WizBlog

Party of six

"Life is built around experience with others; our foundation is always family." ~ Jill Davis

And now the rest of the story! Grab a cup o' sumthin - and watch the story of the darlin' R family unfold.

Jumping right into the fun!

Check out Miss C's hair. Beyond gorgeous! To quote the Beatles, "There's something in the way she smiles ..."

To keep the two youngest  ones engaged, we break out the bubbles. It is so sweet to see the big girls helping out the little ones.

OK, then comes the inevitable - capturing all four together. As if often, it works best to get the *sillies* out of the way.

Once we get them warmed up, look how precioud the result is! Awwwwww ....

On to capturing each personality. Little Miss N the Younger, a quietly precocious cutie, just exuded personality and affection. What a beguiling face -

Now a little time alone with Miss N the Elder - full to the brim with charm and personality!

Look at her! With no hesitation, she hoists our bigger 5D with its heavy 70-200 lens like a champ - including perfect 'vertical' form - and starts working on our inevitable *photographer's face* right from the start - LOL.

She's got a great eye. Here's how she sees her lovely mom. Portrait made by Miss N (with just a little of Wizzy's digital fairy dust) -

Dad Mike is an exceptional parent. Patient, relaxed and always smiling, he obviously adores being his kids' dad. And their feeling is mutual! After a few shots of them together, with no prompting, dad pulled this cap - "Daddy's Little Helper" - out of his poket. Li'l G donned the cap with relish - proud to look just like dad. Hard for the photographer to shoot when she's all teary-eyed.

In keeping with a WizWog tradition (tho to  mom Kristi's horror), we hand the camera with the shorter lens to 4YO Miss N. While mom supported the heavy equipment from the bottom, she aimed toward us - with this result one of our all-time favorites.We love our Kid Pix!

The affection and mutual respect between this sweet couple is heartwarming.

Watch here tomorrow as we unfold the sweetness of this infatuation:

expecting Baby Hero

"I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away."

Nearly two years ago we first became a part of the community service organization of our hearts, Operation: Love ReUnited, the international organization whose goal is to provide complimentary professional family portraits with a patriotic edge to members of our U.S. Armed Forces, at a homecoming, or before, during or after a deployment.

"If you have ever been through a military deployment, there are no words to explain how hard it is to send the father or mother of your children off to some foreign, dangerous land, leaving you all behind ... alone," OpLove's site explains.

We explain our dedication to this amazing organization to our new clients this way:
"We are a three-generation military family. Paul is a proud 27-1/2 year U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot with Vietnam combar experience, so we are acutely aware of the deep sacrifices made by members of our armed forces and their families. Nancy has been deeply committed with not-for-profit organizations for more than 35 years. Both of us are proud flag-waving patriots who believe in the importance of showing appreciation for our active military's service keeping our great country safe, secure and free."

Our first OpLove homecoming family holds a special place in our hearts. In March 2007 we stood next to Carol as we waited together on a Camp Pendleton crowded parade ground for Justin's return from Iraq. What a scene it was!

Here's the slideshow: Justin & Carol - Homecoming

Fast forward to February 2008. Justin is deployed, once again proudly serving his country. But things are a little different with their family. They are newly expecting. Awwwwww.

Now, most everyone who knows us knows we luuuuuv surprises.
So, to our hero Justin, this one's for you.

Here's mama-to-be, Miss Carol, and baby Marley Jean, due in October, just a few weeks after Justin's September return home. Aren't they beautiful?

Tattoo tribute to Carol's late mom Jean, looking down from Heaven on her soon-to-be-born granddaughter.

A special, sassy salute to daddy-to-be Justin and his Marine brothers - and a big ol' Semper Fi! from Wizzy and Col. Paul as well.

PS A special thanks to Justin's mom and dad for graciously opening their home to us for Carol's maternity session - even moving patio furniture and helping hold backdrops!

home again!

Our readers know it. Our clients know it. Our friends and loved ones know it. Wizzy & Friends (Nancy & Paul) are passionate about five things: Our love for one another, our patriotism, community service, storytelling, and our photography.

Operation: Love ReUnited is a unique organization whose goal is to provide family portraiture with a patriotic edge to families of our U.S. Military before, during or after deployment.

For us, OpLove is an amazing opportunity to work together in a blissful marriage of all things most meaningful in our lives.

If you are new to our blog and OpLove, welcome! The story we tell below is only one example of hundreds of similar stories that go on daily with the brave members of U.S. armed forces. It is a story of a family reunited; a story of service, sacrifice and patriotism, dedication and bravery. Yet many folks, unfortunately, only know what they see or hear about our brave military in the mainstream media reports which, unfortunately, are often negatively           skewed. :(

It is our privilege and pleasure to present one family's homecoming. Introducing Janet, Alicia, Garrett, and homecoming U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Bobby.

Just prior to this week's event, we were contacted by one of OpLove's organizers and busy volunteers. With her own husband deployed, Gina Geigley - http://www.ginasphotos.com/  - continues to work tirelessly making sure families are photographed. She let us know that San Diego's Channel 4 - http://www.4sd.com/4SD_New/ - is doing a feature piece promoting our OpLove program. Needless to say, we were delighted to be part of telling the OpLove story!

And so we all came together on Monday night at MCAS Miramar, San Diego.






On-site photojournalist Shannon does a stellar job wiring us all for sight and sound, seeming to be in just the right place at the right time, effortlessly hefting around her big ol' video camera and asking evocative questions with her engaging personality. Check out her gorgeous strawberry blond curly hair.



For we portrait photographers, conditions are a technical and visual nightmare - crowds of strangers, many distractions for children, florescent and sulphur lights, nothing to soften acres of gray asphalt and stark military buildings. Are we bothered? Nope. Because in the end, we are all about capturing connections.

Each time we click our shutters, we connect our clients' past with their present and their future. We capture their hearts. And when it's all said and done, isn't life all about heart? 

Be-flagged big sister Alicia bounces up and down chanting with excitement, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Two-year-old Garrett takes a liking to stroller wheels and our grampa Paul e Wogg.




Much crowd anticipation.
The plane arrives.
A sea of desert cammies pours down the gangway.
And there he is, grinning when he catches sight of his family.






Many smiles, hugs and kisses.
Shutters clicking, flashes flaring.
Wizzy works in overdrive capturing the love.

From Woggy's perspective -


And from Wizzy's -





The slideshow: Miramar Homecoming

Much appreciation to MCAS Miramar's Consolidated Public Affairs Office, especially Corporal Brandon Roach, as well as our intrepid escort, Corporal Travis Easter, both of whom did an admirable job orchestrating and choreographing a multi-disciplinary expeditionary operation (translation: excited families and media). While we know there are many behind the scenes who work to make these events run smoothly, these two young men are a fine credit to The Proud, The Few - the U.S. Marine Corps.

Semper Fi, god bless, and welcome home Staff Sergeant Bobby!

Independence Day 2008 | our right, our responsibility

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." ~ United States Declaration of Independence

"More than two centuries ago, bold and courageous visionaries pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Buided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history. On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the greates achievements of those heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom.

"It was the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Fathers, and it is the belief in the universality of freedom that guides our Nation. On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth.

"May God bless America.
~ George W. Bush
President, United States of America"

Each July 4th, in honor of Independence Day, we involve ourselves in community service to give back. This year we joined a dozen other volunteers to participate in a special 6-hour OpLove photo event at Liberty Station - the newly developing evolution of the now-closed Naval Training Center. NTC's transformation is quite remarkable - and its promenade and beautiful historic buildings - the first built in the 1920's - offered the perfect setting for the photographers and military families of deployed servicemen.

Miss L and her beautiful mommy, Maria -






Miss G, her much-cherished pink balloon (reward for a good job while taking her pictures), and her glowing mommy -




And little Master O, who quite proudly had just poured most of a large bottle of bubble liquid on his head-

Pinwheel fascination -


And one for giggles. Anyone who has known Wizzy for a few years is aware she has quite a long and irreverant history with fountains. Seems this one was exactly the right angle for the perfect shot -

The result:

And a rare one of The WoggMan himself (he usually hides out behind the camera). Here's a face beaming with patriotic pride -

 
This event received some wonderful publicity by San Diego's KUSI news - here's a little clip:
http://www.kusi.com/news/insidesd/22817704.html

During July 4th celebrations, we hope everyone makes a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of so many, including Founding Fathers and members of our armed forces - past and present - to fight for and maintain our country's precious independence.

**
El Indio, founded in 1941, a world famous home of the most scrumptious and freshest Mexican food, is a mandatory lunch stop for us when we're in the area. Imagine our delight when we saw their Independence Day-themed windows. We'll let their heartfelt patriotic message speak for us:

"twofer" & a pistol | OpLove

This OpLove family gave us a "twofer" - two Marines, mom and dad. Another first!

Mom K reminds us of a young version of Wizzy - sassy, smart and aware.
Having just returned from the Middle East, it is obvious right away that Dad M has re-bonded with his sweet family.

First things first. This little monkey, Mr. I, is a pistol. From the time he is unbuckled from his car seat his feet never stopped moving. We let him run off a little energy in a field with the last of the Spring's mustard weed. Just look at this big ol' hunk of a Marine teaching his boy to appreciate nature.

Then there is little Miss G who is good as gold throughout the whole session. Big smiles, a little hand-to-mouth teething, and just happy to be part of the fun.


This baby brood keeps mom hopping - and she takes it all in stride with a smile. The grin on dad's face says how glad he is to be home from loving his family.


 

Little "I" at play.

What a cute goofball!

Semper Fi to all our OpLove Marines! God bless you and your families for your service and sacrifice to protect our freedom. 

remembering the fallen

"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget those who died, who gave that right to me." ~Lee Greenwood

On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who have laid down their lives in the cause of freedom, resolve that they will forever be remembered by a grateful Nation, and pary that our country may always prove worthy of the sacrifices they have made.

Throughout our Nation's history, our course has been secured by brave Marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen. These courageous and selfless warriors have stepped forward to protect the Nation they love, fight for America's highest ideals, and show millions that a future of liberty is possible.

Freedoms come at great costs, yet the world has been transformed in unimaginable ways because of the noble service and devotion to duty of these brave individuals. Our country honors the sacrifice made by those who have given their lives to spread the blessings of liberty and lay the foundations of peace, and we mourn their loss.

Today, our service men and women continue to inspire and strengthen our Nation, going above and beyond the call of duty as part of the greatest military the world has ever known. Americans are grateful to all those who have put on our Nation's uniform and to their families, and we will always remember their service and sacrifice for our freedome.

On this solemn day our country unites to pay tribute to the fallen, who demonstrated the strength of their convictions and paid the cost of freedom. We pray the members of our Armed Forces and their families, and we ask for God's continued guidance of our country.

~ A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Memorial Day 2008
**
We at Wizzy & Friends invite our readers to share our tribute to our own courageous Operation: Love Reunited clients, with boundless admiration appreciation for your service and sacrifice to protect our great country's freedom. Click on the link below: OpLove Tribute - Memorial Day 2008 

Bound By Honor

"The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in conmbat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth." ~ Thomas E. Ricks, 1997

Because this Marine is leaving for deployment this Sunday, we promised we'd have these posted no later than Friday night - and we're about 40 minutes late. But we're hoping the R family will forgive us those extra few minutes when they see their gorgeous family portraits.

And just in their honor, while we're going to be a little short on text, we're going to be long on images.




Special message to Mr. T - You were such a great sport during your family's session! A big Wizzy thanks for being not only helpful, but cute!




See this pose below? The guys came up with it themselves. It's so hard to shoot when the photographer is laughing at the whimsey - what fun!

Big brother T volunteered to tend little bro W while we were shooting mom and dad. When we were finished and went to find the boys, this heartwarming scene is what we came upon. This gorgeous location is just on the north end of the runway - and the boys were watching the helicopters doing touch-and-go training.

We've had such fun with these tracks - but can you tell young Mr. W is totally disinterested?

Our love and prayers go with you, Marine.
Semper Fi and godspeed!

We love our USMC families!

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." ~ President Ronald Reagan (1985)

The W family came to their OpLove session ready to rock and roll. As a dedicated scrapbooker, mom C assures me they were "well trained" for photos. And so they are. But they are so much more. Charming, enthusiastic and delightful - that is our experience of this cute family.

Fun and adventurous too!
Good thing dad T has that Marine PFT training!
Silly Miss M makes this suggestion, and brother Mr. R wants in on the action.

"Will you throw me, daddy?" M requests. And so he does.

Then it's R's turn. New to this activity, being thrown in the air looks a little scary. A little reluctant, he agrees to give it a go.  By the third toss he's a pro - spreading those arms and flying like a bird. Hoo-Rah!

We love our family portraits - awwwwwww ...
(and we love moms who bring their patriotic colors!)




Dad T must have some pretty strong eye genes - check out the kids' gorgeous bright blue eyes -

And our signature Family Feet shot, of course -

Dad deploys to the Middle East next week, so we hope the sweet memories we captured in this family's portraits will help carry mom and the kids through the next months til they hug their daddy home.

Semper Fi, W family!

godspeed, major daddy

The S family will wave adieu to their daddy and husband, Major Todd, as he deploys in January for a year to help fight terrorism in the Middle East so we are safe here at home.

Mom Michelle and I did a little brainstorming for locations where busy, all-boy 2-year-old T could  have space to run and not feel too confined. We also wanted someplace where cutie pie 4-year-old J could shine. Michelle suggested a location where we'd never been - The Ranch House.

Built on the original Rancho - now part of the south Camp Pendleton property - construction on the first two rooms of The Rancho Santa Margarita Las Flores Ranch House, the oldest structure on the base and designated as a National Historic Site, was started in 1841.

Pulling onto the long driveway and seeing the Ranch House and arched pillars on the adjacent adobe Chapel's porch, then the beautiful white fenced corral in back, we knew it was a perfect pastoral spot the this Marine family.








   


Joined by sweet Gretchen, the family's German Shepard, it was a rollicking afternoon, despite the chilly wind.



   


 
Godspeed, Marine.

christmas tribute | our opLove heroes

God of love, God of peace. Out of the depths of fear for our loved ones, we call to You. Determined to preserve our shared world from the tyranny of terrorism, we turn to You for answers, for values, for strengths.

On this day, when we celebrate the birth of Your Son, we stand before You with respect and concern for those who have been summoned to protect and secure our nation, our world. Give them the courage to meet the chilling stare of death. Return them safely to fulfill dreams unrealized so that they may bless Your name through the lives they live. May their efforts further the cause of peace throughout the world and bring us closer to the day when "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn of war anymore." Amen.

Especially this time of year, our thoughts and prayers are with the members and families of our armed forces who serve and sacrifice to keep our country free.

Our readers are invited to watch our Christmas tribute to these very special heroes - enjoy! Christmas Tribute slideshow

P.S. If you'd like to send your good wishes - post them either here in Comments, or directly to us via email (wizzy@wizzyandfriends.com)- and we'll lovingly pass them on to our OpLove families.

The following images are courtesy of (and copyrighted to) Christina & Lt. Jason Actis :