Kate Rose Photography

New Blog + Website

2010-06-25T16:37:00.003-04:00

We've just launched a new blog and website...

The new blog can be found at www.katerosephotography.com/blog

And the new site will be at www.katerosephotography.com

Hope you come and take a look :)

2010-06-18T11:44:00.003-04:00

New blog coming soon! And a new website, too. I've been saving all my recent work to share on the new blog so there will be lots to catch up on.

Hope everyone enjoys the longest days of the year this weekend :)

Meghan + Nels | Marshfield, MA

2010-02-19T12:46:00.010-05:00

A very special engagement session to share...my sister Meghan and her soon to be husband, Nels. I never imagined that I would get married within two months of my sister, but it has been really fun planning our weddings together. Even though I am the older sister, in many ways Meghan was the one who would look out for me when we were little. I was afraid of the dark and she would always walk ahead of me and turn on all the lights (when she was only 3 or 4 and I was 8 :). It's so wonderful to experience as we get older how our sister-ship becomes more and more of a friendship and the gap between our ages disappears.

Meghan, I'm so glad you found someone to share your life with that fits you so perfectly. Welcome to the family, Nels...it feels like you've always been a part of us.

I love hearing them make each other laugh...

The beach we grew up playing at during our summers...

This is what happens if you don't make it back to the bridge before high tide...

And my favorite...reminds me of a story I loved as a child in which a little girl climbs into a painting that's hanging on the wall. It's somehow like stepping into another world...

Meghan + Nels,

We are so excited for your wedding in September. I can't wait to be your maid of honor and help take care of you, I can't wait to hear and see the way you plan to celebrate your love, and I can't wait to dance...

Abby & Ger | Beacon Hill

2009-12-15T18:43:00.011-05:00

I'm excited to finally start sharing some of the weddings and portraits from the last few months. We've had such a fun, busy season that it's been an adventure to keep up...which means lots of beautiful images will be gracing the pages of our blog over the coming weeks. Hope they will brighten and warm these wintry days.

The first of which is an Engagement Session for Abby and Ger who were winners of our Thirst Relief Fundraiser back in July. I've know Abby for a little while now as she is also in the wedding industry (she has her own lovely blog called Peaches by Plums). It was so cute how excited they both were about the session and how curious they were about the whole process of how we photograph.

A few of my favorites...

This might be my favorite image of the day...to me, it speaks of the kind of trust where you let down your guard and allow someone to see you completely. One of the most beautiful qualities to share with another human being.

Also in love with this moment...

Abby + Ger,

We enjoyed sharing this experience with you and seeing who you are together, especially in the quiet moments between the laughter. Hope your wedding in Ireland is beautiful!

Katelyn + Bjorn | Charlestown, MA

2009-11-03T12:57:00.008-05:00

I don't have any pets of my own, but through photographing my clients over the years I've begun to realize what an important place in your life a dog can hold. I think it's one of those things you can't fully understand the depth of until you love one yourself, so I'm just peeking under the surface. Katelyn and Bjorn's dogs are pretty old and couldn't walk very far but it was clear that it was really important that they be included because they truly are part of the family.

Love photographing in a couple's own neighborhood...creates a real connection with the location because that's where they spend most of their time.

Love that smile...such grace.

The smiles on your faces say it all...

Katelyn + Bjorn,

We enjoyed our little adventure in Charlestown- thanks for the walking tour of your neighborhood. I hope you two continue to make each other this happy for many years to come...

Jen + Andy | Popponesset Inn, Cape Cod

2009-10-21T01:15:00.011-04:00

Jen and Andy wanted to bring their family and friends together for as long (and as much fun) as possible...I think they'd still be celebrating with them if it weren't for practical things like jobs and such. There was a sense that they realized how rare an occasion to be able to gather the people you love most all in one place and they weren't going to let a minute of that slip by unappreciated...

The wedding day:

A most Cape Cod-eey kind of day...

My favorites...I'm not usually drawn to kissy-face pictures as much, but this one is authentic and you can feel that.

Reception at the Popponesset Inn- literally right on the beach, salt in the air goodness.

I love when every generation is representing on the dance floor. One of my favorite parts of a wedding is that it's one of the few times we come together and dance- it's such a lost part of our culture. I just love seeing people breaking free, moving their bodies, not afraid to make fools of themselves, unrestrained joy...

And to end with such simple sweetness...

Jen + Andy,

You are right, you guys are really lucky- but for many more reasons than just the beautiful weather on your wedding day. I hope your images will continue to remind you of this over the years.

Michelle + Greg | Red Lion Inn

2009-10-09T12:53:00.011-04:00

Sometimes you can see how magical a day is going to be just by looking at the sky...

Sometimes you can tell by the look in someone's eyes...

Michelle and Greg had this feeling about them, that reminded me of the excitement of little kids on a long summer day mixed with the contentment you can only find with your best friend in the world.

If a photograph could be like a lollipop...I could almost eat these like candy. Mike told me I was not allowed to lick the computer screen.

Beautiful ceremony and reception at the Red Lion Inn, Cohasset. Wonderfully helpful coordination by Michelle of Trends and Traditions.

Man, those smiles at this moment, walking back down the aisle- they just get me every time.

And the most fun introduction of the year...

Michelle + Greg,

Thank you for allowing us a little peek into your happiness. It's refreshing to see that love really is what moves the world round.

Naomi + Alex

2009-09-18T12:38:00.003-04:00

One of the most beautiful days of the whole summer...

Two of the kindest, most open hearted people in the whole world...

Pretty good combination for a wedding celebration. Just a peak:

(If you'd like, you can view the slideshow here)

Naomi + Alex,
I know you two are working so hard and I'm sure your determination will pay off because it seems like your heart is always in what you do- it is obvious from watching you on your wedding day. I hope this satisfies your curiosity until life settles down a bit for you both :)

Little Ben

2009-08-24T14:25:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the world, Little Ben.

You are so perfectly shaped, from each hair on your round little head...

To those tiny little fingers...

And I think this one may be my favorite...

And you are so very loved :)

Roxanna + Tim + Ben,

I've enjoyed watching your family grow, to go from celebrating your wedding day last year to capturing this little life you've created. What a beautiful thing...

Boston Magazine

2009-08-20T12:37:00.006-04:00

We are excited to have our photography featured in the latest wedding issue of Boston Magazine, a lovely resource for wedding planning and just fun to look through in general. The online version of the article can be found here. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the magazine :)

Rachel + Shawn

2009-07-26T21:26:00.012-04:00

I guess I'm a little slow on the blogging these summer days. We've been photographing so many beautiful people and occasions and there's just not enough time in the day to share it all. And out my window the birds are singing and the leaves are rustling, calling me to come out and play. There are wild berries to be picked and backwaters to kayak, ocean breezes to chase and rainstorms to dance in... so you'll have to forgive me for enjoying life a bit :)

This spring I had the pleasure of photographing an Engagement Session for Rachel and Shawn, two of the sweetest people I've ever met. Their hearts are big and open wide...

Ahhh...possibly my favorite moment.

Rachel + Shawn,
I'm still smiling...you're contagious :)

Beckham + Family...

2009-07-16T02:54:00.012-04:00

A bit of catching up to do here on the blog...We've been photographing so much which means there will be lots of new work to share soon.

Starting with little Beckham...one of the sweetest fellows I've ever met. His mom, Cassie, is a fellow photographer and friend. We've photographed several weddings together and it's always a pleasure. Her children's' portraiture is amazing so if you are in the Philadephia area, check out her work. Since Beckham is pretty well photographed, we focused on the family together because the one downside of being a photographer is that you're never in any of the images.

The happy family...

I love how sincere Beckham's expressions are...

I sometimes feel like words can ruin it, so I'll let the images speak.

In love with this moment...

Which evolves into this next moment...Children are such an important part of our lives because they let us open our hearts widest. They make us feel safe enough to reveal things we often hold back because they give to us so freely, holding nothing back.

My very favorite. Sigh...

Cassie, Jordan + Beckham,
I loved meeting you all together as a family. It is inspiration I will keep for when I start my own family. Hope you consider moving back to Boston!

Thank You...

2009-06-30T17:24:00.011-04:00

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Thirst Relief fundraiser. We are so glad we were able to help raise funds for such an important cause. To continue our support, we will offer different promotions throughout the year- if you would like to be informed of our special offers, sign up on the right to receive our quarterly newsletter.

Our open house event was wonderful- thank you to everyone who stopped in and made the evening special. We are so excited to be in our new studio and we'd like to especially thank all those who helped us design and set up the space (you know who you are :)

A few pictures if you'd like a peek...

Thirst Relief Fundraiser

2009-06-15T16:17:00.014-04:00

Sometimes when I’m hard at work at the computer, I get really thirsty and think to myself, ‘I sure would love a glass of water.’ Then I go into the kitchen and get one. I seldom think about where that water comes from, that it might run out, whether it is safe to drink, that it might be contaminated. I just assume that it will be there for me. And it always is. I need to appreciate that more.

Clean drinking water is one of our most basic needs, one which we assume to be a basic right. It comes straight into our homes and public buildings and we hardly need to think about it. It’s difficult to imagine what it would be like to be deprived of that basic necessity, to have to walk 10 miles a day to find water and for that water to be contaminated, likely to make you sick. The startling truth is 1.1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water and 2 million people die each year due to water related disease, 90% of which are children under the age of 5. Providing clean drinking water gets to the root of many other health problems and circumvents the need to treat these problems later.

We are very excited to announce our first official fundraiser to help Thirst Relief International in its mission to bring clean drinking water to communities in need around the world. We’ve been supporting their cause (with the help of many of our clients :) in small ways but this time we are trying to launch a full effort to enable them to continue their wonderful projects.

To encourage donations, we’ll be holding a raffle- five winners will be drawn and will receive a gift certificate for a portrait session and print credit, each worth $500. The portrait session can be for kids, family, engagement, or the best reason of all- just because you love someone. There is no minimum, but your name will be entered once for every $25 you donate. With a donation, we will also offer a $100 credit to the first 15 people who schedule a portrait session.

Mike and I will be hosting an open house at our new studio in downtown Natick the evening of Friday, June 26, from 6:30-9:30, and we invite you to stop by to say hello, visit the new studio, and drop off a donation so we can thank you personally. Our address is 11 North Main Street. Donations may also be made online at http://www.thirstrelief.org/ or by sending a check to the studio written out to “Thirst Relief International.” If donating online, please select “Kate Rose Portrait Raffle” under the campaign option. If submitting a check, please include your contact information including name, address, phone number and email. The promotion and raffle will run through June 27th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the studio by email at donate@katerosephotography.com or by phone at 888.221.0570.

Images courtesy of Thirst Relief International

What is unique about the Thirst Relief organization is how many lives they can better with their resources: $50 can provide a water filtration system that can help 10-20 people, $2000-$4000 can build a well that will provide clean water for almost 1000 people. A donation can change an entire community and even a small donation helps save many lives.

As part of a community, we are all responsible for the welfare of our fellow human beings, whether local or distant, and our actions should work towards bettering the quality of life of those we can reach. Mike and I feel that our business should follow this model and help us towards our personal goals of creating a better world. Thank you for helping us support this cause that is close to our hearts.

“The true measure of the humanity of a society is not how the society treats its wealthy, but how it treats its poor.” ~Henry M Levin

The fine print:
** All portrait sessions are done on-location and include travel within an hour from the studio
** Scheduling is subject to availability
** Sessions need to be booked (not scheduled) by July 14 to receive the promotional $100 credit
** Gift certificate winners will not receive the $100 credit in addition to their gift certificate

Kara + Ted

2009-05-22T13:43:00.013-04:00

Kara and Ted...married on Valentine's Day. Most certainly a day of love.

The look of man pretty excited to see his little lady walk down the aisle...(I think he almost looks proud of this moment).

The walk back down the aisle is just one of my favorite parts of the wedding day. It's always pure exuberance, exceptionally full-hearted grins.

I wish weddings weren't the only time we were free to make and receive speeches from our loved ones. Sharing those thoughts, how much we love and care for those close to us...I want to experience that everyday.

I also want to dance like this everyday:

Kara + Ted,
Your hugs are so warm and your smiles are contagious. I know you will bring out the happiness in each other.

To view the slideshow click here

Miranda + David

2009-04-28T01:04:00.010-04:00

So excited that the warm weather seems like it might be here to stay and I can finally get outside more. I photographed an Engagement Session for Miranda and Dave a few weeks ago on one of those spring days that fools you into thinking you don't need a jacket. The sun vanished into a veil of mist minutes before our session leaving my ears and fingers numb but creating this beautiful, ethereal light.

One of my favorites of the day...

This moment really stands out for me, almost like it happened in slow motion. I photographed Dave looking at Miranda...

...but it wasn't until I saw what he was seeing that my heart just felt like it might explode. I can't describe how amazing it is to be able to witness such love as part of my work.

Miranda + Dave,
Just a few short weeks until the wedding. I'm eagerly looking forward.

Laughter...

2009-04-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

Almost finished editing this wonderful wedding but I had to take a break to share a bit of laughter. Just seeing my couple laughing made me smile and feel good. It's amazing how contageous laughter can be, powerful enough that it can stay alive even frozen in a photograph, to be looked at later when you need to smile again.

Favorite Spring Activities...

2009-04-11T20:12:00.005-04:00

Today, I finally had the chance to spend some quality time with my family and it felt so good. I've been so busy moving the studio, doing so much, moving so fast, that to enjoy a day as if time doesn't exist was so refreshing. And I got to participate in one of my favorite spring activities:

There's something about painting Easter eggs that takes me back. I still feel the same intensity of concentration creating my miniature masterpieces as I did when I was 6.

But my very favorite was done by little miss Erin, one of my favorite people on the planet. This is a depiction of me, my sister and my mom's cat, made especially for my mom. I told Erin how much my mom was going to love it, especially with her cat on there and she said that the kitty was thinking about my mom (that's a picture of my mom in the kitty's thought bubble). I love the way children think.

Happy spring everyone!

Allison + Michael

2009-03-28T00:08:00.009-04:00

We photographed a lovely wedding reception for Allison and Michael at the Astor's Mansion in Newport. This was a celebration to share with their family and friends as they previously had a small ceremony. Allison went to high school with me so it was especially fun to photograph her wedding and see so many faces I know (and get extra hugs). Just a really sweet day...

A few favorites of the couple...

I loved how you could really feel the history of the place, almost like the echoes of countless parties from by gone eras still lingered in the air and mingled with their celebration.

Allison + Michael's little girl...one of my very favorite moments of the evening. That's love, in it's purest form...

I loved watching them dance together- something about the way their arms would drape over each other was at once so soft and so ardent.

Allison + Michael,
Such a warm feeling to be among your family and friends- the true meaning of celebration.

A few more favorites:

2009-03-24T12:22:00.006-04:00

Over the weekend I had the pleasant surprise of having my logo featured on a website called Logo of the Day , created by fellow Aussie Jacob Cass as a place to share design ideas. I enjoyed reading the interesting comments on what a logo should say and do for your identity and your business. My logo is the creation of the wonderful people at Hello Lucky (who also make the most beautiful invitations, in case anyone's looking).

On another note, I think everyone should find someone to hug like this today...

Happy Spring!

How does time fly by...

2009-03-12T00:04:00.004-04:00

I just realized almost a month has passed by and my blog here has been getting a little lonely...I have a lot of exciting things in the works which have been taking up all my time. A few hints of things to come...a brand new studio space, handmade (+environmentally friendly) line of prints, really cool custom framing, and an effort to help raise money for thirst relief, just to name a few. Very excited for the year to come and the lovely adventures it will bring.

A new favorite image from the wedding I'm currently working on...it tugs at my heart.

Emily + Aaron

2009-02-13T15:07:00.016-05:00

I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon photographing my friend and fellow photographer Emily and her boyfriend, Aaron, in the lingering snow of Boston. The day smelled like spring and felt hopeful for warm days to come...I love the transitions between the seasons, those days that feel so unexpected, like they just arrived to make your day.

We played a little in the Back Bay area and then headed over to the Arboretum (my favorite place to be during lilac season- early May you can find me waiting out the rush hour traffic reading a book under a lilac tree). This was the first time Emily had ever had her picture taken with someone else- watching her and Aaron together it was amazing to see the many sides to their love...the intricacies of our relationships are so interesting...how we share our love without speaking.

I love hands, how they speak so clearly for us, no words needed...

Love this one...

And love that this is just 3 seconds later...

Mike came with me for this shoot just for fun and captured this beautiful shot (and the one of the hands above).

The sun suddenly peeked out from behind the clouds and bam- the whole landscape changed in an instant.

This one seems so Emily to me...makes me keep smiling.

Two of my very favorites...

This last one makes me think of a quote I just read by Minnie Aumonier, “There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”

Marilva + Michael

2009-01-15T15:32:00.018-05:00

Marilva and Michael had a lovely wedding celebration in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The day had such a nice flow to it- nothing was rushed so there was time for the little moments we sometimes breeze by when we are busy, like lingering glances, extra long hugs, endless belly laughter...

The lovely bride...

Seeing each other for the first time...

Marilva has the best laugh- I can almost hear it in this image...

One of my favorites...

There were butterflies everywhere...

Love the simplicity of this one...

Absolutely in love with this image...

This image represents the overall mood of the day...

The reception was held at the Narragansett Towers (lots of beautiful natural light).

Some fun dancing going on...

Marilva + Michael,
Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your wedding day. It was pretty magical...

To view more images, check out the slideshow...

Crystal + Andrew

2009-01-10T16:18:00.014-05:00

I have known Crystal since she was in middle school (as a friend of my sister) and I think she and Andrew have known each other even longer...I'm so happy to see the little family they've created. There is just a certain glow to them when the little one is around. Their wedding was one of those beautiful fall days that was so hopefully warm- perfect for taking pictures outdoors.

Getting ready...

The dudes arriving on the scene...

This guy was kind of a show stealer. Every time I turned around, he was doing something that needed to be photographed, but this one was the best. I can only imagine how much he must entertain his friends on a regular basis...

One of my favorite wedding party portraits of the season...Crystal and Andrew gave me 2 hours for portraits so we had some time to create some really awesome images.

And then there were two...

One of my favorites...

The whole family...

This is one of my favorite images of all time- that's the face I imagine one makes upon discovering they can fly...

I know I'm probably posting as many pictures of the little ones as I am of the bride and groom, but that's what happens when you invite sweet children to be a part of your wedding...especially ones that run around enjoying themselves in their own little world, completely camera-unaware.

I love the genuineness of the expression of this little girl.

Crystal + Andrew,
Thank you for your deep trust in my vision and giving me so much space within which to freely create images of your day.

Slideshow to follow...

Just a quick one...

2009-01-09T00:46:00.002-05:00

I'm editing a wedding right now that I'll be blogging soon, but I had to post this one image first. It keeps making me smile. I totally remember being that age and playing like that...

Amanda + Brian

2009-01-08T03:18:00.013-05:00

I photographed a great Engagement Session with Amanda and Brian who made a trip up from Maryland- we wandered around the area where they lived together and hung out back when they used to live in Boston. There are a ridiculous number of images I fell in love with from their session, so you'll have to indulge me and let me share this many because I couldn't part with any...

Amanda and Brian might be the most comfortable people I've had in front of my camera all year. In about 5 minutes, they pretty much forgot the camera was there between us, and just let themselves be...with each other, in the moment, enjoying being back in a place where it seems like they had a lot of lovely memories. I loved watching them draw from one another...their expressions were so unguarded, so trustful, so content.

I mostly photograph outdoors, but Boston in the fall = pretty cold, so we started at the Boston Public Library, which is a beautiful place. I had never been before but it makes me want to go back to college so I can study in those gorgeous, old rooms, full of paintings and history, and lots of people thinking really hard...

This makes me a little weak in the knees...

Mike came with me to help with lighting indoors and he photographed a little bit, too- I love this one he caught.

One of my very favorites...I can't help falling a little bit in love with my clients. Photographing someone is such a fast way to get to know them- it's like skipping all the small talk and getting right down to matters of the heart.

These two might be my most very favoritest...

Something dreamy about this image- I like how her hair is like the trees...

I think these are my other very favorites...there's something about the expression and the movement within the image that makes me want to sigh.

I am madly in love with this image, one of my favorites of the season. How can a look contain so much power?

We found the last bit of beautiful light lingering in a little passageway...

I feel like this is where the word "sweet hearts" comes from...

Amanda + Brian,
It was such a pleasure to photograph you two together. Thank you for being so open and sharing of yourselves. I wish we were going to be at your wedding!

Emilie + Chris

2009-01-02T03:11:00.009-05:00

I want to wish a happy new year to all of you out there that hold a little spot in my heart. I've had the pleasure of spending several days with family and friends over the holidays and it just refreshes all my perspectives on life, makes me remember what's most important, and to just let go of the rest. Hoping the new year will bring a bounce to your step and a smile to all your faces.

I also wanted to share an Engagement Session I photographed before the holidays. Emilie and Chris met me in Boston where we ran and around and had us some fun. Since it's so cold out, I figured it would be best to start indoors- the lovely Liberty Hotel was kind enough to let us use their premises. It's my new favorite hotel in Boston- such great design and really good restaurants.

Emilie and Chris are really sweet and so much fun, the kind of people you want to be your friends. They share this passionate sense of adventure, not just for traveling, but for finding the spark of life even in the little, unexpected moments. So enjoyable to photograph...

Two of my favorites...

Love how these next two images look full size when side by side...

A really sweet moment...

Delightful...

Heartful...(I know it's not really a word but I like it)

Joyful...

Playful...

Another set of favorites. I love how images can work together so well, to say more than one thing in one moment...

Emilie + Chris,
Thanks for being the most fun ever! Mike and I are really looking forward to your wedding next year.

Jen + David

2008-12-15T21:21:00.014-05:00

I shared a pretty sweet afternoon with Jen and David- even though we were technically in a park in the city, it felt like a hike into the wildnerness. We saw a huge hawk that flew right over our heads (by like 2 feet). I'm not used to seeing animals like that in the city so my first thought was that it was a paperbag blowing in the wind. Apparently the instinct to duck is equally as strong with flying paper products as it is with large, taloned birds.

Lots of lovely images from our session...

Love the sweetness of this one.

Nature meets city.

One of my favorites...

I love Jen's smile (think David might, too, because it seems to make him smile).

I really like this one, too.

Really, really loving this one...

And a few joyful moments...

Jen + David,
Thank you so much for coming out on this little adventure with me. You guys are great together- it's like there is a happy slinky between the two of you and your smiles keep bouncing back and forth.

Melissa + Michael

2008-12-12T16:43:00.013-05:00

I photographed so many Engagement Sessions in about a one month period and each one is so different. And it's not just the location, each couple has such a unique language- the way they physically express themselves to each other, what makes them feel comfortable, makes them laugh, what fills up their hearts. Each time, I start with two people I hardly know and I walk away feeling like I know the most important things in the world about them. Such a beautiful way to get to know someone...

A few of my favorite images from the lovely fall afternoon I spent with Melissa and Michael...

I love Melissa's expression.

One of my very favorites of the day...

Really fun wall to play around with...

I love the way Melissa is walking down the street, something so carefree about it.

Another favorite...I guess all of these are my favorites. My sister makes fun of me because I always say that something is my most favorite thing in the world and then two minutes later I'll have another most favorite thing- I don't see why I can't have a bunch.

This one makes my heart skip a beat.

Enjoying these as a series, especially the middle one.

Melissa + Michael,
Thank you for giving me a peek at what you two are all about. Your pictures make me smile.

Erin + James

2008-12-11T15:08:00.011-05:00

I moved into my studio space in Boston a little over 6 months ago and I had been wanting to photograph in and around the area for a while- Erin and James were sweet enough to meet me there and we explored the area a bit together. This happened to be the coldest, windiest day of the whole fall season and my studio is about a block from the ocean so I give Erin and James huge props for braving the weather in the name of photography.

This one makes me happy...

This one is fun. As soon as we walked into the alcove, the wind completely disappeared and it felt like 20 degrees warmer.

My favorite of the day...

Some might argue that a photograph that is quintessentially Boston should include Faneuil Hall, or the Public Gardens, or Fenway Park, but I think an image that shows what Boston is really like needs to include a little construction...it seems endless, especially in my part of town. You never know what kind of detour will be waiting to bring you on a new adventure.

I really love this one too- somehow it seems very different from most of the images I create. The lighting was so beautiful, I feel like I almost can't take credit for it.

Erin + James,
Thanks for laughing through the cold. I loved capturing you keeping each other warm- that's really what it's all about, right?

Doug + Abdu

2008-12-08T15:44:00.020-05:00

Doug and Abdu's wedding was on one of those days when you wake up in the morning, you think summer is over but by the time noon hits, you realize it's going to be a beautiful beach day. I love those types of unexpected surprises.

The ceremony and reception were at the Wequassett Resort on the Cape- a really pretty spot right on the ocean.

The happy couple...

And their two sons. They were so sweet I had to keep reminding myself to photograph all the taller people at the wedding.

Love this moment...

My two favorites of the whole family...

And my favorite of Doug and Abdu...

The room looked beautiful- designed and put together by their friend Linda of Gourmet Caterers.

And this little guy I could have taken home with me. Just so sweet.

Doug + Abdu,
Mike and I had a great time photographing your wedding- you two get the fun award for the year. We enjoyed being part of your family for a day.

More pictures here...

Naomi + Alex

2008-12-03T22:31:00.005-05:00

One of the side benefits of photographing Engagement Sessions is that I get to wander around new places, ones I probably wouldn't end up at on my own. I have a small obsession with Wes Anderson films which have a beautiful, magical sense of place and I remember being younger and wanting to be the person that discovered and scouted those spots where scenes in movies were filmed. I do that now in a sense, for myself and my adventuresome clients.

I photographed Naomi and Alex's session in Newburyport, a spot that was meaningful to them and completely new to me.

Starting out with my favorite images- I love these two together.

Really feeling these next two, also...

This one just makes me feel happy, in the way that watching people in love makes you feel kind of warm and mushy inside. It always amazes me how a photograph has the ability to capture this feeling, that you can look at it later, maybe when you're in a different mood, and it can bring you right back to that sensation.

My favorite expression...

I guess I have a lot of favorites. It was so easy to photograph these two- they were so content together that there was a way they could just relax and melt into one another.

Literally, the last moment of sunshine. Seconds later it slipped away for the night.

Naomi + Alex,
I enjoyed seeing some of your favorite spots and getting to know you both. Looking forward to the wedding...

Christine + Bryan

2008-11-26T11:21:00.007-05:00

Christine and Bryan met me in Boston for their Engagement Session. We had a lot of fun wandering around some of the hidden streets of Beacon Hill. There were a lot of really sweet moments...

I would have loved to play under this tree as a child (I guess I was playing under there, as an adult).

Love these two quaint ones...doesn't even look like we're in the city anymore.

I was thinking a bit in series when I was working on these images. There are several sets of images that I think work really well together, like the following three. I just like the progression...

And this might be my favorite of the day. I just love the posture, expression, the unspoken language...makes me feel a lot.

Christine + Bryan,
Thank you for coming out on this adventure with me. It was lovely to see how brightly your faces light up in each other's company.

Feel free to leave a comment below...

Little Sam

2008-11-25T03:12:00.005-05:00

I photographed Sam and his family a couple weeks ago on one of the last warm days of the season. He really is a sweetheart and a little man of a thousand faces. I think his concerned face is my favorite- you can just see him thinking.

I love this one- sleepy little guy.

Some of my favorite moments are the little gestures in passing that express so much care, so much love...

Such a look of wisdom for one so small...I wonder what he is seeing in this moment.

I think this is my favorite of the day...

And I love the expression in this one...

I had so much fun photographing your new family and capturing all of Sam's little expressions. His fascination with the world is inspiring- makes me look at all the things around me with fresh eyes. I can't wait to see him walking...

Lyndsi + Brandon

2008-11-24T02:46:00.004-05:00

Lyndsi and Brandon's wedding was especially close to my heart because Lyndsi is one of my sister's best friends. I've known her for several years now- before she was even engaged we would talk about photographing her wedding. Every time we hung out, it always happened to be just the girls so I didn't get to meet Brandon. I wondered what her relationship was like to this mystery man she spoke longingly of marrying. I was looking forward to photographing them together to find out what it was all about...

There are so many great images to share from this wedding that I'm splitting it into two posts, so the slideshow will be at the end of the next post.

In the beginning, there was a dress...

One of my favorite getting ready images. I love the concentration and teamwork involved in the donning of the dress...

That's my lovely sister there on the right helping the bride. It made the wedding even more fun to have her there with me.

I love this image, too. There is just so much to love about these moments when friends come together to support and prepare for one of the biggest moments of your life. There is a beautiful selflessness and giving that shines through when everyone is so focused on the bride's happiness...

The guys arriving on the scene. We met before the ceremony for the portraits so we'd have plenty of time.

Moments before Brandon had his first glimpse of Lyndsi...

These two little fellows were the best.

A moment...(love the little one's super-straight posture, trying to stand tall)

Lyndsi + Brandon continued...

2008-11-24T01:10:00.013-05:00

I posted these blog entries in reverse order so the images would flow chronologically. Lyndsi and Brandon were married at the Saphire Estate, a lovely little venue right across from a lake. I love outdoor ceremonies...

Lots of twists and turns coming down the aisle...

I might be a bit partial, but I love the smiles in this one, especially on my sister's face.

My favorite image during the ceremony...

Another sweet little one...

I'm not sure who is congratulating who with this high five...

Off to experience sunset at the lake...

The first moments of being married really sinking in...

Love the color and feeling in these next two.

And the raw power of the hug in this one.

This might be my favorite image of the day. There is something free and spontaneous, like dancing to your favorite song, with your favorite person on the earth, while no one in the world is watching, while nothing else seems to matter...

These are pretty magical, too.

Lyndsi designed and coordinated a lot of the details that made the room look especially pretty.

Lyndsi + Brandon,
I had such a great time watching you two smile and laugh together. Compromise is one of the most important abilities to have in a relationship and I watch the two of you do it so gracefully. It was inspiring to watch your love unfold through my camera.

Please enjoy the slideshow...

Please leave a comment!

Paula + Chris

2008-11-16T22:07:00.012-05:00

Paula and Chris were married in the beginning of September- my favorite month of the year. I love the weather here at that time, as well as the feeling of change that comes with it- makes me miss being in school. Their wedding day was perfect in many ways, but mostly because of how happy they were together. Smiles, tears and hugs everywhere- many sweet, sweet moments to capture.

Some really beautiful moments getting ready...

We set aside some time for portraits of the bride in her parent's yard and there were so many images I just loved. I'm posting way too many but I can't help it.

One of my favorite moments with Paula...

Just beautiful.

The groom was very excited to see his bride...

The light for the ceremony was pretty gorgeous...

A few moments alone with the new couple...

Love these two...

Starting the party off right...

Paula + Chris,
Your wedding was a pleasure to photograph. I don't think you two stopped smiling the entire day...

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

Rosa + Jeff

2008-11-12T00:03:00.020-05:00

Rosa and Jeff's lovely wedding began at Rosa's parents home right on a beautiful lake. It was everything I love about summer. Even the way they spoke to and looked at each other had this feeling- like something you look forward to all year because it's full of so much warmth and enjoyment that you just want to hold onto it forever. To Rosa, it was really important to be able to take pictures in her family's yard, which her father had poured his heart into and which has also become a bit of a family tradition. I had the opportunity to share some really sweet moments with the couple before the ceremony.

So fun to be able to take detail shots outdoors...

The lovely bride getting ready...

The following two images might be my favorite getting ready pictures of the season. I love the softness- that magical feeling of being a bride moments before giving away the promise of her heart. There is something that transcends you on the day of your wedding and it is very visual, a glowing almost.

We created all the portraits before the ceremony so Rosa and Jeff could spend as much of their wedding as possible with their guests (and attend their cocktail hour).

A sweet image Mike created...

One of my favorites of the day...

I also love how these next two are so summery-fun (expressions of pure joy).

I love that photographing couples gives them the chance to really look at each other. We get so busy in our daily lives and it's important to make sure we really look at each other to keep our love growing (all the people in our lives, really, not just our significant other).

The little ringbearer had a gift for the bride...

The reception was held at Wachusett Country Club and everything looked wonderful.

Rosa and Jeff looked like pro dancers out there for their first dance. They told me they had been taking dance classes, but I didn't realize how amazing they would be together.

The dress was layers of fun on the dance floor...

The little ones warming up the dance floor.

The whole family was full of brilliant dancers- they made it look so natural and easy.

We stole the rings back so we could take a couple pictures during the reception.

Rosa + Jeff,

I am so glad I got the chance to get to know the two of you- I'm inspired by the joy I could see every time you looked at each other. I hope you are still dancing together like that when your 75!

Jennifer + Andrew

2008-10-30T01:33:00.003-04:00

Jen and Andrew brought me to Stonehurst in Waltham for their Engagement Session which is a beautiful spot for photographs and full of rich history. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted, the idea behind their creative force was that everyone deserved an "abundance of healthy, clean air and a spiritually uplifting and restorative environment." I could not agree more- I think that is so important to our health and happiness. One of the things I love most about photographing Engagement Sessions is spending time outdoors in new and interesting landscapes (and getting to know my clients at the same time).

I think we explored every corner of the property:

I love this picture because it's a portrait of the couple but it's also so much about the beautiful landscape that they fit in so gently.

Just really liked this little moment.

One of my favorites:

These next two are my favorites. The light was just so beautiful and revealing.

And we ended in the parking lot.

Jen + Andrew,
Thanks for introducing me to such a beautiful spot. It was just perfect. And thank you for sharing so much of yourselves. Your smiles make me smile.

Piccirilli + Flynn Family

2008-10-29T18:58:00.008-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Piccirilli family and the session was full of sweet little moments. I love watching how people care for one another- sometimes the smallest acts of consideration show so much, reveal how a family works.

The sweet little one. Child of a thousand expressions. So thoughtful- you can just see her thinking and pondering away.

I can remember the exhilarating feeling of being tossed in the air- scary but so fun at the same time.

I would call this one gleeful.

One of my favorites. I love how children live in their own world.

After we booked the session, the whole family decided they would like a few pictures together to give as a gift to their mother so the rest of the Flynn family joined us and we ended up doing a double session (which was extra fun for all the cousins who seemed very excited to see each other).

The Flynn girls are especially sweet and carefree. I loved the way they played together in a way that only sisters can.

Possibly my favorite of the day.

Thank you for sharing your warm, caring families. It was a treat to be surrounded by so many smiling faces.

Adventures in New York City

2008-10-25T13:59:00.008-04:00

I just spent a lovely two days in New York City. I went for the Photoplus Expo but the highlight was really spending time with new and old friends. And walking a lot in the city- I came across this on Friday morning in Hoboken- technically NJ but just minutes from NYC and such a sweet little place. So sweet, in fact, that I ate a cupcake there everyday from this friendly corner bakery. I love when I can slow my life down enough to appreciate all the little beautiful things that fill our days.

Shawna + Brad

2008-10-21T03:43:00.010-04:00

I don't normally post this many images from an Engagement Session, but this is one of the coolest places I've photographed, with an especially fun couple. We went to Saquish Beach which is like a large sandbar with houses on it. I had to ditch my car and join Shawna and Brad because I don't have four-wheel drive and the roads- actually there was only really one road- was pure sand. Not packed down, hard sand but soft, lay on the beach sand and it was so fun to drive along. The weather was really grey and had been threatening to rain, but as soon as we started taking pictures, the clouds starting dispersing and the most beautiful light poured from the sky. It was a ridiculously ideal setting. Shawna and Brad were so easy to photograph- they have such a graceful ease together. They were kind of in their own world and I was just tagging along for the ride...

The colors seem unreal but that's how it was.

Love love love this image.

Another favorite. Their pup just planted himself there on his own.

Considering Saquish is so small that I could practically see the ocean surrounding us, there was such a variety of scenery- miniature wooded patches, marshes, fields of wild beachy stuff growing on the side of the road...I could have spent the whole day out there.

I love this moment-something about the expressions, the inbetween-ness of it. So many beautiful, interesting images are those that are unexpected or that have a peculiar character to them that point to how really strange and wonderful life can be.

And then there is the beauty of pure joy, of playing around like a carefree child...

Because I've been an artist for so long before becoming a professional photographer, I always feel like I need to create images that really inspire me and transcend the boundaries of "professional" portrait or wedding photography. I have found a happy balance of creating work that is fulfilling that my clients love, but we might not always agree on our favorite image. The image below I love because it is so poignant, so raw. It might not make the best Christmas card, but I want to frame it and hang it on a gallery wall above a placard with my name proudly printed on it.

This might be my favorite image from the whole session. It just has this poet, otherworldly quality to it.

This one's got a little place in my heart, too.

Shawna + Brad,
Thank you so much for taking me out here. You are lucky to have such a spot to escape to- it really is a beautiful place. And so perfect for your session- I think it reflects a lot of the qualities that you both share in common. It's hard to put into words, just a feeling.

Patty + Russ

2008-10-20T02:56:00.016-04:00

Patty and Russ were married on one of the warmest, nicest days of the summer. At the time, I remember thinking how hot it was (especially to be in a wedding gown) but now that October is here, I'd give anything for a few more days of that weather...

This wedding was a lot of fun- everyone was in such a good mood and there was so much celebration in the air. So many smiles all around.

Patty got ready at her parents home:

I love this quiet portrait.

The younger members of the wedding party were having themselves a dance party in the kitchen.

The lovely bride:

One of my favorite portraits. I love the color and texture of the shed- sometimes the most unusual spots make the best backgrounds.

And onto the groom:

We had a lot of fun photographing the wedding party.

On top of the world.

My favorite time of the day, portraits of the bride and groom. (Actually, I have a lot of favorite parts of the day.)

I loved that the golf course at LeBaron Hills has this wild area where nature is growing as intended. It's hard to top the way mother nature lays it all out...

And I think this is my favorite of the day (although I keep changing my mind). I love the feeling of movement that it has- there is something so romantic about the gesture.

These two images made my heart sing:

Patty + Russ,

It was an honor to photograph your wedding. Thanks for allowing me a peek of who you are together.

If you'd like to see more images, there is a slideshow below:

Kerri + Craig

2008-10-16T00:35:00.011-04:00

We took a trip down to the beach where Kerri has enjoyed a lot of summer fun through the years with her family. I have a small obsession with the ocean so I'm excited for any opportunity to get close to the beach. I don't know if it comes from growing up half a mile from the beach and getting used to the salt in the air as a part of daily life or if it's just the calming affect of those beautiful, consistent waves...

I love this little moment where his hand grazes her ankle. It says so much so quietly.

I love when that thin layer of water at the edge of the waves reflects the sky above.

This might be my favorite of the day. I just love that warm glowy sun and the way the wind picked up right at that moment...

Actually, I think this is my most favoritest. I love the feeling of him carrying her off...

Kerri + Craig,
Thanks for showing me your beach and for sharing yourselves and your stories with me. You two are awfully sweet together.

Tara + Quentin

2008-10-09T23:40:00.022-04:00

Tara and Quentin's wedding was just lovely. It reminded me of all the things a wedding should be about- family coming together, smiling faces, hugs, laughter, mingling of voices in the sunlight, barefoot dancing...so much love all around. Nothing like bringing together all the people that matter most to you in the world to make you stop for a minute and really appreciate life. I believe this was one of Tara and Quentin's goals from the beginning- I could tell from the way they spoke of their wedding day in the months leading up to the event. I think the photographs reflect this feeling.

Here are some details of Tara getting ready. The entire event was held at Tupper Manor, which I fell in love with. There was a sweet little room for the bride to prepare for the ceremony.

I loved the blue shoes.

The lovely bride before the ceremony.

A couple of the younger guests had been enjoying the beach adjacent to the manor- we caught them coming back to get ready for the wedding and this little one just stole my heart.

I don't know if I saw the groom not smiling the entire day. His happiness was contagious.

The weather that day was the most perfect for a wedding- warm and sunny with this breeze that rolled gently off the ocean. A beautiful day to be outdoors...

Behind the manor was a path that led through the woods, past a field, to a secret little beach. I couldn't have asked for a better location to create portraits.

One of my personal favorites:

And the light speaks for itself. There is just nothing like that hour before sunset.

I just love this one. I think I am drawn to creating images that show how much a couple cares for each other and how they show it in ways other than a hug or embrace. Not that those aren't interesting, but there is so much more to explore...

I feel like I can't really take all the credit for the following images- I have to thank the most gracious sun for being in the perfect spot and being so warm and lovely.

And my favorite of the day. It's like they are running off together...

Back to the party...

I loved all the light the huge windows let in for the reception- everything looked perfect.

I had to include a picture from the best men speech because it is possibly one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed. They performed a song for the bride and groom and had everyone crying with laughter.

Just a moment that really caught me.

Tara + Quentin,
It really was such a joy to photograph your wedding day. It made me fall in love with falling in love.

More images in the slideshow:

Sonya + Steve + Olivia

2008-09-23T19:28:00.011-04:00

I love photographing kids- partly because they are so darn cute but also because they are so expressive. They really hold nothing back- if they're happy, you really know it, if they are curious, or mad, or sad it just shows in every bit of their face, in every movement of their body. If we could all express ourselves this freely, life would be a lot less complicated.

I had a lovely time photographing Olivia and her family. They welcomed me into their home- especially the dogs who seemed to like me a lot. I think they really liked my shoes, too, because when I went to put them back on they were awfully drooly.

Olivia's room was so soft and gentle and cuddly.

She just started smiling from the very beginning and couldn't stop. Such a sweet nature...

Olivia wanted to eat the grass and I can't say I blame her- it looked deliciously green.

It doesn't get much cuter than baby toes. Except maybe all the other parts...

I think this is my favorite. Something so dreamlike, ethereal about this image- it's just a moment between moments.

The curly cues are darling.

My favorite family image. I can only image how exciting it is to be parents for the first time, when everything about your baby is so new and fascinating. Spending time with little ones really makes you put your life in perspective and spend time doing the things that seem so little but are so important, like just watching and listening.

Sonya, Steve + Olivia,
It was a pleasure to photograph your family- so refreshing to spend some time with such a smiling little face.

Amy + Brian

2008-09-20T22:07:00.017-04:00

I met Amy and Brian over a year and half ago and I remember being really touched by how they communicated with each other. They left this space for the other's thoughts and ideas, never stepping on each other. When I photographed them together, I was really struck by the way they compliment each other. You can see it in the way they stand together, in their embraces, in their small gestures of contact. Brian seems to have this calming affect on Amy that just makes everything else melt away in his presence. It's pretty powerful to watch, to think that another person can bring that out in you.

Beautiful dress + cute shoes + pretty flowers = really happy bride.

I love photographing the getting ready process. So full of these intimate little moments where it's like the bride is holding her breath in anticipation.

We did a couple portraits in the front yard:

Nothing like those first super happy smiles when they walk out of the church. That's a feeling you want to remember to feel forever.

The reception was held at the lovely Black Rock Country Club. We got to wander around the grounds a bit to create some portraits of Amy and Brian. The light was so perfect at this time of day- just so glowy-warm.

I think I sustained some grass stains from this one, but well worth it.

One of my favorites of the day- the wind just picked up her dress and I caught this moment as it started to billow in the breeze.

One of my very favorites- I love interactions that are less traditional, that somehow show another perspective, less obvious than a hug or a kiss.

Mike's take on the same moment:

Love the expressions.

Possibly my very favorite of the day. It's hard to say, but I really love the gesture and the grace of this image.

Amy's dress did these awesome twirls during the first dance.

Amy + Brian,
It warmed my heart to see the two of you married and to be able to create photographs that I feel really speak of who you are together. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day.

To see more images, take a look at the slideshow below.

Gratefulness

2008-09-20T21:39:00.008-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the things I am grateful for in my life. At the top of that list are my friends and family because they inspire me and teach me to be a better person and support and love me unconditionally. It feels like even if I am walking on a tightrope, I have this huge crowd down there cheering me on and ready to catch me if I fall.

I am also really grateful for my clients because they are willing to share so much of who they are with me. They let their guard down and allow me to see how they love each other and I grow as a person as I watch all the different forms in which this manifests. I think when you love someone, that love doesn't just sit there, it's an on-going process of discovery and development, figuring out ways to show how you love each other. I have a friend who said if today was his last day, he could go knowing that everyone he loves knows it. I want to make sure that I live my life like that.

Anne + James

2008-09-15T14:24:00.003-04:00

Anne and James have lived in the North End together for a while so it seemed the perfect spot to shoot their Engagement Session. They pointed out all their favorite places along the way and I could tell they really loved their neighborhood. I enjoyed the real sense of community- people would stop and say hello instead of just passing by each other .

This was my second Engagement Session in the North End this season and we didn't pass a single location that I had photographed during my other session, which is great because I love exploring new places and I seldom photograph in the same spot twice. I love the sense of adventure that comes with picking a starting point and just wandering around looking for unusual or interesting areas.

I have so many favorites to share- this is definitely one:

This next one might be one of my all time favorites. I love the composition, the lighting, the feel, everything.

Love playing with the shapes and patterns you find only in the city.

These alleyways were just beautiful- makes me want to move back to the city.

We made it all the way to the park. We spent a bit longer than normal photographing because I was having so much fun (I hope you guys were, too.)

I love this crazy, wild growth right in the middle of the city.

And one of my very favorites. I think it's the expressions or the body language, but it makes me smile.

Anne + James,
I had a lot of fun getting to know the two of you. You are both so sweet and considerate. I can't wait to hear more as the wedding plans continue to unfold. James, I hope you don't get made fun of, although you might deserve it just a little bit.

Diana + Paul

2008-09-06T10:53:00.025-04:00

Diana and Paul's wedding was an unexpected surprise- they commissioned us to photograph their wedding just weeks before the big day. Their wedding happened to fall on the one free Saturday I had in all of June by happy circumstances. We didn't have as long as I normally do to get to know my couples, but Diana and Paul welcomed me into their family and we had a great time.

A few getting ready details:

The beautiful bride about to put her dress on:

Diana and Paul already have two really beautiful children- this is their daughter in her mini little wedding dress. You could tell she liked being dressed up like all the grownups, that she felt very proud, even if she didn't really know what was going on.

And her wee little foot just melted my heart.

Here's Paul with his backup crew of groomsmen-probably the most intense moment of the day, (if you can't tell by his expression).

We did portraits in the park nearby- the light at that time of day was like apple pie. It was just that good.

I was touched by how gentle and attentive Paul is to Diana. I love watching how people care for each other, how that can be translated into a gesture that can then be captured in an image.

Love this one.

One of my favorites of the day. Body language speaks so strongly that some of the best images don't even need to have faces in them.

Actually, maybe this is my favorite one- I keep changing my mind.

The reception looked pretty.

Diana + Paul,
It was a pleasure to be part of your wedding day and to watch you care for each other so quietly, so deeply.

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

Hilary + Brendan

2008-08-29T04:52:00.027-04:00

I want to share an especially lovely wedding that was magical in so many ways. First of all, the bride is one of my best friends. Hilary and I have been friends since we were 15 so our friendship has spanned a decade and half (and at times a whole continent) so it felt so good to watch her marry someone as perfect for her as Brendan. And I'm not saying that just to be nice, Brendan- since you've moved back to Boston I feel like I've gained a new friend instead of losing one, like some people feel when their friends are married off.

The second cool thing about this wedding is that I had the honor of being a bridesmaid. It's definitely an interesting feat to have double responsibilities, but I had a whole team to help me and together we created some amazing images. In case you are trying to visualize a bridesmaid wielding a camera, this is me at work in my sweet dress:

The much anticipated dress. I watched this little Vera Wang number become transformed and fitted to perfection. My first behind the scenes view of what my brides go through with all that pinning and tucking and hemming to get that perfect fit.

Hilary was by far the most mellow bride ever. During the celebrations the night before, there was a bit of roasting and toasting and someone mentioned how Hilary uses the word "mellow" a lot, that it's a characteristic of her personality and lifestyle. You could say her wedding day was like that in many ways- so relaxed, no rushing around, everyone really enjoying every moment.

The veiling...

The first moment the bride and groom saw each other. (I think it went over well.)

Mike captured this dreamy moment:

I love, love the way Hilary is looking at Brendan in this image. It is so telling of their relationship. When you hang out with them, you can visually see how much respect and admiration they have for each other, without them even speaking.

My friend Cassi also photographed with Mike and I and she captured the following two images that I just love. She just moved to Philadelphia so if anyone in that area is in need of some photography, be sure to check out her sweet skills.

The ring bearers were too cute for words.

Before their wedding, Hilary, Brendan and I sat down to plan out the timing of their day to make sure we had plenty of time for pictures, so the day wouldn't feel rushed. On the bottom of the list of portraits I typed up for her, was written "Save 15 minutes for pictures in the street with green fire hydrant," which made Hilary laugh when she reviewed our plans. Mike and I had seen this spot a minute down the road from where she was getting ready, fell in love with the little green hydrant, and needed to take some pictures there. I love fun, unexpected places to photograph the bride and groom.

One of my favorite shots of the day- so frisky.

This would look amazing really really huge.

Here's where I might get a little mushy. The ceremony was so beautiful that I was in tears before I even started down the aisle. Music is a huge part of Hilary and Brendan's lives so it was an important part of their wedding. All the groomsmen sang an a cappella version of a song called "Love is Simple" which mingled with the soft, pale sunset and drifted on the salty breeze. It was utterly, amazingly, beautiful. I walked down the aisle with tears in my eyes, the hugest smile on my face, and so much love in my heart.

Mike captured all of these images of the ceremony. It's really hard to let go of the camera and trust someone else to do it, but Mike totally blew me away with these images. They are so touching- I just couldn't have done any better. (I'm so excited that I get to marry him.)

I love this composition.

What a little blue grass music will do to you:

I love how happy and proud they look in this picture.

Cassi got some great shots of the reception looking all elegant.

And then they danced their faces off. All of Brendan's groomsmen are musicians, so when the band took a break, they took over. I wish they could have played all night.

Hilary put on her dancing shoes and this might be one of my favorite images of the whole night:

Hilary + Brendan,
This whole weekend was overflowing with more love than I thought humanly possible in one place at one time, and I know yours was right at the center of it. I know you two focused on all the things most important to you and through that you really created the most magical celebration.

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

A Day at the Park

2008-08-23T15:04:00.005-04:00

I took my little cousin to the park the other day and I had my little point and shoot camera with me so I took a few pictures while she was playing. Erin is one of my favorite people on the planet- I used to watch her every week when she was little so she's kind of my baby (even though she's getting so big!). She has the best sense of humor- she makes me laugh all day and remember how enjoyable life is when you stop worrying about all the things you think you have to do and just enjoy the moment that's happening now.

She wanted to wear her hair like mine so we both had pigtails. (Her's are cuter, though.)

Lobster Tails

2008-08-22T00:18:00.005-04:00

Yesterday evening I photographed an engagement session in the North End with Anne and James who couldn't believe I had never tried a Lobster Tail (I actually didn't even know what it was). They disappeared into the crowd at Mike's Pastry and finally reemerged, presenting me with an eight inch box, tied together with a little string, which I managed to squeeze into my bag for later. If I had any idea how amazing this treat would be, I don't think it would have stayed in my bag for five hours. And I wouldn't have invited my sister over to share it with me. Lobster tails go in the most-amazing-desserts-ever category. I'm meeting friends in Boston tomorrow night and I'm already scheming how I can herd them towards the North End....

It really is the size of a huge lobster.

The lovely couple sharing a cannoli. Many more pictures to come later....

Thanks Anne + James for spoiling me- thank you for dinner and especially for walking me to my car. You two are so thoughtful.

Cassandra + Scott

2008-08-20T00:47:00.017-04:00

Cassandra and Scott were married at a beautiful church in Haverhill and celebrated afterwards at Brookstone Park in New Hampshire- a really pretty spot where the staff treated everyone so kindly. I think Cassandra was one of the happiest, most excited brides I've ever met. Her feelings were contagious and it was so much fun to take pictures of her and her girls getting ready. She put her dress on in a room with big windows and lots of natural light which makes for amazing pictures (if you are a bride-to-be and you are thinking about where to get ready, pick a bright spot with lots of windows). This is a pretty long post, but there were just so many moments to share and so many darn sweet kids in this wedding.

Some details:

If I was having a contest for cutest expression, I think you'd win Cassandra. There are handfuls of pictures where your personality just spills out...

One of my favorites of the day. I love the glowing light and the way her hand skims the wall.

We ventured into the woods a bit for some portraits. What's the good of having a gorgeous dress if you can't have fun it? I always make sure the top layer of the dress stays clean but you are only going to wear it once so you might as well enjoy it and not worry about it getting dirty.

Scott looking handsome backstage:

Cassandra's solution to figuring out how to walk in her dress was pretty ingenious (and sexy).

Love this image Mike created:

Another couple moments brought to you by Mike. (I didn't give him credit for the sweet radish picture he took of me in my last post, so I thought I'd make it up to him now by sharing these two images I thought were beautiful.)

And my favorite image of the whole day. It just takes my breath away and makes me feel happy.

It's hard to imagine that there is a bride in there somewhere.

And a lovely display of fireworks- such an amazing way to end the night.

Cassandra + Scott,
Thank you for your unquestioning trust. It means a lot to me and allows me the space to create really original imagery. Also thank you for warmly inviting me into your family. You two were so much fun to photograph- your love is contagious.

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

Sundays...

2008-08-17T23:43:00.007-04:00

I love Sundays, especially when they involve a long, lazy, brunch at my parent's house. My mom makes the meanest omlettes around and there's nothing like fresh vegetables from my cousins' farm. My mom had a whole bag of radishes and as I selected a few to take home I couldn't help but be charmed by the odd shapes of these little fellows. They have so much personality.

I recently purchased a little digital point and shoot camera so I now always have a camera on me, which is so fun. I've learned not to expect it to be as amazing as my real cameras (the color is so different, there's no way to control the focus, looks better on screen than in print) but it fits in my pocket so it's always around in times of need:

Me and my new friends:

Happy Sunday!

Kara + Ted

2008-08-14T19:54:00.010-04:00

I photographed Kara and Ted's engagement session at a little boat launch area a few miles from my home. This was basically a small parking lot with a path that led down to a little stream that you could maybe put a toy boat into but even that wouldn't go too far...I think it must have more water at some point during the year. I had fallen in love with this little nook of the world a while back so I was very excited to have the chance to photograph a session here. I love that because of my job, I am constantly looking at the world differently. I photograph everything on location so I am always looking at the spaces around me which I find so fascinating, especially the unexpectedly beautiful ones, like the backside of a gas station or a small patch of wilderness growing on the side of the road. When you widen what you perceive as beautiful to include the less obvious, the less traditional, you get to be surrounded by a lot more of it...

I love photographing in these types of places- I have a whole catalogue of them in my head so if you are looking for a unique location for your engagement or portrait session, let me know.

One of my favorites. Just love the boyish-ness of it.

I love the quiet and peaceful feeling of the next few images:

Look how gleeful this next one is- I'm going to spend more time being gleeful.

Kara + Ted,
Thank you for coming down to my neck of the woods. I've been wanting to photograph in this spot for so long- thanks for trusting me!

Rosa + Jeff

2008-08-11T15:02:00.009-04:00

Rosa and Jeff met me in the North End for their Engagement Session. They wanted some quintessential Boston in the background and this was a really fun area to wander around. Jeff sure knows how to love his girl- the way he wraps his arms around her, the way he makes her laugh...

This one's my favorite of the day:

Rosa + Jeff,
Thank you for being so adventuresome! I can't wait for your wedding this weekend.

Angela + Dan

2008-08-11T02:09:00.014-04:00

Angela and Dan were married on what might have been the hottest day of the entire summer. Everyone was melting but they still let me drag them around the park to create some beautiful portraits and I hope it was worth it.

The lovely details:

The flower girls were conserving their energy for the dance floor later.

I love the expressions on the next few images:

In most of my imagery, the couples are less aware of the camera, usually more involved in each other or what's going on around them. But once in a while the directness of looking right into the camera can be stunning and so revealing if the person has really let their guard down.

These are two of my favorites:

This amazingly lovely image was created by Mike who is not only my second shooter but also my fiance (a very convenient + happy combination!)

Angela + Dan,
Your wedding day was a joy to photograph. I'm glad I could be a part of something so beautiful.

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

Michelle + Gregory

2008-08-05T02:45:00.009-04:00

Michelle and Greg's engagement session was really fun and sweet. Most of my clients feel a bit awkward in front of the camera for the first few minutes (suddenly you realize you have these arms that you just don't know what to do with) but it fades away after the first ten minutes as you realize that the camera is not really the focus but an excuse to act silly, to stare into each other's eyes, to express your love with your hands, your arms, your feet- anything you can wrap around the other person. I think we should take more time out of our days to act like this...to slow down and show the person we love most in the world how much we really love them, without using words.

Some of my favorite images from the session:

Michelle and Greg,
Thank you for inviting me in and letting me see who you are together. Shyness can be a beautiful thing- a thin veil that you can peek out from behind when it feels right, when you are comfortable. I hope you enjoyed this experience and I can't wait to photograph your wedding day.

Roxanna + Timothy

2008-08-05T02:15:00.018-04:00

Roxanna and Tim were married at pretty little spot in New Hampshire called the Bedford Village Inn. The grounds were beautiful. I love how calm and quiet it can be in New Hampshire-I think it must be because there are so many trees. It must have rubbed off on the bride and groom because they were both so relaxed and really enjoying themselves. Not even the rain could bring them down...

The lovely bride getting ready:

It was drizzling a bit so the ceremony was moved indoors, but Roxanna and Tim braved the wet so I could create some beautiful portraits.

The handsome happy groom:

The groomsmen kept making me smile.

It must be such a hard thing for a father to give away his daughter, to let her go...

It's amazing to be able to visually see how much a person can care for another- in the small gestures, in the way they look at each other, in the way they feel so comfortable, so at ease in each other's presence that you would think by looking at them that they were spending the afternoon alone. The challenge of photographing wedding portraits is to make sure my camera doesn't interupt that beauty and I can't really explain how, but I stand in awe of my couples' love and I think they can sense that and it frees them to be able to express it openly.

Roxanna + Tim,
Thank you for sharing your sweet, quiet love. It was my pleasure to photograph your wedding.

To see more images, check out the slideshow below:

In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World

2008-08-01T11:22:00.007-04:00

(Henry David Thoreau)

And it can be found everywhere you look, even on a front stoop in the city. I have always had a personal fascination with the way nature flourishes even in the most unlikely of places- the way wild plants manage to grow between the cracks on highway barriers, the way vines wrap around dilapidated buildings, the way trees grow and stretch around telephone wires. I love photographing nature spring over the obstacles we create by tearing down land and wrapping the earth in pavement. That resilience makes me hopeful...

Marcus + Family

2008-07-31T13:47:00.019-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Marcus and his family a couple weeks ago and we had fun playing in the park. This little one is very inquisitive- grass, twigs, rocks were interesting treasures in his eyes. If we could see the world more like the way children do, what a beautiful, fascinating place it would be...

A smile is adorable, of course, but some of the other expressive faces that children make are even more precious and can totally steal your heart.

Look at that intensity...

I love the pure joy in the following images:

And my favorite:

Thank you for sharing a bit of yourselves with me. Your images are as warm and loving as you are as a family.

Just a peek...

2008-07-23T10:39:00.003-04:00

Amy Lee, this one's for you (and Brian, too!)

Something to look forward to...

2008-07-23T01:49:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty excited for the wedding that awaits editing tomorrow morning.

Ashley + Anthony

2008-07-23T00:25:00.026-04:00

I have finally smoothed out all the kinks in my new blog and I'm excited to start sharing my recent work. Ashley and Anthony got married in Rhode Island on a sparkling sunny day that was about as bright as the love between them.

Ashley had a great support team getting ready.

The ring bearer was such a little man...he seemed very proud of his big sister.

Ashley and Anthony decided to see each other before the ceremony as they wanted to dedicate enough time for their pictures to be able to shoot at some fun locations. We started at a farm that was on the way to the church- Ashley and her grandmother had passed by the place, fell in love, and went right up to the front door and asked the owners if they would mind if we took some wedding photographs on their property. A month later, here we are...

The gentleman who owned the farm was even sweet enough to bring out his car for us.

I'm really in love with this image below- there is just something magical about it that falls between grace and balance.

The church was so light and airy- we were able shoot with natural light which is the best kind there is.

I love the energy and excitement as my couples walk back down the aisle. If I lined them all up, it would be a long strand of really joyous faces...

The reception was held at Crystal Lake Golf Course in Rhode Island- quite a beautiful little spot by the water and full of friendly staff.

The groomsmen needed a few more minutes to let loose...

The reception details were so bright and colorful- beautiful work done by Couture Bridal.

I really love this last image- a small gesture can say so much, our instictive language that requires no words or thoughts.

If you would like to see more images feel free to check out the slideshow below.

I love my job...

2008-06-15T09:16:00.012-04:00

I photographed a wedding yesterday for the lovely couple Cassandra & Scott and as I was going through the images, this one really caught my eye. Moments like this really make me love my job...

Just a quick one...

2008-06-14T01:33:00.018-04:00

Sometimes the best pictures happen when you let go of everything and can just be silly. I'm oddly in love with this image- who knew so much emotion could show in the tiniest corner of an eye...