Mines Falls Nashua NH family pictures | Joell & Mandy

Here in eastern Massachusetts we've had, like, the third snowiest winter on record. Just yesterday we wrapped up yet another blizzard, and tomorrow we are forecasted to get another six inches.  It was only about mid-January when everyone was wondering where the snow went.  Then we stopped wondering when the snow never stopped!

Personally, I'm a fan of the snow. If it is going to be bitter cold, it might as well be snowing.  I'm fortunate enough to not need to deal with commuting in the snow and I have a big strong man to shovel away my snow.  

Little did we know back in October when we shot this family portrait session that we would be waist deep in snow by now.  

When Mandy and I were exploring location options for her family portrait session, I mentioned Mines Falls on the recommendation of one of my fellow photographers.  Mandy and Joell were instantly excited--this was a special spot for both of them.  In fact, they take their beloved black lab Roxy for a walk there nearly every day.  This was my first time exploring Mines Falls, and I could instantly see the beauty of the natural space.  

Before their session ended, we took a few moments to capture this young family in front of their home, as they were going to be moving in a matter of a few weeks.  This family is so sweet and so near and dear to my heart.  I hope you enjoy these precious photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them!  Feel free to leave some love for this adorable family in the comment section below!

Baby Girl Newborn Photography | Meghan Alice

One of the reasons I enjoy photographing newborns so much is that it is incredibly calming. You almost NEED it to be to emit those stress-free vibes to keep the babes relaxed.  When I photograph a newborn, I keep the room nice and toasty, I turn on my white noise app on my phone, and we take our time.  It's totally unrushed. We work on the baby's schedule--not our own.  And if the little one decides to poop on your blanket...well, that's okay! It was only a matter of time before it happened anyway!  

For this session, I traveled to Nashua, NH to photograph Meghan in her native element (aka her home.)  The travel time was well worth it after I captured those first few gorgeous images.

It was such a joy to photograph Meghan when she was only eight days young.  Her momma is one of my good friends, and I love charming my friends with gorgeous pictures of their loved ones. Did Mom cry when she first saw the slideshow of Meghan's pictures? What do you think?

Welcome to the world Meghan Alice!

Concord, MA engagement session | Kelly and Tony

When Kelly first contacted me to photograph her and her fiance's wedding, it felt like we had already known each other for months. THAT'S how friendly she is.  And when I met her fiance, Tony, it was cemented that they were the sweetest couple ever. 

Their love affair (why does that sound so scandalous!) began when they met each other out on the town one night in Worcester, MA.  Now, they can't wait to celebrate the love they have for each other just a few months from now in Newport, RI!  

As the happy couple lives in Worcester and I am located on the North shore, we met each other halfway in lovely Concord, Massachusetts at the Old North Bridge.  It was my first time exploring the area, and hopefully not the last time my travels will take me there!  We had lots of fun making photographic magic in fields of wild flowers, on old historic bridges, atop rustic wooden fences, and among gorgeously manicured gardens. I'm so excited to be photographing Kelly and Tony's Newport wedding this May!  

Enjoy some of my favorites from their engagement portrait session from earlier this fall, and don't forget to leave them some love in the comment section below!

Gloucester House Bridal Shower | Shawna and Darren

Sometimes it feels like living in Gloucester is living on the other side of the world.  I have plenty of people in my life who are my "summertime" friends, who I usually only see when they come to beach.  I've grown used to a 30 minute minimum drive no matter what.  So getting the opportunity to photograph Shawna and Darren's bridal shower at the Gloucester House was something truly special.  It felt good to be working locally for a change!

Shawna is a good friend and co-worker of my husband, and, in fact, have known each other for many years.  So when she got engaged, I was incredibly honored that she asked me to capture her bridal shower, knowing how much time, energy, and love she put into arranging all the details of that day.  

Shawna looked like a dream at her bridal shower, wearing her mother's wedding dress.  Also, if you know anything about shoes or fashion you will surely swoon when you spot those red-soled beauties (ahem, Mr. Louboutin) she wore to her bridal shower.

If you know Shawna, it won't surprise you that her bridal shower quickly morphed its way into a dance party with the help of DJ Vito and lasted well into the evening hours. 

I have to say, one of my favorite things about this party, aside from the darling couple, was Shawna's complete and utter joy and excitement on that day--and happiness in being able to share it with some of her closest girlfriends.

 Please enjoy some of my favorites from that day, and leave some comments below too!

Congratulations, Shawna and Darren! 12.31.2014

Frank and Heather's Essex MA Beach Wedding

When Heather first contacted me to capture her beach wedding, she warned me that her and Frank were "not serious people," followed by an anecdote of a time that Frank was attacked by the cat because he had playfully placed a feather bandanna on his head.  

True to her word, Heather and Frank's beach wedding could only be described as playful, laid-back, and perfectly nautical. Heather's vision of her wedding day had me hooked at "beach", but when she mentioned "tidal island", "clam-bake", and arriving to the island in a canoe, I was swooning.  

Heather owns a nautically themed baby apparel boutique called My SeaBaby in downtown Rockport (visit her website), and her designs are precious.  Her sense of style was perfectly reflected in all the small touches she carefully planned for her wedding day.  

Enjoy some of the moments I captured on that day.  Don't forget to leave your comments in the section below! I'd love to hear from you!

Courtny and Katelyn | Salem High School Senior Girls' Portraits

I've known these girls since they were little tots, and, yes, they were just as adorable back then too.  Cortney and Katelyn are seniors at Salem High School in Salem, NH.  Yes, they are twins. Was that fun to photograph, you ask? UMYES!

They are looking forward to graduating (finally!) in June 2015; this is, of course, reliant on the fact that they can keep themselves awake during 1st period History class.  

Katelyn is an aspiring photographer herself, so it made me more than a little happy to talk photography with her.  It was actually kind of nice for someone to understand me when I started drooling when we stumbled across an insanely gorgeous field of wildflowers.

Both of these girls have a bright future ahead of them.  I can't wait to see what they will achieve! 

We shot on location at the Robert Frost Farm in Derry, New Hampshire, as well as the orchard at Mack's Apples in Londonderry.

Rockport, MA HS Senior Portraits | Saasha

I had been hinting begging Saasha to let me take her senior pictures for quite some time.  She is the type of person who gives so  much of herself, that I just had to give something back.  Not to mention that I just KNEW the kind of photographic magic we could create! We set about Rockport, MA one summer evening, making sure to hit all the hot spots, like Motif #1 and some rocky coves.  Have a peek at some highlights, and if you like what you see leave me some love in the comments! XOXO

Declan | Northshore Massachusetts Newborn Portraits

Welcome to the world, Tater! (I know that you have a big boy name now that you've arrived in the world, but Tater is just fun to say!)

It was incredibly special for me to photograph Declan because I also had the privilege of photographing his big sister Jayne a couple of years ago. Of course, as we were working on keeping Declan sleepy and warm during his shoot, Jayne was keeping a watchful eye over him like a good big sister. Declan is super fortunate--he has THREE big sisters to torture look over him!  Check out some highlights from his gallery, and don't hesitate to add a comment below!

Top of the Hub Reception Brunch Boston MA | Darren & Sam

Hi friends!

I'm back with another post highlighting a super-sweet wedding reception brunch that I photographed over the summer at the Top of the Hub in Boston.  Darren and Samantha had a small out-of-state family ceremony the weekend before, but it was just as important for them to celebrate their nuptials with all of their Boston friends!  

The thing that struck me the most about Darren and Sam's reception was the genuine affection that was a near-tangible element filling the room.  Not just the love that Darren and Sam had for each other, but the affection that Darren and Sam had for their friends and that their friends showed in return.  

So here we are--friends begin to arrive to the Prudential Center and are greeting with warm smiles and stunning views of Boston.

Congratulations, Darren and Sam!

Feel free to leave some love in the comments section below.

Wedding Reception Brunch held at the Top of the Hub, Prudential Center, Boston Massachusetts

Makeup by Ashley Christine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByAshleyChristine

Website: http://www.makeupbyachristine.com/

Rockport, MA Nautical Engagement Session | Jacob and Lindsay

Jacob and Lindsay's engagement session from the beginning of the summer was easily one of my favorite portrait sessions to date.  I knew it was going to be magic the second Lindsay and I met up to chat about her session to go over her ideas, and she pulled out her Pinterest board and DIY nautical props.  Honestly. Magic!  

We stayed in Rockport for the majority of our session, even spending some time in the exact spot Lindsay's parents got engaged many years back.  Later we hit the beach for a little picnic under the Ultra Mega Moon. (Isn't that the scientific name for it?)

Intimate Wedding at Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield MA | Beckee & Robbie

Sometimes things just fall into place.  When I was first asked to capture Beckee and Robbie's wedding at the lake in Wakefield, I had already been booked for a wedding on the Northshore that day.  Beckee and her family are good friends of mine, and I've known them for quite some time, so, naturally, I was pretty bummed. 

Fast forward a few hours later, and I receive a call from my bride telling me that her wedding would be postponed due to a family emergency.  When Beckee found out that I would be available to photograph her wedding, she was ecstatic!  (Like, really, I think she used that word.)

We quickly swapped bridal shot ideas and some Pinterest pics and got pretty jazzed up about the whole thing. Fast forward a few days, and it's the day of the wedding!  

Beckee and Robbie were united in marriage in front of their family and close friends at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts.  Beckee made a gorgeous bride.  As a hairstylist and makeup artist for over twenty years, she is really on top of her game. (Check out her beauty blog!) I don't think you need my words to tell you she looked stunning--I mean, just look at the pictures.  She even made her bouquet all by herself--like, what??

Beckee's three sons escorted her down the "aisle" where Robbie was waiting with his "best man," his lovely young daughter.  Beckee's father, Jack, gave the wedding talk, and even managed  to keep a dry eye the entire time. 

Afterward the family gathered together for one giant family photo.  Can you believe that this is just immediate family? (And that one more has been added to the bunch since then--welcome, baby Brock!)  The Beaudoin family is seriously one good-looking group of folks. 

The festivities were just beginning, and a backyard celebration complete with champagne and cake lasted into the night.

Congratulations, Beckee and Robbie!  

Don't forget to leave me your love in the comments section below! I love to hear from all of you!

Little K | Stoneham MA children's portraits

Over Christmas and New Year's break, I got the opportunity to get together with a close friend to take pictures of her son Kobe, who turned two a few months back. My plan was to use this great vinyl backdrop that I had just bought for Kobe's portrait session, since I had very cleverly deduced that a freezing two-year-old outside in the snow would make for a very unhappy portrait subject.

Kobe had other plans.  What I had not-so-cleverly done is taken a two year old away from a video game.  Here's an important tip about photographing children: DON'T EVER TAKE A QUIET WELL-BEHAVED TWO YEAR OLD AWAY FROM A VIDEO GAME. 

This picture was taken shortly after Kobe stopped crying.  I don't think I'll ever get those accusatory eyes out of my brain. I'm sorry Kobe! 

One of the things I loved about this session (aside from the completely adorbs Kobe, of course) was that we got to throw in lots of wintery patterns.  And even though it was a winter portrait session shot inside, we still got the feel that it was winter. 

One thing to note about me is that two year olds make me tired just looking at them.  Kobe, however, is just about as sweet as pie. I mean, look at that smile!

Courtney & Glenn | Malden, MA maternity and family portrait photography

Winter photography isn't easy for a portrait photographer.  It's cold. (Red, runny noses anyone?).  The lighting stinks. (Sun sets at 4.) And there is an ever present threat of the weather going ahead and ruining a scheduled shoot. (Especially in New England.)  Not surprisingly, most portrait photographers slow down during the winter time.  But do you know who waits for no one?  Babies!  You can never be sure when those little things will pop out.

So when Courtney asked me to take her maternity photos, I was excited at the opportunity, and eager to get started.  Her due date was about 2 1/2 weeks away during this shoot!

It had just snowed a couple of days prior, so we got to take advantage of a snow-covered landscape.  Expecting mommas run hot, apparently, but it was also unseasonably warm that day!

Drake popped in for some fun too!  I photographed Courtney during her first pregnancy with Drake, too, so that made this maternity shoot even more special for me!

We took advantage of the light for as long as we could, but did I mention that this was the day before the SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR?? Um yea.  Light was fleeting.  Time to get creative.  

I brought my flash along with me for this shoot, anticipating that lighting would be working against us.  For this shot, I bounced the flash off the snow. Instant reflector! Score!

Shortly after, we went back to their place to take a few more pictures of the family together.  I wanted to focus on relationships and interactions here, so I went for a "lifestyle" portrait feel.  All this basically means is that I let Court and Glenn interact naturally with each other and with Drake while I was busy perched on top of the couch snapping away. I think you can really feel the love in these pictures.  Oh the heat!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this maternity and lifestyle portrait photography shoot. Leave your comments below!

Auburn, NH Anniversary Portrait | Mom and Dad!

Back in early November before the snow started to fall, I went up to my parent's house on a Sunday.  My Mom, who is a real estate agent for Keller Williams in Bedford, NH, needed new head shots done for her website and "For Sale" signs.  I happily obliged as I had never taken "business professional" head shots before, and, well, why not?  It's the least I could do for me mum!

So after we got that out of the way, my Mom and I dragged my Dad outside to take some pictures of the two of them.  I'm sure you could imagine his "ecstatic face".  Just kidding, he wasn't ecstatic at all.  But he played along because he's a good Dad and he loves his wife and daughter very much!

My parents have been married for 38 years! Come on, Internet, give them a round of applause!  38 years!

Sure, my Mom still makes my Dad late all the time, and SURE my Dad always throws away my Mom's stuff when she's not looking...but THAT'S the face of true love right there.  It doesn't get much better than that.

 Their backyard is pretty much my favorite.  If I lived there I would force all my clients to stand in my backyard for winter shoots so we could get that "snow covered pine trees" look.  Alas I do not.

I LOVE this last picture.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me post this one already. I just think my parents are super adorable.

I guess this is what you would call a mini-session because the entire shot lasted less than ten minutes.  In the end, their gallery has about 9 portraits to choose from.  

So what do you think of this couples "anniversary" session?

 Leave me your thoughts, ideas, or suggestions below!

Essex, MA fall family portraits | Langley Family

This fall I was itching to get outside to take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage and shoot some family portraits.  So I enlisted the use of some family!  It wasn't difficult to twist their arms, so we headed out to Essex.

We were in the Greenbelt, so we set out to explore the area and began our portrait session in the clam flats.  

It was pretty cold, so the wool plaid blankets came in handy.  

I stinking love these kids!  There's nothing like being able to capture those giggles.

Photographing a family is a bit of a challenge (who knew it would be so difficult for four people to have their eyes open at the same time?), but these guys made it easy!  

Look at these cuties! Nothing says fall family portraits like a barn backdrop.

And last, but not least, the MONEY SHOT!  We did more than a couple of takes, but don't you know, it's always the first shot that comes out best.  

What do you think of how they came out?  Any comments? Suggestions?  Talk to me, and leave me a comment below!

Essex, MA Anniversary Portrait Session | Austin and Kim

The fall season has been busy with portrait sessions, so I've been madly editing.  Of course, the most gratifying part is getting to show you guys! 

Last month, my good friend Kim and I set up a time to take anniversary pictures of her and her husband Austin.  They were married a little over a year ago, and like myself, never got around to getting engagement pictures done.  That's why I love the idea of milestone anniversary portraits!  It's like a second chance for those of us who missed the boat because of wedding madness the first time around.  Plus, it's so nice to have these pictures to chronicle years of marriage--especially the milestones like 1, 5, 10, etc.  

So we started off our session in Ipswich. Unbeknownst to us, we trespassed on a gigantic "private" soccer field.  Oh well.

What could I say?  The light was perfect, so I couldn't help myself...trespassing laws be damned.

It didn't take long for the session to get goofy.  Classic Uncle Austin.

Oh, and I love this one.  I don't really have much to say about it, aside from the fact that I could have really used a step stool, considering my debilitating height.  But I still really like how it came out...like it should be on a fancy blog somewhere.

I love fall photography; don't you?

After we were booted out of the area, we moved along into beautiful, rural Essex, Massachusetts.

 I assured Austin that should he contact Lyme disease from being in that field, he would have some really lovely pictures of his last days of good health. And we headed toward home.  Except I lied, and took him into Annisquam instead.  Whoops.  What a good sport.

There's this really cool footbridge taking you into Annisquam village.  

And the foliage was super pretty.  

Happily ever after.  The end!

Danvers, MA newborn photography | Penny Pie

I recently (or somewhat recently, as they've been very patient with me!) snapped some pictures of Dave and Melanie's newest arrival, Penny.  Here are a few of the images from that session.

Penny was only a couple of weeks old here (or less, I think!) On this image,  I only did some slight color correction and used Coffeeshop's Baby Powder room--which, by the way, is amazing!

I used a couple different filters for this session. The one I used below is called Dandelion Wine, which I adjusted a bit to get that dreamy muted, slightly pink effect. Look at those lips!!

The other action I used for this session is Buttercream.  Can you see why?

I'm obsessed with that creamy texture and those rich black tones.  I tweaked it to make it even more buttery. Mmm!

Towards the end of the shoot, I shot a few with Mel and Dave. So sweet!

Good Harbor Beach Maternity/Family Portraits

Well, here we go. My first official family shoot, and here are some of the results.

In typical New England fashion, it was subzero temperatures  in May.  Photoshop will take care of red noses, thankfully!

Oh yea, and it was a maternity shoot as well!

And baby JUST made her appearance this morning! Welcome, Jocelyn!