Over the past two Covid-all consuming years, I think most people can name a silver lining that highlights a positive in a world that appears full of negatives. For my family, skiing in the winter has continued to be one of those things. During a typical 2021 January day, me and my boys were on a chairlift watching the terrain park madness below. Music was blaring over this part of the mountain, and one song in particular caught our attention. Ozzy Osbourne and Elton John can do that, two totally different voices that somehow make perfect sense. The boys begged me to download the song before our ride home and it now lives on a playlist dedicated to our car trips together. One verse in the song repeats “Just remember that it’s all for you…I did it all for you.” Coming to grips with the fact that my oldest is ten and my youngest almost nine is equal parts unbelievable and so completely awesome at the same time. How can this be?? We have grown together, learning together day after day, year after a full decade. And we have come to this sweet little spot where the two faces in front of me are those of capable, likable, full of thoughts and ideas, up for anything, so lucky to have them boys. Days like this…perfect winter days together…are a main reason why Sweet Lady Jane got off the ground in the first place. To be able to share experiences like this, and for them to know, that no matter what, even during the busiest year imaginable-I did it all for them.

You are probably looking for a segue at this point and I promise there is one! 2022 will mark eight years in business for Sweet Lady Jane Photography. My other baby is also growing up and taking shape in a way I never thought possible. 2021 was a doozy. My calendar swelled each week with celebrations. From new babies to new fitness studios, from saying yes to finally saying YES! forever. As I take a look back at all the images taken from an incredible year, one thing is pretty clear. A silver lining to end all silver linings. After a year of waiting, pushing off plans, and reschedules galore…weddings were back and better than ever. Somewhere in the middle of 2021, I started noticing a trend. Couples were more relaxed than ever. No stress, no worry, just joy and excitement plain and simple. I cannot name one moment during this year when a couple or a family complained during a wedding day. People lingered a little longer with cousins and grandparents, and were more willing to risk blistered feet while screaming SHOUT with a band alive behind them. My relationships with my “class of 2021” are all deep and memorable. We weathered the storm together and came out on the other end ready to rock. The pride I feel for this set of particular images is off the charts. Not so much for the art itself, but for the feeling behind each and every frame. Almost nine years in and this year was perhaps that one that taught me the most.

To all my 2021 couples, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be there on your day. I feel like we grew up together in a way, sharing the ups and downs of pandemic planning. Your dedication to this little business of mine means more than you will ever know.

Yesterday was one of those glorious fall days where a hint of summer lingers in the air. Mid September with a temperature reading closer to that of July. My children, eight and nine years old, eventually ended up with a crew of grade school friends running around the yard. The chaos of Nerf wars, popsicles, football, and loud laughter could be heard through the neighborhood. As I thought to myself “hold on to this memory right here, this is what life is all about”…it struck me. Struck me that when I was in second grade, my memories consisted of a very similar scene (minus the nerf!). And the one person who is a constant in all of my early childhood memories is none other than Margaret Stratton. Or MAHHHGRET if you’re talking to either of our mothers. We had so many afternoons spent together, weekends at the ice rink pretending to be Nancy Kerrigan, and eventually, summer vacations with our families. After I moved to a new town, we slowly lost touch.

What happened over the next two (or dare I say three?!) decades is really something else. Meg transformed from the super spirited girl I once knew into a PH’d Professor who is undoubtedly the coolest University teacher around. And she met Tyler. Tyler is the type of guy who you wish upon only the best of your friends. When Margaret asked me to photograph their wedding, it was as if life was coming full circle. Being able to see Meg on her wedding day, to meet her beautiful brand new baby boy, to talk with her mom, catch up with other Walton School friends….and to capture the face hanging from her flowers, knowing Margaret’s first true love was certainly there in each and every detail…was truly good for the soul. This day was perfect. Simple, meaningful, intimate, beautiful. It’s exactly what Tyler and Meg deserve.

I also had the fortune of working at Gloriosa and Co which was an experience from start to finish. If you are getting married in the near future, I highly recommend you check this place out!!

I’m not sure what it was that made Sam & Brett’s wedding so special. Maybe it was the beautiful Spring day with flowers blooming all over. Maybe it was the long awaited loosening of restrictions that finally allowed some fun to be had. Could’ve been the buzz in the air as friends and family gathered, some for the first time in over a year. Or maybe it was the nod to tradition, with Sam and Brett waiting to see each other until the ceremony started. The anticipation after a long time of planning. I think this all played a part. But perhaps the biggest reason lies in the bride and groom themselves. Sam & Brett are madly in love. There’s no other way to say it, and no need to really. They simply have the best time together and it’s inspiring to say the least. I was so honored to be able to document their day which took place at the stunning gardens of Elm Bank. Each moment (until the last second on the dance floor!!) was easy going, no fuss, no stress, casual, and happy…just like Sam and Brett.

Thank you guys for choosing me! Your families were both welcoming and kind and your bridal parties went above and beyond. Wishing you the BEST of the best from here on out!!

My 2021 season is already off to a fabulous start! Kait and Justin are getting married next year in Florida, but wanted a local Save the Date session. I was so excited when she chose Crane Beach as the location, and even more excited to finally meet these two. They were just like the night we planned on…so full of light and energy. I got a good vibe right away and the pictures reflect how fun K&J were to work with!!

Thanks again for having me you guys-wishing you ALL the best!!