A Windy Day in Wicklow

Jennifer and her family met me in Wicklow for a multigenerational family portrait on-location. When I arrived, I noticed that most of the family was still tucked away safely in their cars. As soon as I opened the door, I understood why. There was something rotten in Wicklow. Or at least, it smelled like it. The pungent stench that was assaulting our nostrils and making us gag could not be ignored, and we were forced to change locations to escape it.

The family was really up to trying new things, and we definately went outside of the box for lots of our shots. Between the high winds, and the high odour, this is one family photo shoot that won't soon be forgotten! :)

Oh Baby!

I'm so happy to be back working in the studio, and I've been hard at work with babies this week. This is the first of my newborns to visit, baby Madison. She is the gorgeous red-headed daughter of Shannon and Randy. She is the new baby in the family, and has 2 older sisters to show her the ropes. :)

Here's Madison, in all her glory....(and a couple of Mommy and Daddy too!)



Talk about a good looking chick.... ;)



Thanks for bringing your beautiful doll in to see me! :)

Alison and Marty ~ September 23, 2006

Alison and Marty are probably one of the most laid back wedding couples I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They were so relaxed and fun on their big day, and everything went perfectly. They did something that most couples are loathe to do, and that is to take wedding photos together before the ceremony. We set it up so that Marty was turned away as Alison was brought down to him. When she was finally there, the two of them had a few quiet moments to see each other for the first time, and to really enjoy the private moment together. (Well, except for me being there, that is!) The look on Marty's face when he saw Alison was priceless, and he kept circling around her, wanting to see how beautiful she was from every angle. I loved that they had that moment together, and then got to spend a couple of hours with their closest friends and family for photos. By the time the wedding arrived, they were totally relaxed and eager to get married.

One of the photos from their first view of each other....



The wedding was held at Penryn Park and for the first time ever, I actually had enough time to explore the grounds and the manse with the bride and groom. I was completely impressed at what an excellent venue it is for a wedding, and we got some amazing photos there. The staff was wonderful, and basically let us photograph all over the place. I am definately looking forward to working there in the future.

....and because I know Alison is a frequent flyer in my blog, I wanted to say 'Thankyou for having me' and thankyou for your incredible attitude. Watching you and Marty throughout the day, I could see that you two are going to make wonderful parents some day. It's clear that you adore children, and that they love you as well. I am so thrilled to have been a part of your day. :)



Congratulations, Alison and Marty!!!

Family Fun

I had a great time photographing the Lamain family over the weekend. There was a great amount of confusion (on my part only) considering that I would have sworn I had met Shelley before. It turns out she has a twin sister, who came to see me with her family last fall, so I really wasn't seeing things. ;) The family was a blast to work with, and they were ready to try lots of fun things. The sitting was a gift to Richard and his wife from their grown children to celebrate their anniversary a few months ago. I personally can't think of a better way to say "I love you" than to drag the whole family down for a good time at the lighthouse at Presqui'lle, now can you? :)

I'm looking forward to meeting the newest member of the Lamain family, who will arrive in several months time to Shelley and her husband.



Thanks guys!

Pity Party. Table for One.

Just as a little aside to the regular goings-on in my happy blog, I'm going to vent for a minute.

From now on, I am not going to hold a date for a bride unless I get a signed contract and a deposit as a sign of good faith. I am so MAD that I had to turn down a beautiful and fun couple for a wedding in December because another bride reserved the date, but didn't have the courtesy to call back and release it. I just knew this would happen. I should have listened to my (ample) gut. No more. Ugh.

Back to your regularly scheduled fun. :)

Veronica and Kevin ~ September 16, 2006

When I arrived at the Parliament farm in Baltimore, the surroundings just blew me away. Veronicas parents had spent the past year preparing their home for the wedding, and it was a sight to see. The fall theme was in every corner, and it looked absolutely perfect. The ceremony was held overlooking the goldfish pond, and despite the big, dark clouds earlier, not a drop of rain fell on the festivities. Veronica was beautiful in a custom created gown, and little Oliver was the perfect ringbearer, as cute as can be. :) Kevin was a good sport, patiently suffering through my demands for the perfect photo. The photos turned out beautifully.



Congratulations Veronica and Kevin!

In a side note, I just want to wish Good Luck and Godspeed to Melissas boyfriend, Tim, who flew out with the military the following morning to serve.



Oh, I also want to say, Thankyou. :)

Four Generations

I was thrilled to be asked by Andrea to take photos of four generation of women in her family; her grandmother, her mother, as well as her and her daughters. Everyone held up well in the (gale force!) winds that were whipping us around. We got some beautiful shots, and I'm sure the photos will provide good memories for many years to come.

All of the ladies were just beautiful, as as you can see they were more than ready for their closeups! :)



Thanks Ladies! :)

Good News! :) Bad News! :(

How's that for a teaser title? ;)

I am soooooo happy to report that I am finally back in the studio, after what feels like months of renovations to the new space. Props to my husband, who has slaved many a long hour in the studio getting things ready. I will take this opportunity to say that he is just an amazing person, and I am so glad he could do all of the work for me. :) LOVE you, honey! ;)

Now, for the bad news. In my excitement of unpacking equipment and putting together some new stuff in my studio, I was grievously injured. Well, not grievously....mildly to be more accurate. However, my pride was very seriously injured, when I was impaled by a flying softbox prong while trying to assemble my GIANT softbox. I can tell you the sting of the injury was second to the humiliation of being attacked by my own equipment.

I give you, exhibit A:



Now I am forced to walk around with a pencil-sized, flaming purple bruise on my chin. I am still trying to think up a good cover story to mask my own stupidity on this one, lol! :)

Heather & Mike ~ September 9, 2006

Let's start by saying that the bride and groom were amazing, and their little 3 month old boy, Preston was an absolute dream. He was so good for such a little one, and even tolerated tons of photos too! The day was great, temperature was perfect, and other than the odd bit of blazing sun escaping from beneath the clouds occasionally, it was ideal photo weather. I am pleased to note that Heathers dad, Brian (a photographer) and I, kept our 'photo shop talk' to a bare minimum, which showed great restraint on both our parts! :)

The whole wedding party...well, let me just say that 'Fun' doesn't begin to decribe it. They were awesome! Wild and crazy, and willing to do just about anything. Let's just say, things were seen. Strange and funny things. Things one might not expect to see. Nicknames were coined. Later on in the evening, when the caterers refused to cut and plate the wedding cake, the bridesmaids were there to jump in and do the job. Even later, when the caterers had left the building completely before all of the dinner dishes were cleared (I kid you not), the whole wedding party stepped up and cleared the tables, stacked the dishes, and made sure the dance was able to start on time. I was very impressed at how this group threw themselves into their jobs, in order to make the day run smoothly for Heather and Mike.



Heather and Mike have a great bunch of friends and family, and it was a real pleasure to spend the day with all of them. Congrats! :)