Mini vacation with my kids

Since I had no weddings this past weekend and no appointments during the week (very rare) I decided to take my kids on a small getaway. My husband couldn't join us with work being so busy. We started off in New Hampshire for one overnight and then spent 2 additional nights in Ogunquit, Maine. I've been there several times and still love that place. We visited the beach, went to the outlets in Kittery, saw the lions, tigers and bears at the zoo and even went antiquing during our stay. The kids and I had a great time, despite the downpour of rain for 2 days.

One of my favorites of Mira. That smile is priceless:

Gavin looking for shark teeth:

Chasing seagulls:

Mira, jump!

Gavin running from the waves:

Still looking for shark teeth:

Gavin loved the ducks at the zoo. Mira was a little scared.

Gavin took this photo - notice the fingertip in the upper left hand corner :)

7/19/08 - Jacquelyn & Chris - The Riverhouse

Jacquelyn and Christopher were married at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield on July 19th at 3:30 pm. The flowers were simply stated and the Bride was stunning in a gorgeous lace gown. During the ceremony the guests shed a few tears of joy during a reading by the bride's brother Matthew. Following the ceremony the bridal party was whisked away for pictures on the party bus. After freshing up prior to the reception many guests took advantage of the coach buses, provided by Double A transportation, that were waiting to bring them to the Riverhouse for the cocktail hour. When they arrived they were greeted with glowing votives that served as their escort cards. The guests enjoyed the signature drink, Bayou Sunrise, that was served from the Martini ice sculpture while bartenders wore Patriots hats (a surprise for the groom set up by the bride). The dining room was done in an elegant ivory with the sweetheart table in green. The centerpieces were hydranges and delphiniums with hues of blue, white and green which were provided by Julie from The Root System. Todd from Jock in the Box kept everyone moving, the dance floor was always packed. Halfway through the night the guests were treated to the much loved candy buffet which included many of the bride and groom's favorites. It was a huge hit with all guests since there was little left! The flower girls could hardly contain themselves. A cake topper was the candy buffet "centerpiece" – another surprise for the groom that incorporated his love for the Patriots.

Jacquelyn and Christopher were a great a couple to work with and their wedding day was beautiful. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and great times together.

7/19/08 - Amanda and Jason - Bond Ballroom

I met Amanda and Jason and Amanda's mom Sue in November of 2007. At that meeting, I knew this would be an amazing wedding. The color scheme of hot pink and mango was just one element that got me really excited. They also told me they wanted to incorporate a beverage station for their guests after the ceremony. the logistics of planning for that proved to be a little challenging (securing rentals, finding the perfect straws :), and actually setting it up in time) but the end result was fantastic and much appreciated by hot guests in a warm chapel.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Ethel Walker Chapel in Simsbury where guests were treated to Amanda's brother Robert playing the Basson prior to the processional. After photos which were taken by Brian Ambrose guests stopped for a refreshing lemonade on the grounds before making thier way over to cocktail hour at Bond Ballroom. The ballroom itself was truly a site. Centerpieces, done in bright pinks and mangos incorporated hydrangeas, roses, calla lilies and lots of orchids, were provided by Jessica's Country Flowers. During and after dinner guests danced to the music of Heartbeat Dance Band who kept the floor packed all night. But, one of the true highlights of the night was Amanda's dad Donal singing with the band, one of my alltime favorites - "Run Around Sue". Apparently this is a tradition for the Phillips family stemming from Donal's college days. Well, the performance brought down the house and an encore performance followed. I think I see a career change in his future.

Now Amanda and Jason are off to spend some downtime in the beautiful island of Hawaii. I wonder if there's any room in that luggage for one more? I've had such a great time getting to know Amanda and Jason these past few months. Best wishes to them as they begin their married life together.

7/12/08 - Beth and Steve - Wickham Park

'Day-o, Day-o, Daylight come and me wanna go home' - Okay it took me a while, (Beth and Steve) I just got that. The song has been in my head since I arrived home from your wedding. In case anyone else is wondering this is the song Beth and Steve chose to announce themselves into the reception. It's a play on Steve's last name. Very cute!

Beth and Steve had a perfect day for their wedding - not too hot, a nice breeze and glorious sunshine - a perfect mix in my book. They were married at St. Patrick St. Anthony church in Hartford by Father Jim Hynes. During the Sermon he retold a touching story of his parents love which lasted 50 years before his father passed away. And, I'm sure that I wasn't the only one who shed a tear or two. The service was beautiful as were the gardens on the church's property where the couple and their bridal party took photos following the ceremony (Who knew that little gem was tucked away in the middle of the city?).

Afterwards, guests convened for cocktail hour at Wickham Park where food was provided by Brown Sugar Catering. And all I have to say is that Dotti can cook. Her ginger chicken and spinach and artichoke hors d' oeuvres were to die for. Not too mention that carrot cake - yumm-o. Flowers in shades of pink and green were provided by the lovely and talented Jane at Just For You and guests danced to the music to husband and wife team with Aardvark Audio DJ.

Beth and Steve your wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy to have been a part of it. Have a wonderful honeymoon and most importantly have a wonderful life together. Keep the "adventure" alive and always remember why you said yes to each other.

One of my favorite photos!

7/6/08 - Stephanie and Steve - Beckwith Pointe

When I first met with Stephanie she had two requirements for her reception - that it be on the water and that they have a Greek DJ. We searched high and low and up and down the coast of Long Island Sound and came upon Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle, NY. Stephanie and Steve knew it was the right place when they saw the beach right outside the reception room window. Finding a Greek DJ proved to be a bit of a challenge but we eventually found Greek Wave of Long Island and we were so pleased with this choice. So with the sun shining brightly and celebrating with 150 of his and her closest Greek relatives the couple danced their way into the night overlooking a spectacular view of the Sound.

Earlier in the afternoon the couple was married at Arcangels Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford. Following the ceremony they spent some alone time in a vintage Rolls Royce which took them to Beckwith Pointe. Ann, of Dirt Floral Design in Cos Cob, created the beautiful bouquets, centerpieces and pew markers in red and pink with touches of light green. They were beautiful in the space as the color popped against the white background of the table linens. After dinner, Steve toasted his new wife with heartfelt words of love before sharing a touching dance with his mother. Following the wedding the couple will spend a few days in Spain before heading off to Greece for a 2 week honeymoon.

I'm so truly happy for Steve and Stephanie that they had the day they dreamed of back when we first met. They were a great couple to work with and I wish them many years of happiness, patience, love and understanding.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Tania Sones and her 2nd shooter Christa Bosco (I'll be working with Christa in September on another wedding) at yesterday's wedding. Here are some of the great shots Tania took of the happy couple.