Gina Meola Photography Blog | Arizona-Based International Photographer

Hiding From My Blog

Gina Meola — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:28 +0000

It’s paaaaainful writing this post. I’ve already left the computer SIX times in search of snacks to cure my “insatiable” hunger pangs, take Paisley on a walk, clean the bathroom, call Marcus… you get the picture. I’m sitting here, admitting to you, that I. LOATHE. BLOGGING. about anything personal.

Over the last year, our business grew uh-lot. That’s a HUGE praise and blessing, especially considering we just wrapped up our second year as a business. But with more work, projects, and goals than ever, “my” business began eating me alive. And the worst part? I LET IT! Literally months of non-stop stress migraines, turning down friends, and collapsing from being perpetually overwhelmed, I was running myself into the ground. So blogging? That became oooone more task to add to my never-ending list.

I decided I can’t BE every aspect of my business and lead it with vision and presence. And if I’m bogged down with maintaining through daily tasks, I can’t grow. None of this was really news to me, but reaching the tipping point so quickly put me in a scary place. With Marcus in a new position (which is perfect for him, and I’ll detail later), I knew I needed help. Those six months went by and I was scared to death about hiring someone! I also know that if fear is stopping me from pursuing something, I have to go after it.

All of that brings me to today. Tired. Dreading to blog. But hopeful. We are so blessed for what’s to come this year, and God has placed so many incredible people and opportunities in our path… it’s humbling to see it start coming together.

I’m excited to be a visionary again, be inspired in what I do, foster the relationships I have and work on new ones, serve our couples and this industry, and enjoy the goodness God has poured out.

LOTS of newness up our sleeves in these coming months – sharing more of me, a new addition to GMP, sparkly new sites, and Marcus’s new toy to name a few – so keep an eye out! And, hey. Thanks for sticking by me, even when I’m a terrible friend and lousy blogger.

Here’s a mini iPhone recap of our “personal” 2011.

XOXO!!!

FEATURED :: Grey Likes Weddings

Gina Meola — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:02:15 +0000

For brides, future brides, past brides, and the greater public at large that just enjoys pretty things… Grey Likes Weddings is a FANTASTIC blog that highlights fashion in weddings! That fabulous taste paired with a wonderful editor, Summer Watkins, is why we can never get enough!! We’re so, so grateful have one of my favorites shoots featured today!

We really appreciate your support, so please leave any comments on Grey’s blog!! You can also visit this shoot on my blog.

XOXO!!

Michelle + Rob :: Phoenix, Arizona Southern Charm

Gina Meola — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:50:46 +0000

In case I haven’t said it in every post ever… I love working with Alex of AVE Styles. She’s so passionate about her work and making our couples feel their best. For this session, Alex styled and prepared everything because it was her shoot! For the 411 on fashion (is that too 2008?) you can check out her blog!!

Rob and Michelle are ADORBS. They flew in from Texas to spend time with Alex, and with a sweet hint of twang, brought on the cuteness. We started the shoot with the help of Keith from the Phoenix Public Market.

Look at that smile! Southern gentleman fo’ sho’.

AH! What perfect little lips! Such a doll.

Love these his/her Schwinn bikes!!

We changed outfits and headed this quaint home downtown.

La-la-love!

Alex did a fabulous job coordinating outfits.

XOXO!!

Kat + Omid :: Scottsdale, Arizona Four Seasons Wedding Photography

Gina Meola — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:09:08 +0000

The alluring notes of a mystical Iranian song seeped under the doors of the girls’ room at the Four Seasons. Through a crack, you could see women in every corner with lush, dark hair and beautifully bright eyes readying themselves for the wedding. Kat scurried to set the final details of the ceremony that she had been so involved in creating, and after she took a deep breath, sat in her makeup chair, and looked around, she started beaming with anticipation.

Down the hall, the boy she met and fell in love with at a Persian gathering, couldn’t wait to see his bride perfectly wrapped in white. His groomsmen “clanged” their glasses with loud excitement as different languages echoed across the room.

Omid’s parents and sister had traveled in from Iran. They looked around with such pride in their son and admiration for his sweetheart. Then Kat’s father saw his only baby girl, walking out to see her groom for the first time, and placed his hand over his heart. She was, indeed, a stunning sight to behold. With tears in every eye, he kissed her cheek and disappeared to the side so she and Omid could experience their first look.

So much love filled this wedding day. Laughter infiltrated every conversation and arms were constantly swirling in the air as guests danced for hours and enjoyed hookah in the shade.

Kat and Omid :: WE are still glowing from your wedding. Your family was so gracious and loving, and their kind words and care are something we’ll take with us forever. And you. YOU! You two are absolutely wonderful to be around, laugh with, take ridiculously awesome photos of, and call friends. We love you two!!!

I hope Kat felt like a celebrity all day, because she certainly looked like one.

Cutest flowergirl ever?

Omid was completely rested and sharp that morning! So handsome.

Kat and Omid decided to share in a first look. I remember the butterflies I had in my stomach as I walked out for my first look, and I still get butterflies watching my brides do the same. So special.

This image kills me. Is it weird that I want to put them over my fireplace? They. are. perfect.

The FLAWLESS makeup was done by our favorite, Ashley Nicole.

I caught them practicing their first dance because they were nervous. SO CUTE!

The traditional Persian ceremony was so detailed and intricate. It was wonderful to witness.

Huge thank you to Kelly from the Four Seasons who helped everything run so smoothly.

Parents, sisters… so much love and good-looking-ness.

These girls… AH! So stylish and gorgeous!! ALL OF THEM!

Omid’s dad throwin down his moves with everyone else!

XOXOXO!!!

Featured on Wedding Chicks!

Gina Meola — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:19:00 +0000

Remember this cuuuuutie couple and their red, white & blue love?? It was a sweet surprise when the ladies at Wedding Chicks featured them today!! I’m sure you can see the perfection in clothing choice, hair, makeup, and accessories… all thanks to the magical Alex of AVE Styles! Thanks, Wedding Chicks!! As always, we sooo appreciate comments on the featured site!

XOXO!!

Kat + Omid :: Phoenix, AZ Engagement Photography

Gina Meola — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:54:51 +0000

We were PUMPED to kick off the new year with Kat and Omid’s engagement AND wedding! They’re outrageously beautiful, so much fun, and super in love. They were referred to us by the ULTRA talented makeup artist, Ashley Nicole, to whom we’re so grateful because we LOVE THESE TWO!

A HUGE thanks to Alexandra of AVE STYLES for styling this gorgeous duo, and Tempe Center for the Arts for letting us use their space!

Seriously? Her eyes slay me.

I may or may not have pressured them into giving me a date for their first child. I mean really… these genes need to get to work.

So, so, so, so, SO cute!

Celebrity look-alike? What do you think

Omid probably stopped us 15 times to switch to his “good” side, which just made me crack up and love him even MORE!

I was OBSESSED with Kat’s sparkles, and what a cool backdrop to highlight them!

Their wedding will be up next, so be sure to check back!! XOXO!!!

You Mean So Much :: 2011

Gina Meola — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:31:11 +0000

Maybe you didn’t know that I got goosebumps as you walked down the aisle. Or that we talk about how much fun we had with you two that night. Or know that you are what keeps us going, learning, striving… to my couples of 2011, thank you. Thank you for gifting us the ability to do what we love, with people we love. We would be nothing without your trust in us, and our lives wouldn’t be nearly as full without the memories we have to look back on from this year.

We wish you and your spouse the most beautiful of New Years… filled with hope, adventure, understanding, and love. From our home to yours, thank you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Four Seasons Winter Wedding :: Arizona Foothills + Ashley Gain Weddings

Gina Meola — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:09:10 +0000

It’s always an honor to work with talented and passionate professionals in any field, and I was thrilled to join forces back in Novemeber with Ashley Gain and her team of creatives for that very reason! Ashley created a stunning winter-themed tablescape for Arizona Foothills Magazine, oozing with sparkle, texture, and all sorts of pretty.

Photography :: Gina Meola
Event coordination and styling :: Ashley Gain Weddings & Events
Florals :: Table Tops Etc.
Location :: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North
Linens :: Wildflower Linens
Stationery :: Celebrations in Paper
Rentals :: Classic Party Rentals

I’m still gushing over the color scheme!

You really can’t beat the backdrops at the Four Seasons!

Hope you enjoyed a piece of winter in the desert!! XOXO

The Face of A Man We Love :: Grandpa

Gina Meola — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:52:54 +0000

He cultivated much more than a flourishing garden or beautiful carpentry. My grandfather made a life for us… one that holds opportunity and a love of family {and food} at the top. A simple blog entry could never sum up the man my grandfather was, but to share his legacy is a way he will continue to live on.

My grandparents left their tiny mountain town of Guardiaregia, Italy for a life in the States after they got married. They knew not one word of English, but found jobs and started our family here. I so admire them for that. They overcame incredible difficulties to set the foundation of what we have today.

Grandpa worked hard. So, so hard. He was a master carpenter, among many other trades he brought with him to America. We smile when we think of how much he loved his grandchildren… probably because he was a big kid and always had fun.

He handed my brother a BB gun when he was nine. He caught a rabbit with his bare hands in his 70s. He ate every part of a pig imaginable and consumed more pasta than I knew possible. He watched Italian television religiously. He cured his own meats, grew his own vegetables, made his own wine. He wore a loooong blonde wig at my wedding reception. He was always the first to greet anyone at the door. He made me pan-i-cakes every time I went over for breakfast. He was the reason I spent a year learning Italian in Italy. His big trick was flipping his eyelids over. And he loved his family with a fierce passion.

Grandpa was a storyteller… through his thick dialect, ZANGITA sound effects, or his mouth full of homemade spaghetti… he was someone you could listen to for hours because of his animation, laughter, and enthusiasm. He lived fully, and I know we’ll all miss his stories.

I was able to take these on the 4th of July in his garden.

As winter settles over his seeds, we can look forward to his work bursting through the ground in summer.

Grandpa had leukemia. Although, no one knew until a month before he passed. He could have lived with it for years, and probably did… but still, he tended his garden, cooked up a storm, enjoyed his espressos, and made every occasion special. All while likely feeling terribly drained inside. That was him… never complaining.

When I heard the news, I packed my bags and headed to NY to be with him. Before I got home, he and my grandmother celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

My family and I spent every hour of the day with grandpa. I can’t begin to tell you how painful those two weeks were, but I can tell you of the beauty we experienced through it all. Grandpa, once again, brought us all together. My cousins, parents, aunt, uncle, and brother had the chance to love and care for him the way he deserved. With undivided attention, we did everything we could, and I am ever so grateful.

I took these photos the last night he was able to stand. Another blessing.

My brother and grandpa shared an incredible bond. I’m so thankful for him.

He may have gone, but not without leaving a gift and legacy in us.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Ginger + David :: Prescott, AZ Engagement

Gina Meola — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:56:51 +0000

She gets him. He gets her. They’re fun and quirky, very much in love, and simply perfect for each other.

Ginger grew up in Nebraska with a huge family, and eventually made her way to Arizona where she met David. He grew up in the quaint town of Prescott, so it was a special treat when we headed there for photos. We enjoyed a crisp “winter” day, just before the annual Christmas decorations were unveiled. Rumor has it that Prescott is a major tourist destination during the holidays… LOVE that!

David is drop-of-a-dime helpful, always willing to serve and give, and Ginger is such a nurturing soul. We love them together and are so excited for their wedding, just a month away in Nebraska!

Ginger worked it. Ooooh yes she did!

And all of David’s previous modeling experience totally paid off

YUM! Love those eyes!

Kind of obsessed with this set.

They’re so fun and cute together.

Love, love, love.

XOXO!!