When I was younger, I remember being in school, looking forward to art class.  I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and crafts, and being able to do that during school was such a treat – it just didn’t feel like work!  And it was so much more fun than learning multiplication tables or counting beans and sorting milk caps.  Aww, the good ol’ days! ….Back to art class!  The teacher would ask us to draw our family, our house, our pets, and our yard. There are tons of trees (beautiful and so many kinds!) at my parents’ house.  Drawn carefully in crayon on that soft, off white paper were stick figures representing my mom, my dad, and me, and a stick dog (I miss you, Ginger!), standing in front of our house.  The trees I drew were always the same:  a thick, tall brown trunk with a scribbled cloud of green swirls on top.  Why was that the only way I ‘saw’ trees?   

She gets called many names:  Lola Belle, Lilo, Lo, Kittles, Fabulous Whiskers, Miss Kitty, Fur Monster, just to mention a few.  Her favorite sound is the clang-clang of a can-opener, because it can only mean one thing…Tuna!  Coming in a close second  is the hum of the garage door opening because she knows she’s in for some hugs and cuddling after a long day of napping, birdwatching, and waiting for tuna.  She likes to meow at the front door, in hopes that she’ll be brave enough to frolic in the grass before pouncing on some bird in flight (of which she is terrified, by the way).  If you asked her what her favorite day of the week is, I suspect she would answer “Sunday”, without a doubt. That is, if she could, in fact, answer you. 😉

I know I’ve mentioned a few times that I took a lot of photos while in Florida…and on this particular trip, I fell in love with some of the cutest, most beautiful birds!  Seagulls, Royal Terns, brown pelicans, and the ever elegant Snowy Egret.  Here are some more photos from our seaside session. 

And it wouldn’t be a perfect day at the beach without these adorable little Sandpipers! 

 The 4 Amigos!

April 12th is one of the best days of the year!  Why?  For one reason, my parents were married 41 years ago on this date.  For another reason, I married the most wonderful man in the world 2 years ago on this date!

Mom and Dad, I wish you a very Happy 41st Wedding Anniversary!  May you enjoy each other’s company and smile knowing that you are loved so much and by so many people!

And my dear Reggie, can you believe it has been 2 years?!  The time has flown by, but please know that my love for you has grown stronger.  I wake up each day so thankful that you are the person next to me.  You are amazing, talented, patient, hard-working, dedicated, kind, inspirational, devoted, caring, positive, creative, and giving.  You’re a dreamer, you won’t settle for less.  You are my hero, my rock. Without you and your belief in me, I would not be who I am today, nor would I have found my passion, photography.  So I owe you!  😉  I love you so much!  Happy Anniversary, Honey!!!

I’ve been asked a few times to share some of our wedding photos, so let’s do it!  Our friend and great photographer, Katie Collier, took our photos.  Her work is beautiful, classic, and she is truly talented.  And, I’m including an excerpt from the journal that I kept as well.  I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about it!

“Once inside I could hear the beautiful music of our organist, Tom, and our cantor, Tim.  Our wedding party was lined up and ready to walk down the aisle.  Reggie’s brother Mike said, “Hey Steph!” and gave me the thumb’s up sign.  Audrey and Ashley smiled and wished me luck.  Justin reminded me to breathe and to enjoy it all.  Sean gave me a smile, as well as Kristen and Sara.  I heard Tim singing “Ave Maria” which I was so happy to hear!  My parents and I were standing off to the right of the main church doors, so that Reggie and our guests would not be able to see me. I looked outside again, and saw that our ride was already there.  I heard the chime at the altar, signaling that the wedding ceremony was about to begin.  I could hear the church bells ringing outside too.  I got chills then, and I’m getting them now just reliving these moments!…” (and now as I type this! This is why I love weddings!!!)

Recently I posted some photos taken in the artsy district on Mass Ave…well, I totally overlooked this photo, and it turns out to be one of my favorites.  Can’t you just imagine sitting at a chic wrought iron cafe table, sipping a mocha latte, reading your favorite book or magazine, stealing a glace at that special someone who’s holding your hand all while listening to Parisian music?  That is exactly what I think of when I look at this.  Wouldn’t this make a great location for your next Session?