The Salty Blog

Pooch Portrait ::: 10.26.10 ::: Blue the Great Dane

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Meet Blue, the beautiful blue merle Great Dane. Is he not the most stunning big guy you've ever seen? I wanted to take him home, except he's the size of my living room. Well, that, and getting him home would have been difficult as he was twice the size of my car. :)

Such a sweetheart!!!

He had a tri-paw'd brother named Monkey... so sweet!

Nothing makes me happier than capturing such sweet pooches for their owners! =)

::: The World's Shortest, Fattest Giraffe :::

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Yes folks, it is true. There is such a thing as a short, fat giraffe. It is not native to the Connecticut shoreline, however it has made an appearance and I was able to document it on Halloween of all days! National Geographic will be calling me for my photos any day now. I just know it. This giraffe is the key to my big break.

I took it into my home as it seemed a little "off."

A little "out of sorts" perhaps?

It was quite interested in going into the crate I just happened to have. Odd.

I asked it if it was interested in going "trick or treating" and apparently, it was not.

In fact, I believe the fat giraffe may have been embarrassed to be outside. I really don't know why.

It did spend some time foraging for food. Grazing.

When it wanted to move, surprisingly it could really hoof it around the yard.

It did not, however, enjoy having its photo taken. How unfortunate.

It was quite thrilled to find some greenery. Sadly, its stumpy giraffe legs could not reach.

After much effort, success!

And a veritable feast.

We appear to have bonded, so you will all be happy to know that the tubby, oddly shaped giraffe will be sticking around. :)

Happy Halloween from Gretl and me, everyone! =)

-Julia

Wedding ::: 08.14.10 ::: Lake of Isles, Foxwoods, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:04:00 +0000

My crazy pal Cheryl Cronin and I adventured up to Moodus, CT back on August 14th, got lost along the way, were chased out of a stranger's driveway by a tattle-tale beagle while only trying to "recalculate" the GPS, and drove through some old-time resorts reminiscent of Kellerman's in the Catskills, circa Dirty Dancing. It is officially a part of the state I had no idea existed, and I really want to go back and explore!!!

We did safely arrive at Jill's mom's house, in plenty of time to capture lots of last minute "getting ready" excitement!

Is she not the cutest?!

Her sister was equally adorable.

I loooooved the color scheme. LOVED it. :)

A quick toast with color coordinated drinking vessels...

And off to the church!

I have absolutely NO idea what inspired this - perhaps the priest said something? I was at the back of the church and couldn't hear if he did. :) But as if on cue, all of these people reached out and attempted to fix the aisle runner. I didn't have my camera up to my face as it happened, so I ninja'd this and prayed I got it. It is one of the silliest shots I think I've ever gotten. (Perhaps you had to be there?)

Gah! Cuteness abounds!

So happy!

On to the the beautiful ballrom at the Foxwoods Lake of Isles golf resort.

Such a happy group!

There was a pretty funny inside joke in here about abandoning all Maxim magazines once married...

... but everyone was getting a kick out of them!

Yes, I've been slacking a little on posting my food shots, but this? Heaven. I practically stalked the server as she took away an empty one and replaced it with this.

And this is why I love cocktail hour. A mother and son opportunity I could not pass up. Adorable.

And on with the party!

Love.

Love!

Annnnd... the end! :)

Thank you Jill and Julio for including me in your day, and as always, thank you Cheryl for being such a wonderful friend, photographer, and person to work for. :)

Wedding ::: 08.07.10 ::: The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, East Haddam, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Amanda Herzberger of Orchard Cove Photography is one of my very dearest friends. So it goes without saying that when I get an opportunity to shoot a wedding with her, it is a blast!

Back on August 7th, we met up with the beautiful Mary and Aaron! Just a few of my favorites from the day to share... it's always fun when I'm sent off to document the boys getting ready. They're always ready to go and just chillin'. :)

Niiiiice cuff links!

This one is so hysterical to me, because Mary texted a photo to Aaron of the limo that had just arrived for the girls. Aaron said "It's pink." And I didn't believe him. It really WAS pink. Bubblegum pink. And hilarious. According to Amanda's telling of the story, the real limo was running late, so they sent it as an upgrade!

More boys goofing off.

I was able to snap a couple quick ones of the girls, and we were off to The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in East Haddam!

The flower girls' Crocs decked out in tulle and crystals!

Ready, set...

Go!

Mazel tov!

OK, so I just adored this picture... They are too darn cute. There was a story here too that I'm fuzzy on. I believe someone forgot to pick someone up? And I somehow ended up driving the groom and two groomsmen there... it was an amusing day to say the least! Everyone was so sweet and easy-going though, it was perfect. :)

So sweet.

As this was only my second wedding with the Hora, it definitely proves challenging to get these kinds of shots. But I can't resist sharing their happy faces!

And we can't forget Mom and Dad!!!!

Thank you all so much for letting me share in your day! And thanks for having me along, Amanda! =)

Wedding ::: 07.17.10 ::: St. Clement's Castle, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:41:00 +0000

I'm on a roll! This wild and memorable day was also spent with my great friend Cheryl Cronin of Cronin Photography, and will go down in history as one of the funniest, most bizarre, and greatly memorable weddings ever. That's what happens when the bridal party bus breaks down between the ceremony and the reception! :) But the best part was that there was PLENTY of time that had been set aside for photos, so there was really no rush as the bus driver schlepped off to get a belt to do the repair. The entire bridal party, including Amy and Dana, were so laid back about the whole thing... you could not have asked for a better group!!! :) Even when we were done with photos (it was H-O-T!) they all headed in to the closest restaurant for drinks, while they waited for their chariot to return.

Here are just a couple of my favorites throughout the day.

Ahhhh... how DOES one get in this thing?!

Such cuties.

Quite possibly my favorite moment of the day... it was difficult to hear the music and there was no coordinator telling people when it was their turn to walk down the aisle. Here was Amy trying to figure out when to go by peeking in the door!!! :)

OK, now!

Eeeee! I love love.

Married!

Down to the water for some portraits...

But really, it was all about the suspenders.

Happy sigh...

Sweetest Maid of Honor speech ever!

Followed right on the heels by the cutest Best Man speech ever. Which paid homage to The Hangover. Excellent. :)

A super-fun night all around, filled with incredibly fun people!!!

Thank you Cheryl, and YAAAAY Amy and Dana!!!!! :)

Wedding ::: 06.12.10 ::: Pine Orchard Country Club, Branford, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Back on June 12, I joined my wonderful friend Cheryl Cronin of Cronin Photography and her bride and groom, Julie and Ethan at Pine Orchard Country Club. It threatened to rain all day, so they brought the ceremony indoors - and it was fabulous!!!!

Here they come!

Nothing makes me happier than laughter.

How adorable was Ethan's grandfather?! 100 years old!

:)

Oh please, like I'll ever miss a "grape" shot.

These make my heart happy!

OK, so it's not technically the best shot I've ever taken, but c'mon. How cute.

So here's my nerdy achievement for the day. I shot this and my flash didn't go off. It was almost pitch black. I was able to salvage it pretty much! I couldn't pass it up, it was just too cute.

And lastly, the hilarity of going up in the chairs and not hitting the giant balls made the night complete!

Thanks for having me along for the ride, Cheryl. :) And congratulations to Julie & Ethan!

"A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." ~Humphrey Bogart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:14:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I got to experience Fenway park allll over again! Am I a lucky girl or what? :)

Totally different view this time... they both have their pros and cons! :)

Lackey was pitching again!

Sports photography is definitely fun. It's not my thing, but I can see why people love it!

Oh yeah, it was the night of the final Celtics-Lakers game. :) They bumped the game up by an hour, the crowd was full of green shirts, everyone was chanting "Beat LA!" and the place emptied out around 9pm. :)

Swing and a miss.

OK, so he was pretty cute about it.

Big Papi at bat!

SAFE!

Youk's stance cracks me up every time. :) Hey, it gets the job done!

Big Papi rounding third!

I don't envy this guy.

3 happy fans and their cute red socks!

And then they brought out Papelbon.

And you can see how the stands were seriously emptying out for the Celtics game.

But the Red Sox won!

And because I'm a total and complete nerd, and figure maybe someone might enjoy these, someone like me who had never been before, a couple of snippets:

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game..." (27 seconds) (Don't pay any attention to the craptastic cell phone filming.)

"Sweet Caroline" (42 seconds)

And the excitement when they brought Papelbon out. :)

Such fun!!!!

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:31:00 +0000

I hope everyone has been enjoying the summer... I've been busy reminding myself why I love living where I do.

And I snapped this yesterday afternoon. :) It just struck me funny.

Both photos are from my Blackberry, as I don't dare bring my real one with me! :)

Wedding ::: 05.22.10 ::: Amarante's, New Haven, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:06:00 +0000

Back on May 22nd, I helped my dear friend Robin Dini shoot Julia and Matt's wedding. We started the day at St. Bridget's in Cheshire, and ended up at Amarante's in New Haven. Just a few favorites from the day! :) Robin and I had such a great time, as always!

Robin was shooting bridal party portraits, and I was just capturing the activity around me. I couldn't resist how gorgeous these girls were, the colors of their dresses, the little details they added, and oh yes, the gorgeous backdrop!

Always fun when a bug decides to get trapped in the gown!!! :)

Soooo adorable. x3!

And what was so touching to me was that they were high school sweethearts. :) The connection between them was amazing. (Julia even wore the same shoes she wore to her prom under her wedding dress!)

Thank you Robin for having me!!! And congratulations, Julia & Matt!!!

Wedding ::: 05.15.10 ::: Pavilion on Crystal Lake, Middletown, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:37:00 +0000

Blogging, blogging, blogging... two nights in a row! Unheard of! :)

On May 15th, I joined my wonderful friend Cheryl Cronin of Cronin Photography at the Pavilion on Crystal Lake in Middletown, CT, for the wedding of Stacy and Mike!

There is something about this moment that always gets me. It's chaos, but it's methodical. It's happy, but it's stressful.

Whew! She's in!

Such a rich red!

Hee hee... I could photograph people laughing all.day.long.

Nice! She looked right at me! Love it!

The ceremony took place in a wooded area, under tree cover, and on a blanket of pine needles. It smelled wonderful, and was so cozy. Not to mention pretty!

It was tough with the sun streaming through the leaves in patches, but man I loved the emotion in this one.

How cute are they?!

Love catching the ring oogling during portraits.

Cheryl was getting these bridal party portraits, but I just loved how pulled together they all looked. The color of the dresses was so pretty. Very unusual!

Smooch!

This poor martini went unclaimed during cocktail hour. All alone... the horror.

I still have absolutely no idea what is going on here, but every time I got near these guys, it was like their spidey-senses knew I was approaching, and they hammed it up. :)

Like I said, absolutely no idea. (And who carries that much cash nowadays?!)

Adorable.

There was some Cotton-Eyed Joe...

Some Cha-Cha Slide...

Even a worm snuck in!

It was a great night all around. :) Even the bartenders got in on the fun!

Thank you again Cheryl for inviting me along and I hope Stacy and Mike thoroughly enjoyed their incredible honeymoon!!!!

- Julia

Wedding ::: 05.15.10 ::: Silas W. Robbins House, Wethersfield, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:19:00 +0000

Yes! I am still here! :) And blogging away! I promise!

Last month, I worked with the lovely Eileen Broderick of e. broderick photography for a wedding at the Silas W. Robbins House in Wethersfield, CT. It was a stunningly recently restored Victorian bed & breakfast. If anyone local to the area needs a mini-weekend break away from life, this is the place to go! You step back in time as you cross the threshold. John & Shireen Aforismo, the innkeepers, did an incredible job.

Alan and Patty had an gorgeous day, and I was so honored to be a part of it. I've got so much catching up to do, I'll just share my absolute favorites!

Patty, about to be walked down the aisle by her son! So sweet.

How cute?!

This particular moment had be stifling my giggles... the ringbearer had a Tiffany box strapped to a little antique toy car. He was zooming it around, entertaining himself for quite a while! Great idea! So when the priest went to take the rings, he chuckled when he saw what he was taking... "Oh! And they come with a nifty car too!"

Of course, after the ceremony, everyone had bubbles to blow, and I seriously could have photographed everyone trying to get them to work all.day.long. They were so silly and a great group. Who doesn't love bubbles?!

Patty's Matron of Honor wore such a pretty shade of pink that looked so lovely against her flowers.

Love love love...

Can't get enough of the cuteness.

:)

A quick shot of the gorgeous cake...

Thank you, my dear Eileen, for having me along for the day. It was truly one of the most touching days, and one that I will remember and treasure forever. And congratulations to Alan & Patty! =)

- Julia

"To complete, not compete..."

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:27:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, I started running. I've never been a runner. Even when I was in phenomenal shape as a competitive swimmer, running was my nemesis. It still is.

With the "invention" of the Couch to 5k program a couple of years ago, I've been inspired to try again. So many friends of mine have done it soooo successfully.

A friend of mine convinced me to do the Greenleaf 5k in New London, CT two weeks ago. I had planned on walking the whole thing, just to have fun, enjoy the experience, and having the ability to say I did a 5k. "To complete, not compete," as she told me.

The start was so exciting and the energy was so infectious that I got swept away and ended up running a lot more than I expected. I was still WAAAAAY behind everyone... :) But it was so much fun passing each mile check-point, hearing what my split was, being given water, and being cheered on! My friend and some of her other friends were all there (having finished way ahead of me! :) ) at the finish line screaming for me. I did it! I "completed"!!!! And I had my very first number!!!!! And there were still 40 people behind me! I wasn't bringing up the rear. =D

Now that I've had a taste of the fun, the camaraderie, the thrill, the encouragement, the food, the raffle prizes, and the t-shirt (!), I cannot wait to do another one. The thing is though, I want to RUN. :) So, I keep plugging along with my intervals every other night after work... my neighborhood is PERFECT for "wogging." (Walk-jogging.) I use the Nike+ chip to tell me how far I went and my pace, and the C25k app on my iPod Touch. They also have C25k podcasts you can listen to. Both methods tell you exactly when to walk and when to run. It's brilliant. I have zero ability to police myself and the last thing I want to do is be trying to keep time AND run. I'd totally fall in a pothole.

Some days are better than others. But I'm getting faster, stronger, and someday I'll get there! :) I totally understand the addiction now. I can't wait for my next one!

"Boston, you know we love you madly...hear the crowd roar to your sound."

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:47:00 +0000

Need I say more?

Thanks to my dear friends Corrie & Doug, I got to go to my FIRST Red Sox game evah last week.

It was incredible! We were in the "bleachers" but smack in center field. Awesome for a photo-hog like me.

What I couldn't understand was how little people actually WATCHED the game...

My one and only shot of Wally. :) He's really not out and about as much as other "mascots", huh?

As luck would have it, they were celebrating Nomar that night.

Nomar about to throw out the first pitch.

Kevin Youkilis coming out to join him.

Cue the music.

OK, so I missed myself in this one...

And then I missed Corrie in this one. What can I say. I need one of the new cameras with the screen on the front.

Awesome. Just awesome. =)

Cracker Jacks heah!

Diet Coke heah!

OK, so this was pretty cool to watch him catch - and even though it's a bit out of focus, I'm still glad I caught it!

I'm addicted now... have I mentioned that?

Funny.

It amazed me how different the stadium looked in just a few hours...

Red Sox win!!!!

I need to go back. NEED.

See? Happy Julia!

Our seats were right next to the Green Monstah! We even had a home run ball hit right to us - a guy got it 6 seats away. So cool!

So... how do I get tickets?! :)

"What a gush of euphony voluminously wells!" - Edgar Allan Poe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:55:00 +0000

I keep meaning to share these three silly videos for months. Since it was getting a little dusty in this here blog, I figured now was a great time! :)

I took these one day last September in Frankfurt, Germany. First one was taken walking down a little street, next was a couple hours later on a floating barge/biergarten, and the last an hour or so after that from my hotel room. (Don't mind the zoom-in on the Haribo Gummy Bears on my pillow instead of chocolate. I was a little giddy.)

They're each just a few seconds long and every time I hear them, my heart swells. The sound in person was almost overwhelming - I was totally overstimulated and didn't know where to look. If I could ever get back, I'd love to go during one of the 4 times a year they coordinate every church's bells to play together. (Große Stadtgeläut - "Great Peal of Bells") And in reading up on this, I discovered they are SERIOUS about their bells:

"Today, the sound characteristics of all bells present themselves as follows:
* Dom: nine bells (1877): E°, A°, C#', e', F#', G#', A', B', C#"
* Katharinenkirche (1954): four bells: B°, D', E', F#'
* Paulskirche: six bells (three: 1987): F#°, B°, C#', E', (G'), (B')
* Liebfrauenkirche (1954): five bells: E', G', A', C", D"
* Nikolaikirche: four bells (1956): G#', B', C#", E"
* Leonhardskirche: six bells (1956): F#', A', B', C#", E", F#"
* Dreikönigskirche: five bells (1956): E', F#', G', A', B'
* Peterskirche: four bells (1964): C#', E', F#', G#'
* Heiliggeistkirche: three bells (1958): A', B', C#"
* Karmeliterkloster5 : four bells (1995): (C'''), (D'''), (F'''), (G''')"

My favorite is the second video... could have been the apfelwein, too. :) Make sure your sound is on, because the videos are boring as sin.

Hear the mellow wedding bells,
Golden bells!
What a world of happiness their harmony foretells!
Through the balmy air of night
How they ring out their delight!
From the molten-golden notes,
And an in tune,
What a liquid ditty floats
To the turtle-dove that listens, while she gloats
On the moon!
Oh, from out the sounding cells,
What a gush of euphony voluminously wells!
How it swells!
How it dwells
On the Future! how it tells
Of the rapture that impels
To the swinging and the ringing
Of the bells, bells, bells,
Of the bells, bells, bells,bells,
Bells, bells, bells-
To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!
-Edgar Allan Poe

Leopards and peacocks and bears... and bulldogs! Oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:56:00 +0000

This past Wednesday, I headed into New York to have Gretl spayed. :) It was not something I was looking forward to, so I happily distracted myself with a day at the zoo, some time spent with a friend for lunch, and even a visit with Gretl's siblings. :) Definitely all wonderful ways to keep my mind OFF of the fact my pup was undergoing "major surgery."

So I headed to the Bronx Zoo! I had never been... and I'll be honest, March 17th is not exactly prime animal viewing time. In fact, I think it may have been the most boring time EVER to go. Most animals were "inside" even though it was 70*. :( But here is what I did manage to see:

This guy cracked me up... he was totally posing for a tourist.

See?

The one "real" animal I really got to see that I can't see locally... a snow leopard.

Oooh! Look! A wild, elusive photographer in its natural habitat. (Yes, I was that bored walking through empty exhibit after empty exhibit.)

Finally! Some signs of life! A ham for the camera!

Who loves "chew" toys.

Until...

He loses them!

Toy overboard!

Oh no!

What's a bear to do?!

Why, go down and get it back, of course!

Victory is mine!

Happy Bear. And yes, I did indeed stand and watch him for way too long. =)

The seals and sea lions put on a good show for the kiddies.

Goodbye!

When I realized I had seen everything there was to see, I went off to visit the OTHER zoo... :) Gretl's siblings. They move too fast to get anything really good and in focus, but this particular one of Gina makes me smile.

My patient was ready to come home... and for the record, this was the torture *I* was subjected to... my baby! Out of surgery...

Behold, the sleeping bulldog in cage #1.

The sleeping bulldog on the Merritt Parkway.

And the drugged up, dopey bulldog in its natural habitat, unable to figure out what the hell happened to her.

:) So glad it's over!!!! Thank god for my camera - it really keeps me sane when I need something else to put my mind on. :) And thank god for my dear friends who kept both Gretl and me company.

Sláinte!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Gretl and I trust everyone had a good St. Patrick's Day and didn't drink TOO much Guinness!

We spent the holiday at the vet getting the infamous spay done. It's all over, thank goodness! But not before a quick performance as the first Irish Bulldog Pimp.

Lady, I am a wee lassie!!!! :)

Such a good sport, eh? :)

3rd Annual Bullypalooza ::: 02.20.10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:09:00 +0000

This past Saturday, Gretl and I packed up for a mini-roadtrip down to Lakewood, NJ for a MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue's 3rd Annual Bullypalooza, a fun benefit for bulldog rescue!

My co-pilot!

We went as spectators/attendees for once, rather than photographer, but I couldn't resist snapping a COUPLE of pics. Especially since Gretl's MOM came! :) You can't tell they're related at ALL, can you? =)

What's hard for me to swallow is that she's already BIGGER than her mom! =( Where did my wee little peanut go?!

We saw lots of bullies...

Even this big doofy guy...

Who Gretl immediately gravitated to. =)

She showed off her ENORMOUS mouf...

She smiled for the camera...

She got loved on within an inch of her life by friends who have known her since she was born...

And she got a goodie bag full of treats and stuffy toys and leashes! Who's better than her? =) It was 2-1/2 hours down and she was an ANGEL. We stopped at a rest area on the NJ Tpke and that was it! Not even a peep. Just sat up, wide awake and watched the world go by the entire ride.

Thankfully, she was so pooped on the way home, she slept the entire FOUR HOURS it took me to get thru New York City. :) I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do if she woke up while I was in gridlock at the entrance to the GWB forced into a non-EZ-Pass lane with my EZ-Pass in hand. (Grrr.) :)

Thank you everyone at MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue for a wonderful day full of good visits with friends, goodies, yummy food, and lots of bullie love!

Happy Valentine's Day... from Grovie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:13:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I was out playing with Gretl in the snow. I broke out "the" mittens to shovel my walk and tossed them off when I needed to take pictures of Gretl being crazy. At one point, she did something super-silly and while I laughed, it made me sad too because she reminded me so much of Grover.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. But Gretl has somehow managed to inhabit his spirit. She is SO similar in so many ways (says a lot about nature vs. nurture!) =) But she's also her own crazy self. They would have loved each other. I wish they could have met.

As the tears welled up, and I went to shake them off, I looked down to grab my mittens, and saw a heart. My boy... saying hello. :)

Happy Valentine's Day from *all* of us. :)

Engagement Session ::: 01.09.10 ::: New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Back in the beginning of January, I accompanied Robin into New York to meet Erin and David, a couple getting married this summer! It was my second e-session with Robin, and it's so much fun getting to know the bride and groom before the big day. :) We spent a couple hours traipsing around the city... and if I recall correctly, it was about 5 degrees. Brrrrrr!

Just some a smattering of fun snaps I took as we went along. :)

Union Station in New Haven... a few days earlier, I heard they are getting rid of the flippity-flippity-flippity sign. :( Probably making room for something fancy-schmancier. Figured I'd better capture it in its last days.

Arriving in Grand Central!

Robin in action. :)

How can you not laugh around Robin?

Creepy.

We hopped on the subway...

To Central Park!

Robin,a huge Beatles fan, was deeeeelighted we stumbled across this.

Doing anything to get the coolest engagement ring shot.

This donated bench really made me want to sit a spell.

Loved these fire escapes.

And BBQ delivery bikes!

This walking gigantic artwork was a little spooky.

And a last stop in Times Square!

Brrrr!

Thanks Robin for inviting me along!!! :) And thank you Erin and David for a great day in the city, and a delicious lunch! I can't wait for your wedding!

Wedding ::: 01.02.10 ::: Aquaturf, Southington, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:11:00 +0000

My first wedding of 2010 was January 2nd at the Aquaturf in Southington with Cheryl Cronin... and it was a balmy 16* and snowing! :) I love an adventure!!!!

As IF I could resist a photo of a fuzzy face during the "getting ready" pictures.

The anticipation is the best part!

Here she comes! (That's Dad peeking!)

Completely unposed... love it.

A little behind-the-scenes of the bridal party portraits.

Yep! It was definitely a winter wedding!

Beautiful...

Awww...

Husband and wife!

How cute are they in their Uggs?!

Brrrr!

How adorable is the groom's mom?!

Again, as if I would miss an opportunity like this... they have a bulldog (!!!!) and their wedding favor was a gift to the North Shore Animal League. Love them.

Craziest entrance ever!

Funny story about this moment... my brain totally panicked and shut down about two seconds after this shot. I have a huge propensity for falling down as it is, and as some defense mechanism, my brain ceases to communicate with the rest of me if I can't see my feet. =) The smoke/dry ice/whatever it was was very neat to look at, but as it rolled across the dance floor, I was ankle deep and could no longer see the floor. My feet become cinder blocks and I was stuck where I was, terrified of tripping over a cord, seam in the modular flooring, or a heck, a speck of dust. :) Hahaha.

Thankfully it didn't last all night... :)

Thank you Cheryl for a great start to 2010, and thank you John and Tara for a great time!!! =)

Wedding ::: 10.24.09 ::: Saybrook Point Inn, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Forging right ahead to the next day, and a delightful wedding with Robin Dini of Robin Dini Photography! :)

It was a stormy, windy, raw day... and the boys were getting ready down by the water. Awesome.

I love boys getting ready. They're so much fun!

Beautiful Grace Church in Old Saybrook.

They just had such character... what can I say.

Couple great moments.

Super cute.

Such love!

Mother of the Bride had a glorious time. =)

As did the guests...

As did the Mother of the Groom!

And I must finish this post with a little gushing... this may have been one of my most favorite receptions ever. The groom and his family and friends were all from Ireland and England. People got up and sang all night... Whisky in the Jar, Spanish Lady, The Wild Rover, Molly Malone, and many others I couldn't place. And anyone who knows me knows that I thought I died and went to heaven. I could barely take photos because I was singing along. :) So. Much. Fun.

Thank you, as always, Robin, and thanks Tiffany and James for SUCH a fun time!!!!

Wedding ::: 10.23.09 ::: Cascades, Hamden, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Yes, I am still digging myself out from last Fall. =) Back in October, I got to join my dear friend Cheryl Cronin of Cronin Photography for the first time and we had an absolute BLAST. (As if I was expecting otherwise...!)

Just a handful of my favorites to share from the day...

Such a beautiful bride!!!

Is it cheating to include a photo in a photo? =)

It was such a gorgeous Fall day.

Beautiful girls, too.

If a bit chilly!

Such a happy family!

This one makes me grin ear to ear.

Can't you just feel the love radiating?!

The girls were huddling to stay warm while Cheryl was taking the boys' picture, and they basically made themselves into the greatest picture!

Brother and sister groomsman and bridesmaid. Are they not the cutest?!

Inside at the Cascades Banquet Facility.

The happy couple!

Adorable!

Thank you for including me Cheryl, and for having me along, Jackie and Alex! =)

Wedding ::: 10.17.09 ::: Gershon Fox Room, Hartford, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:15:00 +0000

Back in October, I joined Robin Dini for a wedding in Hartford. C'mon... isn't this a great way to start a blog post? :)

Checking on the weather at all times. So cute!

I love the confusion boutonnieres bring to the table.

Stylin' boys.

The ceremony took place at the stunning Trinity Chapel at Trinity College.

I love catching the off moments... the stuff that happens when they're thinking you're not snapping away.

Smooooch!

Hehehe...

The amazing Gershon Fox Room... I felt like I stepped back into the 30s.

Yum.

Such happiness!

Thank you all for a wonderful day!!!!! =)

Uppy Puppy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:28:00 +0000

So, Gretl is 4 months old and I've already caved on my "no dogs on the furniture" rule. :) This weekend, it was SO cold and snowy that after our early morning traipse outside, I decided we BOTH needed to go back to bed. :) We snuggled, fell back to sleep for a couple hours, and then I decided to take advantage of the uber-cute pooch on my bed.

Don't leave me!

It's chilly without you, Mom!

You ARE comin' back, riiiiiight?

OK, well, I agree... this is an acceptable compromise.

Yep. Definitely.

Actually, I could get used to this.

Warm, cozy... what more could a girl ask for?

Wait, whatdya mean "Time to get off?!?

I'm really quite happy here!

THIS is where I belong! :)

I hope everyone enjoyed their snowy weekend!!! :) Stay warm!!!!

Wedding ::: 09.12.09 ::: Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, CT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:09:00 +0000

On September 12th, I had the great pleasure of shooting with Vicki Souza of Victoria Souza Photography. We both had the exciting challenge of shooting for Robin Dini, who had JUST given birth to her new little peanut. :) We had planned everything out in advance, and had even worked as trio during their engagement shoot. It was a full family affair and we had the best time.

Erick seeing Kate for the first time before the ceremony. ("First Looks" are very popular now!)

This is usually posed in such a way for the photographer to get a great close up shot of all the flowers in one big bunch. I love standing off to the side and getting the girls laughing as they feel all silly squishing in together...

I have no idea. But it makes me laugh.

Love that the girls all did their own "thing."

Love the blue!

Inside the gorgeous Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, CT.

This was so unbelievably cute. They attempted to light the unity candle with their two candles, but the wind wouldn't let them. Then they broke out a grill lighter. And THAT wouldn't stay lit. =) It was hysterical.

It was a moment that I'm sure they'll never forget.

Right at the end of the ceremony... immediately after "The Kiss." And a stealthy groomsman in the background.

Oh the emotion in Erick's parents' faces!

It rained the entire time RIGHT UP until the ceremony so everyone unloaded their cars of umbrellas in preparation. But they weren't needed!

Mmmmm...

So adorable... their guestbook.

Such a sweet couple!

This group SERIOUSLY knew how to get down.

Thank you Robin, Vicki, Kate and Erick!!!! :)