This weekend was gorgeous…the sun and temp were perfect…and it looks like today is going to be more of the same. I’m absolutely drinking it up. After months and months of sticky humidity and heat, I now remember just why I love Florida in the winter so much.

The day this photo was taken felt quite similar. It was in the early Spring, the air was slightly crisp, and the sun was warm….just warm enough to take the chill away. I remember walking near the water, breathing in the salty air, and thinking that I would love to sit and spend an hour or so reading a good book or chatting with a friend at this sweet table.

Photographers, this was shot using my medium format Contax 645, 80mm Zeiss at 2.0, Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

Side note…I found my first gray hair yesterday. A long, long silver hair. Seriously??

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Today is going to be a great day! I can’t say how happy I am to be with my brothers and their sweet wives, and we’ve got a day packed full of fun. Tomorrow Seth is getting married, which hardly seems possible….he’s the baby of the family.

I shot this series of digital photos of Seth and Christian at Seth’s graduation just a few years ago, and I thought I’d share a peak into my world when I’m with them. No one makes me laugh more…

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

I’m feeling happy and excited today! I can’t wait to see my family. It’s a perfect day to share bright cheerful pink peonies…this lovely little bunch matches my mood perfectly, even at 5:45 in the morning. In a few moments, I’ll begin the mad dash to finish packing and get everyone dressed and ready to go, but for now I think I’ll just sit back and be lighthearted for a moment.

A while ago I was trying to explain to a friend what type of flowers I like and don’t like. I’m sure I’m just particular, but I’ve never really enjoyed the standard florist arrangements. I love flowers that feel as if they’ve been hand picked, something from the garden in the backyard perhaps. I love arrangements that are artistic and unexpected. This is one of the reasons that I enjoy working with floral designers frequently…I’m continually amazed by their talent and creativity…they understand the art of floral design, not just to business of providing a pre-designed arrangement of flowers for the 50 people that might walk in the door wanting to give something to their mother for Mother’s Day.

These darling little peonies and tulips are a perfect example. The design exudes simplicity. It feels personal. The flowers themselves are naturally beautiful, particularly when showcased in the eclectic mix of vases.

Many thanks to Botanical International Design Studio for providing such stunning floral designs at Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding.

Photographers, this shot was taken on my Contax 645, Fuji 400H rated at 200, wide open – 80mm f2.0 at 1/60. Off camera flash with umbrella, triggered by PocketWizards to the right of the flowers. Processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello Friends,

Did you enjoy Labor Day? I didn’t do an ounce of work…I spent the day with my family. Eric made breakfast in the morning – over easy eggs, bacon, and toast. Later in the afternoon, we took the boys to Miss Bonnie’s, their beloved 80 year old friend, and went to see The Help. Afterwards, Eric said that it was probably the best movie he’s seen in several years. It really was incredible to see part of the reality of what happened in our country only a few decades ago. I love this post that my friend Jill made on Facebook last night:

“The Help: #1 movie because the message is: Tell your story. Tell the truth, and that takes courage. Aibileen becomes what she repeats daily to her children: “You are kind, You are smart, You are important.” That is hope.”

I highly recommend if you haven’t seen already!

Today is Tuesday, so I’m sharing a favorite portrait. Since the bride usually gets all the attention (as she should), I thought I’d share an image of a bridesmaid. This maid of honor was waiting nearby while I was shooting portraits of the bride. I looked over and was struck by the beauty of this bride’s dear friend…strong, patient, calm. I am grateful for those women in my own life that have been a support to me, and have loved me through the ups and the downs. So, for today, here’s a little tribute to bridesmaids.

Photographers, this image was shot using a Contax 645, 80 2.0 lens, Fuji 400H rated at 200 ISO, f2.8, metered to the shadow. Processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

Happy Tuesday to you all!

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Happy Thursday! Thanks so much to those of you have already begun leaving comments…these have been wonderful bright spots in my week. It’s funny how bloggers get a little giddy over comments, and I’m no exception. By the way, as of this morning, I’ve begun to reply to your comments, and I’ve left a few of you questions…so you may want to go and take a peak again.

Today I’m sharing a favorite detail, which happens to be a place setting at Christina and Pete’s beautiful wedding reception at the historic Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg. I enjoy the low light, the gold tones, and especially the beautiful calligraphy for each individual place setting…such a classic and romantic touch. Of all the details shots that I could have chosen for today, I think the primarily reason that this image in particular feels special to me is because it reminds me of my grandmother, Gloria Pearl, whom of course this web journal is named after. Growing up, some of my best memories are of the holidays my family spent in my grandmother and grandfather’s home. She always had the dining room table set perfectly, she would serve us an amazing meal…one course at a time…and we would linger at the table for sometimes hours, talking, drinking coffee, and eating dessert. I still appreciate a table that is set for dinner, and especially one as beautiful as this!

Photographers, here are the specs – Contax 645, 80 2.0 lens, Portra 400 pushed to 800, shot wide open at 1/60. Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab. Minor editing in post production – just a little softening using gaussian blur.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Greetings Friends!

I hope you have all enjoyed your summer. Mine has been quite full…having my boys home always makes life an adventure. Today is Andrew’s first day of school. He is my youngest, so this day is somewhat bittersweet for me. He is more than ready for this new stage of life! Truthfully, I am too. He needs the routine and the stimulation for his little mind and body. And I am excited about the business growth that I am experiencing, and am grateful to begin a work routine. I have much to share with you, and I will be writing again daily…

For today, I thought I would share a look back on my oldest son’s first day of school. This is Joshua, three years ago. He was nervous and excited…I enjoy this photo because his face so clearly says it all!

I am thankful for this new beginning, and I look forward to the many wonderful things that the year ahead holds for my family.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Dear Friends,

I’ve mentioned before how much I love browsing in antique stores.  Over the course of my almost fifteen year marriage (has it really been that long?!), my hubby and I have regularly enjoyed antiquing together.  He’s always looking for little trinkets and gadgets…like the brass thermometer from The Goshen Lighting Rod Co. in Goshen, Indiana near his homestead, which we have in our dining room.  We both love hunting for unique furniture…especially beautiful wood pieces.  And I’m a sucker for glassware and dishes.  Here’s a tiny peak at my growing collection of pink glassware and china…so pretty and feminine.

Have a lovely day!

Blessings,

Gina

Dear Friends,

This morning has been a relaxing respite from my busy schedule. In the midst of always “going,” I treasure the times I have to rest with my family. My home is filled with the pleasure of fresh picked fruit for breakfast…shared with my sweet mother-in-law, a wonderful family friend, and my two darling boys.

Hoping that you also will have a moment this weekend to enjoy and love your own dear ones.

Many blessings,
Gina

Dear Friends,

The photos I shared yesterday have gotten me thinking…there are many moments during the day of a wedding that are set apart to honor the relationship between a father and daughter. What a marvelous tradition! And there are many more moments that happen without notice…nervous laughs and tears held at bay while he waits to walk her down the aisle, seconds away from giving her away forever…her tiny kiss on his cheek, after the toasts, when the guests are no longer watching…these are such sweet and tender memories.

Here is a photograph of a special moment during the traditional Father’s Dance. More to come tomorrow. For today, please take time to honor the loved ones in your life…look intentionally into their eyes and tell them how you care.

Many blessings,
Gina

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite moments during a wedding day is that split second when a father sees his beloved daughter in her dress for the first time. Of course the moment that the groom sees his bride is a tremendous moment also. Somehow though, it is the father’s reaction that brings tears to my eyes. There is something so powerful about the love a father has for his daughter, and it is in this moment that all his love, his desire to protect her, to care for her…it becomes visible, and his tears can’t be held back. This is a moment I wait for…it is certainly worthy of preservation on film…

Many blessings today,
Gina