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  • Welcome to the Gigi Blog!

    Mother to six Little Women and Two Little Men. Married to a Happy Mortician. Caretaker to goats, chickens and many, MANY bunnies. Photographer. Homeschooler. Lover of Jesus, coffee & tea and all things pink & vintage.

{Back}

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Hey all!

Well, we’re back from our quick, four day adventure in the Dominican Republic! The wedding went off without a glitch (despite the threatening rain) and everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, was absolutely magical! Gorgeous weather, gorgeous bride, beautiful ocean, fantatstic family to work with … yes, everything was awesome!

I didn’t think it would be fair to post some pictures until the newlyweds arrive back home (they are still in the D.R., enjoying the sun, sand and ocean!) … so ….. sorry, guys … you will have to wait till Monday before I can post a sneak peek. 😉

This trip, however, to the D.R. did bring up a lot of very interesting thoughts in my head … not sure I can share them all on the blog just yet but I hope to one day … stay tuned … it will involve photography and it will be exciting!

The four hour plane ride, however, presented itself with great proofing time so I do have a sneak peek ready for a very special family that I was able to photograph right before I left for the destination wedding.

Colleen and Dave, congratulations on baby #4, McKenna! Your family is priceless and I absolutely LOVED every minute of your session.

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Welome to the world, McKenna. You are so loved. xo

Babies, personal

by Gigi

9 comments

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May 1, 2010 - 9:38 pm

kim coyle – beautiful pics of you all..ty for sharing always wishing you well..

April 21, 2010 - 12:35 pm

Chris Bright – Colleen, your kids ARE cute, and Gillian is the genius to capture that on film. Sooooo sweet!!

April 21, 2010 - 10:32 am

Kim – the shot of the 3 kids holding the baby…money shot! wow!

April 19, 2010 - 10:07 pm

Colleen Costigan – AWWWWW I love my pictures, my kids look soooo cute!!!! Thank you Gillian I cant wait to see the rest.

April 19, 2010 - 1:23 pm

Devon – What a gorgeous family you have been blessed with Colleen! McKenna is darling, what stunning photos!!

April 18, 2010 - 11:37 pm

Tabitha – Awwww, what a beautiful family!! So much love 😀

April 18, 2010 - 5:03 pm

Shannon – Welcome McKenna!!! Ireland finally has a little sister and she’s super cute 🙂 What a beautiful family <3

April 18, 2010 - 4:32 pm

Christine Taylor – These are great photos, I can not believe how grown up your kids are Colleen!! Wow time flys… Little McKenna is just beautiful!!

April 18, 2010 - 4:26 pm

Rebecca McLaren – Awww I love them! They are great! I love how cute McKenna looks with her daddy and mommy holding her, so sweet.

Away, We Go!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

So this is it! The bags are packed and the camera’s full charged, lenses clean and CF ready for shooting! Gigi Photography is off the Dominican Republic for four days to shoot a destination wedding!

 

Gigi Photography, being, well, me and my hubbs. 🙂 

 

So, in the meantime, I obviously won’t be able to return e-mails or messages … and upon returning from a trip, there’s always a slew of e-mails to go through so please just be patient – I’ll get to you! 🙂 

 

Wish us luck! Can’t wait to shoot on the beach – how fun will this be?! Very sad to leave behind my beuatiful little girls, but also thankful it’s only four days so we’ll be back before church on Sunday. 🙂 

 

And because no post is complete without a few images.. here are some from a wedding this past fall that I’m not sure I ever shared on the blog …

 

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See you all after the weekend!

weddings

by Gigi

4 comments

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April 15, 2010 - 12:01 pm

Catherine – Safe travels! Those are beautiful wedding pics! Sure wish my wedding photos were done by you!

April 14, 2010 - 1:34 pm

Deborah – Have a great time and travel safe! I am so in love with your photos :o)!

Blessings!
Deborah

April 14, 2010 - 10:25 am

Tara – gorgeous pics!!! LOVE the one with the old barn! have a GREAT time in DR! itching to see pics already! 🙂

April 14, 2010 - 8:11 am

Tabitha – WOW, what a gorgeous gown!!! Have fun on your trip! Can’t wait to see some photos!

Sunshine for my {Soul}.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Okay, guys …… it’s time to pick a winner for the Soul Sister Soaps giveaway!

I am so proud of my sister, Angela. She’s creating and following her passion and finding fulfillment in her business and I just LOVE to see women pursue what makes them happy! I really miss my sister – she moved away from Ontario and settled her family in Alberta nearly four years ago and it’s just not the same having her provinces apart. I am secretly (or not so secretly since I’m writing this on the blog) hoping she’ll move back home soon! We just miss her and the kids TOO much. 
Anyway, thank you ALL for your comments! Her products simply are stunning! 

 

So let’s pick the winner … using random.org., the winner is:

#39 Tanya, who wrote: 

” Hey! That’s so awesome I LOVE natural skin products. My skin is a sensitive mess and chemical free is what works for me and my kiddos! I’m just popping over to FB to Fan her page and I’m already a fan of yours on FB! Great giveaway 🙂”

 

Congratulations, Tanya!! You will LOVE your Soul Sister products!! Which one will you get?! Oh, so many to choose from! Just e-mail me and we’ll hook you up!

And for all you who entered, I have a sweet surprise! Angela is offering you all a 10% discount on your orders when you enter the code gigidiscount – so go on! You know you need to switch from those chemical-filled soaps and try out some amazing, awesome, good-for-you-loveliness!!! 

 

Awaken Emulsifying Scrub - Organic - VeganJuicy Peach Shea Butter Body Lotion - Honey - Spicy Lime

And to finish off this post … the other night, Abby was bathing the girls and I was cleaning up the dinner mess in the kitchen and I looked outside … and there was the most magical, pretty light … I KNEW it wouldn’t last as long as the baths, so I ran upstairs and asked Lacey if she would pop outside for two seconds … Abby just thought I was nuts, but I dried off Lacey, quickly braided her wet hair and threw on a spring dress and outside we ran … she loved it … it didn’t matter that it was a bit chilly and her hair was wet, she so so sweet … I just love that girl of mine.  She makes my life sweeter. She makes my days more peaceful. And she fills my heart with joy. (She actually took all the clothes off the laundry line yesterday without me even knowing – what a kind heart she has!). 

 

Lacey, you are sunshine for my soul!

 

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giveaways, personal

by Gigi

3 comments

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April 13, 2010 - 3:22 pm

Tanya – she looks like she’s in a fairy tale…I love it 🙂

April 13, 2010 - 11:58 am

Sherri – She has a kind heart and gentle soul. You must feel very lucky to have a special daughter like that. Love her to bits. <3

April 13, 2010 - 11:11 am

Grandma Gerr – Oh what a beautiful sweet little lady she is!! We all love her so much! xxx

Honour.

Monday, April 12, 2010

What an honor to be there to capture some special family time for this awesome couple and their sweet baby girl … coming all the way from Petawawa, we had a short amount of time to get their photos done as the dad is heading off to Afghanistan shortly. During his station, he will be missing his daughter’s first birthday and so much time during her first year of life. I truly and honestly appreciate his service and his sacrifice – AND his wife’s – as she will be alone at that time –  immensely. 

 

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{LOVE …!}

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Happy Monday! 

(Be sure to check back later as I will be posting the winner of the giveaway from Soul Sister Soaps!)

Babies, Families

by Gigi

14 comments

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April 13, 2010 - 3:28 pm

Chris – These are truly amazing pics. Its so nice to see such love captured : )

April 13, 2010 - 1:28 pm

Mich – What beautiful pics Gillian and such a loving family. I love that he is wearing is uniform proudly for the pictures, it is truly an honour and blessing for us all to have so many men and women fighting for our safety and freedom as well as the strength of their families left behind to keep everything moving. God bless him and keep him safe.

April 13, 2010 - 10:27 am

Luann – I’m the aunt and aunt in-law and great-aunt of that lovely girl. We’re all so proud of you Bren. Stay safe. xoxoxo

April 13, 2010 - 9:49 am

Krista – What a lucky little girl to have an amazing father, that fights for our freedom and allows all of us to be free. Without people like him, would we be so blessed to be sitting here! Thanks!!!

April 12, 2010 - 8:34 pm

Grandma Gerr – Awww <3

April 12, 2010 - 8:21 pm

Erika – Those pictures are beautiful. It is so wonderful that you were able to capture the love they obviously have for each other and for their little girl.

April 12, 2010 - 7:57 pm

Sherri – This will be an important memory for that soldier. From this Navy wife who has gone through numerous wars/actions/tours of duty to end, to the new mother above, be strong & know he’s trained to be where he is going. Send him lots of pictures of his little girl, and love them both with all your might. It helps.

April 12, 2010 - 7:10 pm

Courtney – Gigi, this post is so special to me! I went to Petawawa/Pembroke a few weeks ago to visit a friend and her husband, who is also leaving for Afghanistan sometime this month – It’s really special to see this! Will keep them and all other soldiers in my prayers =)

April 12, 2010 - 7:01 pm

Carole – Amazing photos . . . all three of them . . . can’t decide which one I like the most. Very touching and so sincere! Must admit, I’m a very proud Tantine! Bisoux! Carole

April 12, 2010 - 6:59 pm

Monique – Awesome! Lucky you to give them the gift of great photos.

April 12, 2010 - 6:31 pm

Kerry – What a beautiful family! Will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. You’re right…. what an honour.

April 12, 2010 - 5:58 pm

natacha treskin – I am the mother of Nadia, the mother in law and the grandmother!!! I am so proud to see these pictures and even though I cried , I loved them.. Thank you…you captured their spirit!!

April 12, 2010 - 5:53 pm

Tracy Nevin – I love love love this session Gillian…coming from a Military backround and visiting the base in Petawawa many times…I can totally appreciate this couple and wife….What a women!!! Not to mention that adorable little darling girl! xoxox Tray

April 12, 2010 - 4:33 pm

Christine Taylor – What a beautiful photo of this couple, I love how the light shines through between them. Good Bless this family and their sacrafice to keep their country and its people safe!!

Love the {Rain}.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

 


In my garden, after a rainfall, you can faintly, yes,

                                  hear the breaking of new blooms.                                               

– Truman Capote– 

It’s been raining a lot this week. 

But I don’t mind. I absolutely adore the sound of falling rain. I love the way everything looks after a fresh spring shower. I love how the birds sing even louder after a quick burst of drops.  

Today … Lucia gave me two minutes outside in the fresh blue flowers of our yard. In just days, our grass and gardens have come alive. I am in love.

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This is Lucia’s regular look. She’s a serious child. Not much of gimme-a-big-grin girl. I still love this photo … because, well, it’s her.

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Now to cheer up your rainy week, let’s have a giveaway, shall we? I’ve been waiting to do this giveaway for a while because … it’s from my ever-so-amazingly talented sister, Angela! She has recently started up a business, Soul Sister Soaps of vegan, chemical-free,  handmade sugar scrubs, soaps and body lotions. I have three or four of her products and absolutely LOVE each one of them … !

What I really love … this awesome lotion for your little ones … (THANK YOU, thank you! I am soooo tired of chemical-filled soaps that are just absolutely the worst thing for your baby’s skin!) …

 

Double dip Sugar Creme scrub … (delish!) 

… African Queen Shea Butter Body Lotion – (because who doesn’t love an awesome butter for your body!)

 

 

To enter, you must join her facebook group (if you are on facebook) … and hey, while you’re at it, why don’t you come on over and join the Gigi Photography group too (if you aren’t on there already) …. and come back and leave a comment here on the blog. The winner will receive a $25 shopping spree gift certificate to spend at Angela’s online store.

It’s so much fun reading through all the comments that you guys leave! Thank you for being such wonderful cyber-friends and blog followers!  😀

children, giveaways, personal

by Gigi

40 comments

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April 12, 2010 - 4:08 pm

Teresa Galashan – I can’t wait to buy some of those soaps and lotions! they are making me hungry. lol

April 12, 2010 - 3:49 pm

Tanya – Hey! That’s so awesome I LOVE natural skin products. My skin is a sensitive mess and chemical free is what works for me and my kiddos! I’m just popping over to FB to Fan her page and I’m already a fan of yours on FB! GReat giveaway 🙂

April 12, 2010 - 12:59 pm

~love – i’m marking some of her stuff to try next time we need it!

and ellie says that she wants to wear lucia’s outfit! =)

April 12, 2010 - 11:51 am

Sherri – I was sure I posted a comment on here as soon as I saw the pics, then I realized I posted it on your other site, not the blog. You know how much I love that umbrella picture, and to capture Lucia as she really is, well I think that’s a better memory than a posed picture. You take such lovely, bright, honest pictures. I love looking at them each and every time.

April 12, 2010 - 10:58 am

Erin – Love the idea of local yummy looking body lotions & creams! The pictures as usual are beautiful. The colours so brilliant! Love it!

April 12, 2010 - 10:39 am

MaryCatharine – I too was “the serious child” >smile… Still am..
Serious children are great deep thinkers, articulate and artistic.
Love the Soul Sisters ideals and products ~ >smile

April 12, 2010 - 10:13 am

Sherry – They look good enough to eat LOL.

April 12, 2010 - 9:58 am

Samantha Fizzard – Hey, Beautiful pictures of beautiful girls! Those products look great, the sugar one looks good enough to eat! LOl

April 12, 2010 - 9:36 am

Christine Taylor – These products look great, both my kids hav sensitive skin, it would be nice to have something that is gentle on their skin and chemical free. As always, your pics are great, what great memories for your girls!!

April 12, 2010 - 9:16 am

pammelah – what a talented family.. I never had a sister, but if I did I’d hope she go into the chocolate making business.. and then share her profits!

April 12, 2010 - 8:55 am

Lisa – I’m always looking for products that are chemical free and safe and healthy for my children and myself. Thanx for letting me know about your sister’s products!

April 11, 2010 - 4:05 pm

Christine – Angela always amazes me with her talent to create such amazing, beautiful products! Was already on both pages 🙂 Gillian – as always you seem to capture children at just the perfect, sweet moment.

April 10, 2010 - 7:15 pm

Tara – Those soaps look amazing!! Lucia is sooo cute, a smile from either one of my girls is pretty hard fought too :)!

April 10, 2010 - 9:31 am

carry – Your sister’s products look deliciously wonderful and so good for little ones! What fabulous products, and talented sisters!

April 9, 2010 - 11:10 pm

lori – Looks good enough to eat!! Always thinking about food.
Great photos of Lucia, very serious girly shots but still beautiful!
Take care of yourself!

April 9, 2010 - 9:32 am

Jane – Your sisters products look awesome…would love to win the gift certificate! The photos are great (as always)!

April 9, 2010 - 9:29 am

Miranda – Gillian- you and Angela are both brilliant, sweet and gorgeous….. does it seem fair to either of you (or anyone else for that matter) that you’re both super talented too????

April 9, 2010 - 8:20 am

Amber – Gorgeous shots of Lucia! I had to join your sisters FB page! Half my family are vegetarians to some degree or other and always aware of ingredients in soaps and lotions. I know my sisters would love her product and I wouldn’t mind trying it out myself :).

April 9, 2010 - 7:47 am

Kelly Luvisotto – I am in aw over your work! I love how you make a rainy day so beautiful and special with your daughter! It makes me want to put my childrens boots on today and have some fun in the rain!

April 9, 2010 - 7:28 am

Jenn – Love the Lucia photos, smile or not she is just precious!
Wow, you are both very talented woman! They look like some awesome products.

April 9, 2010 - 7:12 am

Monica – Love the pictures…especially the one with the umbrella, too cute….. Your sister product looks and sounds so YUMMY!!

April 9, 2010 - 6:42 am

Wendy – You and your sister are verrrrry talented young ladies…her products look yummy and wonderfully decadent as are your photos, yummy and decadent!

April 9, 2010 - 2:57 am

Mich – Wow, all of your sister’s products look so delish for our bodies. I would definitely love to win this gift certificate and could really use some pampering right now. Your sister really is so talented – sewing and these products!! Lucia looks so cute in the rain and love the umbrella shot..I am starting to make sure I take pics of the girls with their everyday expressions to capture their unique personalities and trying not to just get the fake poses 🙂

April 8, 2010 - 11:33 pm

Vanessa Day – Neat idea, I’m always on the hunt for chemical-free products!

April 8, 2010 - 10:57 pm

Lori Godin – Ohh la la….the products just sound good enough 2 eat!!!!!!!
Love seeing chemical free anything!!!!! Especially for the little one’s skin!!!!!!!
BTW….I adore your photos of your girls….they are simply beautiful and you’ll have many cherished memories to look back on some day!!!!!!

April 8, 2010 - 10:54 pm

Mom – Well, I am very very very proud of my girls!! They are definitely multi-talented!!! Love you both, Mom xo
PS Of course I would love to win the gift certificate 🙂 I already have some products and would love to have more. Get ready, Ang, because more orders are coming your way! xo

April 8, 2010 - 10:32 pm

Bonnie – Your photography is stunning…the green grass is making me wish for rain here so ours will go green!!

Love love to try some Soul Sister’s stuff…looks so, so good! I was just looking at some of her products with seaweed earlier today!!

April 8, 2010 - 10:28 pm

Michelle Bonham – Looks amazing..
I wish our grass was that green!

April 8, 2010 - 10:25 pm

Shannon S – What a multi-talented family! You’re parents must be so proud of you both! And I agree – they do look good enough to eat!!

April 8, 2010 - 10:22 pm

Chris – I am so ordering some of those scrubs, perfect for Mother’s Day too : ) Such talented sisters!

April 8, 2010 - 9:59 pm

Darlene O’Rourke – Double dip sugar scrub….can this be put on warm oatmeal??? Can I say sign me up for a case!!

April 8, 2010 - 9:52 pm

Angela – Awww… sweet Lucia! And look at your lovely yard! I sure do miss the rain out here in Alberta. Thanks for featuring my products, Gillian! You’re the best “sistah” a girl could have! <3

April 8, 2010 - 9:48 pm

Ursula – Your sister’s products look amazing — definitely going to try them out! And, your photos are always beautifully engaging!

April 8, 2010 - 9:38 pm

Jenn – That stuff looks AMAZING! Good enough to eat! (Best make sure the kids don’t get at it…although it’s good to know that if they did it would be safe!)

April 8, 2010 - 9:35 pm

Grandma Gerr – Little Lucia not too happy about having her pic taken! LOL Too cute! x
I would love to win the gift certificate for some of that lovely Soal Sister Soaps!

April 8, 2010 - 9:30 pm

Shannon – Ooooh….your sister’s products look good enough to eat! haha!

April 8, 2010 - 9:26 pm

Tabitha – My middle guy is the serious one – all the time, even when he’s busy at play, he has the most serious look! He was never a big grinner (like #1 and #3). But he’s my adorable little man all the same! Enjoy the rain!

April 8, 2010 - 9:26 pm

Courtney – I love how your support Organic living! And your little girl is so cute =)

April 8, 2010 - 9:26 pm

Tara – hehe! I love her serious face! and those products that your sister makes look AMAZING! the blue scrub (I think?) looks like it would be REALLY fun! Great prices too!

April 8, 2010 - 9:23 pm

Jennifer G – Joined up with both! Her stuff looks good enough to eat! 🙂

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