Best of Times

It has been a crazy season and there's no sign of things slowing down any time soon. Just back from a wedding in New York City, Tom and I are getting ready to leave tomorrow for another in Puerto Rico at the beautiful El Conquistador Resort. It's been an incredibly busy but exciting season of weddings that have brought us to many great cities and introduced us to wonderful, new friends along the way. I can't express my gratitude to all the couples, their families, and friends that have welcomed us into their special day as extended family members. It has truly been a season rich with experience, laughter, and good times. I know I'm getting ahead of myself as wedding season isn't over yet, but I figured now is as good a time as any to reflect on what a good summer and season it's been...the best of times.

Before I take off for paradise I'll leave you with a pic of a new friend I met along the way. Isn't that the sweetest face?



Farewell til the next time.

One Week

Lula is one week old today. It's unbelievable how much she's changed already! We had a brief visit yesterday. She squirmed around a little bit, inspected my face as I held her, and mostly just napped. I spent some time starting at her, being fascinated by the purity of this new little person I held in my arms. Simply amazing. Here she is looking adorable and oh-so-sleepy!

Kaitlin & Stephen

When I think back to Stephen and Katilin's wedding the first thing that comes to mind is the image of them teasing each other and having a good laugh together. On a day that can stress many brides and grooms, Kaitlin and Stephen approached the day lighthearted and full of spunk. It was a joy to work with them and to spend the day shooting such a carefree couple. I couldn't help but feel a little bit lighter in their presence. I think the pictures say it all.

the beautiful bride

clowning around...as usual!

Many thanks to Kaitlin and Stephen for reminding me how much fun love should be and to the Guenette and Gionta families for sharing such a special day with us!

Also a huge thank you to the super talented Tomas Flint for continuing to inspire and motivate me. Swing by his blog to see more of his perspective.

Farwell...until the next time blog watchers...
k

Welcome to the World Lula!

8/18/08 12:38am

Little Lula made her grand entrance, finally! She kept us waiting, arriving over a week late, but she was well worth the wait. Aside from her shriveled feet (from staying in the "oven" too long) she is beautiful from head to toe. The doctor said she's perfect. I snapped picture after picture but spent so much time at the hospital I've only pulled a few of my favorites of Lula's first 12 hours. I'll be sure to get more up asap so all of you out of towner's can get a good look at her.

Congratulations to Mike and Ali on the birth of their amazing little girl and best wishes for days filled with laughter and nights filled with good rest (you're gonna need it!)
love you all!

Ella

Ella is teeny tiny and absolutely adorable. At 3 months old she's quiet and sweet. She's the kind of baby that makes you think having a newborn is easy work. During our session she barely made a peep. Mostly she spent her time staring in awe at the camera. From the looks she kept giving me I'm pretty sure she was wondering what the heck that big thing was that I kept pointing at her! When she wasn't looking at me with her quizzical face, I caught her being her cute self.

Thanks so much to little Ella and her parents for welcoming me into your home and letting me share a little bit of your new joy with you!

Camille & Steve

Camille and Steve knew they'd found something special when they first met. It didn't take them long to decide they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. And when you see them you know there's something special between them. They planned a beautiful June wedding in Simsbury, Connecticut complete with family, friends, birthday cakes for both of them and pink roses and peonies everywhere. It was simply wonderful. Tom and I were honored to be a part of their special day and loved every minute of working with them.

"

Allison & Molly

The bond between a mother and child is something that I always feel so grateful to witness. Molly and Allison's connection is undeniable. They threw rocks together, walked by the water, and made dandelion wishes. A few times Molly snuggled into Allison's arm or leg or wherever she could reach just to be close to her mommy. It was so sweet. And when Allison put Molly's hand on her belly to feel her soon to arrive little brother or sister Molly had to check her own belly to see if it was just like mommy's! I enjoyed the time we spent together so much...just look at how adorable they are together!

Thanks Allison & Molly for sharing your time with me! I look forward to watching you grow together over the years.

Dad-itude

.gratitude for an amazing dad.
I am fortunate to have a lot of wonderful people in my life. Friends and family have made my days brighter, safer, and full of love. I could write line after line of how thankful I am for each of them but today I'll pick just one in honor of Father’s day, my dad. Over the years he has given me wagon rides, read me bedtime stories, sang to me my favorite songs on his guitar, cheered me on at soccer games and helped me mend a broken heart or two with lots of love and words of wisdom. My faithful guide through life, he taught me how to throw a football, how to do math, how to play cards...and even how to gloat when I win. He taught me to be strong and make good choices. He taught me how to navigate through life's bumpy roads.

He is so much of the reason I like the person I've grown up to be. He has supported me, educated me, set me straight (when I needed it), encouraged me and understood me. It is because of him that I understand the value patience, honesty, and most importantly the value of myself. Because he loved me. No matter what. And if I deserve the love of a man as awesome as my father, than I deserve anyone’s love.

We got together yesterday to spend time enjoying the warm summer day together. Cold beers, good grillin (courtesy of grill sergeant Mike) and some fierce bocce competition made it a perfect day.

The boys in battle. Tom, Mike, my dad and Bill

The Best of Times - Me, My Dad, Karen, & Mike (and no we didn't plan to wear matching greens!)

Many thanks to Tom for catching this sweet shot

My father is a man of endless knowledge, strength and integrity. He's a constant example of the kind of person I strive to be and I am grateful he's my dad. So a VERY Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there, and especially you dad. I'm full of dad-itude for having a father like you with me every step of the way. Thank you for being you.

Catching Up

I've been MIA. I know. A two week trip to Italy (SO AMAZING), followed by a big move (clutter and confusion)...and in between all mountains of boxes I'm digging through there are weddings and family photo sessions. Whew! Life has carried me away but I'm getting back on the blog track. I know you've been waiting patiently for the Italy pictures, and I promise those are coming soon, but I have a few things to get to first.

My first spring wedding in Rochester was a beautiful one. Estelle and Nate planned a sweet and intimate affair. A small ceremony followed by a scrumptious brunch was perfectly suited to them. Here are a few of snaps from the day.

One of mine that Tom posted...I love it so much I had to swipe it from his blog.

Many thanks to Estelle and Nate for sharing their day with us! A big giant thank you to Tom for continuing to inspire me with the enormous amount of dedication and passion he tackles each day with.

Love the Baby Bump

I got an email from Ali this morning...she's entered one of my photos of her in a bump contest at the Nest Baby. If she wins, she gets a vacation to Jamaica among other sweet prizes. So why am I telling you this? She needs YOUR votes to win. Visit this link, give her a "bumptastic" vote, and leave a comment too!
rate my belly

To register your vote make sure you click on the "rate this photo" section

I hope she wins!
oh....and you have to sign up to be able to vote...but it's worth it!