Engagement: Nicole + Keith - Boston, MA

It was beautiful...and hot...and sunny...and while Nicole was excited about the session, Keith was...["how shall I put it"?] very much NOT! Knowing there was trepidation, I informed them that having an adult beverage is sometimes helpful to couples before their session. A drink can ease the nerves and help everyone to relax.  As evidence by the image below, I think someone  misunderstood me and perhaps over indulged!

 I kid, I kid!!!

Abby + Eric

Over the holiday I had the wonderful fortune to meet up with Abby (hands down the funniest lady I know) & her partner Eric (now the smartest person I know...he does important science stuff.) Originally it was to be a Boston Engagement Session, but schedules and life got in the way, so we postponed until December where we could meet up in beautiful Western Pa in the midst of dreary winter. This part of the country is not known for its blue skies and cheerful days, but we managed to have a lovely afternoon in beautiful Preston Park thanks to the fact that this couple would shine even on the darkest of days!

Congratulations Abby & Eric! Happy New All!! Enjoy*

Engagment Session: Fairhaven, MA

A few Sundays ago I spent a lovely late afternoon with the incomparable Megan & Eric. Megan and I shared a flat a while back when Eric was still courting her, so when they finally decided to tie I was overjoyed. These two are the type of couple perfectly matched; a yin and yang of qualities which add up to a truly loving partnership. What I love about Megan & Eric the most is their innate ability to make each other laugh...as you will see! (and Megan has a great infectious laugh!) When Eric would come over to our place on the weekends they would truly crack each other up the entire time. They take themselves just seriously enough to get through the day, but at the end of it would prefer to snuggle on the couch with a carton of ice cream enjoying Days of Our Lives (Megan converted Eric) or Biggest Loser. Their wedding is planned to be understated and lovely with just the right amount of "billions to budget" ratio! After our session at Fairhaven High School ( a great locale for engagement pics, by the way) they took me out to dinner at Fathom's Grille on the water in Fairhaven to catch up. It was excellent!!! Much love to you both!

Congrats Megan & Eric

enjoy*

Boston Weddings: Second Shooter: Cake Topper Capers

Because Friday consisted of a 12 hour wedding day I am making up that blog post today!  I realized that with all of this second shooting I have been doing for Leah,  I have a ton of images to share. I am in a silly mood today, though...so you're getting my "cake topper caper" from our 10-10-10 wedding of Erin & Jeffrey at the Griffin Photography Museum.  This is the wedding where Leah almost croaked from eating pistachios so while I was diligently watching for her "man down/call 911" signal... I had a little fun. For serious & complete wedding coverage please click on Leah's name or the word pistachio and it will take you to her site. enjoy*

Cheers*

Boston Second Shooter: I Like Cake PART I

I say PART I because I can not imagine that this is the one and only time I will reference my favorite part of the wedding celebration...the cake. Now please do not misunderstand and write to me saying that I value food over people. What is true to say is that the bride & groom are wonderful and always beautiful and if I was a wedding photographer I would be all over them.  However, Leah is their photographer and she rocks...so as a second shooter I have a few extra luxuries...one of which is being able to love the cake the most! When I first started working with Leah  she would let me know that my job was done by saying "you are dismissed after the cake cutting! " She now says to me "Go have your cake!"  :)

 Tips for making wedding cakes that I like to eat:

• um...
• Who am I kidding... I eat them ALL

Cheers*

John & Kate: Crane Estate: Conclusion

You have made it to the end! Don't you feel like you were there? Hope you've enjoyed reliving as much as I have. Enjoy the conclusion of John & Kate's wedding, but rejoice in the commencement of their new life together.
The fabulous wedding party.

The toasts by Maggie and David consisted of the following key words/phrases: boobs, underwear, naked, and the jingle for Pabst Blue Ribbon! (and some mushy stuff too) I highly recommend using these words and phrases at your next corporate event. They certainly grab everyone's attention!

My assistant for the day was Lauren from Monin photo and she captured this lovely storytelling image.

You're going to look at this cake and say "cool...and there are shells on it" but when I tell you "those shells are EDIBLE" you will then say "WHAT?? That's crazy talk, Julia." Yes, yes it is, but it's true....contact Cakes by Barbara for your very own.

Feels a little 1950s to me...I can't help but smile at John's exuberance!

In my haste to follow behind, I forgot my favorite flip flops on the beach...I've decided that this image is far superior to any comfort my shoes use to provide.

Vendors: Click on their name to be directed to their site
Boston's Best Bartenders: They are so nice! Loved them!
Ipswich Clambake: Seafood & Catering Company: The lobster and clam chowder were amazing!
Cakes by Barbara:
West End Salon:
Tammy at Hamilton Gardens did the beautiful floral arrangements.

Until we meet again....now, go live your own fabulous life and remember to occasionally take a walk with someone you love.

Cheers*

John & Kate: Crane Estate: Part III

After arriving back from the West End Salon where Kate's impeccable hair and makeup were done, all getting ready images were shot at the beautiful Gloucester Inn by the Sea. (and "by the sea" it was...literally right across the street). Incidentally, I stayed at the adorable Blue Shutters Inn just down the street where the proprietor Patty was most gracious!

tune in tomorrow for the fabulous wedding, party, hysterical toasts and reception shinanigans!