Gabilicious

I know there are many that do not favor nick names. However, I don't want to imagine how boring life would be without them. Gabriella is a beautiful name through and through. Of Hebrew origin it means, "God is my strength." {How lovely to be reminded of that everyday!} Coincidentally, I chose Gabriella as my confirmation name. But really, when you look at these images - doesn't "Gabilicious" come to mind? She's Gabi, she's delicious, so in my books, she's Gabilicious.

These are a few select images from a project {not-so-top-secret} that I'm working on with a few other fabulous and fine women. Can't wait to share the details. For now, I can tell you that the stylist on this shoot was Rosy Fridman Strazzeri. To say I adore her is an understatement. Her style, her vision, her feminine strength is heaven. Working with her on this short shoot was such a gift and a treat. One of my favorite things (of many) about Rosy is her use of the word "geniale" which translated from italian means "brilliant, ingenious; of genius." Imagine working with someone and hearing that word being used to describe the outcome of your collective creativity. It would feel good, right?!

All that said, there's some big news coming up, so please stay tuned. Will share some fun changes in life and on the blog in the next couple weeks.

Happy Spring!

3rd Annual Portraits in the Park. Child and Family Portraits.

$600 is what it costs to fund grade school and high school tuition for one year in Rulenge, Tanzania. Last weekend, Bridges of Promise along with several volunteers and thirty amazing families raised $2,005! That is enough to send 3.34 children to school!

For a minimum donation of $75, families received a 20 minute portrait session, five 4x6 artist choice prints and the corresponding digital negatives of those five images.

A big thank you to our volunteers: Marita Madeloni, Luis Costadone, Warren Jones, Amy Kight Costadone, Pete Kierhart, and Janice Jobe and to my non-profit partner Karen Schuster.

BOP West and BOP East combined are currently sponsoring 55 orphans altogether in 2011. Thank you to everyone who keeps our mission in motion. It takes a village, and we're so grateful for the generous support of our community.

If you would like to sponsor a child or have a fundraiser idea, please contact Karen: karen.bridgesofpromise@gmail.com.

The Riley's. Family Portraits. San Francisco Bay Area.

Samantha was two the first time her patient, coy eyes gazed into my lens. She was full of bubbles and laughter posing like a pro for the camera. Later, at three, she impressed me even more. If you look closely, you may recognize her from the website.

This weekend, at four years old, Sam displayed a new kind of poise. The one that says, "yes, you're only eight months old, and I'm your big sister, Charlotte, so mommy and daddy will be very busy with you for a while, and that's ok, because I'm excited you're here, too." Well, I'm ad-libbing here, but you get it, right? Charlotte looks up to her big sister, smiles so big (probably to show off those two fancy bottom teeth that came in) and beams brightly making her eyes twinkle like fairy dust.

There's nothing like having a sister. Congrats, Samantha and Charlotte! You're so very lucky, and so am I for having the honor of documenting this special time in your lives. xo

Devin

Now, you may not think that cats are as smart as dogs, but I promise you, Zeus ran all around the house in excitement yesterday morning after I told him we were having company and that a little boy named Devin would be coming over. Really, you can nod your head and call me the crazy cat lady, which I gladly am, but it is true! Another truth: this 3 year old is the best high-fiver I've ever met. And look at him posing like a champ! His parents stopped by for a long overdue brunch this weekend, and we snapped these photos after feeding the ducks by the water near our house. In fact, our cats followed us throughout the entire walk and attentively enjoyed the feeding frenzy. As you can see here, Zeus really takes it upon himself to be an excellent host. Here's to a Happy Monday!