February 22, 2010

Like a child on Christmas, I threw the covers from my legs before the sun had graced the sky. Today, world, Paisley was coming home!

I love me some dog, and always have. But not in the calendar, stuffed animal, poster kind of way. My connection with dogs coincides with my dire need for constant, touchy, affection. But alas, world, I was deprived growing up (yes mama, deprived!).

My first entrepreneurial venture spawned at the ripe age of 11. I became a dog walker. Lucrative, indeed. Instantly befriending my clients, and mentally believing them to be MINE, the sick cycle began.

Nightly prayers included finding a stray, so I could convince my parents it was simply meant to be. After months of scouring the neighborhood at length, I found a beagle. Oh, the irony. I affectionately named him Shiloh, hid his collar, and fell into a deep dream of all the parks we’d frolic through, the picnics we’d share, and the long walks we’d take, pondering life. Shiloh was my dog for approximately five hours. And I cried when he left. Weird story, I get it. I remember it – not only because I was ridiculed for years following – but because a bond like non other can exist between an animal and a human, that don’t communicate through words, common interests, or headline news. To me, that’s intriguing. But above all, I’m so happy we have a new addition.

Paisley’s a red Boston Terrier who would drown in our arms if she could. I know – just oozes perfection! She’s almost a better kisser than my husband, but shhh, don’t say anything. And as she lies here, on my chest, with her bitsy heart adjacent to mine, I realize. I realize I’ve fallen in love with a creature that poops in my kitchen and snorts when she breathes. And that, makes me smile.

Paisley.

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Is it utterly awful that she’s not only part of our fam, but also our BRAND?! Can’t help but love it. XOXO

  • Gina LB:

    Ah! I am SO JeAlOuS! What a cutie. Miss you guys!

  • Justine:

    Gina, Paisley is soooo adorable! I love the picture of her chewing on your flats. I hope I get to see her when you & Marcus come home!

  • Marissa Rodriguez:

    OH. MY. GOSH. ADORABLE!!! Crazy adorable!!! Love your little story! Be sure to post tons of pictures of Paisley often. Every day if you’d like. I wouldn’t mind. :)

  • Kelsey:

    What a precious little puppy! Congrats!!!I am sure she’ll bring you a lot of joy!

  • Zia:

    Gina !!! She is sooo cute!!! That means alot coming from me! Have a blast with parenthood hahha

    Enjoy! LOve you and miss youuuuuuu!

  • Jessica Walzak:

    I love this new addtion!!! You guys must be so proud haha. But seriously Absolutly adorable! And Gina your website is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S ! Much love guys

  • Babbo:

    Oh Gina, Such touching words penned by your deprived hands. Well I pray that Paisley will begin to mend the deprivation you have felt throughout the years and you will be able to move forward ! Your baby is an absolutely doll. I can’t wait to meet her. I wish you and Marcus all the happiness with her. Love you and wishing you all the best. Babbo.
    Oh by the way….. Just between us, Please don’t say anything to the dog (Chooch) you left behind in Syracuse about Paisley.. it’ll devastate him that he’s been replaced. LOL

  • Denise Saucedo:

    OHMYGOODNESS Gina!!!! Seriously??? Can it get any cuter than this???!!! Wow. Congrats!!! She is a doll!

  • Brianna:

    she’s ah-dorable. gorgeous pictures of her as well. LOVE<3


February 17, 2010

These are the experiences that make me cherish what I do.

Earlier this week, I had the honor of photographing an incredible family. Travis is a pilot for the US Air Force. Their family has has been uprooted more than once, and I’m sure they’ve sacrificed normalcy on multiple fronts . I respect Travis. Really, respect him. He puts others before himself – for a living – adores his children, and deeply loves his high school sweetheart.

In March, Travis will leave to serve in Afghanistan.

Travis and Jenn, your light in this world is one to give thanks for.  During such a hectic time in your life, know that what you’ve given up pales in comparison to what you’ve given. Your photos reflect your sweet souls, so during your time apart, I hope you find strength in each others’ smiles and the joy in your babies’ faces. LY.

::wipe tears:: OK! So, our day couldn’t have started out any better! ;-)

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Enter, NOAH! This little man is so full of life!

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Look at you workin’ it!

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The ever-darling Madison.

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The stunning, MAMA CLEGG!

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Ah!! They can make anyone fall in love all over again.

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Future CEO? Anyone?

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Marcus made a sneak attack to get this one!

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LOVE it.

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Big shout out to Gigi!! You were a huge help!!

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Annnnnd, brilliant. This is why I love kids. Thanks for capturing the “realness” Marcus.

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XOXO!

  • Lindsay White:

    Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family!!!

  • Uncle Grampy:

    What great pictures of a great family!

  • Cindy Nicklebur:

    This is my nephew, niece and family. You did an absolutely beautiful job of capturing the essence of these wonderful kids!! I am soooo proud that they are my family. You do a really great job!!

  • Laurie Lowery:

    Jen these are wonderful pictures. The kids are growing up so fast! We hope to see you soon.

  • jen:

    these make me smile ear to ear every time i see them!!

  • granny:

    very good! granny likes these!

  • chelsea:

    these pictures make aunt chelsea smile! love those kids!

  • papa:

    great pictures of my grandchildren and kids!

  • elijah:

    great pictures! Madison is really cute and can’t wait for their visit to uncle elijah’s.

  • amanda:

    amazing!

  • danny:

    these pictures are really good!

  • Jan Hayes:

    Our prayers will be with you all as Travis leaves to serve our country. The pictures are darling of all of you.

    I always remember asking Travis in 8th grade, ” What if you don’t get into the USAFA where will you go to college?” He replied, “But I WILL get into the USAFA.” The kid knew what he was talking about! Bloessings to you all.

    Jim and Jan Hayes

  • lyndsay hyatt-almeida:

    the finger-in-the-nose-shot: priceless!!!
    also love the one of mom hugging the kiddos-so sweet. :)

  • Stephanie:

    love the photos! can’t wait to get some prints to frame! love seeing my neice and nephew…they’re beautiful!!

  • gigi:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE these photos!

  • Alison:

    I LOVE this family and these pictures made me miss Jenn! Great pictures!!!

  • Pop:

    These are the most beautiful & unique photos I have ever seen! Gina is truly an amazing photographer! I can’t wait to see if there are more.

  • Susan:

    Travis: Thank you, for your commitment. Jenn: Thank you, for your devotion. GiGi: Thank you, for your support. Madison and Noah: Thank you, for the LOL! Gina: Thank you, for shooting and posting this incredible family. You’re truly gifted.

  • YBF:

    Beautiful shots of a beautiful family…with a beautiful story. Great post, Gina! You and Murph captured the joy they share in each other. Thanks for sharing your talent. XXOO

  • Jessica Swiger:

    What beautiful pictures! I absolutely love this family and miss them so much. You captured the love, joy, and beauty of Team Clegg very well!

  • Karisa:

    Amazing pictures of an amazing family! Gina, you have a beautiful gift.

  • Karisa:

    Amazing pictures of an amazing family! Gina, what a wonderful gift you have!

  • Theresa:

    OMG! What absolutely awesome pictures! The way you captured and portrayed each portrait brings tears to my eyes and a huge smile on my face. Beautiful job, Gina!

  • kelly:

    Gina, you captured the Clegg family so beautifully!!!!!! What precious pics for them to have.

  • Nancy:

    You really are a wonderfully talented photographer. These are just beautiful!!

  • Kathy Troyer:

    Beautiful family, beautiful photos. Amazing work. My favorite (that brought tears to my eyes) is the one of Travis and Jen hugging with the table/photo in background. Keep up the great photography!

  • Harmony Loves:

    those boots are just way too cute! great images Gina!

  • Michael:

    Beautiful family and great photos as always. Of course my favorite was the last one (you know I have great taste in photography). It looks like it could be an “inspirational” poster saying something like “Always pick carefully, you never know who’s watching.” You know something classy and not cheesy at all, and I wont even charge you for my great idea. Anyway keep up the great work and I’ll talk to you both very soon.

    You know

  • kate gardiner photography:

    Awesome job! LOVE LOVE LOVE the last photo! Well I love them all but the last one is priceless! :O) Great meeting you last month. Definitely added your blog to my rss feed!

  • Marissa Rodriguez:

    These are BEAUTIFUL! The last one is hilarious and so real I love it! Love your website and blog! So fresh and fun! Totally makes me smile!


February 6, 2010

Soooo, I may have left a massive, gaping, gigantic black hole in my blog. MY wedding photos!

Our wedding was an intense DIY project.  My parents worked dawn till dusk the week preceding, and I hadn’t slept for days. DAYS! Friends and family flew from every direction to mush us in love. Rehearsal dinner was a blast, and, true to form, I headed to the hotel at 9pm to sleep. Did you know I’m actually 80? I can’t stay awake – that is unless I need to be well rested. I stole a whopping three hours of sleep before the morning, only to rise, true to form, to gray skies, fierce wind, and drizzling clouds. October in Syracuse.

Marcus and I saw one another before the ceremony. BEST move of the day. We had time to enjoy one another, soak in the moments that mattered, and celebrate what was about to happen.

I was amazed by every detail of the day, and all the people who contributed to making it spectacular. We were, and are, so blessed. I loved my wedding, and I love my husband. That’s another reason I love capturing others’.

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My dress was custom made by a lovely friend in Thailand.

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Our wonderfully talented friend, Isaac Deitz, created a beautiful montage. Here’s a peak at the ceremony!

Moms and Dad, wedding party, Jazzy and JD, John Bohm, Jordan Stinziano, and the amazing artists; Seth May, Chris Rheaume, Kar-Lai Leung, Alexa Palumbo, and Keith Smith – WE LOVE YOU!!

  • Mabyn:

    Your wedding was beautiful Gina! I can’t wait to see you at Lillian’s this August! I feel so much better knowing that you and Marcus will be capturing all of the moments! God Bless! <3

  • helga:

    aww, I cried! Sooo noce and I so much in love with you guys! XO

  • Harmony Loves:

    gorgeous images! your dress and hairpiece/ veil is to die for!

  • Denise Saucedo:

    O.M.G!!!! You are THAT Gina and Marcus??!!! From Jasmine Star’s blog!!! Huge fan of hers!! And I thought you guys were adorable when I first saw your photos. How flippin cool that I got to meet you at the workshop and that you now live in my home town! YAY!!!! Cheers to a new friendship guys! Hope to see you soon!

  • Babbo:

    Dearest Gina and Marcus, It makes me so happy to see YOUR day was as special to you as it was to me. It is one day that will be remembered for the rest of my life!!!! It WAS spectacular and God – centered…. PRAISE THE LORD !!!! Love you……