Photo by Nadine Keaulii

Three years ago, Nadine Keaulii and her daughter Gracie took a spontaneous trip to their favorite spot in Sedona — Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village — in celebration of Gracie’s 16th birthday.

“With gorgeous architecture that reminds us of Italy, this little village offers multiple eateries, fine art galleries and hidden gems — including Spirits & Spice, which sells Gracie’s favorite garlic and basil olive oil,” says Nadine, noting that Gracie has loved to cook from a very young age.

While there, Nadine captured the special occasion on camera via a series of photographs depicting Gracie as her “sweet 16 princess for a day.”

“In the photo, Gracie is wearing a lei po’o, which is commonly referred to as a flower crown,” Nadine explains. “This depicts her Hawaiian culture and is given on special occasions. She is also wearing a traditional Quinceanera dress, which, although generally worn on a girl’s 15th birthday to celebrate her transition into womanhood, represents her Hispanic culture.”

The proud mother, who also serves the community as a Maricopa County Adult Probation officer, enjoys capturing special moments on camera so that they can be preserved and shared with others.

“Time is our most valuable possession,” Nadine says. “There is a reason why people say, ‘Don’t blink or you’ll miss it,’ and to enjoy things because ‘nothing lasts forever.’ Well, a photo does. It allows us to replay a special memory, whether we were present for it or not. Lately, I cannot seem to put the camera down.”

That is for good reason. Having served as executive chef of Avenue 27 — the student-run fine dining restaurant at Barry Goldwater High School, from which she graduated last May — Gracie will leave home this fall to continue her culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, with scholarships she earned through her participation in state and nationwide culinary competitions.

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