A backyard wedding, planned to a T!

Family and friends travelled from all around to celebrate Cathy and Roland. Their love was utterly contagious! I mean, there was no denying their affection for each other! The endless kisses! The way they gazed into each other's eyes! I cannot emphasize it enough - IN LOVE! I'd find myself grinning ear to ear in awe of their happiness!

Everyone helped out. Serving the food, playing the music, hair and make up, bartending... everyone had a role and if not, they were ready to step in! A true family affair!

Cathy and Roland purchased this home nearly two months ago, knowing that they'd be married there. Roland built an arbor for them to be married under. It leads into hiking trails through conservation land. I can only imagine what it will be like to look out into their backyard, day after day, with such happy memories! 

Cheers, Cathy and Roland! To a beautiful future ahead and wonderful memories to be cherished!

Roland's suit: Men's Wearhouse Manchester, NH
Cathy's gown: Pure Bliss Bridals Newburyport, MA
Hair: Kathryn at Slate Salon and Spa  Epping, NH
Make up: Julie Anderson Washington 
​Flowers: Inkwell Flowers Newmarket, NH
Cake: Harvey's Bakery Dover, NH
Catering: Huntspoint BBQ Epping, NH
Tent: Baystate Tent and Party Rental in Tewksbury, MA
​Justice of the Peace: Amy Cann

On May 22nd, my Buppa passed away. I still tear up at those words. I wrote a speech that I spoke at his funeral, but I've delayed writing this because this needed some time.

Nearly a year ago, Buppa's wife who I call Mamas, passed away. She passed away in their home. Buppa thought she was still sleeping in her chair when my Mom came over to visit. "It happened too fast", I remember Buppa saying while laying in his bed in rehab. 

Buppa fractured his hip after falling in his bathroom this past March. This fracture lead to many other complications and eventually, his defeat. I believe Buppa tried his hardest to live a life without Mamas. He would go to the senior center, meet up with a group of local veterans, stay longer at family parties. There was a pep in his step that said, "I'm a bachelor now!"

He tried. Life had other plans. After a few trips to the hospital and endless doctor appointments, he lost touch with those new friends and found new ones in rehab. 

Those final days in rehab were something I'll never forget. His sister flew in from Wisconsin, his brother from Florida. They thought they were there for a cheerful get well visit, but instead they were there to see him go. I walked in to his room that Tuesday morning to see him and I knew he was leaving. 

My route home took me by his road. I had brought my camera with me with intentions to take photos of him with his brother and sister. As I came upon his road, I knew I had to go to his house and capture these corners that would remind me of him forever. He left for rehab right before St. Patrick's Day, one of his favorite holidays. So perfect. He left it with all his Irish decorations around his home. Below are some that I've chosen to share with you.

The chair where he ate all of his meals. You can't sit there, that's Buppa's chair.
The chair he would nap in. That's Buppa's chair.
The chair he'd read the paper and listen to the birds chirping. That's Buppa's chair.
The chair he'd watch his favorite shows and watch us open presents at Christmas. That's Buppa's chair.

Looking at these photos, I can hear the creak in the floor, the squeak of the door, the smell of his after shave.

Over the past few months, we really dove into his home, Buppa's life. It was emotionally cleansing to throw away much of the clutter and hold onto the things that would always remind me of him. It had to be done, but it also helped us find closure.

His home went on the market today. I took the photos for the listing. As I went around from room to empty room, it came to me that he's not there anymore. It's time for a new, lucky family to lay out their decorations, make new aroma's in the kitchen, host parties, mow the lawn, plant their favorite flowers, and create new projects around the house.

​Oh Buppa, I miss you so much!

Just bare with me as I start off on a tangent... After graduating high school, I decided to get the heck out of my hometown. Like a lot of high school graduates, I wanted to live on my own and explore what's out there. I promised myself I'd never return!
Ten years later, I returned with a baby on the way, a ring on my finger, and a new mortgage to boot! It was one of the best decisions I could've made. Little did I know, that many other high school graduates decided to do the same! The smart ones never left! ;)
As word spreads about my photography, I'm reuniting with many! They're welcoming me into their homes, I get to meet their newborns, capture milestones, and spend every minute with them for their wedding day!!! I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to reconnect with them (my people!) in such a personal way!
With that said, Leah was one of those graduates that convinced Nate that our hometown was the place to be! It really is, Nate! I'll contend to that!
Leah and Nate came to me last Fall and asked me to photograph their wedding. "Of course!" I knew this would be a TON of fun! But they also had a special surprise! Their daughter was due by the end of the year, so we held a maternity/engagement session during that prime time Fall foliage!

Just in time for Christmas, Baby Allison arrived!!!

Leah and Nate were smart and prepared much of their wedding day details before Allison's arrival. Mind you, they were preparing for a baby, a wedding, and working full time jobs - and may I say, looking A+ the whole time! - these guys did a fantastic job and deserved the best wedding day ever! Just short of a sunny blue sky, I'd say they had a pretty awesome wedding that lasted the whole weekend!
I applaud you, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis! I wish you and your whole family lots of love and happiness! Thank you so much for inviting me to capture these special moments!

​Press "PLAY" and enjoy the slideshow! :)

Venue: Wedgewood Pines Country Club Stow, MA
Hair: Jolene Yates from Images Salon 
Make-up: Liz Collins from Maven Hair Company
​Gown: Giggi's Bridal Hudson, MA
​Tux: Men's Wearhouse Northborough, MA
DJ: Chris Profenna 617 Boston DJ
Flowers: Frugal Flowers Sudbury, MA
​Cupcakes: Bean Counter Shrewsbury, MA
2nd Photographer: Kate Brindley

It was my honest pleasure to capture Ashley and Frederico's wedding day! These two planned a beautiful wedding! Ashley got ready with her ladies at her parents' house, while Fred and his guys got ready back at their place, just a short ride away. As it was time to leave for the ceremony, the rain came down hard! Ashley's sisters did what they could to keep her dry as she entered the church! The ceremony took place at St. Michael's in Hudson performed by Father Tony, all in Portuguese!

Like luck would have it, the rain cleared as we headed over to Butternut Hill Golf Club in Stow, MA for the reception. I loved this place! Their coordinator was awesome! Ashley and Fred's dog, Jax made an appearance for photos! 

The newly weds were announced and they marched right onto the dance floor, surrounded by their parents and wedding party for their first dance. Without missing a beat, they continued with the father daughter and mother son dances. Never fail, I wipe away the tears!

Two fantastic speeches were then made by the maid of honor, Ashley's sister and best man, a dear friend of Frederico's. Ashley's sister spoke in english, then translated in Portuguese! 

Everyone was ready to party and that they did. Overjoyed to be together, the dance floor was pumping, drinks were flowing, and everyone had a smile on their face!  

Congratulations on a beautiful wedding day! Thank you so much for inviting me to capture it all!

Venue: Butternut Farm Golf Club
Hair & Make up: Jade Silvestri Hair & Make up Co. Worcester, MA
Gown: Giggi's Bridal Hudson, MA
Suit: Jos A Bank Northborough, MA
​DJ: Eduardo Alves
​Videographer: Visually Sound Pictures
Cake: Peppers Artful Events
​Flowers: Frugal Flowers Sudbury, MA
​Second Shooter: Lindsey Topham

My husband and I celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary today! Bryan and I chose to elope and have a wedding party with friends and family a year later. Three years later, we went on our honeymoon to Ireland! Way to spread it out, right?! All such wonderful memories!

As I shoot more and more weddings and engagements, I wish we had hired a photographer to capture that time in our lives. We simply had limited funds. We had a baby on the way and were on the market for a new home. Several guests at our wedding party were kind enough to take photos and share them with us. We're forever grateful for those photos!

I filmed our elopement with my little point and shoot, but it's actually quite long and painful to watch. My hair, my outfit, it was hot, I was pregnant! We did it in an old barbershop on a weeknight, after work. It's hard to hear over the traffic driving by. So romantic!

​We walked away finding the experience a lot more special than expected. Our JP recited a poem written by Robert Browning, 'Grow old along with me'. Bryan and I had never heard it before, but in Bryan's proposal, he asked if I would grow old with him. To have this beautiful poem spoken made the dusty, sweaty, loud wedding day extra special!

In 2011, Bryan and I went on a four day honeymoon to Ireland. We stationed in Dublin, taking trips to the Cliffs of Moher and beautiful hiking trails nearby.

In 2014, we had our second child. Taking family portraits with a timer was no longer an option. Last Fall, I decided it was time we get a professional photographer to take our family photos. Thankfully, my dear friend, Lindsey Topham agreed to a family photo swap! I cherish these photos and have them printed all over my home. I printed them as gifts for grandparents too! 

As a photographer, I found great value in getting in front of the camera. I loved being guided around, spending this time with my family, and receiving these great images that I will forever keep on my walls!

Our ten year anniversary was upon us and I knew that we needed to take the time to hire a professional photographer to do our photos. It's hard being intimate in front of the camera, letting your true colors shine. I've seen Ali Pettiti Towle in action and knew she'd be a perfect fit for us! She was even game to get up at the crack of dawn to get that beautiful morning light! I looooove these so much!!! Go to Ali's blog to view more!

Being married isn't easy. It takes work to keep the love alive, work as a team, agree to disagree. I feel so fortunate that Bryan entered my life. He came at a time that I had given up on being in love. We had been together for less than a year when our daughter, Chloe decided to press us to make a decision. Jumping head first into a life that was completely new to us as husband and wife, parents, and home owners.. this was shocking, to say the least. It took a lot of adjusting. We never gave up though! Through our up's and down's, we stayed true to each other. I cannot wait to see what our future holds! The best is yet to be!

Sybrand is taking his knowledge and experience in business and applying it to his passion, wildlife photography! A South African native, he has gone on a number of photo safari's. He knows where it's at, so to speak. So now it's time to lead the way! 

Ummm, yah. I'm not going to lose this guy's number! #willassistforsafari

For his headshot session, he asked if we could do a bit of business with a bit of casual. Limited (not so limited) by his apartment, we did just that! I love working within clients' homes because it can be so much more personal and comfortable. Your clothes are there, props, a bathroom, a changing room! Snacks! ;)

It's really where you'll be most comfortable and excited to have your photos taken. 

I.can't.even.
​
Baby Ava arrived in March. Here, she is 13 days old. Welcomed by her big sister, Emily and proud Mom and Dad!

So sweet!!! 

This was one of our first "real" Spring days. That day you couldn't wait to get out to do yard work? Yah, that day. I think it's safe to say Spring is really here now. Flowers are in bloom, the grass is turning green, we're sneezing every five minutes. Ahhh, Spring! :)

Well this was such a treat to be able to do Ava's newborn photos. Their home was just so beautiful and full of light! Always such an honor to capture this moment before they really take off and grow before your very eyes! 

Hey guys! Long time no talk here at my blog. After the rush of Fall and Holiday photos, it sure has quieted down over here! I'm a freelance retoucher for commercial photographers, so that keeps me busy all year round. I'm also preparing my taxes and getting ready for next season! I have been getting a lot of newborn inquiries. Spring is such a great time to have a new baby!

I recently photographed this sweet babe in his home. He's only nine days old here, snuggled up and looking delicious as ever! It's such an honor to capture these first days of a human's life. They grow so fast!

In preparing for 2018, I have a little update... My prices have changed! See my investment page. I decided to go all inclusive with my Family and Newborn Sessions this year. This means you can download everything you see in your gallery. I'll be going through and picking out the best of the best, giving you a minimum of 15 images for Newborns and 20 for Family. I added an Extended Family Session as well! This offers a minimum of 30 images and I include a hard covered book! 

I feel really good about going all inclusive. When you see your gallery, you're seeing fully retouched images. Download them right away and start printing, start sharing! Prints will still be available from my site as well, but with my contract you have the right to print on your own, where you please. 

Your input is immensely valued. If you have any thoughts, questions, suggestions, I'd love to hear from you! Growing this business has been a lot of fun! I love meeting new clients, hearing your ideas, and your response when you receive your photos!

A big thank you to those clients that keep coming back! Just.amazing. :)

xoxo

As 2016 came to a close, Bryant proposed to Rachel in front of all of their friends and family! 

She said YES! ;)

I was sitting for an interview with them at a cafe two weeks later! They just may be the definition of efficiency.

Needless to say, we hit it off and I was guaranteed a front row seat to their wedding day as their photographer!

I did a lot of the coordinating with Bryant. Rachel works with little kids, so she didn't have quick access during the day to answer emails, texts, or calls but Bryant really wanted to be part of every decision! 

Their engagement shoot was so fun taking place in two locations. One, in a renovated alley for eating ice cream next to the shop and the other, over a set of abandoned train tracks leading over a bridge. A beautiful session that really helped me learn how they were in front of a camera. They're not shy! They loved to kiss. Bryant loved to make Rachel laugh. Rachel loved to laugh! And they weren't afraid to stare into each other's eyes for long minutes while I snapped away from every angle!

​Follow me on Instagram to see more from their engagement shoot!

Fast forward to their wedding day, September 15, 2017 (one week from today! Happy first week anniversary!!!)

Classic New England, their wedding day started off hot and sunny and ended with a humid, drizzly evening. All week, it was forecasted for 90% chance of rain. I swear they do it to mess with me! Nothing we can do but roll with the punches!

Rachel and Bryant got ready in the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester, NH just a few doors down from each other! Their rooms overlooked the minor league baseball field for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. They decided to wait until the ceremony to see each other, so we kept them separate and hidden. Bryant and the guys took a trolley over to the church while Rachel and her ladies stayed back for some photos.

The ceremony was in a newly renovated, gorgeous cathedral called Saint Joseph's. Also in Manchester, it was just a ten minute trolley ride from the hotel. Rachel's Dad, Matt walked her down the aisle. Then later played guitar and sang with her Mom, Kathy during the ceremony!

After their "I do's!", we floored it to Zorvino Vineyards. Me in my car and the wedding party in the trolley. I honked as I drove past, hoping to beat them there. By the time I had my gear out of my car, they were pulling up! We had a little under an hour to do formals outside in their gorgeous vineyard. I just love an overcast, drizzly day for photos but we went quick as to get them ready for their intro's!

Once the parents and wedding party were announced, Rachel and Bryant were welcomed in as Mr. and Mrs. Attaway, using Rachel's bouquet as a football. Then, moved right into their first dance to a Boyce Avenue cover of a Thousand Years.

The rest of the night was filled with music, laughter, drinks, and tears! Best Man, Zac hit the spectrum of emotions as he started his speech as though he was to announce his fifth child with Carrie! Angela, Rachel's MOH shared the story of when Rachel described Bryant to her. Rachel realized that the reason why she loved him so much was because he shared the same qualities as her best friend!

Dare I fail to mention the details!?!?! Rachel and her Mom (and their number of helpers!) worked so hard on endless ideas for their wedding day! From the wine corks to the coasters to the centerpieces! Hours upon hours of hard work went into this day! All worth it! Nicely done, ladies!

What a tight knit of friends and family! I just love it when the room exuberates the love the bride and groom have for each other. It was hard for me to choose which photos to use for this sneak peak. This doesn't cover it. I can't wait to share the rest with you, Rachel and Bryant!

Here's to wishing you a thousand years!!! 

xo

Florist: Crystal Orchid Florist
Hair: Kathleen's Hair Kreations
Make Up: Merle Norman Cosmetics - Lisa Ken Studios (Kristin Timrick and Lisa Rego Cabral)
Bridal gown: Bella's Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids gowns: Davids Bridal
Suits: Bonardi's
DJ: John Field at Champagne Toast
Cake: Jacques Pastry Shop
Videographer: Classic Photography (Junior Gardner)
My 2nd shooter: Kate Brindley Photography

Thank you to all who shared their videos from Ashley and Andrew's wedding day!