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.