Just when I thought this mother of two crazy boys was beyond the life of soireeing, here I am getting dolled up and doing what I least expected. Last night, I put on a pretty party dress and visited the beautiful Barger Estate in Thonotosassa, FL, which is a new venue perfectly suited for an elegant wedding just outside of the city. The best part of the evening…aside from the hugs from wedding industry friends…was no doubt the carrot cake from Rommy of Cakes with a Kick. Best carrot cake of my life…moist, rich, and a light touch of orange glaze. Yum.

The event was planned flawlessly by Jamie from Confetti Events, and amazing florals provided by MMD Events, amongst a host of other talented vendors. How is it that there is so much talent right here in the Tampa Bay area? It really is a privilege to work with these gems.

Today I’m sharing a glimpse into Ashley and Michael’s old Hollywood glam wedding at The Powel Crosley Estate, planned by Anna Pohl with Day Planners. I chose this photo, not just because of the special moment in which they are being introduced as Mr. and Mrs., but moreso to showcase the creativity and thought that Ashley and Anna put into the details. Do you love the star and her vintage gown? Look closely…you’ll notice the cake is designed with tiny little stars, and a lovely bride and groom sitting on a moon cake topper. Darling.

Photographers, this was shot on a 35mm Nikon F100, 50mm lens, f4, metered to the shadow, Fuji 400H film stock, rated at 200, processed and scanned by North Coast Photo.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Is it really Friday already? I’m sitting here in Starbucks, drinking a bit of caffeine nectar, and mulling over how quickly the week has gone by. Yesterday came and went in a blink. Tomorrow, I’ll be photographing a wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, which I’m looking forward to. And hopefully I’ll get in some good family time on Sunday….maybe even a bona-fide Sunday afternoon nap. Yes, please.

Today’s photo is one that has spent time circulating the web recently, first on the bride’s own blog, Peanut Butter Fingers. Her name is Julie and she is a blogging phenomenon! I love this girl….be sure to pay her a visit. The photo has recently been featured on A Cup of Jo too, amongst a few others in Europe. Julie and Ryan decided that they didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony, but they still wanted a special moment together before their “i do’s.” Julie came to me with this sweet idea a month or so before the wedding…she wanted Ryan to come to her, hidden behind a door, so that they could talk and enjoy each other without having Ryan actually see her in her dress. It was a tremendously tender moment…filled with tears and laughs.

Brides, I’d love to hear you share your thoughts…are you planning to see your fiance before the ceremony? Why or why not?

Photographers, this was shot using my Nikon F100, 50mm lens at 1.8, 1/60, using Neopan 1600 film, rated at 800, ambient light only. Developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

Hello friends,

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was quite busy…filled with lots of time with friends.

Yesterday was particularly special. Our church regularly celebrates the act of Christian baptism at the beach, and last night we gathered as a church to watch thirty adults and teenagers publicly show their faith this way. It was incredible to see approximately 300 people lining the shore of the beach. The light was especially beautiful last night…the cloud formations were dynamic and the sunset was full of color. I regretted not having brought my camera…

Recently I’ve shared a few photos with you of Amy’s lovely bouquet along with Amy and Tony’s walk near the water at sunset, but I haven’t shown her beautiful face or laugh. I mentioned that I would do so…thus today’s photo is of this sweet couple together immediately after their ceremony. I realize that most photographers like to take the photographs of the couple and family before the ceremony, which I often do, depending on the request of the couple I’m working with. However, I’m always amazed at how light-hearted and relaxed the couple is after the ceremony…all the nerves are gone…it makes for the very best photographs! This photograph of Amy and Tony is a perfect example.

Brides, if you are considering your wedding day timeline and you think you’d like to take care of formal photographs before the ceremony, I think this is a wonderful idea. It eliminates a great deal of stress and pressure afterwards. However, I would highly recommend that you steal a little time with your hubby and the camera after the ceremony, perhaps near sunset for relaxed and natural photographs…you’ll be glad you did!

Photographers, this shot was taken using a Nikon F100, 50mm lens, 35mm Fuji 400H film rated at 200, wide open – f1.8, metered to the shadow. Desaturated and toned in post production using Adobe Lightroom.

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

Hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend. My family and I enjoyed watching NFL yesterday afternoon and evening…it’s always a fun day in our house when the season starts. I also watched a good bit of the 9/11 coverage, which made the day feel a bit somber. Somehow it’s difficult to watch football after taking the time to remember the many lives that were lost that day. Yet, I’m tremendously thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy, and I’m grateful to those who serve our country in battle everyday.

Since I shared a little last week, I thought I’d share a few more of the amazing details from Jessica and John’s beautiful wedding at the Powel Crosley Mansion. I had the honor of seeing this wedding published in Brides Florida magazine, much in part to the careful attention that Jessica put into all the little things. This wedding has provided inspiration to many of the brides that I have personally met with, so hopefully it will be a source of inspiration to those of you who are in the planning stages right now! Special thanks to Redman Steele for the beautiful floral design.

Jessica’s Melissa Sweet gown, provided by Malindy Elene Bridal Couture:

Photographers, these were shot primarily using my Contax 645, Fuji 400H and 800Z, along with Nikon F100′s and lenses. Rated at half, metered to the shadow.

xoxo,
Gina Leigh

White peonies and fresh lavender…make a blissful bunch, yes?

Many you have a day filled with bliss today, my friends.

Blessings,
Gina

This amazing floral design is from Redman Steele. I’ll have more of his beautiful work to show you soon!

Dear Friends,

My, oh my! What a treat to have two weddings featured this week.  Lauren, with Every Last Detail, is showcasing Darren and Kristina’s beautiful wedding. This is a first time look into this magical day, as I have not personally shown the wedding photography from this Gainesville, Florida wedding on A Pen for Pearl yet. Darren and Kristina were a joy to photograph, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to capture their day. The details and colors are extraordinary and perfectly showcase the work of Melissa from MasterPiece Weddings!

You’ll enjoy visiting Every Last Detail. Lauren is a little star in the world of wedding blogs…she is simply bursting with creativity and ideas! Please be sure to write her a little note of encouragement when you visit.

Have a very, very happy day…

With great affection,
Gina

My Dear Friends,

How very lucky of me!  Erin of Lucky Designs, and the Lucky Me! blog, is featuring Jennifer and Drew’s darling wedding today.

Erin designs the most adorable monograms for brides and grooms…for invitations, napkins, programs, and many, many other wedding purposes. Her work is wonderful! As a former bride herself, she found great inspiration, support, and creativity in the wedding blogging community, and has sought to “pay it forward” with her own blog, Lucky Me!.  It is a wonderful resource and community for both brides and wedding enthusiasts.

Please be sure to stop by and see Jennifer and Drew’s photographs, and leave a little note for Erin too! And have a very lucky day…

With great affection,
Gina

Dearest Friends,

What a wonderful wedding idea for a whimsical table display! Delicate white and green florals…in a tiny glass San Pellegrino bottle. This feels something like “comfort food” to me. Although, of course, I’m not really writing about food. Nevertheless, this little floral piece has the same casualness and ease of home-made corn bread casserole, wouldn’t you say?

Amanda Allen, of MMD Events, showed up on my doorstep with this little gift and we shared lattes together, chatting the morning away. What pleasure!

I know that there are many brides in the Tampa area who are not only looking for a natural, romantic feel to their wedding photography, but are also looking for romantic, home-spun floral design. Look no further than Amanda of MMD Events! Her creativity is…refreshing.

Today, friends, may you find a touch of comfort-food for your soul…

With great affection,
Gina

I am delighted today to have found Betsy and John’s beautiful cake featured on Brides.com.

This truly was a special cake! Betsy’s father grows a special variety of orchids, which were included in many of the floral elements throughout their wedding day. The floral design was provided by the Ian from Botanica International Design Studio, who is tremendously talented. His designs are simply amazing. The cake itself was designed by Chantilly Cakes, and the guests raved about its deliciousness!

You may read more about Betsy and John’s beautiful day in the current issue of Brides of Florida magazine, or by clicking here. What a treat it was to photograph such uniqueness at this special wedding.

May you take time today to stop and smell the…orchids. Or at the very least, enjoy a bit of sugar….

With great affection,
Gina