Surprise Announcement from the Ng Family // Pasadena Lifestyle Family Session

This is our 2nd year that we have had the blessing of photographing Roger, Carolyn and Audrey. Words could never express how special it is for Chris and I to be part of so many families throughout the years through photography.  Our families are not just clients, they become friends, they become part of our family.

When we met up with Roger, Carolyn and Audrey this year at Pasadena City Hall, we were excited to see them.  Audrey had surpassed so many milestones since our last session, not only is she walking now, but running.  She has her own little personality, she was so much fun.  She also had along with her a little surprise. As they walked toward us, I noticed Carolyn with a rolled poster.  During our pre-consultations, we are often asked if families can bring along props, or signs, and we are all for it.  Little did I know how special this sign was...

We were beyond thrilled to read that Audrey was going to be a BIG SISTER, and aside from close family, this was going to be their announcement of the BIG news.  Roger, Carolyn and Audrey, thanks so much for trusting in us to be part of so many special moments in your lives and we look forward to many more fun times together, and meeting your newest bundle of joy.  Audrey, your going to be an amazing big sister!

Enjoy some of our favorites from our session together.  

Pasadena Family Portraits // Ng Family Sneak Peeks

So excited to share just a few images from one of our latest sessions in Pasadena.  We are so thankful to have the opportunity to see Audrey grow (she just adorable isn't she?) cant wait to show you more of their awesome session soon.  

Laguna Niguel Maternity Session // Expecting Baby Milo

We still remember meeting Mary & Jeremy for the first time at Disneyland for their engagement session.  We had such a blast with them!  Month's later we met them again along with their awesome friends & family to document their beautiful wedding day in Santa Barbara.  Fast forward to our session here in Laguna Niguel, now having the blessing of documenting yet another chapter in their awesome lives.  When Chris and I found out that Mary & Jeremy were expecting their new addition to their family, we were excited beyond words.  We hope you enjoy these images as much as we do!  Congrats again to you both, Mary & Jeremy, we can't wait to meet Baby Milo!

Costa Mesa Lifestyle Newborn Session // Samuel Mark

Meet the adorable 4 day old Samuel.  This session meant something extra special as we welcomed our newest nephew into our family.  We had anticipated the moment we would be able to meet the little guy, and seeing the love that Justin & Hannah shared during their maternity session (take a look here), we knew Samuel would be surrounded by love all around.  We loved that we were able to incorporate some of the things that his mommy and daddy both love.  Justin and Hannah are BIG fans of the Boston Red Socks, so of course, mommy got her newest little man the most adorable crocheted hat.  We also got to document Justin's teddy bear when he was a baby.  We love that after all this time, he's kept such a precious memento of his childhood to share with his son.  

Looking into the stolen moments that mommy had while feeding Samuel, we were able to document the already overwhelming feeling of love that Hannah has for Samuel.  We can't wait to watch him continue to grow even more handsome every day and to celebrate so many milestones he has yet to reach in the near future.  We love you Sammy Boy!

Laguna Niguel Maternity Session // Sneak Preview

Just a quick sneak preview of our awesome parents-to-be.  Stay tuned for more photos from Mary & Jeremy's maternity session and don't forget to congratulate them in the comments section below.  

Documenting Baby's First Trip to the beach // Pier 15 Huntington Beach

Last weekend while celebrating a family members 5th birthday, Dom and his family set out to grab some sun at the beach.  This was Dom's first time ever at the beach, on the sand and even dipped his tiny toes in the water.  I had the pleasure of documenting this fun and awesome milestone in their lives.  So much fun!  Enjoy some of the fun moments Dom had!

First Beach Visit, Huntington Beach, Pier 15, Baby's First, Milestones, Los Angeles Family Photos, Orange COurnty Family Pictures, at the beach, Dominic, 5 months

Our Family's 90th Birthday Celebration // The Reef Restaurant in Long Beach

A few months ago we celebrated my grandmother's 90th Birthday.  Such a wonderful milestone to be able to share with her.  With the amazing planning of our family members, her celebration turned out awesome!  It was such a blessing to see the smile it brought my grandmother's face as she was greeted by everyone there to celebrate her.  Friends & family came from all over, just to attend her celebration.  It was amazing! The best part of it was to see and hear all the heart-felt ways my grandmother touched each and every person in that room in one way or another.

Nanay, meaning Mother in Tagalog.  This is the name we have always had for her growing up. Fitting perfectly as any awesome grandmother would, as she was truly my second mom.   I am grateful to have so many great moments to remember with Nanay.  As a child, I remember sitting down and watching Price is Right in the morning, followed by the slotted hours of soap opera's from channel 2 to channel 7 daily.  I remember in the mornings as a little girl, as most children had the cool cereal's you saw on TV commercials, I had toast with butter and dipped it in coffee. (It was more like milk with a taste of coffee, but at 5 years old, it was amazing!) I didn't complain, as it was what the adults had too.  Nanay taught me to use a sewing machine, how to make lumpia, how to count in tagalog and how to play mahjong.  Memories of going with her to the race track, eating nacho's together & her laughing at me as I practiced my attempts at speaking tagalog fluently.  I remember her telling me how mean I sounded as I tried to translate english sentences literally and without proper use of words to show respect.  Other memories weren't so glamorous, but none the less still beautiful memories.  Like the moments of going with her and my grandfather, Coco, as he visited the hospital, remembering the last time we visited his doctor's office to find out that there was nothing more they could do with his cancer.  Seeing how strong Nanay had been through this process, I don't get to tell her often enough, how proud I am and how much I admire her strength during that time.  

Fast forward to more recent years... Nanay helped raise and care for my children as she did me, and is especially close to Jade.  I am thankful that my children have had the opportunity to meet, spend time with & get to make their own memories with Nanay.  After all, it's a true gift to be able to meet your great-grandparent(s). Nanay has & will always be a great part of our lives and I look forward to making more memories and continuing to celebrate together.  

Dearest Nanay,

I love you for all that you have taught me and shared with me.  I thank you for all that you have taught me, shared with me and helped me with.  Along with my family, you and Coco have in one way or another made me the person who I am today.  I have had the blessing of being beside you during some of the greatest times, and some of the worst, either way, like you have always done for me, I will always be there beside you.  

I see the way you care for Jade as you used to do for me.  I thank you for that, as I know that Jade & Jarron are super lucky to have you as part of their childhood.  I hope that I have become at least half the person you have always hoped I would be.  I hope you had an amazing celebration to celebrate your 90th birthday party.  Here's to many more fun times at the casino.  

With love always,

Gina