March 26, 2015

August Skye {beloved brother, husband, father, hero & friend}

March 26th. Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my brother’s passing……although it feels like yesterday. Time has a way of standing still when it comes to Augie. I will never get to see him grow old, thus, he will remain the same in my mind….like time standing still. Today, I thought it fitting to re-post my tribute to him from last April.

https://vimeo.com/92889996

 

Password: augie

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In loving memory of my brother August Skye Gaw. Born August 3rd, 1980. Entered into rest March 26th, 2014. These images are of his burial, his home in Santa Margarita, and the day following his memorial at our grandfather’s ranch- his favorite place in this world.

“Our August died on his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversaries that were as real to him as his casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of his courage, and only God knows how this child of His suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul.” – Victor M. Parachin

My brother was a man of passion. Whatever he did, he did with his whole heart. Like a red rose; he was beautiful, crimson, complicated, yet full of thorns. Not many people understood him, but those who did will be changed forever. And although they say time will ease our broken hearts, there will forever be a void that he once filled. Augie- I will miss your strong hugs, your desire as a big brother to shield me from harm, your ethics, your ability to skip the gossip and small talk and discuss things that truly matter. You are with me always. You are in my childhood memories. You are in the music I listen to. You are in the soft country breeze.

Things Augie treasured most: Family Life. His loving wife Sara and beautiful daughter Hunter. Honor. Music. Playing the piano. Animals. Especially horses and his dog Beck. The Wilderness. Hunting. BBQing. His close circle of friends. Ranching. Living off the Land. Martial Arts. And being a Protector.

“Once Among Us, Always in Our Hearts, Forever in Heaven”

July 25, 2014

My travels through Italy & Switzerland on film

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It’s an awesome thing to have a career in which one can combine travel with their work. Most of my opportunities to see the world have been because of destination weddings. My wonderful clients, Kate & Erik (I’ll post their wedding soon), recently brought me to Florence, Italy to photograph their elopement.

After the wedding, my friend and talented photographer Erica Brenci of Les Amis Photo, toured me around the countryside of Tuscany and the coast of the Italian Riviera. From there, I took the train to Geneva, Switzerland and visited an old friend whom I haven’t seen in over 21 years. It was so special to catch up and get to know her family. She and her daughter accompanied me to a place very near and dear to my heart. Many years ago, 33 to be exact, my parents lived in a little ski village called Villars. About 15 minutes away, on the east edge of the Rhone Valley, at the base of the Swiss Alps, is the beautiful city of Aigle. This is where I was born. Many of the images I’ve posted here are are taken in Aigle, as well as the little towns nestled amongst the trees and terraced vineyards as we traveled up the mountain. My parents actually named me after this mountain pass- Col De Bretaye. For those who don’t already know my story, Bret is a shortened version of my full name- Bretaye.

I hope these photographs give you just a taste of the splendor and history that exists across the Atlantic Ocean. I for one, have never seen anything quite so breathtaking….

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March 29, 2013

dancers in red rock canyon desert, las vegas

An editorial photo shoot in Red Rock Canyon Desert, Nevada. It was a great crew! The amazing Corey Fox of Corey Fox Photography is a performer in Cirque du Soleil and his girls are seriously incredible! It was a rad experience to photograph such talented performance artists and in such a contrasting environment to Tahoe. I loved it!!!

Hayley (the blond) is an acrobat in Cirque du Soleil. Leah (the brunet), a trapeze artist, is presently in Absinthe. And Claire (the redhead) is a water beauty in La Rue at Wynn. Although I assumed I wouldn’t be heading back to Vegas until next year’s conference, I am already secretly planning a return to see them in action and take more photos.