February 6, 2013

She’s breathtaking, in personality and appearance, and known everywhere she goes. She is a writer, an artist, a traveler, a student. Tina has been the closest thing to a sister for me. We’ve grown up together, colored our hair together, sipped wine under the Eiffel Tower together, wiped tears from each others eyes, and laughed in the ugly, deep, unending way. She stood as a maid of honor in my wedding, so to watch this sister marry the man she so loves was an experience I’ll never, ever forget.

It didn’t surprise me Tina and Steve met in a restaurant setting. As luck would have it, her love for fine food is now eternally satisfied with Steve’s incredible talents as a chef. The morning of the wedding, Steve readied himself, wanting everything to be perfect for his bride. He told anyone with an ear what a lucky man he was, and patiently trekked through cold and snow to see Tina before the ceremony. Meanwhile, in her suite at the Grand, Tina finished writing her vows, prepared both wedding gowns, and packed what she’d need for the evening. Her heart fluttered with the anticipation that had built over months, so it was a sweet release when they saw one another for the first time. With a peace that fell tangibly over the room, she knew everything would be alright.

Tina+Steve :: I love you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your day in the most special way I know how. I pray the best for you and your future as one!!


Tina is a collector of furs, and on such a cold day, I can think of nothing better to be wrapped in.

One of my favorite portraits, ever! Tina’s an amazing makeup artist, so of course her face was flawless!

Is this red gown not to DIE FOR?! Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon at Neiman Marcus.

Practicing their first dance.

So sweet.

Obsessed with how fabulous they are!

For the ceremony, Tina changed into her white wedding dress.

So in love with this and them!

XOXO!!!

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  • Babbo:

    WOW. These photos are absolutely stunning. Your model is exactly that! A model who loves the camera and is not afraid to work it. Tina’s gowns are so her. Bold and beautiful. A lovely woman. Awesome job Gina!

  • Tonia Thornton:

    These photos are absolutely STUNNING…just like Tina. She is truly a woman that makes you stop what you are doing to watch her pass by…..Her personality is AMAZING.. Her laugh is contagious, her smile is intriguing, her eyes say a MILLION words, her heart is precious and her essence is mesmerizing…I count myself BLESSED to have Tina in my life as my niece….She is RARE< When she was younger…I used to always tell her, Tine…you are a diamond in the rough and I cant wait to see you SHINE…It was awkward for her …. so tall.. with a personality big enough for ALL to recognize…and when you put FABULOUS next to AVERAGE/EVERYDAY…it's hard…but your pictures have captured the RARE DIAMOND that she is. A beautiful cut,eyes as clear as the purest diamonds and a SMILE that BLING'S as bright as diamond's themselves. Thanks for your talent in capturing Tina's essence. Steve makes me smile… It is evident that he LOVES LOVES LOVES his QUEEN…Thanks again for your displaying such an amazing couple in your style. God Bless

  • Krista:

    LOVE

  • Samantha:

    WHOA! That is one GORGEOUS woman! I’m loving the idea of two dresses and that red is just perfect for the season!

  • Zia:

    Gina
    You captured Tina’s essence. What a beautiful couple. You also managed to make Syracuse look so chic!
    Tina is a star!


January 31, 2013

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  • Bella:

    What a beautiful bride! Can’t wait to see more…

  • Babbo:

    Such a beautiful image. Can’t wait to see what you’ve done! Congrats to Tina and Steve!


January 8, 2013

They were young. She was his best friend’s little sister. In reality, he was basically part of the family. When it was time for college, Derek ventured from the warm Arizona sun to Columbia University in New York, taking with him memories of that beautiful girl he couldn’t release from his mind. Patiently waiting until Katie herself was in college, Derek knew he needed to share his feelings lest he, literally, explode. Katie was settling into new waters at George Washington University when Derek ’swung by’ for a casual visit. A few awkward exchanges, and the idea of being together just didn’t seem to fit – That is, until the idea of being apart was unimaginable. They were such close friends before any feelings grew, that as the relationship naturally unfolded, it felt so solid and genuine. And after a delightful picnic and stroll through MLK Memorial, Derek surprised Katie with the proposal she’d longed to hear.

Katie and Derek celebrate firsts and milestones, love coffee and travel, and could read until their eyes fell out. Their personalities are dynamic and intoxicating, as anyone who comes in contact with them will tell you. They laugh and cuddle, dream and uplift. Outwardly, inwardly… these two are amazing.

Katie + Derek :: Marcus and I were so blown away by you two and can’t thank God enough for bringing you into our lives!! It felt like we’d known you forever after meeting you for ten minutes. We can’t wait to walk with you through this journey and be part of a marriage so incredibly powerful and exciting. WE LOVE YOU!!!


We started our time at the fabulous Burton Barr Phoenix library.

Can you even handle Katie?! I know. Obsessed.

These two are self proclaimed nerds, but their drop-dead look and social awareness disqualify them from any such title. We’ll go with geniuses.


Our wonderful friends at Giant Coffee let us come by for caffeine.

When I heard sequins would be involved, my heart skipped a beat.

Moments like this, where you can feel love by looking at it, give me goosebumps.

Derek’s parents have a gorgeous home near Camelback with sprawling views! TOO beautiful!

Sir! You make your grandfather’s vest look GOOOOD!

Just some rocks in the backyard. No big deal.

How are they so gorgeous?!

THANK YOU to the incredible talent who helped make this session so pretty and fun!!


Fashion Styling :: AVE Styles
Makeup :: SN Makeup
Hair :: Dry Bar

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  • Emily Timm:

    You two are adorable. Love this photography; awesome light in all of them. And all the looks are adorable! Makes me miss Phoenix. ;)

  • Katie & Derek Styled « Blog « Phoenix Fashion Stylist | AVE Styles:

    [...] year. New love. Katie and Derek are two incredibly cute people with a really sweet love story (read more about it here). I had the opportunity to style them for their engagement shoot with Gina Meola Photography. [...]

  • Rachel Leigh Greene:

    Love these! :D

  • Casia:

    FABULOUS JOB GUYS!!!! Love the library location (that light!!!) and of course the super hip clothing selections. What a fun couple.

  • Stephanie Neiheisel:

    These photo’s turned out so fun and beautiful! I love them :)

  • Alexandra Evjen:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! They are so gorgeous and happy! Great job!