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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!!

The last time I did a year in review was 2018 (you can read it here!). Not sure what happened to 2019, and then 2020 came around and reared its ugly head. As you can see from past posts of this nature, I usually do a mix of families and weddings together. However, this year is a little (ok a lot!) different. My 2020 couples deserve a post of their own. My 2020 couples had visions. Visions of an early morning spent getting ready with best friends and awesome playlists. Dreams of an aisle with an army cheering as vows are said and a marriage made official. Thoughts of mingling with merlot as delicious appetizers are passed and families swoon over every last detail. Hopes for a bustling dinner and a packed dance floor. Of a honeymoon somewhere warm to soak it all in. Then along came a Friday in March, and in one moment any hope for these plans was dashed. As reality set in, I sent preemptive emails to make sure each couple was safe, healthy, and staying sane…and a very interesting thing happened. My inbox became full of messages where positivity was the main theme. Lots of “we are going to do this one way or another!” or “we have a new date and we can’t wait!”. I think there are times in life where other people truly teach you something, and this was one of those times. My brides and grooms stood by their commitment to each other and also stood by me. As a small business owner, this has meant more than anyone will ever know. And as someone who believes in marriage, Covid has proved to me that a big wedding is great…but a promise for a lifetime is even better. When we are all sitting on that proverbial front porch someday, we might not remember what we wore or what we ate. I like to think we’ll cherish the in between. The seemingly insignificant moments that make up a life well lived. The sound of someone’s laughter. Being able to sit together around a dinner table, listening to the trials and triumphs of second grade. Going to bed at night not knowing what tomorrow will bring…but knowing that no matter what, you’ll face it together. At the risk of sounding so clichè, I really do think this is the take away to a really hard year.

My hope is that the following images highlight that there can still be joy in sorrow. That hope really does matter. And that the power of the human spirit is really something. To ALL my 2020 couples, whether you married this year or are planning for the future…I am so proud of each and every one of you. Thank you isn’t enough and never will be, but..thank you thank you thank you. Each of you will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am so looking forward to a brighter future and can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store!