Wireless flash receiver, check. Transmitters, check. Camera gear, check. Allergy Medication…..Oooooooops, not check. Ruh Roh!!! Destination weddings can be adventures and I’m in store for one as I travel to Naples, Florida for part one of Emily and Vic’s celebration. Sinuses are killing me, my head is throbbing and of course the unmistakable scent of Stargazer Lily’s are permeating the air in every corridor that I walk adding layers of head-achy yuckiness. After breakfast I stay in bed for as long as I can possibly get away with before I need to join the getting ready festivities. There are some things that we never need to divulge to clients on their wedding day. One is whether or not you are feeling well. For me, it’s a non issue because regardless of how I’m feeling there are moments to capture and images to make!
So, I pop an excessive amount of Tylenol and splash some cold water into my eyes regrouping and willing this feeling to go away. I can’t say that it worked but I can say that the mood of the day was infectious despite the rain and gray skies. Emily and Vic were surrounded by friends and family and this was indeed going to be full of surprises and mass amounts of celebration. As timing would have it things ran a little late and we had to push portraits to happen after the ceremony. This would later be revealed to be a godsend as the clouds and rain didn’t clear until after they said their I do’s. Emily’s dad surprised everyone by replacing the officiant for the ceremony. Hearing his voice tremble and choke up as he spoke the words that would marry his daughter really resonated with everyone. It was touching and inspiring… I love the cohesiveness of their family and friends. There were no lines between them. They were one and the same. This would remain true for the celebration part two to be held back in Baltimore at the Grand Masonic Lodge.
An emotional ceremony, a breathtaking burst of light for the portraits and a night culminating underneath starry skies. What more could you ask for???? I am thrilled with these images and I am blessed to have met this amazing family (thanks to Jen and Michael who were so kind to refer me whose wedding I photographed last year). You all made me feel so welcome and every interaction was a love fest =) Thank you also to the exceptional staff at the Ritz Carlton beach club in Naples! You were so kind to hold umbrellas over me and my equipment as I shot the ceremony. Up, down, walking all around!!! Kudo’s to you! No water damage- woohoo. Please enjoy the few images posted and then the slide show since I just couldn’t narrow my faves down to a handful!!!
I love that Emily had both Bridesmaids and BridesMen = ) Your best friends are your best friends, regardless of gender!
Some of you may remember Tara and Rory form their wedding images several years ago. Exchanging their vows at Manatawny Creek Winery and celebrating till the sun went down. I remember receiving one of the most touching emails from Rory after they viewed their images thanking me for capturing the way that he felt when he was around Tara that day.
I don’t know the difference between photographs and pictures. I don’t think I know much about anything to be completely honest with you. I do however know what I like and what I don’t and I absolutely love what you did with your camera at our wedding. Every single one of your photos captured the beauty of our world that I can usually only see in Tara. Your pictures make our wedding look more gorgeous than I remember it. I will never be able to think of a way to thank you enough but if you can think of one just let me know. I hope I get to see you on 03/26 and good luck with the new shop.
Rory
Thinking back on these words always reminds me of why it is that I love what I do and the relationships that I’ve built through the years transcends being “just a photographer.” So when I received the call from Tara that they were expecting I was so very excited to be able to play a part once again in capturing an amazing moment in their lives. We spent some time in their home and then ventured back to the winery where it all began to finish off the session. I can say for sure that some things have not changed… Tara still possesses a serenity and general calming and happy vibe. They are both still so in love that it would make most people sick from it all and Rory’s face still lights up when he sees Tara but something new, something wonderfully different was happening! Rory can not get within 1 inch of the baby belly without breaking out the cutest of uncontrollable smiles. He beams at the baby belly! It’s a combination of excitement and joy and deep rooted L-O-V-E. I can tell that they can not wait to welcome their new addition into the family that they’ve created. I see them together and I can feel it in my mothering bones, they are going to make great parents and I hope nothing but the best of parental experiences for them…
“If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good”
~ Dr. Seuss
Let us never forget what it is like to experience something for the very first time. The excitement, curiosity and divine sense of amazement as discovery ensues, washing over our senses and exposing them to new found wonders. Let us never forget what it is like to laugh for no reason, it is contagious and not crazy… Let us never forget what it feels like as the warm summer breeze caresses our face and blows silky strands of baby hairs… Let us never forget what it feels like to experience all the “firsts” that life has to offer…
This is Dris at 9 months, I met him 9 months ago. His mom contacted me (Thank you Stephanie and Tom) after being referred to me and I remember the email distinctly because she said, “you just have to meet my baby doll Dris!” He was a baby doll! Gorgeous bright brown eyes and an infectious laugh that could warm any heart! I love being able to document the growth in my clients. Some from the womb and beyond! Today I get to visit with Dris again. He is 18 months old now. Mom says he’s not a baby doll anymore but a little rock star and of course I’m greeted by his smiling cherub face and beautiful curly locks of hair and yes, he is a baby rock star.
You make me smile Dris!!! I am so honored that I was there to play and delight in your discoveries as you walk through the fields and laughed at the dandelions for the first time. Wind blowing your lovely locks, pulling and eating weeds (sorry Mom, I promise the weeds won’t hurt him.) I want to laugh and spin and walk with you and bottle the wonder that I saw in your eyes today… We could all use a little child like abandon every now and again!!!
You could smell the freshness of the earth today so easily as the breeze wafts by carrying the scent of rainfall and a coolness in the air settles into the afternoon. Jen and I stroll towards the hotel to start our day. “I hope this rain stops or slows just for a few minutes today,” I say to Jen, hoping and praying that we have a moment or two afforded to us. Regardless of weather the determination had already set in to be keenly aware of my surroundings and opportunities today. Much like all wedding days we prepare to be mentally and emotionally available however, today would truly be one filled with many poignant moments that will forever be embedded into the synapses of my mind. On our way to the elevator we ran into Christina Hill from Chill Weddings. Christina was our go to person and coordinating the festivities of the day. It’s definitely a joy working with planners who keep things smooth and really get things right. I’m amazed that the events of today were pulled together so seemingly effortlessly considering that the wedding was pushed ahead by 3 months due to the recent discovery of an illness with Jackie’s dad. Trust me though when I say that a celebration was planned and shared and never more has the celebration of life’s events resonated so strongly.
I see her looking intently at the note she is writing. Her pen lifts, pauses then settles down onto paper. I can tell that she is reflecting and bringing thoughts to written form. What I didn’t know was that Jackie was writing the words to the speech that she would give about Nathan. She spoke later about the relationship that had developed and how he was her rock, especially when they were in Thailand and received word about her father. She relayed stories of Nathans oneness with nature and how he had this uncanny way with the weather and could sense the changes in precipitation, wind and the like. When I heard this speech later that night shivers run down my spine as I reflect on how hours earlier it was raining yet the rain subsided just long enough to bring them outside for their first glance and immediately after the images had been captured the sky opened up and down poured once again…Their love… To be near the two of them is to be so easily aware of this bond.
Shortly before the Ketubah signing was scheduled to begin, Jackie’s brother arrived with Jackie’s Dad. They had just picked him up from the hospital so when he was wheeled into the room you could see the sheer happiness that exuded from Jackie from the sight of him. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cohen prior to today but from what I witnessed he must have been a man with strong convictions, a love for people and had an obvious adoration for his daughter. The love and sheer happiness from both sides of the families filled every aspect of the day with tumultuous swings of emotion. The closeness could be felt from beginning to end. The laughter could be heard frequently ( Nathan’s brothers are quite the comedians!)
Each wedding that I shoot there is usually one moment that I witness that embeds itself into my being. Sometimes these are moments I capture, sometimes these are moments that I see and keep for myself. The few moments that I’m sharing with you today are obviously those captured that I feel showcase the day but the moment I keep is the one that has impacted me the most.
There weren’t supposed to be any parent dances today. They were unsure of how much strength Dr Cohen would possess and to have the family there rejoicing together was enough. With dinner under way and most of the formalities done Christina motions to Jen and I that we should go grab something to eat now. I’m walking towards the exit of the ballroom and out of the corner of my eye without warning or prompting I see Dr. Cohen removing the breathing tubes from his nose and extruding himself from the hoses. Within an instant he pushes himself up and out of the chair, motions for his daughter…. My eyes well up with tears, I just can’t help it. Mind you that as I glance around the room there was not a dry eye in the house. You could also see many looks of amazement as well pride. It dawns on me that this is the decisive moment of the night and under no uncertain terms is he missing the opportunity to dance HIS dance with his daughter… I applaud the sheer will and strength and love that allowed this to happen….. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget that split second when ever I think of a father’s love for their daughter…
Nathan’s brothers were very happy to help him get ready!
I love this look right before the ceremony, a father’s approval and then the one below of a mothers joy and love!
In Loving Memory of Dr. Martin Cohen
Flowers: Papertini
Venue: The Downtown Club
Event Planner: Chill Weddings
What! You say it’s July already – shut up, really?!?! Wedding season is in full swing and sessions are off the Hizzie! My days blur into nights which blur into weekends and shooting. I’m blessed to be so busy and of course I love every minute of it! SO much to share and to post. So far this year we have shot several destination weddings and many handfuls of engagement sessions. Also, BABIES!!!!! Yes, this is the year that so many of my past wedding clients have called with that certain excitement in their voices announcing that little versions of themselves were coming soon =) I have about a bazillion blogs to post, wish I could post every session but since we have expanded, Lori, Val, Brian and Jen have been shooting away making too much work for me. So, for now here are a few recent E-Sessions. Thank you to Emily & Sean, Allison & Jordan, Emily & Jon, Lauren & Ron and Jessica & Bill! Please enjoy the slide show of some of my faves.
With 25 weddings already shot this year and a ton of sessions completed I want to take this moment to thank all of our past, present and future clients for your loyalty and trust! We love the time we get to share with you and when my phone rings to hear that you want us to capture another momentous part of your life I am humbled and thankful!
Today I am working on Erin and Jim’s Engagement book and as I look at these images it brings me back to when we shot this session. To say that I love the connection that Erin and Jim have would be an understatement. I love to observe interactions and the little nuances about my clients. I feel like it gives me perspective and helps when it’s time to document important moments in their lives. What stands out in my mind about Erin is how no matter what expression is on her face as soon as Jim gets near her or snuggles her in she immediately smiles. Not the kind of smile that you give to the camera at all. This smile starts slowly and spreads across her face as it seems like a hidden little thought or secret has just crossed her mind. It’s so adorable the way they make each other laugh and equally romantic in the tenderness of a quiet moment. I shot long today, meaning that most of these images were made with my 70-200mm lens. I wanted to be a good distance away because I knew that they were gonna just have some fun and I would play the role of lurker as I steal a few of these moments. A beautiful afternoon spent with a couple who I sincerely look forward to spending the day with again very soon!
I was beyond flattered when my friend and fellow photographer Krista Valla asked to me help her create a photo shoot for the sole purpose of freeing herself from the pain and memories of her tragic accident. A personal struggle that she has come to terms with and is recently facing the demons of a day where twisted metal and concrete claimed her memory and a piece of her was lost. I can’t begin to imagine what it must feel like to have holes in your mind when conjuring up the simplest of recollections. To think that something so much as how to utilize the basic tools of your trade to the most secret or powerful thoughts that lay deep in our subconscious only to be drawn forward when a sight or smell or some form of recognition triggers it. I’m sure I could relearn what it feels like to smile when I feel a soft and warm salty sea breeze wafting through the air but relearning and remembering are two different things entirely.
I commend Krista’s strength and perseverance to get through that time and applaud her for being a fighter and pretty much laughing in the face of those demons. Sometimes we need to confront the issues that haunt us the most and in that confrontation a sliver of solace can be found. She tells me that she has begun to remember some things, like holding a camera and seeing beauty through the lens again. While other memories still remain out of reach. Time, it heals and in time I hope that you Krista, can be made whole.
So, we trudge on a rainy day to a salvage yard…. Here we stare twisted metal in it’s face and we spit in it. I hope that these images bring you some closure….
Thank you to Bethany from Gloss Salon for providing the Hair styling- you’re vision was spot on!!! The ever so talented Kristen Lober provided Make-up.
I was trying to clean up some of the files on my desktop and organize them onto external drives when I came across a folder that had some copy print work from years ago. In that folder was one of the first images I have of me with my mom. Although my hair looks very similar now to what it did in this image there is obviously a world of difference. Decades have passed by and I’m now a woman with a daughter of my own so I can relate to the struggles as well as triumphs that my mother must have felt. Several emotions wash over me as I look intently and recall slices of time spent growing up. I admire my mother for the woman she was and for the woman that she is today. She possesses the type of strength and resolve to withstand anything that in her lifetime she has endured. She is well loved by everyone who meets her and taught me to always be the bigger person. She is as feisty as she is introspective. Most of all she is the woman who has shaped me as a mother and in her nurturing ways I have found my own. So Happy Mother’s day to my mom and all of the mama’s out there!!!!
Here I am in Taiwan, Probably thinking up my next to do list =)
Yup, even at an early age I could be found managing my staff from behind a desk.
Yeah, standing by a plant, didn’t we all?
It was the 80’s, don’t judge, Ha ha – we thought we were so cool and dressed cool too!
Me and Kristin paying with the cam
Kristin and Baby
me and my little Lilli girl
17 years, that’s right, 17 years! Together as a couple, before today. Now married and day one begins. Astonishing to me the lifetime of memories that Beth and Joe have already shared before their wedding day. You can see the ease of their interactions and complete comfort that they share in each other. Effortlessly in the way they joke back and forth and how at any given moment Beth can erupt with the most intoxicating of laughs. Her laughter is so genuine and heartfelt that you find yourself smiling and laughing too. So many such moments dotted the landscape of their wedding day. Lori and I were given free reign to plan the photo locations and scout the area and create the time line. I feel like the number of images I’m about to show are an excessive amount on the blog but I can’t help but connect with them. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left it was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this amazing day. So, to all of your loves, I say…. Cherish in that which is bright and keep your pulse on the things that will allow your love to flourish!
Some say that you will never quite get over or forget your first love. Well, for Beth and Joe I am wishing you many years of never having to worry about that!
xoxoxo,
Cindy
I walked out to my car and immediately felt the sting as a cold breeze brushed past my face. Today was beyond cold as this crazy Philadelphia weather continues with it’s uncharacteristically cold and warm spells vacillating back and forth. It’s enough to drive you crazy! I double check the fact that I have my cold weather shooting gloves- which are really made for outdoor winter sports. They have cool tiny rubber gripping nodules that make it easy to change my camera settings while wearing gloves. It’s funny how these little details make such a huge contribution to my happiness or state of mind. The feeling of being prepared can quell any jitters. Yes, I do still get nervous before every single wedding. It’s not the anxiety ridden kind of nervousness but more like an adrenalin charged excitement filled with ideas and hope for what will be caught and created that day. Today I look forward to seeing past clients who are in the bridal party and who are attending the wedding as well as documenting two adorable and sweet beyond description people in love.
Tom is calm and rational and kind and charming and so sweet in how he interacts with family and friends. His smile is warm and welcoming. Liz has this gleam in her eyes that speaks of fun and confidence and a style that I just love. She is radiant today! When I see them together and when I photograph them I can feel nothing less than a warmth that only comes from being around people who you just feel good about. It’s easy to have fun and to make great images when everything just comes together. It was no surprise to me that despite this crazy freezing temperature that Liz flung off her wrap and braved the cold without hesitation. The entire bridal party cooperated fully and dare I say even had fun!!! That’s what it’s all about everyone! In a world where we can sometimes get lost in the idea of the perfect wedding day you don’t see what is directly in front of you. This is your day, you can’t change anything. What will be will be. You can either embrace the moment and spend a lifetime living it or dwell on what it wasn’t. I can tell you from experience that those who embrace the moment will have the perfect day. It’s not about the weather, or the locations, or the food or the colors of the flowers. Ultimately it is about the fact that on this day you are committing your life, your love, your whole being to another person and you are no longer alone. You are forging ahead and merging families and it is a celebration.
Thank you Liz and Tom for being the types of people that I could spend every weekend with and for braving the cold, smiling into the sun and having fun!!! You are truly remarkable people and I wish you both many many years of happiness and love.
Venue – The Springfield Country Club
Band – Jelly Roll They rocked the house!
Makeup – The uber talented Kristen Lober
Now on to some of my faves =)
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