Oh boy!

Oh boy!
I have been neglecting you my dear blog. 

I'm smack dab in the middle of wedding season, so in order to keep up
with my work flow I needed to take a step back from the blog.

I'm so beyond grateful to be busy working.
I have been meeting new clients, scouting fun locations,
and going on some fabulous adventures with my couples and families.

In between shooting, processing, and editing...I have managed to sneak in a few days off to hang
with the family, and even catch a few hours of sleep that I seem to always be chasing. ; )

***

Now let's get caught up a bit!

They're one of my favorite couples. My first wedding couple to be specific.
They gave me a gift, an opportunity, to achieve a goal that I thought was far in my future.

Shooting a wedding is some serious business. It's a moment that cannot be repeated.
You get one shot to make it happen.
It's nerve wracking.
But the benefits out weigh the nerves for me.

The dynamics are complex. It's not just about the couple. It's also about the
relationships around them.  It's not everyday that we are surrounded by everyone
in our lives that has meant something to us.

Our guests are the people who are responsible for who we are today.
I adore that about a wedding.
Add that to fabulous decor, details, and amazing attire...and you got yourself one heck of a celebration!

I can't believe that I'm fortunate enough to be a fly on the wall during those moments. 

***

I sat with Mindy a few months after her wedding at a local Panera Bread
sipping coffee and sharing tid-bits about our lives.
That day she said a few things to me that I swear changed my life.

I'm not sure what I did to deserve a couple like Mindy and Shawn,
or all of the fabulous couples there after, but I know for sure that each person,
every single one has effected me deeply.

It's not, and never will be just business here in my world. It's personal.
It's impossible to not feel attached in some way for me.

My clients have restored my faith in the human race to be quite honest.
I know. I totally sound like a dork, but it's true.
In my 'last life' I was pushing papers at a bank, and dealing with numbers,
while the folks around me only cared about the bottom line.

Now my life revolves around people who are blissfully happy.
New parents coddling their first newborn, or a family welcoming a new sibling.
Happy events, wonderful milestones and couples who found their 'forever'.

Everyday people relishing life, and enjoying the minutes that slip by us to fast for us to catch. 

Some would call it luck to have a job that you love. I call it hard work.
Yes. I love what I do...but I have worked many sleepless hours to make it happen.
Work is not just taking pictures for me.
Work is also trying to find the happy balance between my love for 'it', my family and my home.
It's not easy.

While it's not easy, there is not a day that goes by that my heart is not filled with gratitude for getting the chance to see the possibilities that were laid before me.
What's amazing is that we all have these endless possibilities whether we choose to believe that or not.

Maybe I'm hopefully optimistic, or overly enthusiastic at times, but I find you can't hide happiness.
This line of 'work' makes me dang giddy.

So if we should meet one day and I'm smiling from ear to ear,
or talking a mile a minute in a overly animated manner...please don't write me off as a crazed lady.
Even if at times that's what I am at home.

I hope you will know that I'm just as excited as you are about the moments
you are giving me the wonderful privilege to document.

A photograph to me is a gift of memories that keep on giving.
I want you to be able to re-live the joy, fun, the year, your age, the newness once more.
I want you to have a tangible memory that would otherwise be lost if not for a picture.

So enjoy the moment for all that it's worth, the time and circumstances may never come again.
But rest assured the feelings will...when you see the photographs.

***

Mindy has come back and referred more clients then I can count time and time again.
I'm forever grateful for her faith in me before I had it in myself.

I had the awesome privilege to see her last month when a new bundle arrived
and made her family a bit bigger. Again.

And again, I get a chance to go to 'work' and feel as if my feet has wings. 

Going my way?

Hey, hot stuff!

A friend for life...

Happiness...

Contentment...

To see where it all began with this fabulous family, you can check out their memories here! 

To see my latest engagement sessions and weddings, please check out the new blog here!

Thanks so much for stopping in to have a look around!

Double Trouble - One Year Old Session

Ohhh dear blog, how I have been neglecting you! 

It's been a little crazy dealing with the busy spring season, the two blogs and 

everything that goes on behind the scenes. Transitions are always a little nutty. 

But for now, everything is finally starting to fall into place. 

Just wanted to share what I have been up to. 

Check out these two adorable one year old babes....

Such as life. It's all in the way you look at it...

; )

The balloons were more work than the kids! : )

Love the newsboy caps. They're my favorite accessory on boys!

Love the eye contact and his body language. 

Sighhh...

motherhood

fatherhood...

parenthood...

Thank you sooo much "S" family for being so super fabulous!

I loved working with you all, and I loved seeing how big the boys have gotten in just a few short months. 

p.s.

Special thanks to Andi and JoAnn for the fabulous referral

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below...

20 comments = a complimentary gift for the client

Full Circle - Mindy, Shawn and Marc

The boxes were filled to the brim in neat stacks all around the perimeter of their apartment. 

They were in the process of purchasing a new home, and pretty soon they 

would be leaving their old place behind. 

Their old place that was a treasure trove of fond memories for them...and for me. 

You see it was where I photographed Mindy getting ready in her wedding gown and where we peeked out the living room window to spy on her soon to be husband outside adjusting his tie.

It's where we sat watching their wedding slideshow huddled shoulder to shoulder

together on my computer at their dining table.

And it was where I met their new son for the first time and did his newborn session.

It's also a place that they will soon be telling Marc they once had all lived when he was little.

***

We strolled along the paths around the pond at their complex,
and I thought back to when I first met them.

It was a couple of years back when we sat in a little coffee shop planning their engagement session.
It was hard to believe that now we were running after their happy little one year old.

For me it was more then a session, it was a moment that came full circle. 

Full circle is a concept that we have all heard before.
To most it means merely coming back to where it all began.

For me it means being complete. Undivided. Whole.

Life moves on. Things change. We live and we grow.
Life may change around us - but sorta like the saying  'no matter where we go - there we are.'
I like to think that's cause we take moments and memories with us.

Each circle has a beginning, but really no end.

Seneca said it best, 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.'

Seeing where it began for you both and how far you have come - was like reading a book with a fabulous ending and finding out there was a sequel. 

***

Hope you all don't mind a quick stroll down memory lane with us...

Their e-session and wedding day...

The bun in the oven...

What a difference a year makes, eh? 

I brought along the same Christmas stocking to see how much he grew.

Marc was just as surprised as I was!

Hands down - one of the best kids I have ever worked played with.

He seriously smiled the entire time. 

Except for this shot. ; ) 

A little reminiscent of 'Home Alone' I think. 

My most favorite family images are those that are some what casual and in the moment. 

In between a laugh, a tight squeeze or sometimes mid-sentence.  

There are no words really to express what it's like to see a client living their happiest moments and watching the unmistakable looks of joy while documenting their lives.
There is nothing that makes me quite so happy as being there to experience that moment with them.

You know when you hear someone get the case of the giggles and you can't help but smile?
You know the smile. That big dopey, cheesy grin that just overtakes your whole face
and you feel giddy inside?! 

That's how I feel when I'm with my clients.
That is what you give to me Mindy and Shawn (and now Marc) every time I see you.

Thank you for having trust and faith and for continuing to share your milestones with me.
Love you guys!

Love and Marriage - The 'A' Family

The most fabulous compliment in the world to me is when a bride comes back to visit me

and have their family pictures taken as well.

I love getting to spend time with them, and seeing how their families are growing.  

Another reason why it's a huge compliment? Because, let's face it.

Portrait photography is a little pricier then your typical Sears or Target.

I get it, and I realize that they are investing not only in their memories, but in me to preserve them.

It's something I don't take lightly and something that just tugs at my heart.

I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me. 

Some of you may remember Veronica and Steven from their wedding this past September?

Well, we got together again last weekend and had a fun family session.

It was extra fun because they came supplied with Munchkins!!

I mean now that is thinking! : )  

***

So here's the thing about a family pic.

 You want everyone to look good, be well behaved and sit still.

It's totally not easy. I'll be the first to tell you.

You see the little man on the left hand side?

He wanted to play and I don't blame him, and while ideally you would have thought a traditional pose of having him sitting up straight would have worked better - his lounge position totally makes this picture for me. It shows so much personality and character.

I love when things fall into place like that.

Brothers...

A toothless grin and a piggy back ride for his little sister.

*melt*

I love the eye contact in this one...

Talk about eyes...

So sweet...

Handsome devil... ; )

I took an extra five minutes for their newest member - because let's be honest -

the third (no matter how hard we may try) always has the least amount of pictures usually.

I wanted to make it up to him now.

4 months of pure happiness... 

 What a face!

I'll end on this out take...it's a random moment - but I still love it.

See if you can spot the hand holding with his sister!

Steve and Veronica, thank you so very much for letting me into your lives once again to document not just your wedding day, but your marriage itself.

To me, marriage is about family and maintaining the crazy and happy dynamics of it all.
Love and marriage is much more then just the wedding day.

I loved seeing you all in the moment and enjoying it for all that it's worth.

'Easy Peasy' - The 'M' Family

Ohhh dear time...you are flying too fast.

Make-up Moday is on a temporary hiatus until I catch up a bit.

I hope y'all don't mind that I will be leaving with you with some lyrics instead of my usual banter.

I have much to catch up on during this season, but couldn't leave you hanging without

a 'sneak peek' of the "M" family!

***

"How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink

Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon.

So, let them be little 'cause they're only that way for awhile

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day.

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle.

Oh, but let them be little

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around and

it's time to let them go

Sooo let them be little."

***

I lined them up and walked about ten feet to take the picture.

When I turned around they had this super cute pose happening.

The boys were leaning out - which I think looked fun.

I love when things just fall into place.

I NEED these outfits.

 

Navy is a huge color this year and looks great on everyone!

Brothers, twins, room mates...best friends...

I love when a little bit of personality shines through in an otherwise traditional picture. 

Okay, I know Mom is not going to be crazy about the middle pic, but you know - I have a picture of me when I was younger like that...and it's actually one of my favorites.

I love the emotion and realness of the moment. It makes me actually lol - for real.  

Ahhh you make it look soooo easy...

So, I'm a huge believer that the outfits are half the battle when making an image 'flow'.

Marietta has a gift of pulling the 'look' all together. I was in awe, I was envious,

I wanted her immediately to start shopping for my family.

Such impeccable style.

I'm thinking Marietta should be a guest blogger - to give us all some tips - what do you all think?! : )

Thank you soooo much for visiting me again this year. It was great to switch up the season.

I don't know how you do it Marietta. You really do make it look sooooo easy.

God only knows how hard it is to make it look that easy.

Thank you for all of your referrals this past year.

I'm humbled by all of your kind words and the wonderful people you have sent my way.

Many thanks!!

p.s.

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.

20 comments = complimentary gift

'In Between' - Long Island Family Session

Do you remember being one?

It's a shame we don't right?

It's a time in our lives when our wonder and our innocence's was so pure, so magical.

A leaf, a raindrop or a blade of grass was enough to purse our lips in a permanent 'o', or illicit happy giggles.

Although we can remember it, we get the privilege to see it through our children's eyes.

At one, personalities start to emerge and they are learning so many new things.

The world is big from where they stand, and our job is to instill in them that they can conquer it.

Before the pressure and the stress that society places on them begins,

before they are out of feetie pajamas, you're gonna wish you caught the magic.

The magic may not be the perfect smile, nor the perfect outfit -

but maybe perhaps the perfect expression.

The curiosity.

The amusement.

The moments in between (haha - get it ; )  'in between'. 

Eyes as big as saucers...

How cute are those leg warmers?!!

I don't know. I just like it.

Hello pretty...

A mother's love...

Blowing kisses.

I love how her little arms are out for balance!

Pure happiness...

I love this little family...and love the fact that it's getting bigger!

Rich and Kathleen, thank you for not only giving me the huge privilege to be their for your wedding day,

but also the honor to continue the journey watching and documenting your growing family.

You're the best!!

p.s.

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.

20 comments = a complimentary gift

'Working' Mother's - A Family Session

I knew Carissa back when talking about the federal reserve, general ledgers, 

and debits and credits would fill my days. 

I knew her when the 'boys' in our lives 

where the guys we were dating, and not our sons. 

Back in our former lives, our paths would cross once in a while,

 and I was always happy to see her. 

She always had a smile, and she was super ambitious - working her way up from 

a bank teller to the branch manager at a bank in Manhattan. 

***

I remember the first time someone asked me, 

'Are you a working mother?' I felt a pang of guilt.

What does that really mean anyway?

Does it mean you work out of the home, or your work at home is never done? 

Either way it felt very much the same.

For as much as I felt I had accomplished in my professional career, motherhood by far trumped it all.

I stared at Adryanna when I was home on maternity leave
wondering what the heck I was going to do for three months when all she did was sleep. 

So, I began making scrap books, I took pictures, I stayed up late. 

I fell in love a little with photography. 

I read magazines. I read books. 

I watched TV for crying out loud. Like every week. Grey's Anatomy actually. 

It felt like a mini vacation really. 

Yet, for some reason I looked forward to going back to work and having a routine. 

Call me crazy, but I missed hearing adult conversation, 

putting my make up on in the morning...annnd getting out of my pajamas. 

But, the night before I had to return to work I cried myself to sleep. 

I didn't think there was possibly another person in the world 

who could take care of her like I would. 

I was torn. 

I enjoyed my career, but I loved this new little person so much, 

I couldn't stand being away from her. 

It's a personal choice. It's a hard choice. It's a choice that you really can't fathom until the day comes. 

Living on Long Island our choice is almost made for us. 

Expenses are high, and so is health care insurance. The need for a double income is almost a necessity. 

Somehow though, among all of the life's big decisions- 

while we are planning our future, 

our present days are passing us quicker then we think.  

***

Carissa told me she was thinking of waiting until his first birthday to do the session. 

Then she thought about waiting until the baby weight was gone. 

She realized though she needed to catch the moment though before it past her. 

The wonder in their eyes, their off balance teetering when trying out those chubby feet.

This time in our lives will suddenly be our 'yesterday'.  

One day soon, in the blink of an eye - just like those old folks told you when you were a kid - we'll say,

 ' I remember you when you were thiiiiis little', while holding our hand up to knee height. 

And we will smile because we know that indeed we really do remember,

 because a picture won't let us forget. 

Because you don't want to forget their first few steps with you...

Because someone in the family is always missing because they're taking the picture...

Because you should have pictures of the two of you other then your wedding ones...

Because almost all of your photo's are taken on your iphone.

Because never will a leaf be this entertaining when you're an adult...

Because your children should know what life was like when you were in your prime...

Because a few minutes taken to enjoy and experience today,

will have lasting effects on how you see tomorrow.
But more importantly...how they see it. 

Enjoy the little moments...for some day you may look back and realize, they were the 'big' ones.

***

Thank you Randy and Carissa for being so fabulous and putting up with my crazy antics. 

Your little man was amazing. I loooved his happy disposition!

Thank you as well for 

reminding me how important a family picture is. 

And while I should know this and I do...I was among the ones who thought, 

'I'll wait until I lose some weight', 

or 'I'll wait until the kids are a bit older.'

I finally booked our own family session this week.


p.s.

Thanks Erin for the fabulous referral!

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the family!