Katie and Patrick, Just a Tease

Today I hung out with Katie and Patrick in beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire for their engagement photos in preparation for their June 2012 wedding. We had unexpectedly perfect weather as we explored this coastal city. Here are a few teasers!

More to come!

Meredith and Chris, Engaged

I'm an affectionate person. I like to give hugs. I like to hold my  husband's hands in public. So when I get to work with another couple who is also affectionate, I feel instantly at ease, because it is a way I can easily identify and connect with how they relate with each other. Meredith and Chris are one of these couples. These two are so natural and affectionate together, that after just spending a few minutes with the two of them, you know they are seriously perfect for each other.

A few weeks ago we spent a few hours at Meredith's parent's house in Parsonsfield, Maine. The land was passed down from Meredith's grandfather and includes a stunning man-made pond in the woods. Coupled with Meredith and Chris' stylish looks, we had a gorgeous rustic and classy photo shoot.

St. Saviour is Meredith's family's name. I loved this sign honoring her family on this amazing land.

Who knew tire swings could be so much fun for adults too? I love this shot.

My husband said this picture would be perfect if there were two Coronas in between the chairs. I have to say I agree with him!

As we were heading back up to the house, I noticed this old Mack truck in the driveway. It's Meredith's dad's and from the 1960's. I couldn't resist!

Meredith really wanted to have some shots taken at a bridge about 10 minutes away from the house. She said her dad would drive us, and I figured it was just up the road. We hopped in the truck and drove literally in the woods until we came to this gorgeous opening. To get there we had to walk through a small path of long, long grass, and my first thought was "oh boy, ticks." Sure enough, we emerged on the other side, covered. I'm pretty sure Meredith's mom thought I'd never been in the woods in my whole life as I was rather concerned about the 10 or so ticks on my pants, but once we got everyone cleaned up we were able to get back to work. In the end it was worth the ticks (oh, and did I mention the moose we think we heard?) to get these gorgeous shots. :)

Meredith and Chris, thank you for spending the afternoon with me in such an amazing spot. I can't wait for your wedding next summer!

Deering Oaks Family Session

They say that children and animals are the hardest things to photograph. I have to say that "they" are probably right. But, I love a good challenge, and every time I work with kiddos I leave exhausted, but excited because not only have I worked my tail off even more than usual, I also know I have a few hours ahead of me full of staring at a lot of cuteness on my computer screen.

I met up with Amanda, Matt, and one and a half year old Bristol at Deering Oaks Park in Portland. A favorite spot of mine to take pictures, it never disappoints for any age group as it offers gorgeous backdrops, ball fields, and a fun playground.

Amanda and I had some grand plans to use props in this shoot, but Bristol was mostly interested in the pinwheels I brought along. The bright colors of the pinwheels were perfect with the family's stylish looks and the park's green backdrop.

Bristol lead the way as we explored the park's gorgeous bridge and pond, and I was able to capture some cute family shots from afar.

Then it was off to the playground! Bristol especially loved the swings, which gave mom, dad, and I an opportunity for a few shots off to the side!

Amanda and Matt smartly thought to bring bubbles along..getting some giggles from Bristol towards the end of the shoot.

Amanda, Matt, and Bristol, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your gorgeous family! Bristol was a trooper and I loved spending time with the three of you. Enjoy!

Laura and Preston, Engaged

The first time I met Preston, I was standing outside of a building at Northeastern University with my now-husband, Jim. Jim introduced Preston as a colleague, and the two became pretty good friends in the short time that we lived there. The one thing that stands out the most to me though, was the incredibly well-crafted email Preston sent me following a batch of no-bake cookies I sent into the office with Jim one day. Apparently, the cookies were sent straight from the Heavens, and were thoroughly enjoyed by the staff. (If you have known me for a long time, you can stop laughing now...)

My husband and I left Boston and he and Preston stayed in touch off and on. Late last year I received an email from Preston asking if I would be willing to take his wedding pictures, and I was excited to reconnect. He and Laura met while working together at Northeastern. It took a full year for them to speak, although they worked just down the hall from each other, but as luck would have it, that final "hello" really paid off.

I was thrilled when they asked if I would be willing to come to Boston to take their engagement pictures. Boston has such a special place in my heart for many reasons, and it was awesome to be back in the city for a day. And, what a day it was. Sunny, high 70's, and perfect for my shoot with this adorable couple.

Although I had never met Laura, I instantly liked her. She is sweet and playful, and compliments Preston so well. Photographing these two was a breeze..they are perfect together!

I love when we reach the point in an engagement shoot that the couple completely disregards that I am there. We found this gorgeous pavilion, and Preston and Laura just did their thing while I snapped shots off to the side. They were so goofy and fun..it was awesome to watch!

Laura and Preston, I had an awesome time with you, in my most favorite city in the world. I hope you're having a blast on your cruise right now, and I can't wait for your wedding this fall!