October love.

This fall I was called to shoot the laid back union of Ben and Darlene, a couple totally smitten with each other in that giggly, melt your heart kind of way. The intimate affair began on Sea Street Beach in Harwich, followed by cocktails and dinner at the Cape Sea Grille, steps from the beach. The couple lucked out with an unseasonably warm late October afternoon, back dropped by a stunning sunset. As I followed the couple through my viewfinder, my heart warmed as I thought how lucky I am to witness this love and be reminded of its fortitude.

Clinging to the Warmth

I couldn't resist shooting these Morning Glories today as they clung to the sunshine in the late morning warmth today. Their wilting leaves are a reminder of the cold nights we have had that will soon creep further and further into to day, yet their spiraling buds and vibrant colors offer us solace.

I Never Told You You're My Hero

It has taken me some time to write this post. I went back and forth questioning its relevancy and appropriateness... as well as trusting my own ability of written expression. This site was set up with a focus on my work as a photographer, and my posts allow friends, family and supporters to stay current and connected to that work. However, I believe that who one is as an artist, is directly influenced by who one is as an person. And I believe that one’s environment is the strongest element in the shaping of one’s character.
My environment is, and has always been, one of great beauty- not only in the visual sense, but in the emotional and domestic. It is because of my family that I have built a strong sense of worth, of work ethic and of appreciation of life’s blessings. Because of how I was raised, and the examples set for me by my family, I do not mind working a 10-12 hour wedding shoot. And because of the value set on family gatherings and the significance of relationships, I can see the magnitude and beauty in quiet moments, cherished times and minute details. These are the elements that aid in my shooting.
I am blessed to live in a place that is not only picturesque and charming, but provides an amazing sense of community and compassion. These qualities have been evident to me over the years, throughout different events and phases of life, but never so close to my own heart as the past couple weeks, beginning when my grandfather passed away. It has become clear to me, now more than ever, that family is a loose term, encompassing all of those who embrace you, support you and are there through the day to day, good and bad.

Well, the 2010 wedding season has come to an end for me. As the days get crisper and shorter, I stay warm and renewed, confident in this generation's commitment to each other; and ever so proud to have shared in the celebration their love and been able to give them the gift of tangible memories of that day. It is in the memory of heartfelt speeches, tender looks, stolen kisses and of course, wild dance moves, that I will find my warmth through the winter...and my revived faith in love.
Congrats to all the newlyweds and thank you.

Rustic Romance

Deep in the woods of Hanson, MA, down a narrow, winding road, lies a small retreat, Camp Kiwanee. It was here that Derek and Tina tied the knot, surrounded by their loved ones last weekend. I feel blessed to say that these lovebirds have become close friends of mine over the past year and I was so pleased to witness their union at such a unique location, in a celebration that truly expressed their individuality.

Bride, Tina, worked tirelessly over the past few months on her vision, creating exceptional decor details, fitting of the location and the couples lives together.



The poignant ceremony was set looking out at the still lake waters that reflected the sky, like we were floating among the clouds.




And the fact that I shot more photos than I ever have at one wedding reception, pretty much exemplifies the fact that these two certainly know how to party.



Congrats to my friends, the new Mr. and Mrs. Webber.

Sweet Sweet Love

A little impending hurricane can’t stop true love... Bride, Helen, and groom, Rob, prepared for the worst last Friday as they made last minute changes to their wedding plans, moving the backyard clambake indoors as Earl threatened to rain on the, well, biggest day of their lives. Saturday arrived though, Earl turned out to be a no-show, and the festivities began with a clear, crisp, perfect September afternoon.

Everything about this sweet celebration was uniquely personal, from the ceremony held in the church that the groom’s grandmother helped build, to the reception held at an exquisite family home, to the charming readings sent from the bride’s family and friends in Australia. And the imaginative decor details by Helen were truly inspired.

Lifeguard lovebirds

I love it when a couple makes sure that their wedding day is truly reflective of themselves and their personalities. Friends and family always have opinions about how things are supposed to be, but it is important to remember that this one day is really only about the couple and a celebration of their love.
Last weekend, I shot a beach wedding that did exactly that. The lifeguard lovebirds kept it casual, intimate and perfectly fitting- for them.

The In-Between Moments

Sometimes the best photos, the ones that capture the most emotion, the most tenderness, are not planned at all. They are hiding in those in-between moments of a shoot, when the subject lets their guard down and relaxes, displaying their true self. It is in these moments that I flourish. I thrive on snapping that one instant that can speak a thousand words, tell a complete story, leave the viewer absorbed.

The light at the end of the tunnel

There have been plenty of times when my faith in humanity has faltered. I have often wondered where the competent people are and how on Earth the inept seem to be running things. I read the news online and for every uplifting story, there are three dismal. It seems in times like these, finding hope is hard; making a difference is difficult. The mentality that one is too small is the majority and there is so much talk, yet so little action. These words could apply to so many things relevant to the now- the oil spill, our healthcare system...
But just when things in my little world seemed ultimately bleak; the light at the end of the tunnel so far away, I see a shimmering beam. It comes in the form of people with smiling faces, strength in their hands and passion in their hearts.
The woman I am proud to call my grandmother suffered a stroke on New Year’s Eve and has been in the rehab wing of the nursing home for nearly six months, fighting with everything she has to regain the use of her right side, the ability to speak again, and her independence.
Because of the hard work, perseverance and dedication of a few good people I can call family, by blood or not, she was able to return to her home this weekend after 6 months away- a fully accessible, sparkling clean, freshly landscaped, handicap-approved home.
My faith has been restored and the light seems just a little bit closer.

Fairy Tale Day for a Princess Bride

Dark, daunting clouds loom over head and a cool, wet wind blows across my face as I stand at the West Dennis Yacht Club. I clench my jaw as I see the beautiful bride peeking out the window of her dressing room with a furrowed brow, both of us praying the rain holds off. The guests arrive, the groom and his groomsmen take their places and the procession begins- and a fat spit of a rain drop hits my forearm. I hold my breath. Somewhere over the Rainbow begins through the speakers and out steps the stunning bride. As she reaches her groom, kisses her father and takes her place under the arbor, I lower my camera and raise my eyes. The sky has lightened. The wind has calmed. It seems the gods have recognized the importance of this moment and held their breath. For the duration of the sweet, brief ceremony, we stay dry. Then as the newlyweds are announced, the guests cheer and bridal party walks up the aisle, the sky opens up and the rain begins. It was as if it was waiting for us to finish.

So I didn’t get to try out all the inspired ideas that I had for the bridal party formals on the beach, in the boats and on the docks. So my lens got a little wet as we feverishly snapped the family and bridal party portraits on the lawn. What I let myself be reminded of was that the bride got her wish; she married the love her life by the sea, in open air, with her closest friends and family. And it was beautiful.

Congratulations Jen and Charlie.

If there was ever a couple to exemplify the idea of Soul Mates, it is Ari and Loren. The high school sweethearts tied the knot at the stunning Corn Hill beach this week, followed by a backyard reception under a twinkling tent filled with poignant toasts, joyful dancing, rocking music by the Flakes and of course, love. Never have I seen such a community outpouring of pure happiness for a couple that is clearly ideal compliments to each other. Bridesmaid and sister to the groom, Ana, belted out the melodic lyrics to their first dance. Bridesmaid and sister to the bride, Marisa, spoke of her profound love for both her sister and her new brother. And I do not cry easily, yet my viewfinder fogged up as I tried to shoot groomsman, Kai, toasting the newlyweds, noting Ari’s character, Loren’s grace and the couple’s compatibility.

It was truly the kind of day that makes me love what I do. Thank you Ari and Loren.

It's a beautiful life

Spring has Sprung

Spring is in full swing here on the Cape and with it comes new life and color. This past weekend I went for a lazy boat ride around Horse Shoe pond in Harwich, shooting my G9 while Matt cast out a few lines. In the late afternoon sun, the colors were sparkling and warm. A pair of Canada geese floated by with their four little goslings and lily pads blossoming surrounded us. It was quiet and fresh and the perfect end to a hectic long weekend.

A friend of mine recently shared a website discovery with me (thanks Linette!)... Once Wed has beautiful photo inspiration, real-life wedding stories, diy projects and even used designer gowns for all you brides-to-be. For all things weddings check out www.oncewed.com.

The makings of a wedding

This past weekend I had the honor of shooting a wedding on the beautiful Massapoag Lake in Sharon, MA. When emailed by the bride-to-be back in the fall, I was told it was to be a dual Pagan wedding. Not knowing much about the Pagan traditions and certainly never having shot a Pagan ceremony before, I did some research before their big day. I learned that Paganism is one of the oldest religions, rooted in Europe and centered around nature. Pagans believe that nature is the divine core of our universe and that there is no right path, only the path that is right for you. It also can have many sectors and branches, like any other world religion.
But my experience taught me more. From behind my lens, snapping away in the ethereal light of the setting sun, I experienced a group of people gathered for one reason- their love and admiration for two people. This wedding was so unique in its own ways, yet the same in so many others. The mother of the bride still cried. The fathers made their toasts. There was a tender first dance, several silly line dances and many outrageous dances moves. It was a day centered around love and light and hope- and isn’t that what all weddings are?

Hug your mom

This afternoon, I listened to a friend's mother tell us, in shaky voice, "It is a parent's worst nightmare." Wobbling chin and teary eyes, she mutters, "I cannot begin to imagine the pain..." We silently shake our heads, lower our eyes and blink back our own tears; none of us can begin to understand the kind of pain it must be to lose a child, but we know the pain of losing a friend.

Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to photograph a mother and her ten month old son. In the dewy grass, with the balmy May sun and the ocean breeze, I see such immense adoration. There is an unspoken commitment and bond between mother and son's eyes. I cannot begin to imagine that kind of love.

But I do know what it feels like to be a daughter. I know what it feels like to be the daughter of a remarkable mother; the kind of mother who puts all others needs before her own, who doesn't think twice before doing what she believes to be right. I know what it feels like to be the granddaughter of an amazing woman; the kind of woman who has more strength, loyalty and faith than I will ever know.

I cannot begin to imagine the kind of devotion, strength and love that comes with being a mother, but I do know the kind of respect and admiration that I have for mine, and all those that I have the blessing of knowing.

Never take what you have for granted. I have said it before, but sometimes it so easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life, you easily forget, or think "there is always tomorrow." But sometimes there isn't a tomorrow. Hug you mom. Tell her you love her. Call your friend that you haven't spoken to in awhile. Be grateful and gracious and compassionate.

"Grab that net and catch that beautiful butterfly- it's wedding season!"

Santa Catalina, Panama is a town that forces you to slow down a bit, allow your self to breathe a little bit deeper and smile a little bit easier. The heat of the sun sinks into your skin, warming your soul. The water slips over you, cooling, for a moment, and dries salty on your skin. The people all wave, smiling, "Buena....hola..." as they stroll with either a child on their hip, a surfboard under their arm or atop a mustang, herding a group of cattle down the road (this is the traffic). The children offer fish they have caught (that don't quite seem of legal size, but you accept anyways because doing anything else would be an insult); the dogs meander in and out of yards, in and out of the road (there are not many cars to worry about), breeds so mixed there is no telling what specific breed they may have originated from. Even without electricity, running water, refrigeration or some with out even floors, or beds, they are proud people- men working hard building homes in the sun all day for 15$ if they are good workers. Until my father drilled a well and offered fresh water to his neighbor, Adan and his family washed themselves, their clothing and drank from the creek abutting their land. The town closes at ten pm; no clubs, bars or hotels eliminates any light pollution and we look out at the sky like we have never seen stars before- their brilliance engrossing.
Be grateful for what you have. Savor that clean water running from your filtered faucet. Trying saying hello to strangers on the street. And relish in the fact that there are still places in the world untouched by modern marvels and free of modern chaos.

Travel Photography

Tomorrow I head off to Panama for a ten day adventure. I absolutely love shooting in new places, capturing different cultures and landscapes. From what I hear of Santa Catalina, Panama- where I am headed- it is a small surf town with one main road, lots of cowboys, creatures and friendly people. I will be sure to post some of the images I get, in the meantime, here are some from previous travels.

Asuka Book Albums

I am proud to now offer professional albums made by Asuka Book. They work exclusively with professional photographers to create exceptional press printed albums. I have created my first sample book with them and am beyond impressed with the creative options, customer service and quality. These books take photo albums to a whole new level of craftsmanship.
I am excited to work with my new brides in creating these story book wedding albums.

Play with Pattern

When shooting, I tend to be drawn towards patterns- repeated elements such as lines, shapes and colors. I often don't even notice my attraction towards pattern until after the fact, while looking at the images on my computer. None the less, I find pattern usually adds balance and a sense of symmetry to the composition.