Jackson David -

Happy Happy Birthday! I cannot believe you are already 5 years old! You have been waiting for this birthday your whole life (so far!) You often remind me, you can have gum ‘when you’re five,’ you can have friends sleepover ‘when you’re five,’ you can have ‘two treats instead of just one ‘when you’re five.’ Well, here you are.  You are five! You have grown up so quickly and I have seen your smiling face everyday become more and more fascinated with everything you do. You greet everyday with such curiosity. You are always searching to figure things out, move things, switch things.  The way you translate concepts amazes me. The way you put things together and make connections completely blows me away. Your smile is killer! Your giggle is infectious. You heart is without boundaries.  You are one of the funniest little guys I have ever met, I adore your sense of humor!  You are just like Mommy when you love to laugh! I love watching you play with your sister who adores you and wants to be your very best friend. Youre kind and gentle (except when she wants a turn before you’re finished!) and you are very considerate of all your friends.  Your family loves you so much and we have loved watching you grow every day of your five years so far!  Thank you for teaching me so much as your Mommy.  You have taught me things I never would have dreamed.  I cannot wait to see what’s waiting for you in this next year.  You are my sunshine and I love you with all my heart and soul.

You are and always will be, my I love you.

Love,
Mom

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,

1. Sometimes I have so many things racing through my head I a) can’t sleep and keep my poor husband up tossing and turning all night just as much as I am b) start to feel like I’m suffocating in my own thinking because I want to do so many things and I cant decide where to start and c) think I need to invent a time warp machine that would help me – and others I’m sure. There’s the answer, eh!?

2. I’m getting super excited for two upcoming events.  Next week I am headed to two days of Photography goodness at Inspire Boston — I know some of my sweet friend will be there and I look forward to meeting many more.  Any other New England area photog’s headed down to it?  The second event I’m super pumped for is Dane Sander’s — Fast Track Photographer Workshop! Dane is coming to Boston with his amazing workshop and I know he is going to fill my creative and business cup with crazy amounts of knowledge and I just can’t wait for it!  I’ve been part of Dane’s forum for a long time and I can’t wait to finally meet him!

3. Whats with the snow?  Apparently states that don’t get snow are getting crazy amounts, and states that do get snow are getting even more?  I’m kind of scared as the weather seems to be getting worse the older I get, or maybe I just pay attention now instead of just praying for snow days   Too bad Jackson hates the snow – when do they start liking it?  He just cries.  I have video to prove it.. perhaps I’ll get that on here too.

4. Speaking of video – Oh how we LOVE our FlipHD video.  That thing is awesome.  I know I keep talking about it, and I was supposed to be doing some work with it to put on the blog this morning at the Apple store, but due to a reschedule that’s postponed   – The greatest part is it fits in my pocket or diaper bag or even my purse. I love being able to capture little moments of the kids here and there.. The inner geek in me loves technology so much its ridiculous.

5.  Technology really is amazing.  Rick and I were watching a show last night about Colgan aircraft and how the airliners have such different requirements for regional jets and all that jazz.. but then it got us thinking on how its crazy that we can ACTUALLY fly. I mean the logistics of it are just insane, which is really why I don’t like to think about it to be honest.  But it did remind me of a funny video I put on my facebook a while back.. still makes me laugh everytime though.. check it out:

6. I love to people watch. It’s one of my favorite things to do, second to laughing I think. Which is quite nice since the two often go hand in hand. Sometime I look at the way people do things and it makes me wonder how they think thats a good idea? But isn’t that the amazing thing that we are all so different and can look at the same situation but do something completely different? Fascinating really. I love to see the way people interact. React. Hence my psychology degree I suppose.

7. I just reconnected with a friend from college via Facebook this week. Can I just say how excited I am!? Ms. Sherry and I were very close in college, and after college we lost touch for a bit. Not for lack of trying but we just kept missing each other and after a few years just after I had Jackson, I think, we reconnected over email. Unfortunately we lost touch again and I have spent the last few years searching for her. Little did I know she was married and didn’t use her maiden name so clearly I couldn’t find her!! Well, although I don’t like facebook for a lot of things, I do LOVE that it brought her back to me! We chatted the other night as if no time had passed at all and already are making plans to get the girls from college back together for a mini reunion. EXCITED. yes, cannot wait for that! See, inner geek – love technology. So glad to hear from you Ms. Sherry – So glad we’ll all be getting together soon.

Do you keep in touch with your college friends? High school friends? You should. Not because you have to, but because it might be nice. I know everyone says – ‘well if i wanted to keep in touch with people I would,’ but sometimes life happens and things get in the way — not that its an excuse — but sometimes you just need a little nudge to get back in touch. And then you pick up where you left off. And its awesome.

8. What is also going to be awesome is the newborn session I have on Friday. I cant wait to get my hands on a little peanut — I’ve been missing them! I know she’s going to be a little doll.. stay tuned for the sneak peak on that!

9. I can’t believe I’m actually going to say it but I can actually start to understand the needy feeling for gym! Yes, that’s right, I actually find myself needing/wanting to go. The girl who used to hate it! Crazy I know. Although running yesterday was killing my knees — apparently I’m not spring chicken anymore… perhaps I should switch to the elliptical? We’ll see…

10. He let me take his picture! Yep, Jackson said I could take his picture — not before I bribed him of course – totally not above it! But, he agreed so we could make his valentine. As soon as I loaded his images on the computer I was stopped in my tracks. He.Looks.So.Old. What happened to my sweet little baby? He’s all grown up and I can’t believe how fast time is going by. Check it out for yourself…

Until next time.. Much love,

The cutest, happiest, most delightful family.  I just spoke with another favorite client (friend), Erin, who informed me that sweet Charlotte has just been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia..

On a positive note, we are blessed to live 30 minutes from some of the best hospitals in the world here in Boston.  Charlotte is in Boston now beginning her treatments and will hopefully begin the road to recovery.    For those of you who are the praying type, please keep her and her family in your prayers.  Her sweet spirit, her precious smile, and her adorable heart needs it.

If you’d like to keep up on Charlotte’s progress you can follow here her:

Charlotte’s Caring Bridge Page

Charlotte – I’ll be looking forward to our next tea-party!  Get better love! xxoo

Ted and Constance.  Our love and prayers are with you and your family.  We will be here to lift you up and help you through this difficult time and see you onto the sunshine. Please know we are surrounding you in love and light…  We will be wishing on stars for you…

**And to my photographer friends – THIS is why keeping all your photos from sessions is important.  This session now has an entirely new meaning and I will for sure be going back through the images I didn’t show to see what is there.  Another reminder why I am honored to do what I do and feel blessed to share the gift of memories and moments…

Much Love, Many Prayers and lots of Hugs.

xxoo

Here we go….

1. Two new favorite apps for my iphone– Shakeit. I mean who doesn’t like the old Polaroid pictures!  Jackson likes it too – one of his favorite new apps as well.  Second favorite is Losit. Best part is it’s free!  Check it out..

2. Nothing says Happy Anniversary like a gym membership, yeah?!  I am finally not pregnant – or recently had any kids – so theres no excuse.  (Yes, those were my excuses!) I reactivated our gym membership for our anniversary so we can get our butts in gear and get back in shape. I don’t worry so much about numbers, it’s not my style.  I worry more about how I’m feeling.  I’m happy to report the last two days were the first two days back and I hit the ground running. Literally.  I ran 2 miles the first day and 3 miles yesterday.  I couldn’t have done it without Pandora - Another reason I love my iphone. It’s made the gym WAY better.  Besides feeling a bit sore, I actually feel really good- and dare I say loved the gym? Yes, crazy. I know. Hopefully it stays this way!

3.  I am so behind I cant even believe I’m admitting it, I haven’t even imported my Christmas morning photos. ::GASP:: Seriously.  There is something wrong with me.   How do you keep up with all your photos? Photogs — How do you keep up with your personal photos as much as your business? Besides giving up sleep all together?!

4. Since adapting a new work system I am finding I’m getting  a lot more done and its really productive.  If you’re finding it difficult to balance work and family time I really recommend blocking time for both and only focusing on one.  Its crazy how much it changes things.  And why did I wait so long!

5.   Super excited about some amazing opportunities for work I’ll be participating in over the next few weeks.  I’ll be sure to report back on them and I’m just finalizing which ones I’m definitely attending – more on this soon.

6.  Molly is finally a walker.  Although she took steps a few months ago, shes wobbled around and had a little bit of a tough time with her hips.. Just in the last few days she has really taken to walking 80% of the time!  I’m so proud of her every time she falls she gets right back up and keeps going.  There is something so cute about their wobbley (yes I made that up) walking! Way to go big girl!

7.  Flip video.  LOVE IT.  The other anniversary gift for both personal and business uses but man, it is awesome!  I’m still trying to figure out how to get on my blog but once I do, I’ll be adding some clips.

8. I’d just like to report how much I still love my Grocery-go-getter.  My Loser Cruiser.  As my brother said ‘The Uterus Mobile.” I am taking care of our friends sweet baby girl two days a week and fitting the two Crazies in plus her is a piece of cake.  For as uncool as it makes this 30 year old look, I’m fine with it. I love it. I’m totally cool with it.

9. Jackson has discovered Trader Joe’s mini peanut butter cups.  His new favorite dessert when he eats his dinner.  He tries to tell us since they are little he can have more.  What can I say, that’s how I justify it too.  Although my personal favorite, dark chocolate covered blueberries.  Hey, I started the gym again – don’t hate!

10.  Faces from Haiti. Have you seen this?  It made my heart hurt to look at.  It made it hard for me to breath for these people.  I felt so broken. The thing that always strikes me when terrible disasters  like this happen are the big numbers. When they say thousands of people have died somehow it is just a number.  But looking at these powerful photographs it reminds us that each person in those thousands that have died had a story. Had a family. Had friends. Had a heart.  I think about how devistating it is to lose someone you love and care for and then I think about these hundreds of people that have been lost and how you even go on after losing so many people you loved at once.  It’s really hard for me to get my head around.  At any rate, if we can keep Haiti on our minds I just hope they get the help and aid they need months from now.  That is when they are going to need it most. …… Whoa, heavy.  Sorry about that.

So, there it is! 10 on Tuesday again!  I was hoping to get some pictures up but this naptime is running short!

Thanks for checking in!

Much Love,