Have you ever been in the presence of pure love? Have you ever looked at a couple and known within an instant they are ‘that’ couple.  You know, the couple that is going to be holding hands when they are 80 years old. The couple that will greet each day with the idea that something amazing is about to happen. The couple that want more for each other than they want for themselves. The couple everyone wants to be.  Well, I am honored to say I was with that couple a few weeks ago. I was honored to be blessed enough to not only share in their incredible day, but to photograph it as well.

Amanda and Jason asked me to photograph their wedding a few months back.  Not only did I instantly fall in love with the idea of capturing their day, but I was honored because I have known Amanda since we were in kindergarten together!  Although we grew up together, we lost touch a bit because we attended different high schools, but I knew the second I opened her email it was as if no time had passed at all.  Despite not knowing much about what our lives had been like over the last few years (except for the fantastic ‘facebook updates’ we’d read about each other) we had really no idea where our paths had been, yet it didn’t even matter.  Amanda was generous in asking me to be a part of their day – how could I say no!

I was super excited to have my two friends shooting with me – The fantastically amazing Maura Moore of Irmalou Photography and the wonderful Steve Iadarola of Steve Iadarola Photography. Both Steve and Maura were just as happy as I was to see the beautiful location. Amanda and Jason were surrounded by their family and friends at Brooksby Farm in Peabody, MA.  Despite the rain that came just before the ceremony, their day was filled with warm, sunshine and happiness.  The things that their family and friends clearly love most about them.

The images can speak for themselves but anyone who was there can attest to the amazing amount of love that surrounded everyone that day.  The joy in peoples faces, the warmth in everyones smiles, the love that wrapped around each person celebrating the marriage of these two was nothing short of an honor to experience.

two of my favorite shots of the day!

happy.

Although everyone loves to look at the bride when she walks down the asile, I love to look at the groom. Jason's face says it all, doesn't it!?

Amanda's beautiful gown.

A perfect bouquet for the bride.

One of my favorite moments as Jason read his vows to Amanda.

love.

If there was ever a look of pure love - I think this is what it looks like

Amanda and Jason – Thank you for allowing me to share in your amazing day. Thank you for giving me the honor to give you your memories forever.  We will be in touch soon – I hope these photographs remind you just how incredible you are. Welcome to the rest of your life. Welcome to your happy.

Much love,

Rick, Jackson and Molly came with me to my session last night.  Jackson went to school with Ella last year and even though he often talked about her – we sadly never even had a playdate.  I was so excited when Tami called and wanted to do family pictures because we knew we’d have to make it a playdate too! I’m not sure who was more excited – the parents or the kids

They greeted us with their faces against the windows. Peaking through the glass with a smile creeping out of their little mouths and the slightly hesitant excitement in their eyes.  Ella and Evan were excited to play but looked like they were a tiny bit unsure just who was coming over.  Ella looked out the window at Jackson, Jackson looked up from the car at Ella – You could see them trying to figure out how they were friends, yet hadn’t seen each other. They were so funny trying to make sense of it.  After a hop from the car and a few climbed stairs later, it was as if they hadn’t missed a beat.  Only this time, Jackson had the bonus of big brother Evan to play with too!  Molly was timid at first, but quickly jumped right in with the three of them.  After Tami packed everything up and Nate picked up some yummy pizza, we packed everyone in the car and headed out for our session/family playdate on the beach!

Plain and simple, these guys radiate happy as a family.   You can see it the way they play, you can see it the way they look at each other, you can see it the way they interact.  It didnt take long to see this was going to be a fun session filled with love and joy across their faces.  One of my favorite things about watching them was to see just how much they love each other.  It’s written all over them.  Evan couldn’t sit close enough to Nate.  Ella couldn’t run fast enough to Tami. Tami and Nate couldn’t wait for their kissing ’shot!’ hehe… It is nothing short of amazing when you are graced by the presence of a family who stands for everything family should be.  Thank you for allowing me the honor to share that with your family!
Now onto the fun stuff..  With such a gorgeous family – how can you go wrong, right!  Check out where happiness lives.. I’m quite sure you’ll be smiling too.

handsome little man...

precious sweet girl...

the boys.

This picture struck me in my mommy core.  I feel like every mom out there can relate to this.  The wind blown hair – the tight grip of tiny hands holding on for comfort. The snuggled little face in your neck and shoulder.  That’s a moment I want to remember 20 years from now. I’m guessing Tami does too.

tiny hands holding moms heart.

where happiness lives.

I am so grateful when clients become friends.  As soon as we were welcomed into your home we felt like we were friends for years.  Thank you for opening your home and your evening to our family.  We can’t wait to play again soon!  We will be in touch very soon.
Much Love,