The Wedding of Heather and Robin 8-23-08

Often when we think of marriage we forget that you aren't just marrying the person that you love you are uniting families and merging them into a new and more complete circle. That is exactly the way I felt today witnessing the union of Heather and Rob. The beautiful candle lit church set the stage for a very tender and loving ceremony which incorporated Jason, Heather's son, into the moment. One of my favorite shots of the day occurred just moments after Heather and Rob and Jason lit the unity candle and then placing a medallion around Jason's neck. Jason and Rob locked eyes for a moment while Heather's hand touched Jason's arm. It was in this decisive moment that I felt they had completed their circle. This circle includes a wonderful and supportive family and friends, who from what I have witnessed are such a closely banded group that you might as well call them family as well.

The warm August sun shined brightly as billowous clouds dotted the horizon. As an added bonus we didn't even get locked up when we climbed through the stone wall to get to the fields that would be our backdrop for their portraits. Oh how I love when I'm allowed to choose the locations for pics and I love even more when enough time is set aside to capture the images but more than that I love, love, love when despite the craziness of the requests not a single bit of apprehension complicated the situation. Cooperation was through the roof =) We were able to make use of the harsh summer sun and capture some truly beautiful images. I know that Heather has been anxious to see these teasers. I hope that it was worth the wait! These are just a few of my favorites. Thank you so much Heather, Rob and Jason for letting me share in your special day! Much love to you all!!!

The Wedding of Chrissey & Mike 9-13-08

As she waited for him to enter the room so that they could see each other for the very first time on this their wedding day, she hears his familiar laughter carry through the doorway as he says hi and jokes with the bridesmaids exiting the room. I smile, having spent some time with Mike and Chrissey during their E-session I noticed then how Mike can make Chrissey laugh and how smiles are so easily coaxed. She turns towards him and this broad and gentle smile spreads across his face as he is beaming. I'm shooting and listening and shooting and listening and I hear, "you are so beautiful...", spoken in such a way that I get goosebumps. What a wonderful start to a day that was filled with many moments of love, adoration and kindness. You both Rock! For lack of better words, you just do.


Stunning, Stunning, Stunning!













I love the way they just laugh and interact






The police came and chased the skaters away so for a few brief moments we had Love Park all to ourselves.











As nightfall rapidly descends upon us they turn towards city hall walking off hand in hand as the amber light of archways guides us back to the reception. The light tonight is unbelievable, the breeze welcoming and the couple, well, they are perfectly matched and I couldn't have asked or conjured a more lovely day. These are the times that if could be would be bottled and then re-opened and sipped from each and every weekend.

The Wedding of Eric & Archana 8-31-08

Springfield bound today with Lori to enjoy and capture the festivities of The Hindu Marriage Ceremony uniting Eric and Archana. I can not say enough about how beautiful and detailed this day was. I can not post enough images to do justice to the uniting of these two families through the many aspects of the traditions and components of the day. However, I can say that I am in awe of the history and meanings behind the various components of the ceremony and it makes me feel so wonderful to be able to celebrate and absorb these customs. I think that it is a wonderful thing when customs are carried out throughout generations and can preserve heritage and beliefs through them. There were moments of fun, respect, love and appreciation and I thank you Eric and Archana for allowing us to be present throughout all of it! The food was fantastic, the performances amazing and the toasts repectively tear filled and gut busting! We all found out about Eric's alter ego and I don't think there was a single person who did not laugh hysterically. Much love to you both!

The Wedding of Jessica & Tom 8-30-08

Lori and I are spending the day with Jessica and Tom and company. It's always nice to have beautiful weather, amazingly cooperative bridal party, adorable Bride and Groom and flower girls that smile. Sometimes it's only a few components, today it was all of the above. Thank you so much to everyone for making it a wonderful experience and lots of luck and love to you Tom and Jessica!

Octoberfest

My father was born in Austria, his parents in the Ukraine so in celebration of my Eastern European Heritage I am celebrating Octoberfest with some friends in Delaware =) Ok so, like I really am 1/2 Ukranian but this was more so a much needed escape from a very hectic schedule.

There's something about a fair or festival that I really love. I don't know if it's the smell of cotton candy and funnel cake that waxes nostalgic or playing silly games at the cost of 10 times what the value of the prize you can potentially win. Either way a great evening ensued with a few ginormous mugs of yummy German Brew, good times, good times...




Yeah, we spent all our tickets and the some








I'm guessing it was customary to build giant towers with your consumed beer cups, I bought a mug and called it a day.





So here's me and my mug and the image on the left is probably what my vision looked like after 2 mugs emptied... Just kidding, although it's not far off.

So happy Octoberfest Everyone!!!

A Baby Session - Andrew & Isabella

A few weeks ago I shot a maternity session with mom, dad and big sis Isabella. Well now we are back to welcome baby Andrew to the world!!! I think he knew it was his day to be the model, sleeping on cue and waking when we wanted him too =) I really loved this session and the whole family got in on the fun. My favorite moment however wasn't photo related. You see Isabella is a very bright 3 year old. Mom, Dad and I tried to Bribe some smiles from her with some Cinnamon rolls and she was all for it until they told her she couldn't have them until Cindy left. Isabella promptly replied "Bye Cindy" Ha, Ha , Ha we all laughed and of course she then smiled...

MUWAHHHH & THANK YOU!

It has been crazy and wonderful all rolled up over here as I'm knee deep in Wedding Season but there is a long overdue thanks in order!

I want to thank each and every one of you out there who voted for me and left such amazing comments. I really do feel like I am so very fortunate to have the type of clients who are amazing and thoughtful and make me want to work harder for and be better for. So, Yay!!!

xoxoxo ~ Cindy

Some Recent E-Sessions and Portrait Sessions

8-28-08 Kelly & Bob - E-session

A session at the beach with the lovely Kelly and Bob! I love your spirit, fun and ready to go twirling on hills, rolling in the sand and most of all just completely comfortable in each others arms. What a cute idea too! Have Bob photographing Kelly while I photograph them both! Thanks for the fun shoot, I'll see you both again real soon!












8-29-08 Lauren & Nick - E-Session

Sometimes it's an innocent giggle or a familiar way that they walk towards each other. Other times it's just a sense that I get. this time it was a little of both. Lauren and Nick are just so sweet together. Their playfulness was infectious. At times Nick and I were teasing Lauren and vice versa. I had a wonderful time today thanks to you both!











9-9-08 Marissa & Tehron - E-Session

Strolling in the city today with Marissa and Tehron. They walk hand in hand with confident and purposeful strides. I feel so at ease knowing the trust that they have in me and this creates such a calming feeling. I think it's wonderful how well they compliment and balance each other! As the sun dips beneath the edge of the nearby building I shout that's it! We r Done woohoo great shot, the smile on Marissa's face was worth a bajillion sunsets!








9-11-08 Dylan & Addison - Portrait Session

Cuteness factor times 2!!! A great afternoon for some adorable portraits of Dylan and Baby sister Addison. After some studio shots we headed to the park and chased Dylan around. I could post about a hundred of this cute little man running from slide to sand, here to there. A nice diversion =)








9-11-08 Lauren & John - Post Bridal Session

Her Blue eyes sparkle as the light hits just right, he smiles and the sight is just so cute! We are all alone on this deserted beach as fall quickly approaches. No worries, baby sea gulls scamper quickly across the sand towards the water leaving the tiniest of imprints. These babies don't have a worry as they are beginning their new lives. I think that Lauren and John are much like the baby seagulls. They too are starting their new lives together, newly married. From what I have witnessed of them together they don't have a worry either. They are loving and compassionate and fun and I am thrilled to have been a part of their day and now the post shoot!

















9-14-08 Audrey & Scott - E-Session

Chatting and Driving all around the city feeling completely comfortable. I Love your love of food and great beers! Ah yes, a couple after my own heart. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy shooting and hanging with you both, I loved the conversation! Thank you so much for being so fun. I can't wait to shoot the wedding!














9-21-08 Corey, Eric & Cameron - Family Session

Thank you to Beth for having 2 amazing daughters (and son too!)

Cameron has the uncanny ability of knowing exactly when I want him to smile. It was fabulous, on cue almost =) He's adorable and I'm sure has his Mommy and Daddy right where he wants them. I just love the interaction between all three of them, so many wonderful moments! I feel so very lucky to have been there for one of his "firsts" Today was the first time Cameron has swung in a swing. When I heard his cute little giggle erupt into a full blow laugh as the wind rushed by his face while he swung back and forth... I couldn't help but laugh myself! We all laughed. It is in these very moments that stick out in my mind. The precise moment of joy as one experiences a first, new, wonderful feeling! I wish I could bottle that. I wish the three of you many moments just like that as you grow as a family and I am sure that the sound of laughter and giggles echos the walls of your house frequently!




















Stay tuned for a ton of Wedding Updates and Images!