So, even with the cold, even with the waning light, even with the short time, we still rocked this sucker and got some amazing shots!!  If we can do this well with a mini-session, I can’t wait to see how fantastic a full blow one is going to look…

This post, however, is about Julie and Rob.  I had a few moments, throughout this New Year’s Eve event, where I felt OLD.  See, I remember Julie just starting out in high school while incognito with my alter ego of art teacher.  She always was chipper and upbeat and had a smile with tons of wattage.  Rob brings out that smile so well…I am so happy to have had the honor of seeing Julie transform from a young girl into a beautiful and accomplished woman.  As you can see from their engagement session (back in August 2011) and from below, Julie is a stylist.  Heck, even on her wedding day she was styling hair; she said it kept her “calm.”  I say “honey, have another mimosa”…but honestly, I get where she’s coming from.  I know they’ll have to pry a camera from my hands on my wedding day to my handsome man.

Take a look below at how amazing the two of them looked and some of the details they picked out for the day…

And then we were off to the church in East Boston.  The ceremony went wonderfully and we then decided to do some formals on the altar.  I have to say, THAT’s where the entertainment kicked in!  See, Julie and Rob find family extremely important and made sure to include as many of them in their day as possible.  Two such participants were Julie’s nephews Connor and Derek, who were in the 2 year old range.  Now, I welcome people that enjoy including children in their day, as long as they’re ready for the unpredictable.   And let me tell you, in the 13 years I have done this, kids are DEFINITELY unpredictable!  Julie and Rob were so nonplussed by it all and just took in the kids’ everchanging moods.  It made for a wonderful time for all ages!

After some more photo goodness at the hotel (who knew a mirrored elevator would provided such great images!), the party began.  A highlight was a friendly “competition” between the Gibbons and the Schells while singing “Sweet Caroline”…while it pretty much was a foregone conclusion that the Gibbons clan would win – I mean, hey, I’ve seen them in action before at sister Christy’s wedding and they’re FORMIDABLE – all was well and the bride and groom kicked off the New Year’s with a bang!

Thank you so much, Rob and Julie, for allowing me to be a part of your day…

Tom is a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army and just recently completed a tour of Afghanistan.  As many of my readers know, military causes are near and dear to my heart, so it seemed only natural that I would photograph a veteran’s special day ON Veteran’s Day.  Harrington Farm in Princeton, MA provided a gorgeous backdrop…

Honest to goodness, Jenna has the most gorgeous eyes; I think they complement her wickedly funny sense of humor quite well!  After some formals of Jenna and Tom’s prep, we did a “first look” for the two of them, although the outside pictures didn’t last long.  November in Central Massachusetts proved quite windy and chilly!

After a few family formals in front of Harrington Farm’s stone fireplace, I whisked Tom upstairs for some formals while Jenna and the girls put on some last minute touch-ups.  Although as you all know I’m a Navy girl, he sure did look so handsome in his dress blues.  While we were photographing these portraits, I noticed Jenna’s present to Tom, a Boston Red Sox watch, and asked about the story behind it.  It turns out that this was their second wedding: their first was done at Fenway Park while Tom was on leave from the Army this past January 2011.  In fact, I began to notice a LOT of Red Sox accents throughout the wedding site (pssst…check out the jerseys from their first ceremony hanging on the back of the chairs)…

After a teary but spirited ceremony, Jenna and Tom were serenaded not once, but THREE times by her brother’s a cappella group, Pitch Please.  It was kind of like being in an episode of Glee…sans Mr. Shue.  The rest of the reception didn’t disappoint; a full moon, beautiful and thoughtful touches with the decor, many inside jokes among Jenna’s sorority sisters and a cake cutting done with an Army saber.  All and all it was a fantastic evening spent with a great group of people.

To inspire you all at midnight, here are a selection of kisses from 2011, some sweet, some passionate, some chaste…but all were done with love and excitement with what’s to come.

I also have been blessed to photograph this special little girl for her parents’ holiday card for the last three years.  Year four did not disappoint!  Her mom, Jana, one of my closest and dearest, is a very gifted artist and art director.  Often I come ready to photograph and she’s dreamed up these great props and outfits for Cassie.  My favorite this year has to have been the earmuffs!  Enjoy all, and for all of those who are Jana’s friends, keep an eye out for those very special holiday time cards!

For my current* clients – When you suggest my services to your friends and family and they decide to book with me, guess what?!  That’s right: I am going to give you all a $200 product/print credit.   What can $200 get you all?  Well, it can go towards

• More than 50 “Save the Date”or “Thank You” postcards
• 10 Mini Accordion books (with protective sleeve), which would be a great gift to bridesmaids and groomsmen
• 8, 11 x 14 prints that would be great as holiday gifts

For my past clients** – When you suggest my services to your friends and family and they decided to book, you all get something, too!  I want to stay in touch, so let’s do a portrait/family session, on me!  After we find some free time and a convenient place, let me do what I do best: photograph the heck out of you!  Along with the session and online viewing, you can choose either:

• 1, high resolution file with all reproduction rights OR
• 4, 11 x 14 prints

I hope this sounds as good as I think it is.  Why don’t we chat about some of the additional details*** over some coffee and, perhaps, a sweet.  So get the word out so I can play Santa this season and hand out some gifts!

Up now is a great Sunday afternoon session with Lindsay and Evan.  I absolutely LOVE how the two of them look at each other…it’s like no one else exists when they’re near each other.  A special thanks to Evan for giving up Sunday football to come shoot pictures.  Of course, gazing at and kissing his gorgeous fiancee was definitely a treat for him, so I think he was okay.  Add in the adorable new puppy and a dinner at Tasca for the two of them and I think you could say a lovely day was had all around!