Julie and Mike {Wedding}

The very first night I met Julie three years ago, she told me she couldn't wait to find her true love. Her Beloved. She said that's what she would call him, not honey, or babe, but Beloved. She was a friend of my brothers from their Haiti mission group. She was young, just out of college, and brimming with idealism. She made an impression on me. She is a fellow romantic, a literature and Drama enthusiast, and so warm, so positive, so excited about where her life was taking her. Julie is flawlessly lovely, with bright eyes and a constant smile. But her beauty truly exisits in her postive energy, her giving nature, her fierce passion in her beliefs and devotion to her faith. She met Mike on the "Connecticut Catholic scene," and even though he was at the time unsure of the direction of his life, and didn't succomb to her charm immediately, Julie knew right away that he was her "one" and waited patiently for their timing to be right. And it didn't take too long for her to win his heart--how could he resist? Julie and Mike have the sweetest dynamic. Julie is vibrant and talkative and fierce about her convictions. Mike, a talented musician and song-writer, is easy-going, gentle and soft-spoken with a charming quirkiness and quiet confidence. They compliment eachother so well, and you can't help but feel good in their presence.

Julie and Mike were married on the snazzy date of 1-1-11 in Meriden, CT. Julie had to be the most exhuberantly happy bride I have had the pleasure of photographing. It was an unseasonably warm day, but with a blanket of snow for added New England charm.
One of my favorite moments during the ceremony was when Julie's father and Mike's father picked up their guitars and sang and played an original piece written for the new couple. What a gift! After the mass, we headed to the Pavilion on Crystal Lake for some wintery portraits before the reception. One very special aspect for me was that my entire family (including Matt and the girls) were invited to the wedding. My brothers and sister-in-laws were in the wedding party. My mother made the bouquets. And it was so sweet to see my own little ladies, as well as my neice and nephews, romping happily on the dance floor in their finest attire. It was a dance floor that was packed the entire evening with such wonderful energy and joy. I am so happy that sweet Julie found her Beloved, and that their love story came true. And now for some photos...


For being so tiny, angelic and sweet--Julie can be fierce too!
















Mike comes from a long line of musicians. Here is his grandfather on the harmonica!

Julie and Mike rock some Polka moves...








My brother and my newphew Caleb (I love this little guy so much!).




Click below for the slideshow (and turn up your volume to hear the song):

Happy Valentines Day {In love in 2010}

I am a sap. Like the nostalgic, wallowing, acoustic ballads, fields of flowers and love poems kind. That's why I have the perfect job. I celebrate love for a living, and I couldn't be luckier! I have had the honor of capturing so many wonderful people in the last year (the newly-engaged, the newly-wedded, the newly-born, adorable families, my nearest and dearest, and more)...So here is a sampling of sweet, mushy love moments squished into four minutes. So turn up your volume and enjoy. Perhaps it will bring you back, and maybe even make you smile!

Roulliard Family {Three Bright-eyed Boys}

The Roulliard boys are going to be heartbreakers when they grow up! And it is no wonder, with their dashing father and stunning beauty of a mother. I was so happy to have this crew in front of my lens again; though the chilly morning made for a much less rambunctious bunch, they were snuggly and sweet as can be! I connected with their mother Kerri instantly when we first met; she is a creative soul, and has such a genuine, nurturing sensibility. She also has an impressive motherhood resume: she gave birth to three boys in a little over three years! Despite being surrounded by all things BOY, she definitely has maintained a sense of feminity and fabulousness. Proof: she came to the shoot rocking a pair of shiny red heels! Once again, the boys brought their special stuffed friends--accessories that up the adorableness factor to me big time! See for yourself...




Sweet big brother Aidan...


Sean and his winning smile.


And the little guy, Nate. Can you believe those cherubic curls?

Ava and Tyler: 3 Months

Here is another glimpse at twins Ava and Tyler, shot on a hot summer evening when they were three months old (another outdated post--they are now eight months!). It was exciting to see plumper, more animated versions of their newborn selves, each still with his/her own adorable personality. Curious and energetic big brother Cole explored our yard with Ann while Gretchen and I hovered over the twins on the front porch (my favorite spot for baby shots here at my house). Tyler wanted no part of the shoot for the first half, while his sister posed contentedly...and as soon as she was tuckered out and fast asleep, he was all about the camera--of course! So despite the fact that I continue to fail to achieve shots of both babies happy and awake, they are so cute, you can't help but smile at the result!



Even when crying, Ava is painfully adorable.

Big brother Cole helps out...

A little sugar and spice...


Had to bust out the pink and blue again--couldn't help myself...

And of course, some snails and puppy dog tails too.