The Ultimate Save The Date Video...

Bwah ha ha - this is pretty funny. I've been working on a bunch of save the date cards recently, perhaps I'll post some for you to look at later. And then I stumbled across this:



The somewhat spooky element is that I will be shooting the wedding of Erin & Jeffrey on 10.10.10 but a different Erin & Jeffrey!

Family Photoshoot in Newburyport

Last year I photographed Corey & Isaiah's wedding (click HERE and HERE to see wedding pictures at Maudslay Arts Center and State Park), it was truly one of my all-time favorite weddings. Corey and Isaiah were beyond happy to be getting married, their friends were all super fun and their families were just lovely.

Although there were lots of tears during the day they were all of the joyful variety; the only sadness was that Corey's brother Park, was unable to be there as he was actively serving in Iraq. He was there in spirit represented by this soldier and everyone wrote descriptions of the day in a journal for him:

So when I found out that not only would Corey & Isaiah be coming home for the holidays to Plum Island but that Park would be home too, I was delighted to offer them a family photoshoot in Newburyport. And so on Christmas Eve I met up with the whole family: Marilyn, Don, Corey & Isaiah, Morgan and Park.

We started with a little fun in the snow at the bottom of State Street. The pictures are shown clockwise from top left. Pay close attention to how high Park throws his snow and remember what goes up, must come down...

Reverend Don is Corey's father and an absolute hoot. He decided he would rock side to side on the bench, kind of like a mini-wave.

Do you see the tiny black triangle in the picture below? Is it a shark? Nope - I think it's a sea lion but sea life isn't really my forte so please correct me if I'm wrong (just like this kind blog reader did with Neil Diamond - follow all the way down to the comments)

I was taking pictures of Park and Morgan totally ratted him out "get him to do his Blue Steel for you". Park - please don't hate me for printing these :)

Who'd have thought it? Turns out "Blue Steel" is a family talent and even Isaiah can pull it off!


It's not over yet - click on the little white play triangle in the picture below for more family fun including crazy jumping action and Don & Marylyn making out like teenagers. Pretty impressive after 31 years of marriage...

As we were walking back Park turned to me and said "Thank you so much for doing this, it really means a lot to me and my family"

I could only shake my head at this. All the thanks are for Park and the brave men and women who serve our country - may you all come home quickly and safely. It was truly an honor to take these pictures.

More Winter Engagement Pictures :: Neeta + Rich

If you haven't seen Neeta & Rich's Winter engagement shoot in the snow then check it out here. And if you're already caught up, why not enjoy this rather lovely little video:

Winter Engagement Pictures in the Snow :: Neeta + Richard in Maudslay State Park and Newburyport

Neeta was at school at Northeastern University when she had the opportunity to join the ballroom dancing team; sometimes doing something new on your own can be a little daunting. Neeta decided to be brave - phew, good decision Neeta! - and that's how she met Richard.

Richard noticed Neeta at that very first meeting and decided then and there that he had to get everyone's phone numbers to build a team database. Methinks he had an ulterior motive for getting all the numbers. And what do you know - once he had Neeta's number he just happened to invite her out for coffee :)

Coffee turned into a long conversation over hot cider, which led to going back to Rich's house to watch a Disney video that Neeta had never seen, which led to more dates and Neeta and Rich becoming partners on the dance team. And then one day many years later out on a gondola on the Charles River, Rich asked Neeta to be his wife and Neeta said yes! And now they're getting married at Hyatt Regency, Cambridge later this year and I'm thinking the first dance is going to be spectacular! From dance partners to partners for life.

We met up in Newburyport for engagement pictures in the snow for their save-the-date cards. The first stop was Maudslay State Park:

The emails were flying before the shoot while we figured out locations and I shared my little "Tips, Tricks and Suggestions for Amazing Engagement Pictures" document with Neeta. The most important piece of advice is always to just relax and have fun. Just have a little date - hold hands, hug, get nice and close, a little kiss doesn't hurt - and maybe you just happen to have your own paparazzo following you.

I'm a big proponent of laughing so I love this next shot. One of my favorite things about engagement photos is that I get to know each couple a little bit more, this was a mini shoot so we'll be meeting up again in the Spring for more pictures. And then by the time the wedding comes around, hopefully Neeta and Rich will be super relaxed around me and they won't even know they're being photographed.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one - Neeta, if the day job doesn't work out, I think you should send this picture to Colgate and they'd sign you up as a smile model in an instant :)

I always encourage couples to bring anything of significance with them to the shoot - I've shot dogs (you need to bring a handler to take them home afterwards, plus maybe a lint brush), chess sets, cameras and so I was honored when Neeta and Rich introduced me to Liger. With animal allergies, Liger is their adored pet and has taken many trips with them. He was remarkably easy to direct and surprisingly photogenic in his little scarf.

A quick change of clothes and we drove to downtown Newburyport. Neeta and Rich had said that they were nervous about the shoot and they'd like as much direction as possible - phooey - they were super cute together and needed no help from me.

My instructions for most of the pictures were "hey - go take a little walk over there" and this is just how they are with each other - happy and cozy and caring and loving. Looking at this one again, the image on the left is just so true to Neeta and Rich - you can't direct and create this kind of trust and level of comfort - it just is.

The neon Fowles sign is somewhat of a landmark in Newburyport and it has a old fashioned feel so I thought I'd play with an old school effect with a little grain for something a little different. Liking? Not liking?

As it started to get dark, I wanted to get a few more shots with the lamps in the background. Neeta hopped up on a step and I think these are some of my favorite pictures of the day.

Neeta & Rich - too much fun - I hope you love the pictures and I'm looking forward to our next "date" in the Spring. And thanks for the hot chocolate!

And if you're reading because you're looking for inspiration for Winter Engagement Photos, then say hi in the comments and click on these links to see Engagement Pictures in the Snow, and Engagement Pictures in Boston Public Library and Engagement Pictures in Beacon Hill and the Public Gardens.

A weekend of shoes...

I've always been big fan of the "no shoes in the house" concept; it makes me feel like I'm home plus it means a little less vacuuming :) We have a shoe rack but inevitably they end up discarded on the rug near the front door. A couple of weeks ago I looked at the somewhat eclectic pile of shoes I'd worn over a weekend and thought it might make for an interesting picture:


Clockwise from top left: My favorite Emerald City/Wizard of Oz shoes worn for dinner out with friends on a Friday night, it snowed the next morning so I broke in my new Joules wellies to shovel the steps while Paul snow-blowed. Little green suede slippers for toasty feet while editing and processing pictures and then sensible boat shoes for Sunday grocery shopping.

Winter Engagement Pictures in Boston :: Lori + Kristopher

Lori & Kristopher live in Santa Monica, CA and contacted me through email regarding their September 2010 wedding in New England (thanks to one of my favorite 2009 brides, Tracey, for the referral). When I meet with potential clients I always tell them to take their time making the decision on who to hire to document their wedding - do research into photography styles, get referrals from friends and family, figure out your budget, meet with as many photographers as possible and then make an informed decision that you feel 110% confident in.

So when I met with Lori & Kris on the Monday after Christmas during their visit home for the holidays, I was happily surprised that we figured out the details of the contract on Tuesday and then shot engagement photos in Boston on Wednesday! And it's testament to how lovely they are to be around that we had so much fun despite temperatures of just 19 degrees. Brrrrrr.

We started in Beacon Hill:


Lori & Kris met at high-school. Yes, real live high-school sweethearts. Kris was on the football team and Lori was a cheerleader. The first time they met was at a party and Kris threw Lori into the swimming pool. His attempt at wooing her obviously worked and they started dating. Since then they've broken up (as you tend to do as teenagers - oh the angst), got back together, moved to New York and now to California.


Lori travels a lot with her job and had just made the long journey home from Samoa when Kris suggested they go for a walk and watch the sunset. Lori couldn't understand why he was looking for the camera to bring with them. And then he asked her to be his wife and she understood. And more importantly she said yes:

Winter engagement photographs are so fun to shoot; you might have snow, maybe some twinkly holiday lights, everyone bundled up in cute scarves but my hands don't always agree with this sentiment. I'd check in with Kris & Lori periodically "are you doing OK? need to go inside to warm up?" but they were having such a blast (or maybe they were just being polite?) that we stayed out. And then finally my shutter finger went on strike, it literally wouldn't/couldn't press the button. So I put my thumb into action. And then one of my cameras froze up so I figured it was a sign. And wouldn't you know - perfect timing fingers - we just happened to be near the Fairmont Copley Plaza so we went inside to warm up and enjoy a little cocktail in the Oak Bar.

It was starting to get dark but the Christmas lights were still out in full force around the city. Here we are outside the Taj Boston, I love the way that after all these years Kris still looks at Lori like he's the guy on the football team dating the hot girl on the cheerleading squad:


Hello twinkly lights on Commonwealth Avenue, how nice of you to light up this picture for me:


Way too much fun for freezing conditions! I am so looking forward to more engagement pictures in the Spring/Summer and then to the wedding at Groveland Fairways in the Fall. Yay - it's the four seasons of Lori & Kris :)

I've read somewhere that the ideal wedding photographer/client relationship is like instant yet temporary best friends, I think that's a funny kind of description but somewhat true. So I went back over to my new BFT's parent's house a couple of days later to show them a preview of pictures and this little video which I rated a success because Lori's Mom cried (click on the little white play triangle in the picture below and turn up the speakers):



BFT = Best Friends Temporarily. Oh I'm on fire today. And happy birthday Kris!!!

Want to see the Summer Engagement Pictures? Click *here* Ready for the wedding??? Getting ready pictures *here*, wedding ceremony at St Monica's Church in Methuen *here*, family formals at Groveland Fairways *here* and wedding reception *here*

Preview :: Newburyport Engagament Pictures :: Neeta + Rich

Downloading images from a great engagement photo shoot in Newburyport and this one caught my eye, check back in a few weeks to see more of Neeta & Rich - and find out how they met and more about their relationship (let's just say it involves ballroom dancing, hot cider, secret databases, Disney videos, rowboats on the Charles river and a pet Liger):

By the way, Neeta is actually very petite but I had her stand on a step behind Rich. So if you're a friend of theirs, don't be worried that Neeta has suddenly grown a foot or that Rich has shrunk :)

Engagement Pictures in Boston Public Library :: Erin & Jeffrey

A wink usually implies an interest from the sender to the receiver, but can also be used to show some sort of approval, acknowledgement, friendship or........perhaps in some cases flirting.

So when Jeffrey winked at Erin, Erin winked back. The winking led to emailing and then to the first date. Jeffrey pulled out all the stops and took Erin to a bar owned by friend and they had an all-round great time.

I asked them what their first impressions were after that date:

Jeffrey: I really liked Erin but thought she was too smart for me

Erin: I thought maybe this would be the last time I'd be on a first date as I knew Jeffrey was pretty special

See! Erin IS smart, she knew right away!

We met to take engagement pictures at Boston Public Library - a great option for indoor engagement photographs in Boston during these chilly winter months!

You have to love the Boston Public Library - amazing ceilings and lighting. Before a shoot, I send a handy little document with suggestions about what to wear/make up etc - it's not a set of rules in any way - just some tips about what might photograph better. So when Erin arrived wearing an amazing white and yellow dress with a little black shrug and Jeffrey had the same yellow color for his tie I was super happy:

I spent some time in Nice, France last Summer and photographed the walls and doors in the old town with the specific intention of using them for textures on certain pictures. And here's one I wanted to try:

There's a little direction on engagement shoots and I had Jeffrey pick up Erin and swing her around. I could show you that picture but I like this one just a moment later when Erin decided to return the favor:

Erin & Jeffrey had visited the library previously and and found this rather interesting staircase with an amazing marble wall so we hung out there for while:

When I first met with Erin & Jeffrey to talk about photographing their wedding I loved hearing about how seriously they're taking the ceremony and the commitment to one another yet how they're planning on putting their own stamp on the day. I don't want to spoil the surprise but I am SO excited for 10.10.10:

Can't be in a library without pictures with of books right?

And maybe some kissing?

Erin & Jeffrey - thanks for being SO much fun - looking forward to our next shoot and of course your wedding! Click on the little white "play" triangle to see the movie below

Wedding at Willowdale Estate :: Linda + Tom (Part III)

After the incredibly personal, amusing and moving ceremony that you can read about HERE if you missed it, I'd like to share some Willowdale Estate wedding photographs from the reception.

First of all, why not enjoy Linda & Tom's signature cocktail as you nibble on delicious passed appetizers and help yourself to the cheeses, fruits, and pates in the library and the parlor:

And although the cake cutting will be coming up shortly, I thought you might like to see it in one piece, loving the little butterflies which were a theme throughout the wedding:

I believe it's customary to kick off the reception with a first dance from the newly married couple and who am I to break with tradition:

The great hall at Willowdale is such a beautiful setting and you have the balcony to get a different perspective in your pictures. Linda's Stepfather Mike gave the blessing:

And then on to the toasts. First up was Best Woman, Michele. Not only is Michele a good friend of mine (she referred me to Tom & Linda), she was also responsible for introducing Tom & Linda through ski club. And to top it off she gave one of the best toasts I have heard all year!

With an opening line of "Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman"...a beautiful tribute to how happy Linda and Tom have made one another...and the closing line of "Linda & Tom, I hope all of your ups and downs are only ever between the sheets" she had everyone laughing, tearing up and then laughing some more!

And here are Linda & Tom's reactions during Michele's toast:

Linda's sister, Mary Jo and father, Bill then toasted the happy couple and were rewarded by big hugs:

This picture of Tom dancing with his sister, Jenna just kills me:

And then it's cake time, Derrick from Morin Photography was second shooting for me and got this lovely shot from the balcony, I especially like the friends and family paparazzi you can just see at the bottom of the picture:

Here's the ski club crew, these guys and gals know how to party:

Full vendor list at the end of this post but I have to take a minute to rave about the band that played. JavaJive is composed of Tom, Chuck and Don. Just three guys (very smart in their tuxedos), but if they were playing behind a screen you would swear that they had maybe 7 or 8 people playing. It was amazing to watch them switch from singing, playing the keyboards, grabbing a trumpet or trombone within seconds. Chuck managed to sound uncannily like a young Michael Jackson for "Don't stop 'till you get enough" and then minutes later he's rocking out "Let's get it started" by the Black Eyed Peas - just amazing! If I was getting married again, these guys would be top of my list to call. The dance floor was packed tight all night with everyone having such a great time.

Linda and Tom congratulate themselves on their choice of band and most importantly choice of spouse:

As the night drew to a close, the band announced the last dance; Linda took Tom's hand and walked over to the microphone. Guests were cheering and clapping in anticipation - I'd like to say I timed this shot to go off with the camera flash opposite but that would be lying:

And then Linda sang "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and she OWNED it! Tom was dancing away and his expressions when she sang "because when I'm bad, I'm so so bad" were priceless!

And that's the end of my blog post on Linda & Tom's fabulous wedding at Willowdale Estate - are you sorry it's over? I am.

Linda & Tom - I applaud you for planning such an amazing celebration for your friends and family from the signature drinks to the mini-burgers and to thoroughly enjoying your wedding, I don't think you were ever apart from each other - always kissing, hugging and dancing! Congratulations and thank you for choosing me to document your day.

And now the excellent vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: Willowdale Estate

Dress: Mon Amie in Costa Mesa, CA

Make-up: Katie Matthias at Chanel at Nordstrom, Northshore Mall

Bride's hair: Amy Graciale, Incognito Revealed, Swampscott, MA (including placement of the beautiful little feather headpiece)

Bridesmaid's hair: Updos by Ann Jenkins 617-719-2084 (I was so excited when I arrived to see Ann, this is the second time I've worked with her, she's incredibly talented and super nice)

Wedding coordinator: Jessica at socialbutterflyinc@gmail.com, 978-210-6855

Cake: Konditor Meister

Flowers: Elaina Berry at Mokara Flowers

Band: http://javajiveband.com/ 781.329.6600 Seriously call them if you're looking for a band, they were awesome!

And don't be shy if you're reading this! Click on the link below called "view comments for this post" and leave Tom & Linda some love! Hint: Choose "name/url" from the drop down box called "Comment as"and just type in your name (you don't need to complete the url box)

Wedding at Willowdale Estate :: Linda + Tom (Part II)

And we're back at Willowdale Estate for the wedding of Linda and Tom after the getting ready part you can read about HERE if you missed it.

We knew it would be getting dark around the time of the wedding ceremony and we didn't want to waste the opportunity to get photos in the beautiful grounds of the Willowdale Estate so Linda & Tom opted for a first look prior to the ceremony.

Tom stood alone in the quiet courtyard as Linda came out to meet him. As Linda lightly touched his shoulder he turned to look at his stunning bride and that little smile turned into the biggest grin I have ever seen!

I think it's safe to say that Tom is feeling pretty happy in this picture:

They walked together across the field holding hands, whispering, laughing, just the two of them; they stopped in the doorway and Tom couldn't help but lean in for another kiss:


And then we took advantage of the beautiful setting sun to get wedding party and family pictures. And the best part? Linda and Tom got to mingle with their friends, sip their signature cocktail and enjoy all the delicious appetizers at cocktail hour.

Here are the "guys" goofing around (is that a toothbrush? a pen? a firework?) plus Best (Wo)man Michele who is a great friend of mine - her toast was phenomenal, more on that later:


And Linda with her sister Mary Jo and and Tom's sister Jenna:


A couple more photographs of the wedding party, gotta love the setting sun:


And featuring ring bearers extraordinaire Michael and Joseph:


One of the many relaxed family portraits - big thanks to Gene Jr for laughing at all my jokes - the checks in the mail :-)


And then we headed into the Great Room where the ceremony would be held:

Linda on the arm of her proud father:

As Linda turned to see Tom, I shot his expression over her shoulder. I know sometimes couples wonder if having a first look will take away from "that moment" but I think Tom's expression says it all. If anything, I tend to hear that the nerves are gone and they can enjoy being in the moment:

The ceremony took place in front of this stunning fireplace and finally - a use for all those years of Latin lessons! The inscription reads:
Learn from the Past - Look to the Future - Live Today
which is really an excellent approach to have to life in general:

Mort who is a dear friend of Linda & Tom officiated the ceremony and it was everything a wedding ceremony should be - personal, moving, loving and so so funny:
Tom and Linda wrote their own vows. Tom started by saying that he had struggled with where to begin in expressing his love for Linda but then he remember how she'd encouraged him to write letters to her when they first got together and so he wrote a letter for her today:

And then Linda made her vows to Tom and all the while he held on to her hand so tightly:

See what I mean about Mort being pretty darn hysterical:

By the power vested in me by the state of my blog, I now pronouce you Mr & Mrs Stacy. You may kiss your bride:

I know, I know, too many pictures as usual, my apologies for making you wait for them all to download, but click HERE for more pictures including the toasts, the dancing, possibly the most unusual "last dance" ever and the great list of vendors!