Gayla Elizabeth Photography - Los Angeles | Honolulu Portrait and Wedding Photography

LRO Night by the Ocean 2011

gayla — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:09:04 +0000

Life Rolls On 8th annual Night by the Ocean gala was held at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey this past Saturday for their signature fundraiser to help raise money to support quality of life programs for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Guests were greeted with leis as they entered the cocktail reception held at the pool which had an amazing silent auction. Some of the items up for grabs included, an few autographed guitars by some incredible artists: Sammy Hagar, Sarah McLaghlan, Elton John, Tim McGraw; an autographed Beckham jersey, surfboards, glicee prints, jewelry, a gucci tote, vacation getaways, apparel, accessories and so much more.

The event was hosted by Sal Masekela with honorable chairs: Dave Annable, Odette Annable and Jason Lewis. A night of motivational videos and clips of incredible people living with SCI.

The live auction consisted of some incredible items up for grabs including a pair of his and hers Corum wtaches, and all expense trip to Fiji’s Tavarua Island, and amazing Hawaii 5-0 package AND a few Jason Mraz packages which consisted of front row seats to his concert, backstage access, a chance to surf and hang out with Jason at Hollister and the biggie…. Jason Mraz coming to your home to chill with his awesome voice and his amazing guitar. Pretty cool!

Rachelle Friedman, who recently made national headlines after her freak accident last year, also made a special appearance and captured the audience as she rolled onto the stage to share her story with everyone. You can see her story by clicking here.

A big surprise came for everyone when Jason Mraz decided on playing live along side Toca Rivera, which ultimately turned into a little mini private concert by the end of the night. Everyone was feeling the love and to keep the Jason Mraz vibe going, San Diego Hat Company donated a hat to all guests, which was pretty cool. It was a great night of inspiration, motivation and incredible people, made possible by some amazing sponsors and volunteers. As always, I left with a very filled heart.

A special thank you to the sponsors for the event:

Balance Vector
Barefoot wine & bubbly
Bill Silva Management
CBS
Citizens of Humanity
Joanne Gimbel
Fox Television Group
Jason Mraz
Paradigm
San Diego Hat Company
Shoe City
Thinktank
Warrior Posts
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Wells Fargo Capital Financ

Things are a changin’

gayla — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:49:52 +0000

Yes, Gayla Elizabeth Photography has been getting a makeover and we have slowly begun to unveil the new look and features. I am so excited. Can I get an AMEN!

This makeover started in January, 2011 and has taken months of meetings, planning and hard work by my great team. While we are still working on many of the details and will continue to work plug away behind the scenes, I was itching to share the new look and wanted to start incorporating it into my brand and packaging. So, I launched the new look last week. My colors are now a deep chocolate brown, similar to an expresso. Sounds kinda yummy doesn’t it? While I love my zen green, brown seems to work best with my images and also happens to be one of my favorite colors. I’m so the woodsy kinda gal. I love rustic furniture; things made with cool distressed woods; whether it’s mirrors, floors, tables, chairs, desks, you name it, I love it rustic. So brown really did make sense. And, I’ve since come to learn that brown also represents wholesomeness and earthiness, steadfastness, simplicty, friendliness, dependability and health. Everything that is me. So, brown it is!

The logo and mark took a lot longer to design as I was trying to find a logo that represented myself and my work. I was looking for something that symbolized transition, similar to a butterfly, but not so obvious. I thought of designing my initials into an abstract butterfly and we tried… and tried… and it was not happening. I knew I wanted something to represent love, but I didn’t want anything to traditional and conventional. So I thought how can I incorporate love with something else? Something a little different and a little artistic and a bit abstract. I tried to think of another symbol that I could tie in with the heart. I love the infinity symbol, how it looks and what it represents. So we worked on creating an open heart that also represents an infinity symbol. After several attempts, it was completed.

That was a challenge, but we managed to get it done. Whew. Now…we have to tie everything together and here comes implementing the new brand into the entire business. Website, blog, stationary, business cards, packaging material, promotional materials, etc.. There is a lot. Once we get this completed, we will be working on implementing some really cool features in our websites. And, some other great news to be announced in the upcoming months.There will be some big changes coming to Gayla Elizabeth Photography. We will be updating and changing things daily and try to keep the updates as smooth as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Be sure to visit the newly designed website as well at www.gaylaelizabeth.com. Keep in mind, we will be adding some cool features, so check back often. As many of you may have already seen…here is the new logo.

Jeremy loves Allie and her Vera Wang!

gayla — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:56:47 +0000

This plush wedding took place at the gorgeous Brentwood Country Club in Los Angeles for the Gordon / Weinstein family and did not disappoint. The excitement was in high gear from early on and Allie was full of smiles and giggles ALL day. There were no nerves or no anxiety here. It was like watching a little girl in a candy store. Honestly, I must warn you her smile is infectious. She was such a gorgeous bride in her rockin’ Vera Wang gown. Her Vera Wang gown was to die for. So sexy… so beautiful and just… gorgeous on Allie. Kinda like a “wonderland”

Over 225 of their closet friends and family watched Jeremy and Allie wed as they stood under a custom made hoopa made especially for them. The weather was beautiful, an adorable entry down the aisle from the bride as dad got a bit teary. The pink themed wedding didn’t stop with the gorgeous decor in the ballroom. The table settings were adorable and each table was decorated with some incredible silver collectibles and GORGEOUS flowers. Simply beautiful. The reception was jumpin’ with an amazing live band that rocked their socks off while everyone got their groove on. One of the highlights was the father/daughter dance as Allie’s sister sang “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”. It was adorable!

You can see Jeremy and Allie’s engagement pics by clicking here. I look at these pictures and can’t help but smile when I see that glow in Allie. She was an absolute stunning bride! Congrats Allie and Jeremy…. wishing you all the best. xoxo. Be sure to watch the slide show at the end of this post for more pics

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Of course a nice pair of Jimmy Choo shoes are in tow..

Look at her figure… Just love it!

Jeremy got a few laughs out of everyone during the ceremony…

Each table was decked out with some amazing silver from her step father’s collection. A beautiful touch to compliment those amazing flowers from Hidden Garden.

A darling little cake that tasted very delish! mmm

Allie and Jeremy had a very cool candy bar for guests with the pink theme running through the table. Candy Girl set up an amazing spread of sweets including: PINK lemon candy, white chocolate macadamia nut bark, chocolate cookie bars, white chocolate covered pretzels, old fashioned candy sticks, meringue clouds, chocolate balls, kisses, chocolate bark with peanut butter, salt water taffy and so much more. It was a very SWEET table!

The band was rockin’ all night. Amazing music and made for some great dancing.

Press play below to see a slide show of Jeremy loves Allie…

Below is a list of vendors who helped make this wedding possible:

Venue: Brentwood Country Club

Wedding Coordinator: Joie de Vivre – Jennifer Hronek

Photographer: Gayla Elizabeth Photography

Florist: Hidden Garden

Cake: Rosebud Cakes

Officiant: Rabbit Yossi Carron

Music: West Coast Music

Lighting: Images by Lighting

Candy Station: Candy Girl

Videographer: Video Services Unlimlited

A very special thank you to Lucia for the amazing help throughout the entire day. You are GREAT! xoxo

Allie and Jeremy are getting married!

gayla — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:04:34 +0000

While these two grew up in the same Beverly Hills neighborhood, they never seen or heard of each other until mutual friends tried to set them up a while ago. Jeremy was given Allie’s number but never called. dom.dom. dom…..It was only months later when Allie was at a party at the W Hotel when she met this guy… yup, it was Jeremy. It was only after a brief conversation and recalling his last name Weinstein that Allie realized he was the guy that never called! “Allegedly”, Jeremy never got her number from their mutual friends. ( I thought I’d use the legal term, since Allie is a lawyer! LOL. ) Funny thing was Allie said she wasn’t really into Jeremy after meeting him that night.

Fast forward to the present day and here we are, Allie and Jeremy are officially engaged and getting married. Yup, MARRIED! I met with them both this past weekend to go over a few details about their upcoming wedding and we managed to squeeze in a little mini-engagement session. You can see they were in fact meant for each other and they both are overflowing with cuteness. So much for not Allie not being into him after meeting him that first night. Congrats Allie and Jeremy. I’m excited to be shooting your wedding coming up in August!

Happy Father’s Day

gayla — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:53:51 +0000

This one is not as happy as I would have liked it to be. I just learned last night that my dad was taken to the Emergency Room as he was feeling ill. After many tests, they admitted him and he will be going in for surgery in the am. It’s not exactly how I was hoping he would be celebrating his Father’s Day. Luckily, my brother and his family were visiting him for the weekend and was with him to ensure he got the medical attention he needed. I spoke to my dad this morning, as he lay in his hospital bed. While it was nice to hear his voice, it still saddened me to know he is being hospitalized..and on Father’s Day at that. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health. Please be sure you tell your father how much they mean to you…. give them thanks… share your love. Life is too short and you never know when one’s time is up. Live with no regrets, only love. I hope all the other fathers in the world have a great day. Be blessed!

Here’s a pic of my dad taken at my nephew’s USMC graduation. Love you daddy…xoxo

The travelling family… Julianne, Doug and Donovan

gayla — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:52:28 +0000

He’s a financial planner…she’s a doctor and together…they made baby Donovan; this cute big blue-eyed adorable baby boy. This family / baby photo session took months in the making. Literally. Julianne and Doug (and baby Donovan) do a lot of traveling, so getting this photo session locked in on a date that worked for all of us was a bit challenging.A After many calls,emails, voicemails and text messages, we finally locked in a date this past Sunday. The Solorzano family was actually vacationing in Las Vegas this past weekend, and returned early this past Sunday specifically for this photo shoot. Yup, a weekend in Vegas…followed by a family photography session in Century City! Needless to say, little Donovan was a little tired; but we did manage to capture his personality and great smile. We started on his bed in his nursery and then headed out to the front yard. See the adorable family below…

Michael got shoes!

gayla — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:05 +0000

Little Michael is growing up and growing up fast! Check out his 4 month old baby pics… This little slugger is quite the cutie and his looks are really starting to evolve. While he isn’t strong enough to hold himself up just yet, this boy has got some muscles! We started this infant photo session right after one of his naps, which was followed by a bottle and then a few smiles and lots of fun. He was sporting some cool hair and cool shoes… a must for all future studs. This is part of my baby’s first collection… A favorite among parents who want to document the first year of their child’s life. These photos were taken back in April, so his next round of photos will be coming up soon. Stay tuned! You can see his newborn session by clicking here.

A day to remember those fallen soliders

gayla — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:35:45 +0000

Memorial Day is a day that commemorates all U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service. A day to recognize the fallen victims. My father, brothers and nephew have served in the United States Marine Corps, so I have a special place for those who have served our country. I know many people look at Memorial Day as the kick off to summer or a great day to go camping. But… let us remember the meaning of the holiday and let us give thanks to those who serve the good ol’ U.S.A. Also, let us pray for those families who have lost a loved one during their service. My heart and prayers are with you. l I took these photographs last year when I was in Santa Monica, so the while the numbers may not be accurate to date; I felt it was appropriate to post them today. Happy Memorial Day everyone.

Dancer Kai in the flesh

gayla — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:21:11 +0000

Kai has been dancing and choreographing for years. Originally from Hawaii, this dancer started at Hypersquad, also known as The Hype. And for those of you wondering; members of the group Hype 5-0, that was on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew (Season 5) last year are members from the dance studio The Hype. Kai started his dancing career while he was still in high school before venturing off to dance and perform internationally for the last few years. This was my first love… my brother’s first son, Kai. I knew from the minute he was born and I held him in my arms, he would be someone I adore and care for my entire life. Many years have passed since that moment when he was a little boy, but my feelings for him have only intensified over the years. I remember that feeling he gave me when I held him tight in my arms. It still stays with me today. All of my nieces and nephews mean the world to me… I love each and every one of them immensely. They are all different. They are all special. Most importantly, they are ALL loved so much by myself. I don’t know how to explain the love that I have for all 6 of them, but it is a love that will always be forever strong. They are all “my kids”. I have different relationships with each and every one of them. Kai is the oldest, yet he is still my baby. When I look at him, I see the little 3 year old I took to the park and did cartwheels with, or the little boy I took to a kite flying contest and won! We used to have the best aunty/nephew days at Ice Palace skating and eating cheese nachos. Ah, those were the days. I have so many fond memories of this boy, who has since become a man that I love and adore. I love you so much my Kai, you are and will always be my Kai-Boy. Thank you for always being you. Love you much! xoxo

P.S. The tattoo is what prompted this mini photo shoot. On his inner arm it says” To Thine Own Self Be True”. Well said my love.

Today was Oprah’s last show…

gayla — Thu, 26 May 2011 06:44:52 +0000

Yes, we’ve all known about it for a while. But… now that The Oprah Winfrey Show is officially over, I have a sense of emptiness. I sat and watched her last show today with such amazement, delight, happiness and yes, a bit of sorrow. To see what she has done in in the last 25 years is amazing and nothing shy of it. Incredible. I know she says the word is amazing is over used at times, but I think she deserves to be associated with it. The topics she covered, the places she’s gone, the stories she shared, is just down right amazing. I remember seeing her show back when I was in high school. Gosh, and that was ions ago.I grew up with her. She interviewed Michael Jackson!!!!

I am not home to watch the show live, so luckily my DVR has been my lifesaver and late at night, once I’m back from the gym, I relax in my bed and watch someone who totally inspires me. Knowing this day was coming up, I have been tuning in to OWN since it launched in January and thankfully, there is some amazing programming on there that will keep my Oprah fix going for a while. For those of you who haven’t checked it out, do so.

I could probably sit here for hours and write a book about this woman, whom we all seen grow and educate our nation. But, I won’t. I will simply end it with a thank you Oprah. Thank you for sharing your love, your wisdom, your knowledge and your light with all of us. Thank you for touching my life in so many ways and for bringing solid TV into a great show. You are simply beautiful. I will miss your show, but know we have not seen the last of you. We have all learned so much and you have touched so many lives. Thank you.

One quote from today’s show: “My great wish for all of you who have allowed me to honor my calling through this show is that you carry whatever you’re supposed to be doing, carry that forward and don’t waste any more time. Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world.”

Here is a link for those that want to read her love letter she spoke to us today: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/The-Oprah-Winfrey-Show-Finale_1