Erica & Lydia’s Wedding

Erica & Lydia are a laidback & sincere couple, who genuinely care about each other and everyone around them. They work within the Boston area to help education, advocate, and support people within their community.

They reached out to me a few days before their wedding in need of a photographer since the one they had planned to used backed out last minute. I was excited that not only was this a Boston wedding but I was available on their day to work with them. Usually I have months to a year in which I help my clients plan and prepare for their special day. Since we only had a few days, I made sure to get as much information as possible to help capture their day as true to them as I could.

Like most wedding days, when I arrived things were running a little behind. No problem, I used the time to capture getting ready images, detail shots, and some canids. If I have time I also photograph the location & what makes it unique. For Erica & Lydia, once they were ready we walked the location together picking a few spots that they really liked. Through our prior conversations, I knew Lydia is a car person, so we had to make sure we captured an image or two with her car before we headed to their wedding venue.

Their venue Club Cafe was a unique venue that I hope I can photograph again. There was a nightclub, banquet restaurant, a few bars, & a stage for their performers. It was closed to the public so we were able to take images throughout the venue. Even though it was in the middle of winter my glowing brides had no problems baring the frigid weather for their beautiful images.

Wedding Vendors:
Getting ready venue: Cambridge House Inn @ Porter Square
Wedding Venue & Catering: Club Cafe
Flowers: My Bloommate

Intimate Weddings, Timelines, & The Details

For all my weddings, before your event, we discuss your timeline and what you would like to capture. Each wedding is unique to each client, so not one is photographed exactly the same. This is especially important for small weddings, since usually I’m only there for a few hours. Those hours go by faster than you may think. Having a timeline and going over image expectations and what you would like for your gallery is invaluable. For some clients, the details aren’t as important as the people there celebrating with them. Or they prefer more candid images than posed. With limited time, we work together making sure we are on the same page, so I can capture your event as it unfolds naturally and with the style you are looking for.

A few weeks before Christmas, I photographed Linda & George’s wedding at The Delamar in Connecticut. It’s a beautiful luxury hotel that’s a great venue option for small weddings. When we talked about the wedding, Linda pointed out how important it was to have images of her children and George’s children. They also liked more candid with some posed of her family. They weren’t looking for the typical getting ready, bridal party, lay flat details shot etc. Knowing this ahead of time, I was able to capture images true to what they were looking for.

Boston Common Sneak Peek

Picking a proposal location is a very important and personal decision. I always say the best location in one that means something special to the couple. Stephen’s location was special since it was where Laura first said I love you to him. What could be better than that? The timing and day couldn’t have been better, especially in January. It was an hour before sunset (which is great lighting), it just snowed so there was a fresh coat, and because it was cold there were less people to contend with. Here’s a few from their session with a full post coming soon.

La Belle Lights Proposal

“I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Proposals are one of my favorite types of sessions to capture. It’s such a happy occasion that is filled with so much love, one can’t help but love these sessions.

Proposals isn’t something you can plan quickly. To ensure the session goes smoothly we need to plan it together. Once I am booked, we set up a time to go over the day in details, answer any questions, and make sure we have a game plan. I go over the location, weather, timing, lighting (especially if you are doing a nighttime proposal), props, and more. You’re nervous enough already, so I try to relieve the stress as much as possible, making sure the only thing you have to worry about it is popping the question. Having photographed over 50 proposals, I’ve mastered the art of proposals.

Two days before Christmas, I photographed a proposal at a new light show in NH. La Belle Winery light show offers a unique in the season option for a proposals. This event goes well into the new year ending in late February. There’s still plenty of time to check it out. https://labellewinery.com/lights/

Timing and communication is key with proposals. So I waited for Jonathan to finish dinner and head to the light show. Since it closed at 9pm, he made his way around 8:30pm. Without realizing it, we had the entire place pretty much to ourselves. Once he proposed we were able to have fun exploring the light show and celebrating this special time for them. Below are some of my favorite images from Jonathan’s proposal.

Fan Pier Engagement Sneak Peek

Yesterday was a great day for an engagement session. Not only was it warm in Boston, but it was an overcast day, which I truly love. I met up with Zack & Brandy for a fun session exploring one of my favorite spots in Boston, the Fan Pier. If you haven’t been there before, it’s a great spot that offers so much within a small area. There are numerous restaurants, a few markets, historical sites, and so much more. You can see below why this is quickly becoming my favorite session location.

Arianna’s Mini Session

My baby girl’s birthday is on Friday. We have a large family, she is the 5th child. Having two brothers and two sisters, isn’t the easiest at times. They do a lot of things before her, I wanted to create a special time for her. I asked her what the biggest challenge of being the youngest of a large family is. She said being heard, which is why she usually is louder than all the rest. Because of this, she is spunky, funny, and full of spirit. There is never a dull moment with her, making us all smile & crack up from her random jokes. She’s a mamma’s girl but Izzy is a close 2nd. She doesn’t go to sleep without cuddling with her dog.

12 is such an important age. The last year of being a preteen. To celebrate this moment, I knew the right location would make all the difference in her images.

We decided upon a local location so it would be more comfortable. And it’s easier to fit in a mini session. My secret location is one that people normally wouldn’t think twice about. A few years ago, while biking with my girls, we came across a tunnel that had colorful graffiti. I thought it would make for a fun backdrop and used it once, when I first started my business. I’ve always loved the spot and thought how great it would be for Arianna. Plus, I haven’t used it in three years. The location is local yet off the beaten path. It’s full of color & fun designs. And not overly used. Perfect!

There isn’t a lot of people using this part of the bike trail so when we went an hour before sunset, I knew there was no one to worry about. No photobombing or competing for the space. We had the whole place to ourselves. She brought along her sister and bestfriend for the mini session, helping Ari to smile. I don’t always recommend bringing a friend when they are so young, as they tend to not pose and get super silly. But it worked out well and I got some beautiful images of Arianna. And I got some great sister portraits, which is hard to come by these days.

Like my clients, I wanted lasting images that represent my daughter, highlight her beautiful spirit, and have a little fun doing it. The images I captured is something I will cherish forever. And that is exactly what I offer each of my clients.

The Mill on the River Reception

One of the best things about my business is that I get to travel and explore different areas & venues. Sometimes, I’m in the middle of nowhere & sometimes I am in the middle of a city. Where ever I am, I get to see some of the best venues in New England.

In April, I photographed a venue in Connecticut that I have never been to, The Mill on the River Restaurant. This beautiful venue has a lot to offer your event, even in April when the weather is unpredictable.

My clients (Ahmed & Mina) hired me for some portraits – as well as their reception, no ceremony. When I arrived, I had a mission to pick the best spot for portraits.

I arrived early, which gave me plenty of time to look around, and pick out some great spots for the outdoor images. The venue had a covered bridge, gazebo, bushes in bloom, and a river to utilize. Then I noticed across the street a pop of pink and I had my inspiration. In the over flow parking, are some beautiful trees that would make any image spectacular. That is where we photograph Ahmed & Mina’s couple portraits. I utilized that as a special spot for their images, just the two of them.

The Big Reception

Their reception was so much fun, especially since almost everyone was dancing. Seeing so many people dancing and enjoying – I couldn’t help get caught up by the mood too. In these hard times, seeing the kind of cheer was just the energy I’ve been needing. To share in the cheer, here’s a glimpse of their danced filled reception.

Each reception that I photograph is unique to my clients. Ahmed & Mina’s unique moment came from her husband and family giving her jewelry & each taking a turn putting them on her. Her smile was more sparkling than the jewelry and that was an essence I wanted to make sure I captured. Of course, her family had a little something for Ahmed too.

Vendors:
Venue: The Mill on River Restaurant
Dj & Lighting: Dj MO ATF website: www.djmoatf.com Instagram: djmoatf