studio smc photography | Sandra Costello

New web site!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:55:00 +0000

We've moved! Check out http://sandralovesyou.com

Can't wait for your visit!

xo,

Sandra

Cynthia + Michael: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:29:00 +0000

Two days before Christmas I witnessed one of the greatest gifts this life has to offer: love. Cynthia and Michael, in the company of family and pups, married in front of a crackling fire in the living room of their beloved home.

They shared their soulful vows with such tender voices and gentle movements I found myself tearing up and my appreciation for love, hope and commitment was enlivened. Their gratitude for the love and life they share with one another was ever present.

Cynthia and Michael, thank you for sharing your day with Brett and I. It was a pleasure and such a special start to our holiday season. Your love is strong and filled with light. Wishing you much love.

xo,

Sandra

And what's a wedding without a little Gangnam Style? You go Michael!

Hair: Salon 241, Kat Mulvaney

Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Liz

Catering: Blue Heron

Flowers: Forget me not Florist

Cake: April Bent

Samantha + Moises: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:40:00 +0000

Love is true when it feels right for you. When you know deep down in your soul you are meant to be with that one person. It feels perfect.

That perfect love between Samantha and Moises was witnessed by myself and my pal Alanna this past December just days before Christmas. It was an elopement at the Gateways Inn and it was romantic, emotional, and warm, despite the cold, grey weather outside.

Thank you Samantha and Moises for sharing this special moment in your life with us. Here is a just a sneak peek of all of the beauty and love from your day.

xo,
Sandra

Jessica + Stephen: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 23:09:00 +0000

Long distance love. Approximately 7323 miles. To share a love so deep it can withstand that kind of distance, worry, serving one's country, separation from your family, and lots of complications in planning your wedding is really something to celebrate, and Jessica and Stephen's day had finally arrived. Their wedding day went off without a hitch...except for of course, getting hitched;)

This year is the first year I've had the pleasure of photographing military weddings. They are not easy, in terms of the timing, but the love I have witnessed is so strong and hearts so grateful, it has been such an honor. Thank you Jessica and Stephen for reaching out to me. Your wedding day brought me into the holiday season with such a full heart and for that I am so thankful. Wishing you and your families much love, peace and a warmth as we celebrate the new year.

xo,

Sandra

This little purse was made by Jessica's mom from a sleeve from her own wedding dress. She wanted Jess to have something from her wedding.

Happy New Year! Welcoming 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:50:00 +0000

Welcoming in the new year is always an emotional time for me. I like to reflect on all the good times and challenging moments of the past year and I have lots of hope for the new year before me.

Each year I set goals for myself, both personally and professionally, and find great satisfaction in meeting those goals. I'm a Virgo, we love goals:) In our house we've adopted a mantra for the new year: think, act, love. It gets the brain brewing, moves us to action, and infuses love into everything we do. I think it also helps us to simplify how we live. Having a guiding force to do good in the world and to succeed in our lives is so incredibly energizing and filled with endless possibilities.

This year my message to you is simple: You are loved. One of my favorite quotes from Marianne Williamson is what I hope you will carry in your heart for 2013.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are younot to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

We are a little late getting our holiday cards out this year but for those of you on our list you will receive a very special card that shares the photos below and the message of love. I am so happy to send you a card too. Send me an email with your address and I promise to pop it right in the mail: sandra@studiosmc.com

Wishing you peace, love and goodness for 2013!

xo,
Sandra

Photos by my pal Sarah Prall.

Sheryl + Bharath: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Sheryl and I go way back despite the fact we had never met. Years ago we connected and kept in touch with one another via Facebook and blogging and it was as though we were old friends. When she reached out to me to photograph her ceremony with Bharath I was so touched. To be selected by another photographer to photograph their special day is always such an honor.

Sheryl and Bharath, otherwise known as B, are so much in love. I felt the power of their love as soon as I entered their home. And the love of their family who were present was equally strong.

Their ceremony was one of three to celebrate their marriage. They both got ready at their home but did a first look right outside on the pier by their house. It was the best! Then we made our way into Boston to Post Office Square for their ceremony. The weather turned out to be amazing, without a cloud in the sky, but even if it down poured or snowed Sheryl and B were determined to hold their ceremony in the spot where they got to know one another early on in their relationship. I guess it was just meant to be.

Join me in celebrating the love of these two very lucky people. Lucky to be in love and to have found one another. May I present to you Sheryl and Bharath.

xo,
Sandra

Danielle + Otto: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:14:00 +0000

My couples are super heroes. For real. I've always known about their super powers but it wasn't until a wedding this fall that the true identity of one of my brides was revealed. I'm talking about Danielle and her sweetie Otto who share a love so deep it could save the world.

Together these two came together at Danielle's parents' home for a beautiful outdoor ceremony. The weather was perfect, the setting serene, and the details that decorated their day were exquisite. Family and friends watched as Danielle and Otto shared their vows along with prayers, laughter and a funny face or two.

Brett and I were so honored to be a part of this amazing day. Danielle and Otto thank you for letting us capture the love, joy and humor you so effortlessly bring to each other and those in your lives. You will always be super heroes to us!

xo,

Sandra

I love these moments that Brett captured right before the ceremony.

Amazing arbor! I had never seen anything quite like it.

Another gorgeous moment captured by Brett.

Chanel + Tanya: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:37:00 +0000

The first time I met Chanel and Tanya they came to my home to talk about their wedding. Their visit was not a simple car ride to the next town over--they actually live in North Carolina--but Chanel had gone to Mt. Holyoke College and western Massachusetts was where they wanted to get married. A small wedding with a few friends and family at the intimate Gateways Inn in Lenox.

When we met they brought a laptop to show me photographs of their life in North Carolina. They love to bike, be outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and snuggle with their beloved cats. I asked them why after being together for ten years they decided to get married now. Tanya shared her story of being a cancer survivor and how Chanel was there for her during that difficult time and how much closer they became. She told me how much their relationship meant to her and the significance of them getting married. Needless to say the three of us were sitting on the couch together crying and then laughing and talking more and it was like we had been friends for ages. I knew these ladies loved, laughed and lived their life in such a beautiful way I couldn't wait to capture their day.

Fast forward many months to a beautiful fall day in the Berkshires and these two lovely souls married with friends and family witness to their love. Brett and I felt so fortunate to be a part of their day and to share in the tears and so many laughs. Thank you Chanel and Tanya for choosing me to capture your love, it was the best!

xo,
Sandra

Venue: Gateways Inn
Justice of the Peace: Dennis Helmus
Flowers: Forget me not Florist
Cake: Sweetcakes - aprilcbent@gmail.com
Henna: Henna Elements

Maggie + Sean: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:59:00 +0000

I'm not really sure where to begin to describe the kind of joy that filled the air on Maggie and Sean's wedding day. There was no fussing, all smiles, lots of hugging and hand holding, sunshine, some serious dancing (I mean seriously!) and lots of wonderful family and friends coming together to embrace Maggie and her Maggie-boy, Sean. The day was like a dream, right Maggie?! Clear skies, warm hearts and so much emotion I thought my heart might burst.

There are lots of photos to share the story of these two sweet people, plus one bonus shot of me! Thank you to my good friend and amazing photographer Seth Kaye for being so awesome and capturing so many beautiful moments.

Thank you Maggie and Sean! Getting to know the two of you and capturing the love on your wedding day was such a gift. The smile you see on my face while I was being swung around the dance floor mirrored how my heart felt all day long. Wishing you so much love and happiness in this lifetime! xoxo

Venue: Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park
Dress: Rivini
Caterer: A Thyme to Cook
Band: Grande Central Station
Flowers: Bakes and Baldwin
Beauty: Red Door Spa, Mystic Marriott
Transportation: Abbey Road

Ashley + Nick...a sneaky sneak peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:19:00 +0000

What can I say, my couples are awesome! What they won't do for the shot. Love this!

Ashley + Ben: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:15:00 +0000

From the moment I met Ashley and Ben I knew their day was going to be beautiful. Their vision was elegant with lots of fun planned for family and friends. They chose Quonquont Farm in Whately, a beautiful venue, and despite the rain that lingered throughout the day, Ashley and Ben were smiling from the first moment they saw each other to the last song of the night. The status of the weather is not what makes a wedding special, it's the love of the couple. I know this may sound corny but I believe it 100%.

Thank you Ashley and Ben for trusting me to capture your gorgeous day, rain and everything in between! To be among your family and friends and be witness to your marriage was an honor. I am so excited to share this collection of photos from your wedding. Much love to you both!

A huge thank you to Jessica Kaczenski for her talent and much appreciated assistance, and to all the wonderful folks who made Ashley and Ben's day amazing. Enjoy!

Venue: Quonquont Farm and Orchard

Dress: Bridal Heirlooms, Sottero & Midgley-Adorae

Hair and Makeup: Salon Herdis

Catering: Blue Heron

Floral Design: Fairview Gardens

Cake Design: Royal Icings

Lighting: CJC Event Lighting

DJ: Bob Raina

JP: Mikki Viereck

Music: Amherst String Ensemble

Dress complications can make any girl frustrated.

First look part one!

I love how it looks like Ashley is casting a spell on her dancing partner!

Jessica's shot.

My shot!

Christa + Dawn: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Seven years ago Brett and I moved to the Pioneer Valley and landed in the sweetest of houses in South Hadley. Luck was on our side for so many reasons but the biggest one was that Brett's sister Christa happened to live right around the corner.

When Christa and her partner Dawn announced they were getting married we did a dance in the living room and then on their front lawn and possibly in a few other places. We couldn't wait. In May they exchanged their vows just the two of them and then at the end of the summer invited friends and family to their home for a backyard celebration. And guess who got to capture all this joy and beauty? You guessed it, ME!

So much love and care went into getting their home ready for this special day. Dawn, a talented woodworker, made all of the corkscrews, which they gave as favors. Christa outfitted the backyard with vintage-inspired flea market finds and pieces she had refinished. Burlap runners, bamboo plate ware, bird-themed linens and platters, ball jars, handmade buntings and so many more personal touches made their day so beautiful.

They also surprised everyone by reenacting their vows under the pergola. And with a conga line to follow, you couldn't hold back a smile. Christa and Dawn, we love you so much and can't wait for many more evenings dancing on your front lawn and toasting to this sweet life. xoxo

Flowers: Forget me not Florist
Rings: Rebekah Brooks
Caterer: Bottega Cucina
Tent and rentals: Micheal's Party Rentals

Me and Brett, family and the happy couple!

I think we all know what song these folks are dancing to!

Work it Mike!

Samantha + Dan: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:29:00 +0000

Dan & Samantha. Samantha & Dan. No matter the order, these two people were meant to be together.

Samantha contacted me early this year about her August wedding to the love of her life. Sam was in Texas and Dan was in Afghanistan so planning a Connecticut wedding was a little trickier than most but she had lots of lovely details planned for her day and knew what was most important: having Dan home and being surrounded by their family and friends.

Their ceremony was held at St. Stanislaus Church in New Haven, which was not only a beautiful church but Dan was the 4th generation to be married there. Gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. Following their ceremony we made our way to the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme for portraits, games, Big Green Truck pizza and lots of love.

It was an honor for me to capture such a special day for these two lovely people and their beloved families and friends. Thank you Samantha and Dan for allowing me to be witness to your love, it was an amazing day!

A big thank you to the talented Meg Hamilton for capturing so many wonderful moments and beautiful details, you're the best. Please join me in congratulating Dan & Samantha and celebrating this day in their love story. xoxo, Sandra

Church: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Venue: Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, CT
Dress: Vera Wang, David's Bridal
Suit: Men's Wearhouse
Catering: Big Green Truck
Service: Gourmet Galley
Florist: Old Saybrook Flower Shop
Bakery: Creative Cakes by Donna
Rentals: Liberty Rentals
Invitations designed by Samantha and Dan

AJ + Cherry: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:53:00 +0000

Last year the first Pioneer Valley Gay Wedding Expo was held at the Garden House and it was a great chance for couples and vendors to discover one another. I distinctly remember meeting AJ and Cherry and thinking their wedding plans sounded so cool, but it wasn't until I heard all the awesome details of their camping wedding that I knew it was going to be extra rad!

AJ's family have been visiting Stillwater Campgrounds in Vermont for almost 30 years. It's a very special place for them and their family so to celebrate their wedding in camping style was perfect. All of their guests camped throughout the weekend and their ceremony and reception was held at Seyon Lodge State Park. I don't know Vermont that well but I plan on making many more visits to bask in the glory of one very lovely state.

I arrived on Friday night along with Brett and Ian Pouliot, my talented and amazing helpers, to check out the grounds and meet the families of AJ and Cherry. They generously invited us to share a meal with them and then we made our way over to the Lodge where I began to to say the same word all weekend long, "WOW." It was gorgeous. We didn't even unpack the car before we started photographing the water, the mountains, the trees and at long last, a sky full of stars. Wow.

I could hardly sleep with excitement. I set my alarm for 5:00 am for the next morning, dragged Ian from his slumber, and the two of us photographed the pond and a nearby field as the sun rose. I can't think of a better way to start the day of a wedding, unless of course I could make that all happen a few hours later:)

The day was a beauty, and getting to see where AJ and Cherry got engaged before their ceremony was the icing on the top of their wedding cupcakes! Thank you ladies for being so wonderful and lovely and for welcoming us to your special place in the world. I hope you enjoy this collection of images from your wedding day. xoxo, Sandra

Location: Seyon Lodge State Park
Catering: WoodBelly Pizza
Flowers: Cole Franke
Cake: Melissa Hallar
Rings: Rebekah Brooks
Tent: Undercover Tents

Ian's photo on the right and below.

Ian's photo on the right.

A little fun with the brides, their cousin and Ian:)

Ian's photo.

Ian's photo on the right.

Ian's photo.

Emma + Drew: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:40:00 +0000

My relationship with Emma and Drew began in the fall of 2010 when I met Emma and her dad at Anne and Tom's wedding at Cornell University, and from that moment forward it has been pure joy with a few hot days thrown in for good measure. Emma went to Mount Holyoke College and wanted to celebrate her wedding in the Pioneer Valley. The ceremony was at Mount Holyoke College's Abbey Chapel and the reception was at Hotel Northampton.

Similar to their engagement session, it was a gorgeous day but hot. It was so warm that at one point I prepped my little red Fit to transport the bride and bridesmaids to the ceremony. The limo with the guys had overheated and there was going to be a delay. But just as quickly as we had decided to take my car, the folks at The Limo Connection worked their magic and there was Anne, my favorite limo driver, to the rescue!

That same feeling of love and care was the theme for the day. Family, friends, and vendors alike did so much to make the wedding of Emma and Drew special, and they deserved it. Please join me in reliving a few lovely moments from their wedding day, and feel free to crank up the air conditioning!

A special shout out to my team who helped me throughout the day: Jessica Kaczenski, Ian Pouliot and Brett. Their assistance shooting, lighting, and running the Foto Fun booth was awesome! xoxo

Ceremony: Abbey Chapel, Mount Holyoke College

Venue: Hotel Northampton, Brianne Ebel

Hair and Makeup: Salon 241

Flowers: Durocher's Florist

Lighting: CJC Lighting

Cake: Cerrato's

Transportation: The Limo Connection

Dress: Vera Wang, The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Photos of Drew by Jessica.

First glimpse of the ballroom being set up.

Photo by Jessica.

Photos by Jessica.

Photo by Ian.

Photo on right by Jessica.

Yup, it was getting hot in there.

Shonna + Randa: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:27:00 +0000

I met Shonna and Randa last spring through their friends Allie and Melissa, whose beautiful Provincetown wedding was almost a year ago to this day:) Shonna and Randa were getting married at the lovely Garden House and I was delighted to be working with friends of one of my couples.

If you know these ladies you know there is an undeniable chemistry between them. Their sultry engagement session took place in Northampton and I think it's the reason we're having such a hot summer :) They were both so excited for their wedding and planned a perfect day for their family and friends. It was a blast for me to be a part of their day and I even got to ride with them in a horse and carriage...so romantic! Okay, maybe less romantic with me in tow but still fun and we have photos to prove it:)

So grab yourself a cool drink and enjoy some of my favorite images from their day!

Venue: Garden House, Northampton

Catering: Seth Mias

Makeup: Liz Washer

Hair: Salon 241

Flowers: Forget me not Florist

Cupcakes: Benevolent Bakery

Dress: David's Bridal

Custom shirt for Randa: Athan Vennell

DJ: Steve G. Productions

A quick shout out to my pal Jennifer Bullock for capturing Randa and her family and other great moments throughout the day. You're the best!

The string on one of the rings was to signify which one was Randa's. I loved it.

Shonna's grandmother was the sweetest of ladies. I loved this moment as she watched Shonna prepare.

Kat from Salon 241 does it again. Amazing hair.

Great capture by Jen.

Love this moment between Shonna and her grandmother.

Fun with your wedding photographer!

One of my favorite moments of the day.

Yup, Randa has a twin. That smile is undeniably shared.

Randa's nephew was so cute! I think he may have been singing the words to a Lady Ga Ga song. I know, too cute!

My first dollar dance. Loved it!

Gorgeous and in love all day long!

Sarah + James: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:36:00 +0000

You don't always know how emotional a wedding will be until you are smack dab in the middle of it. Sarah and James' wedding day was filled with love and emotion, beauty and kindness, and a sense of family so strong it brought tears to my eyes and love into my heart. There wasn't a cloud in the sky as Sarah and James married under the roof of one of the sweetest churches in Hadenville, and their friends and family couldn't have been happier.

Thank you Sarah and James for allowing me to document your day. It was an honor to be witness to your commitment to one another and to be a part of your family on your very special day. You are truly loved.

xoxo,

Sandra

A big thank you to Jess Kaczenski for being so awesome and capturing so many lovely moments.

Flowers: Forget me not Florist

Venue: Garden House at Look Park

Church: Haydenville Congregational Church

DJ: Greg Gates

Hair + Makeup: Changes Salon

Dress: Bridal Heirlooms

Catering: Seth Mias Catering

Mr. & Mr.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:48:00 +0000

A little sneak peek of a recent engagement session! Life is short, have lots of fun my friends!

xoxo,

Sandra

Enhua + Fred: Married

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:24:00 +0000

Amherst is a really special town and it holds a very dear community of people. Among those people are Enhua and Fred and their family of boys. Enhua and Fred, and their closest friends and family, joined them on a beautiful day in May to celebrate their nuptials.

The weather turned out to be gorgeous and their ceremony was held outdoors at the Grace Episcopal Church. Following lots of hugs and congratulations they made their way over to the stunning new Lord Jeffrey Inn for merriment, lots of dancing, and a little magic:)

Please join me in celebrating the marriage of Enhua and Fred!

Special thanks to Lynne Graves for her super girl powers that day, and to the following vendors for such a beautiful event.

Flowers: Forget me not Florist

Cake: Atkins Farm

Venue: Lord Jeffrey Inn

DJ: Rob Alberti

Hair: Terri Cokot, 413-256-3440

Makeup: Ruying, 413-695-4045

Minister: Robert Hirschfeld

tandem bike: Sandra Costello :)

Photo by Lynne on left.

Thanks to Lynne for this priceless capture!

Photo by Lynne.

Photo by Lynne on right.

Photo by Lynne.

Studio SMC Photography: Promo Film

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Today is a really exciting day for me as I get to share with you my new promotional film. Creating this film is something I've been wanting to do for a couple of years now and it wasn't until I met David Long of Epic Filmmakers that I knew he was the one to produce it.

In this age of email, texting, Facebook and all the rest it's sometimes difficult for folks to really get a sense of who we are as people. The biggest joy of my job is connecting with people and I wanted my clients to know that. To me the art of capturing a moment is just as important as the relationships I create. When I'm shooting a wedding I spend a lot of time with my couples and I want them to feel happy, relaxed and confident knowing I'm there for them. My clients are an extension of my family and this film was made to celebrate them.

A big thank you to Brett, my sisters and nephews, Ruthie, my friends Sarah and Jeremy, and David Long for their time, love and constant support. Big hugs to all of you! Enjoy:)

xo,

Sandra

p.s. Please feel free to share this link with friends and family. Thank you!

My afternoon with Marilyn

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:50:00 +0000

Merricka (aka Marilyn) and I met a couple of years back when she participated in a Share the Love portrait session. We had a great time and continued to stay in touch. When we started talking about her portrait session a couple of months ago I could quickly see the session was going to be as unique as Merricka. I couldn't wait!

Marilyn Monroe was our inspiration and as you can see Merricka transformed into this Hollywood starlet quite naturally. She took on the role with a beauty and style all her own. Merricka's hair and makeup was done by the fabulous Liz Washer of Makeup Artistry by Liz. Liz is incredibly talented and whenever I get to work with her for a wedding or a portrait session I have to pinch myself. I think I might have squealed when Merricka walked through the door of the studio, she was breathtaking!

Here are just a few photos from my afternoon with Marilyn. Enjoy! xoxo

Randa + Shonna: Engaged

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:52:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I met up with Randa and Shonna for their engagement session. They told me they were nervous, they were unsure, and early on the shoot almost didn't happen. When I look at these images I can't imagine this shoot not happening. There was so much love, playfulness and a whole lotta bringing sexy back...am I right!? These ladies really brought their a-game and we had a blast.

Thank you Randa and Shonna for being so awesome and for sharing your inner Tyra Banks with me! You go girls!

xo,

Sandra

Bridal session at Smith College

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:37:00 +0000

You may not know this but Smith College's campus center is amazing for fashion shoots. Yup, you just pop a beautiful woman in a gown and heels and a gorgeous smile in one of their study rooms and voila, you have a shoot ready for Vogue.

To keep myself limber and ready for wedding season I shoot whenever I can. And when I get to shoot with a fellow photographer it's even more fun. This past winter I spent the afternoon with my pal Jessica Kaczenski photographing Lenae at Smith College. We had a blast and got these incredible images. Enjoy!

New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:58:00 +0000

My youngest brother Mike moved to New Orleans and I couldn't wait to visit. He and his gal packed up their stuff and made their way south. I was a little sad to see him go so far away but excited for their new adventure.

Brett and I decided to visit at a time when New Orleans is most popular. Yup, you guessed it, Mardi Gras! We were a little nervous because everyone kept saying how crazy it gets but I figure if I can manage the running of the bulls in Pamplona I can handle Mardi Gras.

Our five day visit consisted mostly of eating:) Did I mention my brother is a chef? Yeah, and a super talented one at that but perhaps I'm a little biased. You can decide for yourself next time you're in NOLA and check out Satsuma located in the Bywater. Amazing by day and night. While in NOLA we ate crawfish, beignets, po' boys, muffalettas (not southern but still good), and so much more. What can I say, I was glad my mardi gras costume consisted of stretch pants:)

Here are just a few photographs from our visit. There aren't many from Mardi Gras because I didn't want to worry about my camera, but good news, you do get to see our costumes! The early part of Mardi Gras was totally cool. Lots of folks in costume and on bikes. The goal was to make as much noise as possible to wake folks for the start of Mardi Gras. It worked!

We went on a cocktail tour which was awesome. This was one of our stops in which we got to hear a little history with our lovely guide.

The making of beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde.

My brother and his gal. Sweet:)

Engaged: Brianne + Kevin

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Costello) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! A day totally devoted to love makes me want to get cozy, curl up on the couch with my sweetie, a good movie, a box of chocolates and a mug of hot chocolate...with whipped cream on top! But until that part of the day rolls around I hope you'll enjoy the engagement session of Brianne and Kevin.

A few months ago I met up with Brianne and Kevin at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Mass. They live in Atlanta and will be married there this spring but Brianne grew up around the corner from the Wayside Inn and wanted her engagement photos taken close to home. They were such a sweet couple to get to know and spend the afternoon with I thought their story would be a perfect way to celebrate Valentine's day:)

Many of my couples create a Guest Signature Book as a way to treasure their photographs and the sweet notes of their wedding guests. Today's blog post comes in the form of their album...enjoy!