Weddings and Engagements. The most exciting time of your life (well except for when the kids start coming) — full of promise, the unknown, the planning!, and happiness.

I love  textures. The physical texture of the lace on a wedding gown. The buttery smoothness of fresh roses. The fresh grass. The crunchiness of crudities. The texture of a Dad’s face when he sees his daughter in her wedding dress.  Powerful powerful stuff.

These are a few of my favorites from the past year. Some have been posted on the event blog, many have not. Some I have a deep attachment to because of the moment caught, some for the beauty in the object.

They all represent love & affection; planning, craftsmanship and artistry.

The colors were so beautiful this year. Lots of bright bold purples, reds, pinks. The gowns were gorgeous! and seemed to ‘fit’ each bride to her personality.

The receptions great fun — without fail. The PhotoBooth was a MAJOR hit with everyone who booked it, and for some reason the parents seemed to get a real charge–re-living their youth? Pete and I always had a ‘discussion’ about trading spaces cause it’s just way too much fun to working the booth.

and the food? YES! please. Beautiful plated meals, buffets, cakes.

Thank yous.

To all the couples that entrusted us to their day. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you — before and after — your day. You all make this the best ‘job’ anyone could hope for.

A shout out to local venues and coordinators: Janet at the Mansion at Bald Hill  Lara at the Woodstock Inn, Katie at the Golden Lamb. 3 local professionals that have been an incredible pleasure to work with. They treat you like family.

and finally to Pete and Norm. You guys are the best to work with. Covering my back when I get into that wedding ‘fog’; we’ve work together for so long you already know what I’m gonna do before I know it myself. And making sure that our clients have everything they need before they need it.

Thank you!

This time of year it’s all about the kids. Big Kids, little kids, kids without a care in the world, those who are struggling to survive.

I’ve been so fortunate this year to photograph all the above.

Newborns hardly able to focus but knowing their Mom’s voice, all the way to high school seniors. The high school kids in the area are fabulous. Full of life, ambition, talented in so many ways. It’s scary to be leaving the nest right now, but the possibilites are endless. The world is truly your oyster!

And then my favorite kids. Again, from Hole in the Wall Camp in Ashford. Struggling with life threatening illness and yet these kids had the biggest and easiest smiles, pleasant and eager to please. I keep these special kids in my prayers every night.

All the kids are mixed in this page.  Kids with studio sessions, windblown sessions, beach sessions, fashion sessions, at local landmarks. They are all just kids.

the

12th

Day

of

Christmas ……………

(you are probably as tired as I am!)

It’s all about FAMILY tonight…

so,  enter to win a family photo session for free!

Include up to 5 people in the session.

Remember this is a  studio session, but upgrades to other locations are available for a slight fee.

Session must be completed by August 31st, 2012

And from my family, above, to yours – May your holidays be joyful and New Year full of peace and prosperity.

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How to Enter the contest:

1.  Comment on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

A Valentine’s Session for free.

What’s a Valentine’s Session? Anything you want to make it. If you and your honey want to come in, great. If you want to bring in your little baby, great.

One lucky winner and one special friend or family member will have a Valentine’s Session.

Make it a couple’s session, or a children’s session, or even a B-Session.

Receive a 5×7.

Session must be completed by January 31st, 2012

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How to Enter the contest:

1.  Comment on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

Enter for a drawing for a

A free session for an engaged couple.

and a 5×7.

To keep it fair: Engagement means you are engaged to be married, not just close friends or are in a relationship.

Session must be completed by April 30, 2012.

————-

How to Enter:

1.  Leave a comment on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

Enter to win a free

photo session with your newborn baby.

Baby must be under 1 month old.

Includes a 5×7

Session must be completed by June 30th, 2012

——–

How to Enter:

1.  Enter by commenting  on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

A free session for a high school senior (class of 2013)

and a 5×7

Session must be completed by May 31st, 2012

For 1 person only

—————————————————————————

How to Enter the contest:

1.  Comment on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

A session to remember your pregnancy, for free.

A maternity session, with you and your significant other

and a free 5×7

Session must be completed by April 30th, 2012

—————————————————————————

How to Enter:

1.Comment on my blog page or the facebook entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

In Homage to the Big Easy, let’s have a session around the Mardi Gras theme!

Includes a free 5×7

Session must be completed by March 8th 2012

How to Enter:
1.  COMMENT on my blog page or the my facebook page entry on the day the session you want is offered. Doesn’t have to be fancy. ‘Me Me Me” works.   Winner randomly chosen by an independent party and announced and contacted the day following the offering. You can enter each day, but can’t win more than once.

2. Become a fan of “my facebook page”  If you are a Fan you’ll get an extra entry with your comment.  Simple!

3. Sessions will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. Please keep your appointment, but if you’re sick or the roads are impassible we can reschedule once.

Pesky Details:

All sessions are approximately 1 hour long and will take place at the studio, 191 Providence Street, Putnam. Location sessions may be available for additional cost.

No minimum purchase required. Your free 5×7 will be chosen at your preview session at the studio, approximately 1 week after your session. Additional prints and digital files are available for purchase with very special pricing.  Prints will be available to be picked up approximately 2 weeks after your preview session. Mailing service is available at additional cost.

Sessions have no cash value, and are non-transferable.

Unless noted, session is for 1 person. Must be 18 or older, or have parent sign session release. Enter for each session if you want, but only 1 session per person will be awarded. In other words, you can’t win every session.

Weekend sessions are very limited, especially in spring and summer, and all sessions are subject to prior sales. Weekend sessions will be confirmed no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your session.

Sessions must be completed by expiration date; no extensions, no exceptions. If your session is not completed by the expiration date you will forfeit your prize.

Entrants not selected will have the opportunity for reduced session fees.

The day started at Cate and Dan’s home — full of girls getting ready, family hanging around, Christmas and weddings in the air. A home full of cheer and joy. And I love watching the makeup and hair artists doing such fine work. My hands were shaking just watching them apply beautiful natural makeup, lashes, and creating masterpieces with hair. I took at look at the makeup cases and was a little dumbfounded.  We then all laughed when I thought out loud that it’d be the same thing if they were to ever try to figure out my camera case. No different.

So convenient that their beautiful church was directly across the street.

Such beautiful and delicate white roses for the bouquets.  The fragrance carried throughout the day.

One of the Christmas trees in the house provided Cate with a seasonal background as she took a last look.

No one was hurt while getting pinned, but it did provide some comic relief.

A minor wardrobe malfunction as the girls were coming into the church and one of the girls ripped into the hem of her dress! A pocket knife to the rescue, a couple inches taken off and no one was the wiser.

2 of my favorite moments of a wedding is when the bride gets to the altar to see her groom. I love Cate’s calm when she gets to the front of the church with Mom and Step Dad supporting her. Dan’s expression is priceless as he sees Cate.

A most beautiful couple, walking down the aisle greeting their family and friends. After the formals, it was time to head to the Oliver Wright Tavern in Sturbridge.

The warmth – literally, physically and photographically –  of old Inns is always welcome in winter. and the Tavern did not disappoint. Fires, low light and an attentive staff made the evening a pleasure. The hall was decorated tastefully with winter greens arranged by Cate’s Aunt and displayed – just perfectly– on pedestals made by her stepdad. I just couldn’t get over them.

And you guys just knew the fishhooks would somehow make it into the blog, didn’t you?

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm!

A couple moments in front of the fireplace with Cate and Dan.

Thank you all for sharing your joy and laughter, your wonderfully funny families.

Check on facebook for a few more in the next couple days!