I know you’ve all been waiting for this breakdown!

I recently photographed Nicole & Ben’s Wedding.

There’s so much to say about that day and about them, a blog post just doesn’t seem like enough, but that’s what I have to work with, so I’m going to give it a try!

Nicole, as I’m sure you remember, is a very close friend of mine. She and Ben are both the kind of friends who feel so much more like family.  It was so much fun being able to help and be involved in the planning of such a special day for the two of them- plus it was just another excuse to hang out even more often!    When the day finally came, it all just felt so surreal.

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Nicole was so calm and collected.

All the bridesmaids met in the morning to get hair & makeup done and continued on together throughout the day.

Mothers of both the Bride & Groom popped in and out, dropping things off, offering help and food, and joining to get ready.

Nicole was such an unbelievably beautiful bride. Her Bridesmaids looked amazing as well, each wearing a different style dress of the same color.

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I was able to join up with Ben & his Groomsmen as well.

 Ben said that he felt pretty calm and relaxed too.

Mhmm…

Somehow, the guys managed to rally together & get dressed in time for a few pictures before the limo arrived.

Look at that handsome bunch!  All primped & pretty!

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The ceremony started off with a wave of happy tears throughout.

And by wave, I mean Tsunami.

There was barely a dry eye in the place!

(I was happy to hide my happy sobs behind my camera!)

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They shared heartfelt moments, meaningful vows…

… and a victory dance, with friends and family.

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We played at the beach for a bit…

(In November, yes!)

…there was singing and dancing…

…even a bouquet death match!

I’m pretty sure everyone had an amazing time!

I know I certainly did!

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Nicole & Ben, I’m so happy for the both of you!

Thank you so much for entrusting me with such an important day in the start of your lives together!

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness – and little Jesse babies. =)

Love you both!

xoxo

Yes, I’m singing a Justin Bieber song.  I blame that on my 10 year olds….

But speaking of Baby….. !!!!

I’ve got the cutest, cuddliest, wrinkly little old man-ish, little weeeeee bundle to let you peek at today!!

(if you’ve got a case of the Mondays, here’s your cure!!)

I met Mom & Dad while he was still baking.  We got some great maternity shots then, and discussed getting some shots of “little B” once he made his arrival.  Hello?!  Yes please!! I couldn’t wait!!

Maybe this “After & Before” will jog your memory…

This little guy decided to keep cozy and hidden from the world 6 days longer than he was due, so I was SOO happy to finally be able to get my camera hands on him, as I’m sure Mom & Dad were too!

He was the perfect little boy at just 12 days old!

Awake for half the session,

and dozed for the other half…

…even when I’d move him all around and mess with him, he just dozed!

What a good little boy!

Mom & Dad had to practically kick me out.  I could have gazed at his cute little face and held and cuddled  him all day!!

Admit it, you want to cuddle him too!

This morning, when supposed to be getting ready for school, my children had other plans.  They were quickly steered right back to my plan, but that doesn’t always happen with kids so easily, does it?

This session started out with plans!  They were fun, they’d look SO cute, and we’d all laugh and have fun and LOVE them in the end!  Totally doable, right?  Haha!

Well, YES.  Totally doable. However,  there were some things we just couldn’t have factored in!

J-man and little S forgot to tell us that there was a very small window in which they’d allow us to attempt our plan.  They were excited too, but they only planned on being excited  for precisely 15 minutes, and that would be combined – not a full succession of minutes. They also held veto power over any and all ideas in the plan.  They would have fun – on the swings.  They would laugh – while running away.  S would look perfectly petite and cute – while tossing us her flowery headband. J-man would take family pictures – on his Harley scooter.

Believe it or not, this is not really uncommon.  Most parents feel like it is, and are so embarrassed and apologetic, much like Mom was during this session, so I thought I should just air it all out there!

In fact, most often in these scenarios, we already got the best images  - right in the first five minutes!

(the kids must sense it – or have some x-ray vision for camera’s!)

This was, of course, an image at the very beginning of our session (you can tell because S has her headband on! lol).

We got a few more different poses that came out great as well, but i’m going to tease you with just this one!

All in all?  A good and productive session where we got just what we were looking for!

When I first met this family, Mom was pregnant with the twin girls, and little R was this little shy guy who’d only glance at me in short spurts, when he thought I wasn’t looking!  Dad might be the only one who hasn’t changed much since then! (On the outside anyway – anyone with a daughter knows how much they change a Dad – and he got two of them!)  We’ve gotten together for a few sessions since then, and of course, I’m always amazed at how much everyone has grown.  Well, this session wasn’t any different – at first.  Of course the kids had grown, and Mom and Dad looked great and well rested!

(They’ve got their hands full!)

It wasn’t until we were really moving from place to place taking pictures, that it really hit me that little R hadn’t just grown…. he’d turned 3.  This mini-maturity thing hits most 3 year olds, and I just love it! He could have just talked and talked and talked with me all day!  He was totally prepared to show me that he could do whatever was asked of him, and more than willing to hold my hand across the bridges, so we could be safe!  He was such a love with his sisters too; laughing with them, and making them laugh.  He’d put his arm around them anytime he was near them in a picture…..

His sisters did some “maturing” since I’d last seen them too.  They’re reaching milestones, developing their own unique little characteristic traits… it’s so fun to see.  One cries, the other’s laughing, one needs attention, the other wants to explore!  It’s funny to see how they interact with each other, as well as react to each other.  Plus, I could just squeeze them & tickle and play with them all day!!  I asked big brother if I could just borrow them for a little while, and he said no.  I guess that’s fair.

I shouldn’t forget to mention, that I brought my oldest son (by a minute, but when you’re a twin, every second counts!) with me, as my “assistant”.  Apparently I wasn’t clear on what exactly he’d be assisting me with…. as he was waiting for his turn with the camera…… lol.  Did I make lugging around my bag and props sound glamorous??  Oops!  Haha!!
I ended up giving him my IPhone to take some pictures with, asked him to watch my back so I didn’t back-step myself right into the water (because someday I’m sure I will!), and just mostly let him do his thing.  Next time I might even bring along my spare camera and let him “second shoot”.  That is, if there is a next time…. he is 10 after all, and he quickly caught on that he was really there to be my bag boy, and wasn’t all together thrilled about it!

In true sharing fashion, here’s one of his sneak peek’s! ;)

It was, after all, taken with an IPhone…. imagine what the boy could do with a camera that has focusing apparatus!

Sean & Melissa are a couple more important threads in my “sweater”. (what the heck am I talking about?!  Check here.)  We met through previous clients, who were their friends, who were also related to past co-workers of mine…. the circle of life goes on!

I got to spend some time with them during an engagement session at the park where Sean had proposed, and we’ve exchanged emails and met up over the past year, leading up to this day;

Their Wedding day.

I’d checked the weather forecast about ten times the day before… each time I think it predicted a higher chance of rain than the time before.  I ran out in search of a nice umbrella and found this cool looking clear one that had a really different shape to it.  I was warming up to the idea of rainy day Wedding.  The ceremony & reception were both indoors, and if I could just sneak in a few shots outside we’d absolutely be able to make the most of it!

I woke up the next morning, and first thing, I checked the weather; silently praying that thunderstorms or something had been added the the forecast through the night!  The rain prediction was all but gone!  Slim to none!  The morning was wet & dreary, but it was supposed to just get better & better!

It did just that!

What a beautiful day to be Married!

I’m so grateful to have been able to be a part of this day!  It was so much fun from start to finish!

From hanging out with Sean & his Groomsmen,

rushing to get to Melissa and her Bridesmaids,

enjoying a beautiful ceremony,

following the Limo to the reception while it bounced (especially at that red light!) to the beat of the music,

laughing and attempting to pull off some acrobatics during our time for “formals”,

quieter moments,

heartfelt toasts by the Maid of Honor & Best Man (complete with a lesson on “Bro-mance”),

Bouquet & Garter tosses, cake cutting, Mother/Son-Father/Daughter moments,

dancing, dancing, dancing…

SO much fun & dancing, Icouldn’t possibly share it all!

A wonderful time was absolutely had by all!

Congratulations to the both of you!

Thank you for letting me be a part of such a special day in your lives!

Special Thanks to:

John Zucco from Entertainment Specialists for keeping everyone on the dance floor and having fun!
It was great working with you again!

Dick Osso from Digital Video Productions.
It was great to meet you & a pleasure to work with you!

The Halifax Country Club and all of their helpful staff.

St Mary’s Church of Plymouth and Father Schatzel

It’s always an exciting (and nerve wracking) time when a fellow photographer asks you to take their pictures!

I was in just that position recently, except, that fellow photographer, she’s also my cousin! Double bonus!

She’s StephanieChristinePhotography

She’s pregnant and due any moment, triple bonus, annnnnd she wanted to bring her two other children along for some shots as well, quadruple and quintuple bonus!!

I know, I know… enough with the bonuses.  Sometimes I just get carried away!

But seriously, look at them!

The kids had a fun time jumping around in the mud, and chasing away the seagulls & ducks in between hopping in shots.  Stephanie, who’d expressed how she’d absolutely rather be ‘hiding’ behind the camera, posed so easily and beautifully – all while keeping an eye and ear on the lively duo!

Little A really got a kick (Ha!) out of belly bumping Mom!  She even came over to belly bump me; which i’m afraid was a little disappointing for her!  Ha!

We may have also done some clothes swapping and bare bellies in the park… there was barely anyone there, and we tried to keep it as PG as we could!  I just had to get some bare shots of that bump!

I’m glad to have had this opportunity, and that we were able to laugh and goof and joke the whole way through!

Thanks Steph!

“Did I just shoot my last beach session of the year?”

Yep, those were my first thoughts while getting into my car after this session.  Fall is rushing towards us – and don’t get me wrong I love Fall – but before we know it, it’ll be Winter.  Love Winter?  Me, not so much.  I don’t even think I can say I like it!  So you can see why my possible last beach session of the year might be just a little saddening….

BUT who can stay sad looking at the adorable faces?!  Maybe I’ll hang them up in my house during the winter to keep me happy! ;) (totally kidding – that’d be a little strange and my own children might feel a bit replaced! A Studio might solve that problem though! Someday right? Someday.)

I was so happy to finally meet this family after exchanging emails back and forth for a while.  The kids were too cute & so much fun!  Big brother had lots to say, and little sister had lots to mimic!   I heard lots of 3 year old facts & stories, shared lots of giggles, and had fun just goofing around. (doesn’t make for such a bad day at “work”, eh?)  Mom & Dad were able to just go with the flow and it made for some fun shots & great smiles!

I think I may have made lifelong friends, as big brother wanted me to follow him home when we were done!

Love it!

I’ll leave you with just one more… the very last shot of the day – try not to smile, I dare you!

Maybe I should be upfront right from the beginning and let you all know that I’m not really knitting a sweater.  I don’t know how to knit at all, actually.  I would love to learn someday though.  I bought this “knitting for kids” kit once; figuring i could start with that and feel accomplished with the cute pair of gloves in the kit.  Nope.  I didn’t get past the second or third step!  Haha!  I just didn’t understand what they were saying to do and the pictures weren’t clear, so I eventually gave up.

Anyway, I’m getting off subject….  reign me in!

While driving home from my beach session with some brand new clients this morning, it made me smile to think of how, once again, they’re all connected.  No mafia connections or anything;  I just mean that most all of my clients were referred by my clients.  There’s this whole ‘circle of life’ thing constantly happening where we’re saying, “oh, you know them?”.  I love it.

I love client referrals. I love word of mouth.  I seriously love you all for all that you do in sharing your experience and recommending LmZ Photography to your friends.

On Saturday I had a Senior session that was another of the same scenario. They’d heard of me from a friend, who’d previously referred me to a relative, who then referred me to their friend as well, and all of those new clients knew these people (who were neighbors of….well, one of them), so they all passed on their experience & recommendations!  (Head spinning yet?) That’s where the knitting part comes in.  This morning I thought; “If I had visible strings from one referral to another to another, to show where everyone’s connected and who knows who, I’d probably have the most intricately knitted sweater ever! (I don’t know where I come up with these things – i’m a dreamer…)

So here’s another piece of my sweater…

I met with Shane and his Mother on Saturday morning for some Senior portraits.  Shane was so incredibly easy to work with.  He understood my weird facial expression requests and came equipped with a few ‘personalities’ of his own. (No, not the crazy person kind!)  He was easily able to switch expression modes, laugh with me (possibly at me…), and tromp though the muck in his clean white shoes (hope they came clean for you!!  sorry!!), and chill with the seagulls and ducks like a true pet detective! ;)

I had a lot of fun, and just loooooooove the images we ended up with!!

I won’t keep you waiting any longer:

So, I promised I’d blog about the weekend’s festivities, and here I am to do just that!

Let me first just back-track a little bit;

Wayyyyy back when, in the land of High School, I was fortunate enough to meet a fantastic friend!  (well, a few of them actually, but let’s just stick to this one for now!)  We were sort of inseparable, and it made high school a blast.

As we graduated and “real life” just began happening so quickly, we lost touch for a while.  A long while.  Then came Facebook.

Facebook was really insistent that I knew this person.  For a while, I ignored it. What does Facebook know?  It’s been so long, what would I say, “Hey, remember me?”  However, as I’m sure some of you might remember, Facebook, especially in it’s early days, was really pushy with it’s “suggestions”. It just wouldn’t let it go!  So, one day, I just wrote her a message.  We talked back and forth for a while, met for an awkward breakfast, and it’s all sort of history from there!  I’m so glad to have such a great friend back in my life and it’s been so much fun catching up on all the things that we missed sharing and creating tons of new ‘grown up’ memories!

I’m even more grateful during  times like this; the same year we began talking and hanging out again, her boyfriend proposed!  This past weekend was her bridal shower, and I was happy to help wherever I was needed, and catch every little detail for her!  She has a fantastic bridal party, so most of my work was just the capturing part. ;)

The Bride-to-be surrounded by that fantastic bridal party I mentioned!

Everyone worked together to make sure every detail was just so.  Each member of the bridal party made a themed basket, to be raffled off to guests.

My favorite part, however, was the theatrics from the bride while opening her gifts…

(& notice she wasn’t so dainty with that ribbon untying….  if wives tales became truths she’d be the next hit show!  Nicole & Ben plus…. 30ish??  Yikes!)

A fun time was had by all, and I just cannot wait (even more, now!) until their big day!

Soon we’ll be seeing these two on the blog again, as the new Mr & Mrs!

Until then…

NOT ME.

Haha!!  It’s funny because it true!  I’ve never really blogged before. I mean, I attempted to start a blog about a year ago, but the focus was hazy, at best, and I ended up blogging up my attempt at weight watchers – which was actually funny at the beginning, then, not so much. It fizzled in about a month. (as did my weight watchers attempt!)

I’d like to think I can do better than that!

I’ve decided to set some goals and guidelines for myself to help me kick this into high gear, and then, well hopefully keep it in any kind of gear at all after that. ;)  I want to share them with all of you, so then it’s ‘out there’,  in the world, for all to see.  That should help keep me accountable, right?

(Right?)

Ok, here goes:

1. I need a clear focus.  In this case, very easy. Done & done! (whew! that was easy!)

2. I need to blog about my recent photo sessions.  I’d like to replace my ‘sneak peek’s’ on my facebook page with a link to a blog post about that session, along with some sneak peaks.

3. Weddings MUST be blogged.  So much goes into that day, so many beautiful images come out of that day, and there are so many fantastic vendors that I’ve been able to meet. I need to share that in much more in depth than a ‘sneak peek’ with all of you, as well as let the Bride and Groom, and all of you, know just how fantastic I thought their day was and why!

4. I recently attended a photography seminar.  If I’d blogged about it, while it was fresh in my mind, then not only would I have shared all that great information, but I would be able to go back and remember it all too!  (Duh!) So lets do that too.

Ok, so there you have it.  This is my new promise to myself, all of you, and this lonely lil blog.

So, ta-ta for now.  I should be back early in the week to tell you about the weekend’s festivities.

Stay tuned!