In high school, Giuliana would always bring the best lunch. Her mom, Diane, stuffed her lunch satchel with fresh baked goods, like homemade Italian biscotti and cookies topped with M&M's. Giuliana, being the generous and sweet person that she is, would always share these tasty treats with me and our high school posse. Eventually her mom found out that someone was helping her eat her lunch and started packing double or triple helpings of desserts -- helping to feed the hungry masses (including her now-husband, then high-school sweetheart, Rick).
That sharing and caring instinct runs through all of Giuliana's family. They are some of the most generous and loving people you'll ever meet. As an example, Giuliana's grandparents grew and nurtured countless orchids at their home, and their flowers decorated our wedding. Diane supplemented the bounty with baskets of blossoms from her yard too. You couldn't buy fresher and better tended flowers. This family added so much color and beauty to our wedding, and we remain forever grateful to them.
You can imagine how wonderful it must be to be part of this family, and especially how delicious their Thanksgiving spread must have been. Just before dessert was served, Gina's boyfriend, Michael, with the importance of family and love on his mind, asked for everyone's attention, and then surprised the table by asking for Gina's hand in marriage! What a gift for this tight-knit family to be able to witness their engagement, and celebrate it over dessert too! Talk about great timing. We had already planned to take family photos, but now there was even more to celebrate with a ring on Gina's finger. We are so happy for Gina + Michael! Congratulations!
We hope you enjoy this sneak peek from our family photo session, including a few photos from our pop engagement session of the beautiful couple.
The Grands. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Boys being boys! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Beautiful mama Diane and Giuliana. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Gina -- you are stunning! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
A kiss in the grass. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
The grands, looking sharp. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Loving hands. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
And a new ring on Gina's hand! © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Pure romance. © Bowerbird Photography 2012; Family Photography at Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
There's so much to be thankful for, and we are pleased to be able to share these images of a family that has so many reasons to celebrate and are so happy to spend time together.
xoxo,
Ariel (and Sam)