Walk With Me

Little Julia's Big Day

Julia had a big celebration for her first birthday & christening...lucky little girl! Not too long ago one of my best friends Maryanne (from way back when) finally became a new mommy when she and her husband John adopted their daughter Anna..the waiting was a long long long process...and then poof, in a day they became parents. Well it 's funny how things work out for people, because, Mare & John had been trying for years to adopt a baby from China...but Anna was born right here in Jersey. But surprises do happen, and shortly after Anna arrived, they received word from China that Julia was waiting for them to be their mom & dad. So off to China they flew this Summer...to bring home their newest addition to their family...Julia. She's only about 6 weeks younger than her big sister...so there won't be much sitting around for the parents.

I was invited to spend the entire day shooting the festivities of Julia's big day...breakfast with the Koechley-Rupy family...off to church for the christening...and then back home for some hanging out and birthday cake. I hadn't seen Mare's little brothers or cousin's in many years...so it was extra fun for me to catch up on life in my friend's family. I can't wait to watch these 2 little girls, Julia & Anna, grow...and see what life has in store for them.

Michele + Chick | married 11.08.08

Michele & Chick were married a couple of weeks ago in NYC at the Harold Pratt Mansion. As I've look through the photographs during my editing process, what strikes me most are the joyful expressions on Michele and Chick's faces. I could tell you all about how elegant everything was, how much fun everyone was having, how delicious the food was, but mostly I want to tell you about the smiles I saw radiating from this couple. I am happy to present them with these photos in time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

I often find myself in very tight little spaces...just so I can create a shot like this one.


This fabulous shot was caught at the end of the first dance by Laura...she is always on her toes ready to swoop in when she sees a great moment happening.

and seconds later...I was there for the big hug...I'm in love with this photo simply because I can feel the power of their love in that hug!

The flowers and room decor at the Pratt Mansion are always amazing...and the arrangements created for Michele and Chick were nothing short of stunning. The colors were so rich....I fell in love with those deep jewel toned flowers.
 
And to end the evening...a shot that makes me laugh every time I see it. (I know, I sometimes find the oddest images to feature...but hey it's my perspective!) I love the woman in the back sipping her coffee, the conversation in the top right corner, and there quietly sits that delicious cake, so tempting in its asking if you want another slice.
I really wish I had a piece of that cake right now!

Madison's Christening

Life is moving along pretty well for Madison. I've been following her since she was just a little bun in the oven and watching her grown these past 5 months is just amazing. She's sweet, mellow and full of smiles for her mommy and daddy (Sandra & Glen). I had the pleasure of photographing her big day at Saint Patrick's Cathedral when Madison's whole family came together for her Christening. I met up with Sandra and Glen at their home in the city and hung out shooting casually as they got Madison dressed, strolled on over to the church, gathered for the blessing, and then moved the celebration over to the Rainbow Room @ Rockefeller Center. Spending the day shooting family life as it naturally happens is one of my favorite things to do...thanks guys!

Here's a little glimpse of the beautiful Madison's Christening:
 

3074 miles + 458 = Boston...Roadtrip continues North

After a few months of hanging around home base...working and all that sort of stuff, I managed to find myself with 1 free weekend this October. Since I've made it my mission to reconnect with the thing that brings me the greatest joy (friendships), I decided that a visit to hang out with my good friends, The Graziers, for a weekend in Boston, would be absolutely what the doctor ordered. What I love about these guys, is that our friendship was so instantaneous and easy. We really only met 2 years ago...but it seems like we've always been friends. Anyway...Enna, Matt, Ollie & Will were just putting away their Halloween costumes when I arrived on Saturday. Matt was off shooting a wedding for the day, so Enna & I just kicked off our shoes and hung out... watching the boys eat candy and catching up on all things photo and life related. We did manage to take a nice walk with Enna's boys & Jackson the dog... at an arboretum near their home...brought my Hasselblad with me for some impromptu photos. Sunday morning we filled our bellies with a delicious breakfast and then Enna & I took off for some art exploring at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Before I headed back home, I took a few more photos of that I hope capture the feel of their family life.










 

Theresa + Michel | married

Theresa & Michel are celebrating their one month anniversary today. Their's was the third family wedding I have had the pleasure of being a part of...so I was feeling very at home and amongst friends throughout the gorgeous day. Some folks can't wait to get to the party...but me...I can't wait to get to the ceremony. And in Theresa & Michel's case, it took place at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Brooklyn. The thing I loved most about shooting this ceremony, is that the entire service is sung to the bride and groom. It is quite simply beautiful to be immersed in this musical expression of love. And the party afterwards...well that of course was a lot of fun back in NJ at The Crystal Plaza. Theresa and Michel are passionate, fun and all about family....which was very apparent during several tearful speeches. Thanks for a wonderful day with your families and friends. It was truly fun to be with all of you again.

Here's a glimpse into a most wonderful day in October.

Theresa had a gorgeous long veil that at times had a mind of it's own.



 

Catherine & Rob

Catherine & Rob have known each other since they were little kids. I was able to spend an afternoon with them playing in their home town of Somer's NY. It's a beautiful historic town in northern Westchester County...we visited all the noteworthy sights...Muskoot Farm, Stuart's Farm...where we picked the last couple of apples left on the trees, and the Somer's Town Hall where all the marriage licenses are filed. Actually theirs will be filed in NYC, since they'll be having a New Year's wedding @ The Chelsea Lighthouse.

Catherine & Rob are very playful and sweet together. My biggest discovery of the day (and Catherine's) is seeing that she's the better tree climber of the two. Special thanks to Catherine's dad for scouting out the beautiful locations...especially this gorgeous tree.