10-13-07 Erin and Lou E-Session

Today was definitely a day that my job was made easier. I visited Hoboken today for the first time to meet with Erin and Lou for their E-Session. A beautiful sunny day with blue skies and gorgeous white billowing clouds above us! I've never been to Hoboken and was delighted to find such a charming area with a great park and view of the Manhattan skyline. I will definitely be returning to shoot this view at night as I'm sure it is breathtaking. I arrived early to scout out the area and have some lunch. I found the yummiest sushi restaurant. The rolls were like artwork and how could you go wrong with 3 of my fave ingredients, lobster, mango and avocado, Yummy.
So, I head over to Starbucks to meet up with Erin and Lou.

I can't say enough about how effortless this shoot was. These two are just so naturally cute and loving together. I pretty much could have just pointed the camera in their direction and randomly snapped images and they would've made every one a keeper. We walked towards the waterfront stopping every so often when the mood would strike. So after about an hour and a half and a bazillion images we called it a day but truth be told I could've just strolled around , shooting and chatting for the rest of the afternoon. That's how I feel when things just come together and both Erin and Lou could not have been more gracious or cooperative! So thank you both so much for the perfect outing and I can't wait to shoot the wedding in May.

10-6-07 The Wedding of Courtney and Ben

Today I'm off to Doylestown for Courtney and Ben's wedding. A big thank you goes out to Amy and Vinnie for referring these two wonderful people to me. I knew this was going to be a day filled with emotion from the time I shot their engagement session. Some people can be comfortable in front of a camera or not but it didn't matter with these guys because it's clear for anyone to see that they are comfortable and so in love with each other. If a camera happens to be present then even better! One of the many things I loved about today was how expressive both families were. They laughed and cried freely when ever the emotion presented itself. Both speeches given by the Best man and Maid of honor were at times funny, generating laughs as well as so touching that I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. There was a bet on who was gonna cry first and Linda I do believe you lost! Linda is Courtney's mom and while they were getting ready as Dad looked on I saw her look into Courts eyes for the first time as she was completely dressed and the room fell silent, I felt the emotion in the air. It must be such a bittersweet feeling. Knowing that your little girl is all grown up now and she's starting a new chapter in her life and seeing her looking so beautiful and glowing ready to embark on this new journey. I'm sure that I'll be losing the bet too when the day comes that I look into my daughters' eyes at that poignant moment.

Here's a quote from the Best Man's speech.

"Love is like when you pee your pants. Everyone can see it but only you can feel it's warmth!"

In this case I have to disagree. I felt the warmth of your love for each other Courtney when I saw Ben's face as he watched you come down the aisle and as he shook your fathers hand . I felt it when he held your hand and lovingly stroked it to calm your nerves. I felt it when your voice cracked a little as you said your vows and when you danced and cried tears of joy. I felt it when Ben carefully wiped those tears with his handkerchief. I could go on and on and on and on..... Thank you both so much, you are truly an inspiration!

10-4-07 Kristine & Jeff E-Session

Valley Forge Park has so many cool areas that are both historical and picturesque. Today Kristine, Jeff and I are hanging at George Washington's Headquarters. The building and grounds gorgeously restored. It always amazes me how close we are to historical monuments and locations. To think that we may have walked the ground that George himself did is mind blowing. During our shoot we saw a a Female deer and 3 of her fawns. They were so cute and so close. I'm not usually a big fan of nature other than sand and shores but it was very nice and peaceful here. Kristine and Jeff are naturals. It was easy just to put them near each other and boom, great expressions every time. I guess that it's just easy like that when you are in love. As you can see the E-A-G-L-E-S are represented in full force. Despite their 1 and 3 record it's good to be true to your team! I'm a transplant to the area so I won't admit who my "boys"are ;) Thanks Kristine and Jeff for hangin in there with me as we dodged the tour buses, tourists and rangers!

Evelyn, Tyler and Rosie. A day at the dog park. 10-3-07

As I saw this shot through my lens I knew that it was a special moment. I reviewed the image on my display and I felt a tear form in the corner of my eye. I quickly turn away so that Ev doesn't see me near to crying. I wanted to stay strong and just maintain as much composure as I could for her. This time with Tyler and the images that we captured today I know are special now but will be even more so in the coming days.

Tyler is one of the most well behaved, gentle and beautiful golden retrievers I have seen. I shot his first portraits and his xmas cards for the past few years as well. He is Ev's boy and to all of our dismay he has been diagnosed with cancerous tumors in his abdomen. He is undergoing chemotherapy but this treatment is only going to postpone the inevitable for a few months. I never knew until recently the way an animal can affect your life. They just express their love and loyalty to you and without that I know that some people wouldn't have much else. Today I saw Ev cry and I cried inside too. I can't begin to imagine how I would feel if I were in her place. Ev, I just want you to know that I do care and that I am here for you as are so many people that love you.

This is Rosie. She is a Golden also. Ev rescued her and she seems so happy!