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!
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