The DEBUT!!

I'm soooo very thrilled to announce a project that I have been working on for a little over a year now. 

You know those ideas that have you sit straight up in bed at 4am? 

It started out as a little seed, and it's wonderful to finally see it come to fruition.  

I love blogging. I love the conversations that I have with my clients because of it. 

I think it's a place for you to see what goes on behind closed doors. 

It's a place where I can share news, sneak-peeks, and a bit about my life.

I hope it also gives you a peek into the lives of my clients, and maybe the importance of a photograph. 

I decided I wanted a place for mom's to go to read about kid 

stuff and I wanted a place for brides to go to read about wedding stuff. 

So what's a girl to do?

Simple. 

Create a place for each. 

Show and Tell will now be only for my portrait clients (newborns, toddlers, kids and family) 

and 'Dear Stacey' will now be it's sister company, specializing in weddings.

What does this mean for all of my Show and Tell couples?

Everything is the same, only the name and the website have changed. 

That's about it!

It's been a year in the making. 

There was a ton of sleepless nights and a bunch of time spent with fabulous blog, 

web, and graphic designers to bring the vision all together. 

I would love for you to take a look at what I have been up to!

Check out the new website: dearstacey.com

Become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dear-Stacey/275674139166653

Visit my new blog to see all of my latest engagement and wedding sessions that I will be posting soon, 

as well as what's new in the world of weddings: dearstaceyblog.com

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Thank you to everyone who has helped me make Dear Stacey a reality. 

I'm so grateful for your ideas, help, friendship and fabulous talent.  

I know I can be a PITA, so I owe ya one for putting up with me!

Thank you to all of my readers, and all of my clients who support and encourage me. 

There are no words to express all the gratitude I feel.

xo

Right Place, Right Time - Reneé + Michael - The Inn at New Hyde Park

It's the way they look at each other that makes you hold your breath a little. 

I tried to imagine what it must have been like when he was her boss. 

Were there flirty glances? 

Maybe they day dreamed a bit about each other?

Or did it really all just happen after they met up again when they no longer worked together?! 

***

Is there such thing as the "right place and the right time?"

I think so.

And that's just how their wedding felt. 

Everything just felt right.

Beyond their love, beyond their amazing family and fabulous friends...the day was perfect. 

The weather hovered at an usual 72 degrees for March, 

and the smell of spring was in the air with the first signs of the trees budding. 

The venue was nothing short of amazing.  

It was dripping with sophistication and elegance, and the light was fabulous; inside and out. 

It was the perfect fit and location for their happy day. 

***

The first time we met, we sat feet from one another at a local Starbucks.

My mind raced with questions I usually can't help but ask. 

And not because I want to make small talk, but because 

I just really want to know how they got from there to here.

What were the signs?

Was it love at first sight?

Where did it all begin?

What makes them tick?

Love is unique. It's different for everyone.

I want to know how my couples love. 

Is it loud and fun, soft and kind, sweet and compassionate?

Knowing their history (for me) is the magical element that I hope makes you feel what 

I see when I document their day.

Their story helps me feel more than what I see. 

It makes an image not just an image anymore, but a beautiful tale. 

They recalled when they first met with large grins that reached their eyes. 

They watched each other intently when they took turns telling their story.

By the time they had finished I felt as if I had just ended a great book.

But lucky for me...it was really just the beginning.

They are content. Happy. And in love. 

The right place and the right time just now happens to be...the rest of their lives.

***

Flowers were designed by the ever fabulous Burton's!

A little bit of drama...

A whole lot of glamour...

Like a glove...

Anticipation...

Through the eyes of a child.

It's like seeing Cinderella come to life right before your eyes! 

A little play with shadow and light...and a bit of sparkle.

Some last minute preparation.

Reneé, your hair just kills me. Well, pretty much everything about you.
Gorgeous!

Looking ever so dapper...

I love it when life unfolds so perfectly.

Juuuust smashing my dear...

And dashing dahling...

 That tree totally hooked us up.
Love how it played up Reneé's hair color! : ) 

Reneé and Michael planned to do a 'first look'.

For those of you who have never heard of this, 

it's when the bride and groom have a private moment together for the big reveal (before the ceremony). 

This option frees up their timeline a bit so the pictures are more relaxed, 

and they can enjoy their cocktail hour fully with their family and friends. 

It's also a great idea if the couple will be getting married closer to dusk, 

because it enables them to capture some fabulous golden light that everyone looks so magical in. 

Happiness...

Sneak peek...

Love how he smiles at her...

"The journey of a lifetime begins with one single step..."

It's a tough job...

but someone's gotta do it.

The ceremony couldn't have been more perfect. 

It was the right amount of tears of joy and laughter.

Sometimes, beyond the emotion that is up front and center in an image - there lies another layer. 

Michael's Mom is seen here (below) in the background brushing away a happy tear. 

Images that have a few secrets are some of my favorites...

Kinda like the one above too, where you can see Renee's 

Mom and Dad over her shoulder laughing along side of her.

The stoic shot of the brothers.

It's the moments after the shot sometimes where you see the personalities come out - love that! 

The lovely ladies...

The details...

Because everyone needs a formal shot or two...

The ballroom...

The Hank Lane Band, getting the party started...

Makes me happy...

Mmmm...

I'll end on this happy 'note'...

As always, my top five moments...

My favorite moment of the day would have to be during their vows.
I went from laughing out loud, to full on tears within seconds of each other.
It was such a beautiful and emotional ceremony.

Unique: I thought the grapes that were added to the centerpieces were fabulous!

Coolest: The cocktail hour! It had the look and feel of being somewhere completely different.
From the tin roof ceiling, to the waterfall behind the bar...and the furniture
that was so cleverly used as food stations.

Funniest: I got a giggle out of the somersault entrance from Mike's brother.

Sentimental: Maybe it's because photographs are my thing,
but I loved the framed photographed images that they had on display.
They were wedding portraits of different generations of their family.
For me it was like being able to see a moment come full circle.  

***

Ohhh...Reneé and Mike, where do I begin?!
I adored everything about your day and the both of you. Your day was nothing short of perfect. 

Thank you for sharing your day with me. 

I loved witnessing all of the fun and loving moments between
the both of you and your family and friends.

Thank you for your unbelievable kindness and generosity. 

Much love and happiness always.

P.S

Before you go leave your thoughts below...

20 comments = complimentary gift for the happy couple

p.p.s

A special thank you to Danielle for the fabulous referral! 

2012 Pick - 'The Knot Best of Weddings'

Because of all of my fabulous clients, Show and Tell was chosen by Long Island, New York brides as 

'The Knot's 2012 Best Of Weddings' for wedding photography.

What does that mean exactly?

Show and Tell Photography was in the top 5% of bridal reviews, receiving 5 stars across the board!  

In such a competitive market, the reviews of brides (and their family and guests)
means the world to me. 

I realize that life is busy, so I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to submit your kind words.
Word of mouth and your reviews have made my business what it is today.
To view the testimonials or to leave one yourself, click HERE!

***

Below is a five minute slideshow of some of the 2011 wedding memories
I have been fortunate enough to witness, and that have touched my life.
'Thank you' doesn't even begin to express my gratitude to the couples that let me into their
lives and families to document such a beautiful milestone.

-continued below-

This is an exciting year, and I have a ton in store for my clients, readers and Show and Tell.

Be sure to keep up on the blog for some big announcements that are set to debut in March!

p.s.

There will be another round of slideshows from the portrait and engagement sessions from 2011 as well, so check back soon!

To be notified when I post them, just click the tab 'follow' up at the top of this page.

I would love for you to join me on a stroll down memory lane...

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.

Chris + Danielle - Vineyard Caterers Winter Wedding

It was a last minute decision. A gut feeling. 

You see, I had taken the month of January off to just relax, recharge and rejuvenate.
But what began with 'tell me more' - turned into me saying 'yes' to photographing their big day.

I asked her one question knowing that her answer would decide the fate of whether or not my month off would be postponed: 

'If it snows would you be game to play in it?'

When they told me they were actually hoping for some snow and bought boots in preparation,

I knew without a doubt they were my kind of couple!

To tell you the truth, it actually

wasn't really about the snow - it was about living in the moment, and they totally got that.

While the venue, dress and other fabulous details add to the day,
they are only a fraction of the whole experience.
It doesn't really matter if it rains or snows....just whether you are willing to dance during it.
How often does the day come again?!
Live it...fully!

And that they did.
They smiled ear to ear the entire time.


Something blue...

Okay, before I get started, I must say a huge shout out to 'Flowers by Rosemarie' in Sayville.

Her work is by far my verrrry favorite. Just super creative, really fun and different. 

I mean pine cones, honey combs, wheat grass, and feathers - love.

Just onnnne more...

Okay, getting back to business.

The man of the day, getting ready.

I think...

; )

Great minds think alike...

Matron of Honor and Mom with the bride...

The girls...

Danielle used the lace from her Grandma's dress to make the veil.
I love things that are sentimental on a wedding day...

Hip ; )

A little bit of sparkle...

The lovely bride...

Riiiiight before the water works...

Danielle has a thing for Burt's Bees chap stick. More like an obsession.

I think she even made it a point to find a wedding dress with a pocket to keep it close!  ; )

So...Ms. Kylie must have thought she was getting a pair of Vera Bradley cozy boots too.

I seriously didn't know dogs could smile. I swear this wasn't photoshopped.

It looks like I drew that smile on, doesn't it?!

When she heard there wasn't a pair for her...

Ahhhhhh!

Coziness!

The church was the same church Danielle's folks got married in.
The priest was the same priest that baptized her when she was a babe.

A "frame within a frame",
and the walk to the man you will be spending the rest of your life with.

A bird's eye view.

Mr. and Mrs.

Did I mention it was friggin' freezing?!
30 degrees with the wind chill below 18.
We had five minutes.

With this ring...

Even though it was bitter cold, they totally humored me.

BIG time.

The wedding reception was held at the lovely Vineyard Caterers out east.

It would have been a sin not to get one or two shots outdoors.

The next few were taken from the balcony of their bridal suite.

We made it down to the grounds.
By this time the sun was setting and it was beyond freeeeezing!
Such good sports.
xo

The party begins...

What kind of cool wedding ideas do you get when the couple works for a library?

A bookmark favor and a card box made out of (you guessed it) books!

Their first dance...

A toast...

This is what it was like between them the entire time...

I'll leave you with this moment...

Top five...

Coolest: I'm going to go with the bridesmaid gifts. Loved the cozy boots! Okay, I can't stop myself. Here's another. RAINBOW cake!!! No joke.
All I kept hearing from the guests was that it was the best cake they ever had.

Sentimental:  Oooh. There were a few. I think it was beautiful that they got married in the same church Danielle's parents wed in. I loved that the church had such history and that the same priest has been there for the last thirty years. When so many things change so fast these days..it got me a little choked up to hear that some things remain the same.
It goes without saying: her Grandma's lace that was added to her veil was great too!

Unique:  I adored the rustic vibe of the flowers and all of the fun
elements like the honeycomb and wheat grass. 

Funniest:  There were a few funny moments, but what made them even better was hearing Chris laugh about them. He has one of the best laughs - hands down. You can't help but smile hearing it. And he is always laughing...which made tons of smiles for everyone that day.

***
Chris and Danielle, I loved working with you both. You and your families were so gracious and generous that I almost felt like I was with family. Thank you for braving the frigid tempertures with me and not complaining once. Your happiness and enthusiasm was contagious.
It was such an honor to be a part of your happy day.

Hope you have warmed up basking in the Island sun!

P.S.

Before you go...leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the happy couple

P.P.S

Special thanks to the Knot for bringing these lovebirds my way!