Amber and Alex, Engaged

Every year, I look forward to the first day of spring. When I was a teacher, I had a countdown going on my white board in my classroom, starting the day after Christmas break. This year I was able to celebrate this much anticipated day with Amber and Alex for their engagement photos in preparation for their upcoming wedding this September. The couple wanted a little city and a little scenic, so we found ourselves poking around the Old Port in Portland, and Fort Williams Park, home to Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth.

There were lots of laughs during the session, and Amber and Alex are so fun, and so in love. I absolutely cannot wait for their Labor Day weekend wedding on Peak's Island. It was near impossible to just pick a few pictures to share, so I'll warn you, this is one photo-packed post!

It literally was THE perfect early spring day to be at Portland Head light. The water was just the right shade of blue, the wind was just enough, and the crowds were minimal!

Alex and Amber, I had a great time with you! See you in September!

Janis and the Corgis

Janis is a friend of mine from my "day job" at the University of Southern Maine. We met a few years ago as members of the staff Senate, and have kept in touch ever since as our offices work closely together. I was really excited when she emailed me, asking if I would be willing to take some pictures of herself and her corgis, who I had heard a lot about but had never met.

What I didn't know is that I would be greeted by two of the softest, most well-groomed, and sweetest dogs I'd ever met, as well as Janis, and her adorable cat Benjamin.

We started out at Janis' house. She wanted to have some pictures of herself, some of Ben, and some of the corgis, Catcher and Billie.

This is Ben. He is the most snuggly cat ever. I could have cuddled up and pet him all day! (My cat hates to be held and it makes me sad! Ben was a great change of pace!)

Catcher (on the left), and Billie (on the right) were so well behaved. Janis has them trained well! We got several pictures of them hanging out in front of the wood stove, including the teaser picture for this shoot, and this cute one. I just love their faces!

One thing I didn't know about Janis was that she shows Catcher and Billie. It was not only obvious the second I met them by their exceptionally well groomed coats, but also all of the blue ribbons around Janis' house! This is Billie with her most recent ribbons for agility. Nice work you two!

I love this shot. "You lookin' at me?"

We finished the session at Broadway Gardens Greenhouse in South Portland. Janis thought it might be fun to get some pictures with some greenery. I wasn't expecting to see much in there, but the second I walked in, it was like spring hit me smack dab in the face! The room was exploding with green, smelled like dirt, and gave us both quite an energy boost!

It was so great to see some color! I love this one of Janis with the flowers (but don't ask me what kind they are, my green thumb is more like a pale yellow haha).

Before we left, Janis asked if I would mind having a picture taken of us together. I'm rather proud of myself for trusting my camera with a complete stranger, but I love having a picture of the two of us, and I have to say, Mr. Stranger Photographer did a pretty good job!

Janis, thank you for allowing me to see your beautiful home and meet your gorgeous family! Most of all, thank you for giving me a little spring on what would have otherwise been a very dreary winter day. Enjoy!

Amber and Alex, Just a Tease

There are a lot of things that get me excited to photograph a wedding. But engagement sessions top the list. Not only do I get to hear more about the details of the big day, but I get to spend some time with the couple before all of the pressure of the wedding really hits. The best is when I get to do an engagement session with a couple I really click with. Today was one of those days. I laughed so much with Amber and Alex as we explored the Old Port in Portland and Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, that their upcoming September wedding seems just too far away!

Here are a few of my favorites. We couldn't have asked for a nicer first day of spring to take some pictures!

 More to come!

Janis and the Corgis, Just a Tease!

Yesterday I spent my morning with my friend Janis and her adorable corgi pups for a photo shoot at her home. Here's a taste of the cuteness...I have a feeling there will be plenty of squealing on my part as I go through these photos!