Is there anything as luxurious as lingering over high tea with a good friend?

I snapped a few shots today with my iPhone – nothing fancy. The tea and scones more than made up for my lack of SLR-ness.

This brings me back to my favorite memory of my grandmother, at high tea at the Peninsula. I remember her as a wild child disguised in pearls. She taught me that the best lived-life is finding peace with contradiction: success is managing a series of failures. Wealth is giving generously and freely. A rebel can still be a lady.

High tea is a rare reminder for me to slow down and remember the important things in life. I am so thankful for the wonderful people who encourage me and keep me grounded. And of course, girl friends to giggle with and savor the rare tranquil moment in an otherwise hectic life.

They remind me of classic Hollywood. Elegant and timeless. An abiding love and romance that lasts for a lifetime.

He was tall, handsome and a baseball player. She was a good-lookin’ blond who he couldn’t keep his eyes off of, nor get out of his mind. They met one day at a ball game. It was the first she’d ever been to. “She was perfect” he told me. “Except this one annoying flaw: she couldn’t see we were meant to be together.”

It took a while, but eventually Nancy came around. She saw that Don not only stood head and shoulders above others in stature, but also in character. And when she did, Don told himself he wasn’t going to let her go. And he hasn’t. Not for fifty years.

Don and Nancy, I am so blown away by you two. I am a hopeless romantic and a dreamer. It is something wonderful to be around two people so obviously into each other, who know each other inside and out. It is a privilege and a blessing to see God’s faithfulness in your marriage. I am honored beyond words to photograph your fiftieth anniversary. It means so much to me. I hope you love these images as much as I do.

Don reminds me so much of Cary Grant. There is something very debonair and strong about his expression in this image. Or maybe it’s because he’s got Nancy in his arms.

I am so tickled by how gleeful you both look here. My favorite part of this shoot was seeing how much Don enjoyed cuddling up to his lovely wife :)

Don and Nancy, thank you again for sharing your day with me. It has been pure delight getting to know you both and photographing your love. Happy anniversary!!

xox,

Eva

I live on an island in the South China Sea. When I’m on this island, I occasionally forget that the world doesn’t end where the harbor begins.

It’s been nine weeks since law school began. In this short time, I’ve been pushed, challenged and have grown immensely. My intellectual horizons are broader than they’ve ever been, but the flip-side is my physical horizons have shrunk considerably. To 80.5 km sq to be exact. Intentionally or not, my parents raised a nomad and I am prone to restlessness when confined for long. And when you’re bogged down with endless cases, midterms and essays to write, the horizon seems terribly far away.

So last weekend, I revolted. And by revolted, I mean I pried myself away from the books for a day. I hopped on a ferry with no particular plan in mind and an hour later, I found myself on Peng Chau island. Aka, paradise.

I equate Hong Kong with an international metropolis. Giant skyscrapers, cramped, busy streets and a fast-paced life. But now and then, it’s also nice see a different side of life.

Life in HK is busy, messy and stressful. Sometimes it’s nice to spend an afternoon climbing barefoot on rocks, breathing in the salty-sweet air, and feel the sun warming your skin. Times like this, I truly marvel at how blessed I am to live in such an amazing place. Where an escape from the law books is just a short boat ride away.

Dear Eva of Monday Morning,

Before you walk into your first day of grad school, I hope three things for you. Firstly, that you will not be late. I would hate that sheepishly slinking into your seat be the first impression your professor has of you. Second, that you keep your wits about you; neither dying of absolute fright on the spot at hearing your name called (it might only be roll-call) nor become so intimidated by the brilliance of your fellow students that you throw in the towel before you’ve even tried. Remember that nothing of value comes without hard work and sacrifice, so take a deep breath, bunker down and nose to the grindstone. Lastly, and my greatest wish for you is to maintain perspective. You may feel like you’ve signed your soul away, along with your life savings in choosing grad school, but this is an experience that will only enrich you. Remember that there is life outside of text books, and above all else, to stay humble and grateful to everyone that has lifted you up to where you are.

Try not to think of everyone else looking around the room as if they’re sizing up the competition, and that grades are a zero-sum game with only so many A’s to go around. Instead, think of them as the faces that will only grow more familiar and comforting as the weeks and months tumbleweed into mounding pressure and deadlines. These are the future friends you will make, and you will learn and receive much if you are willing to be open.

Adventures come in many shapes and forms. As much as I know you crave to be out on the road with your beloved Nikon, grad school will be one wild ride. The horizon holds much in store for you. Relax. You will be back out in the Himalayas with the highland nomads before you know it.

Sincerely,

Eva of Sunday Afternoon.

(photographed en route to Mt. Everest)

I had a blast shooting actress Kae Yukawa yesterday with my friend Marco Verigna.

I worked with actors a lot when I was in New York, and photographing them has always been a huge pleasure. I love and admire the way actors can bring such depth when they model. Kae was no exception. This girlie has the face for close ups!

Kae, thanks so much for a wonderful shoot. I had a blast hanging out with you. All the best in your acting career in the UK! I hope you enjoy your preview :)

Some of you might remember my family portrait of the Camerons. Here’s an adapted version :)

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