Give me twenty minutes... Cranston, RI Children's Photography

I've been practicing the fine art of the "20 minute toddler session!" I've come to realize that you've got about three minutes of actual "posing" time (if you consider "where would you like to stand?" posing) with two year olds, ha ha! Amy, my oldest friend from back in the 'hood of Scotland Road, has two adorable munchkins (that we actually bribed with munchkins) and we worked some magic to get fluffy snowflakes during our twenty minute session. This is my third session with them so in addition to feeling like they've grown up before my lens, I am so fortunate to know that Emmett has some buddies-in-the-making with Natalie and Ryan. One can only hope they come up with dance routines, tin can phones and a music band with homemade instruments like Amy, Rob and I did way back when.

The "C" Family- Cranston, RI Portrait Photography and Cranston, RI Children's Photography, Cranston, RI Christmas Photos

I think that being a teacher is one of the greatest jobs in the world (photographer, a close second!). I work with the nicest people and have had the opportunity to capture my colleague's kids time and time again. It's such a honor to know all of these people outside of the classroom, especially after seeing the magic they work in the classroom. Diane was the first person at my new school to reach out and want to collaborate in the library with me so this one is extra close to my heart.  

Corey, Jill and Leo- Rhode Island Family Portraits

On the brink of the hurricane, this fearless family met up with me at the park for some photos. They were so relaxed, having lots of fun and Leo did a great job posing. Sometimes three year olds become shy but Leo was a pro- he gave me some signature smiles and we did a whole shoot before one drop of rain from Sandy arrived. Thanks guys...and welcome to RI!

Beth and Mike- Rhode Island Engagement Photography

Two more teachers! I love being able to capture the love between a newly engaged couple and I love it even more when I have lots to talk about with them. Beth and Mike are getting married in Oregon next year but are working as teachers in RI. They wanted to capture some of Rhode Island's unique attributes and incorporate it into their Christmas card/Save the Date. They had adorable props and were a breeze to photograph. They also had two different looks for their photos which proves that layers = a great idea for fall photo shoots!

Shea and Violet- Children's Portraits Cranston, RI

I have loved watching these two grow up. Violet was born a few days before Emmett so Marissa and I have had lots to talk about. I think these two are absolutely beautiful and Marissa and Matt do an excellent job of coordinating their outfits. :)

Tera and Tyler- Rhode Island Trash the Dress Photo Session

Ah, the small world continues. I was contacted by Tera who wanted to do some trash the dress photos and as we started talking, she is from Eau Claire, WI where my husband was born. What are the odds? Only in the Rhode Island! We had a great time doing some farm shots- I was enthralled with this truck!

Kristin and Jay- Connecticut Wedding Photography

Kristin and Jay were a dream to work with. From their engagement session in the fall to their summer wedding in Mystic, they really had that genuine excitement about getting married. Not only was the day important to them but the life attached to the wedding was such a source of joy to them. They are both fun, kind and easy going people. I met Kristin through another friend from high school and for the year and a half leading up to her wedding, we talked a lot about the vision for the day and how she wanted different elements incorporated as well as specific shots- she gave me a list and my great assistant, Kate, was in charge of checking them off the list to make sure we got everything she requested. She took a lot of time and care in thinking about her photos and that just helps make the day run a little bit more smoothly. Kristin had a lot of  little details that added to the WOW factor like the fishbowl centerpiece with real fish and the little monogrammed cookies. She also had the flower girls/ring bearers blow bubbles with a bubble wand during the ceremony. Quite a hit with the little ones (and side note- kept them entertained!) Her mom and aunt also wrote a song and performed it. You can't get more personalized than that! We have talked quite a bit since the wedding and it really makes me reflect on how much of an honor it is to spend an important day with clients and find that they have turned into friends! [nggallery id=21]

Matt, Tara and Ezra- Rhode Island Family Portraits, Jamestown, RI Family Photography

To say that I think Matt, Tara and Ezra are awesome is an understatement. Matt is owner of Blueflash Photography (home of the Blue Cube!) and Tara is the creativity behind The Tiny Hummingbird. I really admire both of them. Tara used to teach in Cranston too (it all comes full circle with us teachers!) Bryan and I had talked to them right after Emmett was born about doing family photos together. We met in Jamestown at Plum Point. It was really, really sunny and so we used the bridge for some cover. We had a great time- Matt got some awesome shots of us as a new family and I was able to capture them in a natural, relaxed way- playing and laughing with Ez. We also took photos of each other for our websites- so make sure to check mine out here!

Jack and a Jack

Jack is a fun little boy, just shy of starting first grade! While I was taking his picture, all I could think about was the fact that he really looks like an all American boy! His aunt, Sue, had her dog with her and Lucy loved being in on the action. I hope this little cutie has a wonderful summer full of the beach and hanging out with friends because he certainly has the best wardrobe for it!

Jay and Regina- Rhode Island Wedding Photography

Jay and Regina were married on a very rainy day in June but we made the most of it. Regina was SO calm and relaxed- just happy to be getting married to her best friend. Although the ceremony was moved indoors, we were able to use the tent for their photos after the ceremony. Their bridal party was a lot of fun and they got the rest of the guests up and dancing. Everyone laughed the afternoon away! Regina also did all of the professional printing of different things herself, such as the programs, table numbers and scrolls. They were amazing and Regina's friend, Anna, did a great job on the canvas that served as a guest book. It's those little personal touches that make for a beautiful, meaningful day.

[nggallery id=20]

Gabriella Turns 2!

Melissa is a good friend of mine and also a colleague. She is the type of teacher you want your own children to have. We also worked together at the public library, so I've known her for many years. She asked me to do her daughter's 2 year old pictures and we got absolutely beautiful weather at one of my favorite spots- the museum at Roger Williams Park. Armed with a tutu and tiara (and several wardrobe changes), Gabriella was ready to rock! I can't wait to see her outfit at 3 years old! :)  

I have been on break!

Hi all,As many of you know, I've been on break from photography while being home with my new little photography subject. He was born six weeks ago and I just feel like I'm getting back to the land of the living. There were a few shoots I did before he was born that I never got to posting, so here are a few little peeks of what I did in January.

Jessica and Jimmy- North Kingstown, RI and East Greenwich, RI Engagement Photos

Jessica and Jimmy contacted me from their home in Texas about doing some engagement photos when they were home for the holidays. Jimmy's family is in CT, so they graciously met me here so I wouldn't have to drive too far (a little over five weeks until the baby is here!) We had such a great time together. I could tell they are so in love and excited to start their life together. Jessica is going to school to be a teacher so we had lots to talk about over email prior to her visiting and Jimmy just started medical school. I am also designing an album for them- they are going to use it as a signing book at the wedding. Thank you, Jessica and Jimmy, for taking the drive up. It was a pleasure!

 

Avery- Cranston, RI and Providence, RI Children's Portrait Photography

I used the natural light in her bedroom to create these 9 month portraits of adorable little Avery! She really enjoyed the dress which leads me to believe she is on the fast track to being a little fashionista!

Erin and Michael Get Married- Bristol, RI and Cranston, RI Wedding Photography

Erin is a sweetheart who works in the same school system as I do. We met through the bulletin when I placed an ad for photos- which is funny since we taught in the same school for a year but never met with our opposite schedules. Fast forward a few years and now that we don't teach in the same school, we talk all the time! She and Michael had a very specific vision for their wedding day at the beautiful Bristol Harbor Inn and the focus was on family. The wedding was small and each guest at the wedding was someone near and dear to Erin and Michael. Their son, Ryan, was also involved in all the festivities. Both of Erin's parents and her son walked her down the aisle which was a touching thing to see. Overall, the weather was beautiful (well, quite windy and cold but certainly sunny with a great sunset) and the day went perfectly. Congratulations to two wonderful people!

[nggallery id=17]

I Heart Faces- Black

This week's challenge from I Heart Faces must feature the color black but not be a black and white photo. I chose this one because I thought the dark edges of the forest we took this in really added a mystical quality.  What's really interesting is directly in back of me was the beach and it was the bluest sky and ocean ever. Those mysterious trees changed the whole look and feel of the photo but then we were able to turn around and go back to sunny beachy skies! Amazing!

Jeff and Kristi Get Married- East Providence, RI Wedding Photography

Jeff and Kristi were married at Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence in September. It was a really fun day. The weather was perfect and the sun was at a great angle for the formals. You can see a lot of their other pictures here but I just wanted to share some of my favorite of the two of them from the day. Best wishes to an awesome couple that I met through Jeff's sister, who is also a teacher. See, teachers know everyone hahaha!

I heart Faces- Let them be little...

I have been photographing this little guy for almost two years and this remains my favorite- I love those eyes!

Avery's 6 Month Portraits- Cranston, RI and North Providence, RI Portrait Photography

Avery is such a joy to photograph. She's really easy going and allows her mom to dress her in several outfits per session, which is good because her mom has a flair for buying the right clothes to capture many different moods, feels and holidays! This last session was a combo Christmas card, Halloween, one dressy and one casual outfit session. It was great. The sun was coming down at just the right time and I was able to do some family portraits as well. I can't wait to see what Avery's mom cooks up for our next session!

Julie's Getting Ready! - Cranston, RI and North Kingstown, RI Wedding Photography

Many of you know that I had the great pleasure of being a bridesmaid in my best friend Julie's wedding, as well as the unofficial getting ready photog. I won't deny that I was torn in a  sense- I so desperately wanted to be able to be in the wedding AND photograph the whole day (or even just until she had her dress on but clearly we were involved in the lacing of that gorgeous corset!). However, being a bridesmaid comes with its official duties and honestly, by the time the ceremony rolled around, I forgot all about the camera because I was having too much fun. I made Bryan go and get my camera and I took like 3 pictures at the reception. The only thing I wish I had a picture to share was how spectacular the room looked. Kate was the maid of honor and wedding planner (we like to do double duty in this group with Kelly serving as bridesmaid and the un-pregnant fun one ha ha!) and handmade so many delicate details. After cocktail hour, the sun was setting and the crystals hanging in each of the windows provided such a glow, combined with the twinkle of the lights strung on the rafters. All the navy and ivory linens and the funky chalkboard menu- it really was a site! Add to that the favors we hand cut and hot glued (maybe a finger or two as well) and the centerpieces bursting with yellow, white and orange- it was just beautiful. And speaking of beautiful...here are just a few photos including some of the vintage cars that were probably my favorite little detail (or large detail- the 60 Ford is a boat). Many, many, many happy years to two dear friends, Julie and Sean!

 [nggallery id=16]