Kevin + Cari = Married!

Had to start with this photos because I just love it!...

I can't believe that it has taken me this long to blog such a fantastic wedding!  These two created an intimate and personal wedding weekend full of their own personality.  This wedding took place in late September at a quaint bed and breakfast (Racebrook Lodge ) in western MA.  Ok, now for some great details :)  Cari decided not to have me photograph her getting ready, so I was free to capture these...

   

Minor amazing fact about those brown flowers in her bouquet... they smelled like chocolate... brilliant!!!

Also, I couldn't choose between these ring shots so you get them all :)

  

They had their reception in a barn at the back of the property.  The settings were so simple and lovely.  I also have to give Kevin a shout-out for the table runners that he made!  The gourds and mismatched napkins were a perfect way to tie in the fall theme.

S'more kits with homemade marshmallows - a favor after my own heart!!!

As I was wandering around closer to the ceremony site this caught my eye...  As a lover of hiking this made me love the place even more.  The AT actually was in that direction within a short walk :)

Then it was time for the ceremony to begin...

I love outdoor weddings!

Some moments during the ceremony, and no I don't remember why Kevin was so emphatically waving his arms :)

  

I like to include some group shots just so prospective clients can get a feel for how I do them.

  

While they laughed at me for making them do this... I think it turned out great.

Then it was time for some couple portraits... which are always fun!

The cocktail hour was held outside which I loved!  Great light and room to spread out.

Cutie alert...  yes, she stole the show :)

The reception did not include any formalities just because "tradition" called for it.  Kevin thanked everyone for coming, and that was the end of the toasts...  and a delicious dinner was served!

  

Here is the untouched cake...

While the guests changed, we headed out to get the most important photo of the night.  Cari actually had a dream one night about standing next to a campfire in a wedding dress.  Talk about pressure in tough photography conditions!  Thankfully I love the way it turned out :)

Yes, that's right.  The end of their reception was sitting around the bonfire making s'mores :)

The awesome live music (for ceremony and reception) was provided by Sarah Blacker a local singer-songwriter.

It was an evening full of love and laughter.

  

Wayland Basketball

These were taken at a recent Wayland basketball game.  My husband and I originally started going to games because we know one of the players on the team.  It struck me before this game however... what better way to practice for weddings (low light, constantly moving subjects, cluttered backgrounds) than a basketball game.  Check out my facebook page to see more!

The D Family Portraits

Now that Christmas is over I can finally share this photo shoot.  These are very special people and have a big place in my heart these days :)  My weekdays are spent reading, painting, baking and exploring the metrowest with these two adorable little boys (2.5 and 5 years)...  Their parents are equally fabulous and we had a great time taking these photos on one of the last warm days of the fall!

They get along so well!

We were trying to blow bubbles... trying really hard...

Great smiles :)

And now stretching our faces so they don't get too tired...

These kids are definitely loved!

We finished up the photos back at their house with a favorite book (and their lollipop rewards).

Sneak Peak!

Here is just a quick preview of my most recent wedding...

I love the fresh table setting and flowers - especially for being a winter wedding!

More to follow so stay tuned!

I bought fresh flowers!

It may sound silly, to get so excited about fresh flowers... but to me they are a delightful reminder to savor what is beautiful.

I bought them because of a workshop that I had the extreme privilege to attend this week.  Justin and Mary Marantz are photographers who shared much more than just business advice.  One of the things that they asked us to think about was - what is our version of "the good life?"  It caught me off guard because I don't often take the time to think about what makes me feel fabulous.  The natural response is to say... well that takes money, time, etc. that I don't have right now.

If we don't have it right now, then when?  Their encouragement was to find small moments that feed the soul...  that make us feel like we are already living "the good life" in our everyday life - because we can...  My version for this week was flowers, what's yours?