Theodore Michael: Newborn

There is nothing better than photographing the babies of my brides and grooms, and last month, I had the honor of meeting tiny sweet Theo, born just one week earlier to one of my wonderful couples, Laura and Mike. Theo is the sweetest little snuggle-muffin! Laura and Mike's condo has a wonderful porch, painted gray, with lots of window light--perfect for portraits. So we wrapped the little guy up in some blankets and put him on pillows--and he was a little star! He snuggled up and slept peacefully for us (though I did get some awake shots too--what a precious little face). I was honored to capture these fleeting early moments for you, Laura and Mike--congratulations on your beautiful little boy!




Tiny fingers. Proud parents.




Gotta have some foot shots...



Laura's mother wove Theo's bassinet--isn't it beautiful?

Julia Grace: Teeny-tiny newborn

Seven weeks ago, my cousin Kelly gave birth fourteen weeks early to a tiny baby girl, Julia Grace. Obviously, at only twenty-six weeks gestation, sweet Julia had a very fragile start. So though I was there and took photos on the day she was born, I have waited to announce her arrival and feature some photos here. But Julia has done beautifully in these seven weeks; all along, she has made strides quickly, and has done better than expected for such a wee little thing. So I think she is ready for her big reveal! Julia is beautiful, and we are all absolutely smitten. She has this golden-red downy hair that reminds me so much of my Viola when she was born...you don't see that hair color often on a teensy newborn!

Kelly and I are very close (we call each other sister-cousins), and I honestly can't think of someone more deserving of this gift of motherhood. Kelly has waited for this little girl for a long time, and Julia has come into a world that is full of open arms waiting to love her and support her and watch her grow.

On to some photos of the little angel...On this particular day (two weeks ago) Julia had her very first bath, and had only just started wearing real clothes (even the preemie clothes are big on her!). She is now, two weeks later, up to almost five pounds, and out of the isolette (the bed with glass cover that looks like she is in outer space or something) and into a regular bassinett. Of course, more photos will follow as Julia grows even stronger, and is finally able to come home!

The little sweet pea fresh from her first bath.


This is my absolute favorite. While the nurse bathed and changed her, Julia kept craning her neck toward her mother's voice.


The nurse used a TOOTHBRUSH to comb her hair, that's how tiny she is!

Alert, inquisitive (and beautiful!) already...

The proud Mama looks on, with emotion.

Some of Julia's preemie fashions.

You are so loved, sweet baby girl. We can't wait to welcome you home!

Kate and Reza: Boston, MA

Kate and Reza's wedding was classy and elegant down to every last detail. They were married at the historic Omni Parker House, right there in the heart of downtown Boston. Kate is one classy gal, and she was glamorous in her gown and long veil. It was so sweet to watch her relationship with her mother; it is obvious how much the two women mean to each other, and her mother's toast was one of the most touching I have heard. And then there was Reza, snazzy in his black tie, grinning that adorable youthful-looking grin of his. Reza and I have one common link, and that is my best guy, Suj Sen. He has been close friends with both of since college, yet somehow Reza's and my circles didn't overlap. Or so I thought! At the wedding, I realized Reza and I had multiple pockets of friends in common in college, going all the way back to my freshman year. For this reason, it was the first time I ever attended the after party at a wedding I was working; I didn't arrive home until 2 am that night (it was so much fun, totally worth my exhaustion the next day). It was my Sista of the Lens, Suj's wife Tara who recommended me to Kate and Reza for their wedding, and she shot alongside me for the first half of the day, then donned a sassy frock and heels and hit the dance floor as solely a guest for the rest of the evening. Kate and Reza, it was a pleasure getting to know you two; I am so glad our paths have crossed, and I hope to have the opportunity to spend time with you soon. Congrats to the newlyweds!


Shot by the lovely Tara Lynn Sen. Here Reza gets some online assistance in tying his own bowtie.

Shot on left by Tara.

Glamorous girl.





On the steps of Old City Hall.

A sweet moment between Kate and her dad.

Loving this hot pink dress--this guest wore it with the exhuberance it deserved!


I love this shot of Tara dancing with one of the priests (they had both a Christian and Muslim priest officiate to honor both of their backgrounds). This priest was warm and charismatic, and as you can see, he was the life of the party!

On the balcony at dusk, overlooking the Boston skyline.


And of course, their slideshow. Be sure to turn your volume up to hear the song!

Caitlin and Chris: Danvers, MA

When Caitlin first called me last year, she mentioned she was at one of the weddings I had photographed in the fall. She said she knew the bride Lisa because they were in the same dance company growing up. I remembered Lisa's "dance friends" well, as they graced the dance floor at the wedding with style and poise and of course, fabulous moves. So when Caitlin mentioned that she is a red-head, I immediately interjected, "I remember you! You were wearing a hot pink dress." Even in a crowd of almost 300 guests, I remember a gorgeous ginger any day! And when Caitlin arrived on my doorstep one afternoon, and we sat down for tea in the messy kitchen of my just-bought "fix-her-upper" house, I knew that it was more than her red hair that had me at hello....Caitlin is warm and sweet, and has the most lovely personality--and her smile is so genuine and uplifting, see below for affirmation...

My girl Tara Lynn Sen joined me for the wedding (as always enhancing the day for me), and when we arrived at Caitlin's mother's house on the morning of the wedding, I walked into such warmth. I absolutely love it when my brides and their families are excited about their photos--and nothing beats walking into a house, and immediately being welcomed excitedly by sisters and cousins and neices (thanks to all of the wonderful ladies in Caitlin's life for being so kind!). Though Caitlin's new husband was not terribly excited about romancing his bride in front of a camera (I got the feeling it was to him a rare form of torture--posing for wedding photos is definitely not everyone's cup of tea!), Chris nonetheless honored his new wife's wishes, and they stood beside the harbor at Danversport Yacht Club while Caitlin's veil blew around him in the blue dusk. And at the reception, I got to see him come alive, beaming at his bride on the dance floor, and thoroughly enjoying their night. And I did manage to even snap a few shots of this (haha, I got you, Chris!!!). And to the lovely bride: nothing beats your smile, Caitlin. It is as vibrant as your hair, and it has been an honor getting to know you.


Could a person be more colorful? The shine of her hair, the pacific blue eyes...

One of Caitlin's flower-girls. As you can see from that grin, she was a cunning little lass!


Another of Caitlin's beautiful neices. She looks like a dancer to me too.



Just a little bit of light left...



A glamorous guest capturing a different perspective.


This is my absolute favorite dancing shot--captured by the amazing Tara Lynn Sen, who always rocks the lens on the dance floor...

And this too...

Caitlin and Chris donned leis in honor of their honeymoon to Hawaii.



Lastly, take a peek at their slideshow (and be sure to turn up the volume):