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.