It's My Blog, And I Can Do What I Want To

So to that point, I've changed a few colors.

My short stint back in the States has morphed into a ruthless dedication to an overwhelming sense of being - one marked by monstrous decisions and transitions, mind you. The culmination of a love, business, and passion are bursting forward to that higher point, and conveniently in unison. I'm gushing time into making the joy of my camera a full-time career. I'm going to be a married woman in four months... WHAT?! And God has been shaping our hearts, finances, and priorities for another bout of service overseas. We're leaving three days after the wedding. Did I mention that?

As Marcus and I do what we can to prepare for a life that leaves little room for ourselves, we are reminded what an honor and challenge living for Christ truly is. Dying to one's self and selfish nature, and choosing to place His will and another's needs before our own is a daily clash, but by no means an impossible battle.

The color change. We're in the process of developing a new blog and web site before scurrying to Asia (among a million other things). THIS is no new blog, but a minor spruce before the big show.

New winds are-a-comin'. Is that right? However the saying goes, I'm pumped for the ride. And so is my dog.

Gina + Marcus :: Engaged

This was the BEST shoot EVER!! Yeah, it was all about us... but really. The BOMB. ; )

As certified photosnobs, Marcus and I dragged our incredible friend Tammy Swales in from out of town for the day to play dress up and shoot. shoot. shoot. Her energy is astronomical, hence the wildly fun images, and I'm so thankful to have her in my life. She's poured so much knowledge into my enormously small head. You'll see many more pickies when my NEW WEB SITES are released!! *woot woot*!

Thank you Tammy for everything you have been and done for us. I love this man to pieces, so thank you for capturing us and our spirit. We looooove you!!

Babbo's Day

It's the Italian - well, Florentine word for "father". And to me, it's the perfect fit.

Babbo and I share many similarities, like our love for Italia and la lingua, a compassion for old ladies that need an ear, and a pure unadultured love for our dog (baha). We love to get lost in our obnoxiously loud music, dine over good food and red wine, and walk. Anywhere. He's hilarious in unsuspecting moments, has probably stayed awake through one movie this past year, and sweats Italy's best coffee blends. 

Geno Cappuccino... Babbo... thank you for instilling the importance of family, God, and espresso into the being I am today. Thank you for oversupporting everything I get into, and taking an interest in the person and life God has created for me. You are too kind, too giving, and too legit for most of us to live up to. Thank you.

Ti voglio bene.

KC + Isaac :: Engagement

I seem to be a woman of few words these days, but this was a great engagement shoot... and the earliest. Ever! We awoke to the sun kissing the hills of a golf course at 5:30 a.m. KC and Isaac were escorted by their dog Lilly and wedding bears. Looking forward to the big day in September!

 

 Have an awesome weekend!

Alyssa + Caleb :: Wedding

They met at their church youth group, young hearts unabashedly fond of the other. Years later, they walk as husband and wife, unabashedly committed to the other. Alyssa and Caleb are genuine, understanding, and blissfully happy side by side. I was blessed to be a part of their union. Hope you two are enjoying a fabulous honeymoon! 

Victorian. Alyssa has a victorian beauty about her.

We snagged the two away from their loved ones for some alone time.

Marcus grabbed these next two shots.

The reception was held in the Thornden Park Amphitheater. We lucked out with a glorrrious day.

Every wedding has a Mod Squad. Meet this week's:

Two lives as one. Love it.

It's His Fault

It's been a horrendously long time since my last post... SO LAME! I promise to have more up soon... just busy readjusting and making up for lost cappucinos. For now, we'll blame Ciucci, my gorgeous demon dog.

P.S. I'm Getting Married

I guess you could say it's been two years in the making.

Marcus and I crossed paths when I was a wee-little high schooler through mutual acquaintances, but it wasn't until years later that we met again at a young adults church group led by our dear friend. After the teaching, I bounced over to slap him with the infamous I-don't-know-you-well-but-we're-going-to-hug-like-best-friends embrace that you've surely received if we've met. In that moment, he had no remembrance of me. His response? "Wow! Yeah, it's sooo great to see you!" Thank you, Marcus. Over the next three months, we spent a delightful time together as friends, until I noticed feelings were-a-stirrin' on his end I had to set the record straight. It was a talk I'd had thooousands of times, "I'm sorry, you're really nice, but I'm just not interested in anything beyond friendship... sooo, let's just be friends". There was no crying, no breaking of fine china, or stomping off crushed and heartbroken for eternity. In fact, there was little expressed emotion at all. Oddly enough it was the following day, after waiting impatiently for a phone call and NOT getting one, that I knew somewhere in the future this man was going to care for me as his wife.

Marcus is from a charming town in Ohio that's visited less than desired, but doesn't remember much else from before we met. He's a man who beat the raging odds against him, learns and teaches from his mistakes, and loves in the wholehearted, unashamed, vulnerable kind of way. He is my gentle warrior, and God has an impossible life ahead for us. Yes, impossible. We are part of a plan that could never be accomplished in our own strength, and for that, I am so thankful.

As a couple, we have experienced the excitement and oblivion of new love, but have dealt with our fair share of trial and tribulation. Sitting here, witness to the work God has done in both of our lives to this point, overwhelms me with humility. Preparing for marriage, and the daily sacrifice to one's self, is a choice and commitment we are BLESSED to be making. 

Because we've been planning our wedding for four months, the majority of the details were finalized a while ago. Stay tuned for engagement pics and how it all went down, our plans for the date, and (most importantly) what happens after!

The fruit of waaay too many jobs. Asscher cut. Deeelish.

To a Team That Makes Me Oh, So Proud

You MADE my experience.

I showed up in Thailand with few expectations and a suitcase of uncertainties. My first day in the office, confused and discombobulated, I crept to my desk only to notice a beautiful card resting against a beautiful flower. The Siam-Care staff had gone out of their way to ensure I felt welcomed, and from that day forward, they have welcomed me into their country and lives with the greatest of humility. 

Whether it was feeding me non-stop, translating to my lost cab driver, including me in a shopping adventure, or inviting me to a show... they have consistently extended themselves and their time in the most selfless of ways, putting relationship first. Even if swamped in work or stressed with a laundry list of to-dos, they were 110% available. I can't say that for many people, including myself.

My remembrance of Thailand will never be separate from thoughts of you, so today, I thank you for your love, patience, and understanding. The work you do is amazing, and the passion you complete it with is beyond admirable. P' Ting, P' Tik, P' Leng, P' Ard, P' Paew, P' Lek, P' Cheng, P' Pang, and P' Ying: You are amazing and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

"WhaaaaaAAaaat???"  ;-)

Here's a short recap of the wonderful farewell dinner we shared together at Baiyoke. 

Personal magic show.

A few of my beautiful angels.

Me crying over the amazing calendar they made for me. Yes, that is also a rice cooker sitting next to me!!

Just for the road...

Bye-bye for now, Bangkok.