May 7, 2014

QUAIL HILL ENGAGEMENT SESSION: JOE + BRENNA


in just a few short days, i'll be photographing the wedding day of these two wonderful people, and i'm all kinds of excited about it! i was so glad joe + brenna had a chance to squeeze in an engagement session, and i think the results are just oh-so-dreamy. this couple is clearly excited to be husband and wife, and i'm honored to have the opportunity to document the first day of that special new chapter in their life. cheers to all the adventures to come, you two! 



May 5, 2014

ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR SESSION: CLAIRE


this girl is a gem. an artistic, life-loving, and gorgeous gem. for her senior session, she wanted to incorporate her art, for which she has an incredible talent and natural eye, and i LOVE the results. while we were shivering and watching the storm clouds roll in (we've had the weirdest weather lately!), claire couldn't contain her bubbly laugh and simple appreciation for life, even the threatening (but beautiful) clouds that tried to dampen our shoot. 



claire, you have a truly beautiful spirit, and i admire your love for the simple and beautiful things in life. i am SO excited for the adventures that await you at Calvin, and i know you are going to thrive there. you were created with a beautiful and unique purpose, and i know that as you pursue your passions and gifts, the Lord will direct you in the journey ahead! 


May 2, 2014

LONG BEACH LOVE SESSION: GREG + BROOKE



oh these sweet jeffrey's. we are so lucky to have them in our life. just witnessing their love and joy in one another is a treat, and we are blessed to have friends such as these! and as a photographer? these two made my job SO easy. i think i could take them to the middle of a dump and they'd still make gorgeous images simply because of their contagious laughter and obvious love for each other (was that a weird compliment?). greg + brooke define what it means to be married to your best friend, and they make it look so dang good! 

after we took brooke's graduation photos, greg jumped in and we captured a happy little laid back session around their neighborhood - enjoy!


hey you two, Travis + I are so happy you're a part of our life. we can't wait to see what adventures come your way, but no matter where life takes us, we'll always be thankful for your fun and life-giving friendship! 

xo. 

April 30, 2014

GOODBYE, APRIL!

last night, i was scrolling through my instagram feed and told travis that i love instagram because it's like a little journal of my life. those little squares reflect life's little in-betweens, the things i usually wouldn't slow down to notice but have now become essential to my every day. this month has been a blur, and i can hardly believe may is just around the corner! while things have been insanely busy as the semester winds down, i'm happy to announce that the end is in sight, and summer is almost here. praise the Lamb. 


our april has looked a lot like adding some finishing touches to our home, taking motorcycle rides together (LOVE!)...


...getting back into the habit of establishing a regular quiet time in my day (it's always the first thing to go, and i want to make it a habit in my life)...


...a quick visit home, including some FABULOUS photoshoots and a celebration of my dad's life on the tenth anniversary of his passing...


...our family visiting for a few days over their spring break and a trip to disneyland together (WOOHOO!)...



...and more learning about each other, making the most of our time together when we have it, my first Pedro's Taco experience (THE BOMB), a baby shower, dreaming about where we're headed in the next year or so, and evaluating how and where we're investing our time and love into. i feel like we're in a constant season of growth and refining, and there are days where i'd really like to be done with all of that. but, God never promised us a comfortable routine and security. He has only promised that He's already ahead of us and that He holds our life in His loving and faithful hands. and that's all we need. 

i hope you all had a wonderful month - cheers to may! 


follow along with daily bits of life on instagram: @debbie_gilley