spent lots of time practicing.

Naomi says she can’t live without her friends and family “because they have had such a great impact on my life and are amazing people”

Her friends would say she is “in her own world.”

Naomi says her bad habits are taking too many naps and shopping!

She is inspired by her mother: “She is a successful, loving and caring person. She does a lot and she is the BEST mom ever.”

Her favorite high school memory is the Tukee Bowl and she will not miss the dress code or homework.

Naomi describes herself as FEARLESS – CREATIVE – EASY-GOING – ADVENTUROUS and TRUSTWORTHY

After high school, Naomi plans to attend Newbury College, in Brookline, MA, and study fashion and merchandising. Her life goals include “becoming a successful, positive person throughout my life and making an impact on the world.”

Her life motto: “Let it be.”

Naomi Ricciotti…This is ME!

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Brooke Honeycutt – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:31:24 +0000

Meet Miss Brooke Honeycutt. Desert Vista High School Senior ~ Class of 2013 A complete NATURAL in front of the camera, Brooke was relaxed, and such fun to photograph. I loved how comfortable she is in her own skin!

Brooke is a great volleyball player. She just recently signed to play for Pepperdine University in Malibu California… Congrats Brooke!!

She says she can’t live without her lucky bracelets!

Brooke is inspired by her mom, “because she supports me in everything I do.”

Her favorite high school memory? “Meeting all of my friends.” And she will not miss the cafeteria food.

Brooke describes herself as FRIENDLY – AMBITIOUS – FUN – SOCIAL and UPBEAT

Brooke likes to listen to any kind of music, especially One Republic and Good Life.

After graduation, Brooke is heading to Pepperdine to study business management or marketing and hopes to own her own business.

Brooke Honeycutt…This is ME!

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Chelsie Neal – High School Senior Portraits – Horizon Community Learning Center

Pati — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:53:38 +0000

Meet Miss Chelsie Neal. Horizon Community Learning Center Senior – Class of 2013 How do sum up sweet, adorable, beautiful and fun into one word? Chelsie Neal! LOVED working with her!

Chelsie likes to spend her time shopping and at work.

She is good at doing hair and makeup. She started by practicing on herself when she was bored.

Chelsie says she can’t live without her car, without it she would be stuck at home all the time.

Her friends would say she is funny, loud, fun, outgoing and nice.

Chelsie likes country rap, and alternative styles of music.

Her favorite high school memory is seeing her friends every day. And she won’t miss having to wake up at 6 and driving 25 minutes to school.

Chelsie describes herself as FRIENDLY – FUN – TALKATIVE and SOCIAL

After high school, Chelsie hopes to be successful in what she wants to do in life. She plans on attending Mesa Community College and then transferring to ASU.

Chelsie Neal…This is ME!

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Alexandra Fardelos – High School Senior Portraits – Desert Vista High School

Pati — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:12:24 +0000

Meet Miss Alexandra Fardelos – Desert Vista High School – Class of 2013 One of the sweetest girls, I just loved photographing Allie… she’s fun and has such a kind and beautiful spirit about her! I truly loved working with Allie!

Alexandra loves singing, playing piano, ukulele, music, Greek folk dancing, reading, watching movies, dolphins and is a Disney freak!

She is very creative and says she can’t live without music…”it can inspire, help a person grow, and express emotions that words cannot even begin to voice.”

Her friends would describe her as outgoing, musical, sweet, bright, genuine and joyful.

Alexandra loves all kinds of music but particularly loves jazz. Some of her favorite singers/bands are Ella Fitzgerald, Sara Gazarek, Adele, Florence & the Machine, Of Monsters and Men, and the Civil Wars.

Her favorite high school memories are pops concerts, choir council retreats, choir tours & a Catalina Island trip. She will NOT miss bullies & homework.

Alexandra describes herself as SMART – CREATIVE – SWEET – DETERMINED and KIND-HEARTED

After high school, Alexandra plans to go to NAU and study choral education. Her life goals are to be the best choir teacher she can be and one day perform at Disneyland!

Her life motto: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

Alexandra Fardelos…This is ME!

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Hannah Gunderson – High School Senior Portraits – Mountain Pointe High School

Pati — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:47:05 +0000

Meet Miss Hannah Gunderson – Mountain Pointe High School – Class of 2013 I have loved working with Hannah throughout the year as she is one of my 2013 Spokesmodels. She’s sweet, smart and so very beautiful…on the inside and out! It’s truly been a pleasure getting to know Hannah and I know she will be a bright shining light wherever she goes in this life! XOXO Hannah!

Hannah loves to spend time with friends and family, eating, shopping, traveling, decorating, finding new music, grocery shopping, laughing and baking. She loves Halloween!

Hannah is also a preschool teacher at Mountain Pointe, teaches Sunday School and is on the dance company at school.

She could not live without Starbucks, Cholula hot sauce, chapstick or her dog.

Hannah says “I am really good at eating…hahah. But really, I’m good at organizing and being a clean freak. I’m also good with little kids. I always seem to understand what they need/say. I’m also pretty good at spending (other people’s) money.”

Someone who inspires Hannah is her dad. “He has been through so much and still manages to do a lot to make my siblings and I happy.”

Her favorite high school memories include football and basketball games and making new friends!

Hannah describes herself as COURAGEOUS – GOOFY – SMART – INDEPENDENT – IMPATIENT and ADVENTUROUS

After graduation, Hannah plans to attend college out of state and become an oral surgeon. Her biggest life goal is “to just be happy! I want to experience new people, places, and things.”

Hannah Gunderson…This is ME!

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Jesse Ciardella – High School Senior Portraits – Valley Christian High School

Pati — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:22:29 +0000

Meet Jesse Ciardella. Valley Christian High School Senior ~ Class of 2013 - I love Jesse… I’ve know him for a few years now, and not only is he an exceptional musician, but he’s an exceptional young man. He’s funny, easy-going and he just puts a smile on your face! I loved Jesse’s shoot, his style, and all of the array of instruments we were able to incorporate into the session, especially the guitar case sporting the MARGUERITE’S sticker! And yes….. I LOVE love love the overalls!! He SO can pull that off! It was a perfect fit for the location we were at!

Jesse loves metal working, auto mechanics, and playing the drums.

He spends lots of time practicing metal working so he can be good at it.

Jesse’s favorite high school memory is being part of the school play and he will not miss homework.

His friends would describe him as fun, energetic, and funny.

Jesse’s favorite kinds of music are funk, latin, rock, and jazz.

Jesse describes himself as GOOFY – CREATIVE -ADVENTUROUS – CHARMING and CURIOUS.

Something Jesse has WAY too many of? Volkswagen parts.

After graduation, Jesse can’t wait to blacksmith and will be attending Mesa Community College.

Jesse Ciardella…This is ME!

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