Welcoming Baby Jackson with The York Family // Chino Hills, California

I actually met Dorothy a while ago.  She was my RN supervisor in my previous life as a nurse.  Although we didn't work together for very long, again through the beautiful world of social media, we were able to keep in touch.  

As most creatives will understand, receiving messages that their work is loved is such an amazing feeling, and when Dorothy said she wanted me to take photos of her newest addition, baby Jackson, I was beyond thrilled.  

We began our session at the York family home and then headed to a near by park for a bit more fun.  Here are just a few of my favorite moments captured during my time with Dorothy and her beautiful family.  Jackson even got to show off his first pair of Jordan's. Jayden is an awesome big sister, always making sure he was ok.

Jason, Dorothy, Jayden and Jackson, thanks so much for a great time together.  I look forward to seeing the kids continue to grow into even more amazing kiddos.  

Super Fun Session with the Docherty Fam // La Cañada Flintridge

It is such a pleasure to see families grow throughout the years, especially since social media has made it so easy for us to stay in touch.  As photographers we are allowed the opportunity to share in these moments, and our families can look back on their images & see their own families grow.  

Meet the beautiful Docherty Family. Steve, Jehan and their gorgeous girls.  We had a fun filled afternoon together and we are so excited to share with you just some of our favorites from their session.  

Steve, Jehan, Aeden, London & Tolan we had such an awesome time with you and want to thank you for allowing us to capture the love you share as a family.  We look forward to seeing the girls continue to grow into gorgeous young ladies. 

First Christmas with Baby Audrey // Union Station, Los Angeles

There are so many moments that us parents will never forget.  Baby's First Christmas is definitely one of them.  We met Roger, Carolyn and Audrey at Union Station in Los Angeles.  Immediately we were able to feel the love that they had as a family.  Audrey, at only 6 months was all smiles right from the beginning, we couldn't have had a more wonderful time together.  

Roger and Carolyn, thank you for having us capture such a special time in your lives, and being part of celebrating Audrey's first holidays.  We absolutely love the Christmas card and we look forward to being part of many more of Audrey and the families firsts in the future.  

Merry First Christmas, Audrey!  XOXO!

Family Time at the Los Angeles Zoo // The Lee Family

I first met Herm and Jen when Chris and I first began dating.  Jen was working with one of Chris' closest friends, and inevitably, at each celebration we always saw one another & we all became great friends.  I still remember celebrating their marriage, finding out they were expecting their first little addition, Lucas, coming together for holidays, and to then welcome Larissa into the family.  

So when I received the text message that they wanted to have family photos taken, it was an automatic "of course!' as my response.  Even more excited when Jen and I decided to have our session at the Los Angeles Zoo.  

Herm and Jen, I am so thankful to have you both as friends and look forward to many more celebrations together.  Lucas and Larissa are so fortunate to have you both as wonderful, loving parents & can't wait till we can all hang out again soon.  Panera soon? 

Celebration of New Chapters with the Lamacchia Family // Santa Monica, California

We are so thankful for all the amazing moments we have captured with each & every one of our families.  We had the privilege of being part of  Chad & Mishanna's engagement and wedding celebration.  Naturally, when we heard that they were expecting a little one, we were excited be part of the beginning of another new chapter in their lives together.  Just watching them both interact with their little boy, Max, was so heartwarming.  We know that Max has some amazing parents and we look forward to being their every step of the way.

Chad & Mishanna, you are such wonderful friends to us and are great parents. The love you share for Max spills over in every moment we captured.  We look forward to celebrating so many more new chapters together.  Max, we were so happy to meet you, and look forward to seeing you continue to grow even more handsome every day.    

The Amazing Duo & Their Boys // Downtown Fullerton

Meet Jenn and Sean, founders of Mommy and Me Cancer Foundation. When Jenn contacted me to let me know that she wanted family photos she also told me the exciting news that they were also expecting a new addition. Naturally I was super happy for them.  Jenn and Sean provide so much for other parents through their foundation, it was almost too obvious that they are amazing parents themselves.  I had the blessing of spending time with Jenn, Sean and their boys, Jacob & Gavin, having fun and captured some family moments in Downtown Fullerton SOCO District.  It was so wonderful to see their family interact with one another and see the love between them all.  They are such a beautiful family.  

Sean, Jenn, Jacob and Gav, Congrats again to the newest addition to the family.  I can't wait the little handsome guy next year.   

Fulfilling a Mother's Wish // Rodriguez Family

Fair warning to those of you who have come to view the Rodriguez family, this one tugs on the heart strings, in a more than beautiful way.  

As many of you know I am a proud supporter of Mommy and Me Cancer Foundation and have had the blessing of meeting and photographing many of the beautiful moms. When I received a text that they had a mommy that wanted to have her family photos taken, I had no idea it was something that was so very special.  After speaking with Jenn, Co-Founder of MAMCF she told me that one of the things they do for the mommy's is ask what they would like help with.  Yvonne's only request was family portraits, and I am blessed to be able to provide this for her.  

From the moment I met Yvonne, I knew that there was something special about her.  I couldn't tell if it was her welcoming smile or her sincere tone of voice.  As we drove down the street to a local park she told me her story.  

"When my little guy was born I remember breast feeding and I noticed a lump.  I didn't think anything of it, I just thought it was because of the milk.  About 2 years later, I just remember going to sleep and waking up, and the lump had tripled in size.  It was then that I went to see my doctor, and found out that I had breast cancer. "

I remember her pausing to take a breath...

"I underwent treatment right away.  Last week, I went to see my doctor, and he told me that I have 6 months to live. People tell me that doctors don't know what they are talking about, but Gina, I feel it.  Thank you so much for doing this, Gina.  This will be my first time taking family photos."  

I held back my tears as she wiped her tears from her cheek and smiled as she looked outside the car door to her children.  It was a very emotional session for all of us, and I am thankful for every moment of it.  

Yvonne, Michael, Ava and Eli thank you so much for an amazing time together.  Yvonne, as you know I send all my love and strength to you.  Like you told me, there will be good days, and there will be bad days, one day at a time, mama!  Keep fighting Yvonne.  Love you.