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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.

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

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

Playing poker with Jason Mraz, Shanna Moakler, Joanna Krupa and Annie Duke

gayla — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:46:21 +0000

Check out my pictures of the celebrity poker night at The Hustler Casino in Gardena, CA that was hosted by poker icon Annie Duke. Celebrity players included: Jason Mraz, Shanna Moakler, Joanna Krupa,Mark Philippoussis, George Kozel, Erik Aude, and others. It was the first annual “Night of Poker”, a No Limit Hold’Em Charity Tournament which was held to benefit the Life Rolls On Foundation. There were some awesome prizes for those that made it to the final table, but the best prize was a seat in the World Series Of Poker!The prizes were:

10th Place: Red Light Management Music Package
9th Place: Two-Night Stay at The Inn at Deep Canyon in Palm Desert and Dragon Alliance Sunglasses
8th Place: Three-Night Stay at Embassy Suites in Denver and Dragon Alliance Sunglasses
7th Place: One Night Stay at the W Hotel in Dallas, Dinner for Two at Craft and Dragon Alliance Sunglasses
5th Place: Ziggy Marley Autographed Skateboard and Swag Bag
4th: One Year of Chiropractic Care Valued at $3450
3rd: Mytrle Beach Vacation
2nd: Two-Hour Private Poker Lesson with Annie Duke
1st: Seat in the World Series of Poker, valued at $10,000

Professional poker icon Annie Duke played at a table with poker personality George Kozel, which seemed to be the loudest table in the room! For those familiar with the game of Texas Hold Em, you’ll know that shooting a tournament like this is very unpredictable since there is no official ending time, which means you just kinda have to wait to see what happens. As the blinds went up and players got eliminated, the final table was set a little after 11:00PM. It came down to the last two final players at the wee hours of the morning, officially ending a little after 1:00AM. It was a very fun and casual night of poker. Singer Jason Mraz sat next to Jesse Billauer and did pretty well before getting eliminated. Supermodel Joanna Krupa and Actress Shanna Moakler looked beautiful as usual and had a wonderful time at the tables. Of all the celebrity participants, Shanna Moakler was the top finisher in 9th place.

Check out my article in Hawaii’s Newspaper…The Midweek

gayla — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:39:08 +0000

I got a call yesterday from my mom in Hawaii with sheer excitement as she opened “Hawaii’s Favorite Newspaper”‘; Midweek and saw an article about our awesome event. They published a photo I had taken of my brother David and little Maile on a wave they were riding at White Plains Beach, HI. Reporter Ron Mizutani from KHON news, Hawaii had spoken to me the day after our event and wrote an article that appeared in yesterday’s printed copy. You can view the article by clicking here.

KHON had planned to bring out a reporter to cover the inaugural They Will Surf Again program from Life Rolls On at the beach. However, they were unable to make it out due to a few fatalities and news breaking events that occurred on the island that weekend. I spoke with Ron and he summarizes it well in his article. I am still riding on that high and so thankful to all those that participated and made Life Rolls On first visit to the islands a HUGE SUCCESS. Mahalo again to all.

Life Rolls On comes to Hawaii!

gayla — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:14:11 +0000

Life Rolls On is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected with spinal cord injury. Founded by paralyzed surfer Jesse Billauer, LRO continues to push the possibilities through their amazing events. After attending my first They Will Surf Again last September, I felt it would be great to have an event back home in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Home of gorgeous beaches and tons of aloha. I took on being the event leader for They Will Surf Again – Hawaii and was focused on making their first trip to Hawaii a successful one. It started with pulling permits, which was done by my mother and was quite the challenge. Thank you to the US Navy for allowing us access to White Plains beach. Once that was done, it was off to plan the fundraiser and event itself. Whoa… that was a bit challenging since I have ZERO experience with event planning or fundraising, so this was completely new to me. I started by doing a little video on my niece Maile ( you can watch it by clicking here) followed by numerous emails, calls, texts and messages. I emailed all my friends, colleagues and businesses that I thought could be of assistance. I reached out to many people and was able to connect with quite a few people and companies willing to participate and assist in making this event a successful one. I personally walked into all the local hospitals, rehab centers and surf shops dropping off flyers with my darling little niece Maile surfing. The response was incredible. I called Noel Pietsch, one of the partners from Wahoo’s Kahala in hopes of hosting our fundraiser there. And, that’s where we held it on Friday 4/29/11. We had over 70 prizes ranging from $25 to over $700 in value. Some of the prizes included an autographed surfboard from the cast of Hawaii 5-0, a Las Vegas package with travel and hotel accomodations, local goodies, gift certificates, board shorts, bags, hats, t-shirts, sanuk slippers, sports memorabilia and so much more! It was awesome. We had a great crowd and as tired as I was, I could not fall asleep with the anticipation of the actual They Will Surf Again event.

Saturday 4/30/11 was surf day at the beach and the weather was PERFECT. I felt so proud to be apart of a wonderful organization and to see the event finally come together was magical for me. Plain and simple. I have poured my heart and soul into this project and to see it come together so beautifully was incredibly rewarding and gratifying. Upon arriving to White Plains beach, I took a moment to soak it all in and say a little thank you prayer for allowing me to be apart of such a great day. I then grabbed my gear and started shooting away. Thank you Aunty Miki and Aunty Nif for assisting me throughout the day and following me around with my cameras.

Once everyone checked in, they went to their designated areas for a team meeting held by awesome land leaders: Robin, Joann, Quynh and Tina. Once briefed everyone got together for a beautiful prayer and blessing by our Kahu, Manu; who blew his conch shell to open our day and bless everyone. Two of the youngest surfers; Hunter, age 5 and Maile, age 4 were amongst the first to hit the waves. Both children were born with spina bifida and are unable to walk… however, fully capable of surfing!

Breakfast was provided by Leonard’s Bakery, Ba-Le, Starbucks. Yeah, malasadas is king! LOL Drinks provided by Function Water and Lulu’s Waikiki. Lunch provided by Lulu’s Waikiki, Duke’s Waikiki and Panda Express. Blessing of the beach by kahu Manu Mook, music provided by Local Uprising. My family was instrumental in assisting me make this a huge success, including many of my friends, colleagues and local businesses throughout the local community. This event would not have been possible without all the support from many, so thank you everyone for helping me make Life Rolls On first trip to Hawaii a success. The support and love I’ve gotten was overwhelming and so appreciated. MAHALO.

Some of our sponsors were: Ty Gurney Surf School, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, US Navy, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Hawaiian Island Creations, Star Beach Boys, Wahoo’s Kahala, Barefoot League, High Status Hawaii, Jams World, Surf N Sea, Tanioka’s, Rainbow Drive Inn, Augie T, Laird Hamilton, Roy’s Restaurant, Walmart, Target, McDonalds, Franco Harris, Kurt Suzuki, Shane Victorino, Access Surf, Rehab of the Pacific, Pretty Sweet Custom Cakes, Hypersquad Dance Company, My2 Fish custom cards, artist Luvi Lewis, Mana Kai Beach resort, Trader Joe’s, Rudy’s Flower Shop, Hawaii Photo Rental, Sanuk Slippers and more.

A big mahalo to all the volunteers who came out and helped. Everyone was instrumental and key to making this They Will Surf Again a great one. On behalf of Maile and my entire family…. MAHALO to all. Me Ke Aloha!!!

Please watch a little slideshow below by clicking play on the lower left corner……

Congratulations Neal Inamasu

gayla — Sun, 01 May 2011 08:44:02 +0000

Last night was our fundraiser at Wahoo’s where we gave out over 70 gifts from some of our sponsors including: Hawaii 5-0 Cast, Las Vegas Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, Franco Harris, Hyatt Waikiki, Hawaii Island Creations, Jams World, Surfline, Barefoot League, Laird Hamilton, Gabby Reece, High Status Clothing, Sanuk Slippers, Rainbow Drive Inn, Walmart, Target, Roy’s Restaurant, Tanioka’s, McDonalds, My2Fish custom cards, Kurt Suzuki, Shane Victorino, Surf n Sea, Zumba by Chelsea, Midas Touch Car Wash, Augie T, Mana Kai Beach Resort, Trader Joes, Luvi Lewis and many more.

I know many want to know about the autographed surfboard and the lucky winner was Neal Inamasu. Thank you all for your support!