Claudia and Jeffrey - Engagement Session - New Haven Style

Meet Jeffrey and Claudia.  I absolutely adore these two!  Claudia is so genuine, kind and caring.  Jeffrey is so outgoing, fun and funny!   I love how they balance each other and the chemistry between them.  Let me just say it was pretty cold out but what they had going on warmed the area up around them.  How they met reminds me of characters from a true love story.  He's a doctor and she is a nurse.  They met at the medical center they work at five years ago. Ahhhhh, I love, love :-)   We started off the morning near the New Haven, CT.  On the way into New Haven Jeffrey spotted Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant.  In college he and is room mate would make a 40 minute commute just to eat there and order take it (during the same visit).  We shot a few frames and found our way back to the restaurant.  It was my first time there and I can see why he loved it so much!  

They are Jets fans and requested I incorporate that in their ring shot. 

It was so easy to capture the emotion between them.

I loved the texture of the stairs against their jeans and shoes.  I added a little more texture I shot while on our shoot.

She is so beautiful!

Finally arrived at Mamouns.  Thank you so much Claudia and Jeffery.  I had such a great time hanging out with you two and the food was delicious!

Enjoy the show :-)

Boudoir Session - Ms. "M"

Seems that I have been receiving more request lately for "Boudoir Sessions".   Boudoir shoots are sexy suggestive photo shoots that give you the opportunity to wear whatever you want.  Whether it be his favorite shirt or jersey and tie, playful lingerie or a beautiful corset.  The whole idea is to feel beautiful and create a special gift for him.  Custom designed albums from the sexy shoot always gets his full attention and makes a great gift especially on your wedding day.

Here are a few shots that I grabbed of sexy Ms. "M".  I met Ms. "M" through Ultra Cool Photographer David Apuzzo, be sure to check out his blog.  David has an art and photography studio in Hamden, CT that is worth checking out.  Ms. "M" is a friend of David's and a beautiful actress.  Since Boudoir is so popular these days David asked me to visit his studio and shoot with him.  It's always great to team up with other photographers.  You can learn so much from one another as everyone has their own style and approach to their work.   Thanks for having me David and thanks Ms. "M" for allowing me to share these with everyone.  

Stephanie and Nate - Married - Harrington Farm, Princeton, MA

Such an adorable couple, Stephanie and Nate.  Stephanie and Nate are high school sweethearts.  They met in English class and according to Stephanie would secretly stare at eachother from across the room.  How sweet is that?  :-)  Major props to the one and only Nikki Nicole of Nikki Nicole Photography who team shot this one with me.  

Getting prepared for her big day.

Nate was relaxed  and hanging out with the guys.  He has a tradition with is friends and family to share a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue on their wedding day.

Gorgeous!

When I saw the piano in the lobby I had to incorporate it into their formals.

Nikki loved the idea too and asked me if I've ever seen "Pretty Woman"  Awesome idea and love how Nate's shoes tie into this shot.

These guys were full of personality :-)

She has such a beautiful smile!

Used off camera back lighting for the beautiful rim light.  

Thank you Stephanie and Nate for having us.  Be sure to check out Nikki's take on things here.

(So, what's a quinceañera?) Sweet 15 for Sweet Ashley

This post is long overdue. Meet beautiful Ashley. It was so heartwarming to be surrounded by such a close family. I had such a great time capturing this traditional and important time in her life. The time when a child becomes a woman and renews her faith in God as a woman. This event was so traditional in so many ways and it took me back to my sweet 15. An event in my life that I will never forget.


Prior to Ashley's Quinceanera we meet up for a fun teen fashion shoot for her guest book.

The Quinceanera celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A Reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music, and in most, a choreographed waltz or dance performed by the Quinceanera and her Court.

It is traditional for the Quinceanera to choose special friends to participate in what is called the Court of Honor. Usually, these young people are her closest friends, her brothers, sisters, cousins – the special people in her life with whom she wants to share the spotlight. The Quinceanera's Court of Honor can be comprised of all young girls (called Dama), all young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both..

The Quinceanera traditionally wears a ball gown, with her Court dressed in gowns and tuxedos.

One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes. The father or favored male relative ceremoniously changes the young girl’s flat shoes to high heels. This is a beautiful symbol of the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady.

At the reception, there is always the toast to the Quinceanera, known as the brindis, the guests are invited to offer their congratulations and best wishes.

Guests usually receive small tokens, cápias and cerámicas, to commemorate the celebration. There are many traditions throughout the quinceanera celebration.

The Last Doll is used as part of the ceremony or as decoration and keepsake. In some customs, the Quinceanera doll represents the last things of a child now that the Quinceanera will focus on the things of a young lady. In some Hispanic cultures, the cápias (printed ribbons with the Quinceanera’s name and date) are pinned to the doll, and the Quinceanera circulates among her guests, thanking them for their presence and presenting them with a memento taken from the doll.

The Quince Años is a glorious celebration that remains a cherished and honored tradition.

A special HUGE shoutout to the super talented Autumn Thomes who team shot this event with me. Check out her take on things here.