Sunday, June 19, 2011

Tracy and Dan {Wedded bliss in the Bahamas}

It already feels like a dream, our tryst to the tropical haven that is the Bahamas for Tracy and Dan's island nuptials...It was such a sweet pause from the real world, three perfect, carefree days with Matt (only the second time we've ever been away from our kiddos in the five years that we've been parents). Tracy and Dan couldn't have chosen a more beautiful location for their marriage, and about fifty friends and family members attended the celebration. I had the pleasure of shooting alongside Dan's friend and co-worker, Maria Arabbo, who covered Dan's preparation and most of the reception while I stayed with my Tracy, and then covered family and bride and groom formals. Tracy was sizzlin' hot with her lovely updo (styled by her very own mother), her caged veil headpiece crafted by her very own hands, and of course, the finishing touch of her very own custom jewelry designs (check out those pearls!). It was so wonderful to be there in that room with the gals during Tracy's preparation...it reminded me of all our girlie fun during the 1426 years: dancing in the kitchen, wine on the stoop, sunset on the roof...The ceremony was carefully planned by Dan, who Tracy, the self-proclaimed "Anti-bride" lovingly called her "Groomzilla." But all the meticulous planning payed off, and everything, the windy ceremony against an ocean backdrop, our fun photo spots (I even found an old dilapidated ship--score!), and the sunset reception were relaxing and elegant and dreamy and perfect. I hope my photos can capture that mood...To Tracy and Dan, thank you for letting me be there beside you--I wish you so much continued happiness, and sweet memories of your wedding in paradise. Now we have to start planning the five year anniversary reunion trip!






















Check out their slideshow below (and be sure to turn up the volume)...

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Natalie and Jordan: Engagement

Natalie and Jordan will be tying the knot on Cape Cod on Saturday, and I thought I would quickly throw up a post from their engagement session a couple months ago. Natalie and I connected instantly, as she is a wedding photographer in Chicago--it is always such an honor to document weddings of my fellow sistas (and brothas) of the lens...and as I found out that day--to my delight, Natalie is not only skilled behind the camera, she is also a natural in front of it! She has flawless skin, a luscious head of hair, and a sense of poise and style. And Jordan, a musician, has it goin' on too--the grin, the confidence, that adorable factor that the camera loves. We tromped around Boston in wonderful low evening light, and Natalie and Jordan were so playful and snuggly and up for anything. It doesn't get better than that! The two hail from Chicago, so the wedding is a destination affair...and I can't wait to arrive at the seaside village of cottages this coming Saturday morning to capture some more magical moments!


Flirting at the Brattle Book Shop on West Street.

I love their choices of books: Try and Stop Me (his) and the Yachtsman's Omnibus (hers).




I LOVED Natalie's fierce gold accessories.





Natalie walked around Boston for two hours in those shoes. That's talent.





Tracy and Dan {Engagement}

Two weeks ago I was in the Bahamas on a balmy evening watching my close friends Tracy and Dan exchange marriage vows beside the Carribbean. I am halfway through editing the photos, but I realized that I never posted photos from their engagement session....And as it was one of my most fun shoots ever, I have to get some of the images up here before releasing the wedding photos! On the morning of the shoot, I went over to Tracy and Dan's condo, and she let me raid her closet to come up with fun, colorful outfits--despite the fact that it was frigid February, she agreed to all dresses, adorned with pieces from her vibrant wardrobe: vintage coats, fun shoes, and most importantly--her amazing jewerly! Tracy is a talented jewelry designer, and we filled a bag with her lovely pieces so we could change out her jewelry for each look. So, with Dan navigating, Tracy sat in the back and did quick costume changes between locations... In college when I discovered photography, Tracy was my go-to model. She loved the camera and the camera loved her, and she was up for anything: poofy 1950s prom dresses, painting recreations, etc. Tracy-girl and I have been through so much together, and she means the world to me. She met Dan one night at the pub right next to the apartment we shared in Brighton, and she never looked back. Dan is a gem of a guy; he is interesting, clever, energetic--he is a storyteller, and just draws you right in with his wild factoids and wonderful anecdotes. What a fella! Let me get to the goods--check out our session!

We started at Tracy and Dan's beautiful home. On the left are some of pieces from Tracy's jewelry collection.

Of course, the "kids" had to be involved! Below is adorable "Fatty" (fitting eh?)

And on the right, Malcavia snuggles with Tracy.

And then we hopped in the car and made our way into the city--first stop, an East Boston shipyard.



I couldn't resist the vibrant red and blue!


And of course, these wonderful red doors.



No detail was missed...

What session is complete with out a little rule-breaking (or following, I don't quite get it)?

Octa-lady was one of my favorite pieces among the wonderful scupltures surprisingly scattered across the marina.


Love this series...




At dusk we landed in the heart of downtown.


And Tracy was hotstuff in her RED dress in 40 degree weather.

The Brattle Street book shop in the alley on West street...doesn't it look like they are on the set of a play? The coat belonged to Tracy's grandmother.

And of course, the bling...custom designed by Dan himself...