On Art Class and Trees

Pin It 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?   

If I were asked to draw the same scene again today, I would draw pink trees!  

What color would yours be? 

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A Day in the Life of Lola: Sunday

Pin It 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. ;)

According to Lola, Sundays are purr-fect for napping, birdwatching, and, of course, waiting for tuna. She knows how to multi-task:  birdwatching in between catnaps.  

  She also likes to page through all the latest decorating, fashion, and fitness magazines.  

Sometimes she doesn't mind posing for a photo. 

And for me, that makes Sunday purr-fect in my book too.  

Do you or your pets have a favorite day of the week?  Share with us in the comments!

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Spring in the Park: Molly + Jay

Pin It Last week I had the great opportunity to meet other area photographers for a fun outdoor shoot-around at Holliday Park.  The weather was absolutely perfect!  And we had an adorable couple to work with as our models, Molly and Jay.  Here are my favorites from that evening!

Smitten!

My favorite!

In the woods. In love.

Vintage Love Intertwined

You know how I love shoe shots!  Well, these two were no exception, I just love their style!

J. Crew called...wouldn't this totally work for their catalog?

"...the beating of our hearts is the only sound..." ~ Tiffany  :)

Have a great day!

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Seaside Session: Snowy Egret + Royal Tern + Sandpipers + Pelicans!

Pin It 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. 

Mr. Serious Snowy Egret!  All business!

Soon he was testing the water, and posing in front of a local resort across the bay. 

And then he began to frolic in the water!  One of my favorites! I love his fluffy mane!

I turned around and saw my other feathered friend watching and waiting 

for his turn (Royal Tern...no pun intended!) in front of the camera. 

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

They are so quick and nimble.  And check out their balancing skills!

A feathered face off!

 The 4 Amigos!

Who knew that these birds would enjoy having their photo taken!
Have a great day!

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April 12: The Best Date. Ever.

Pin It 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!

This one is one of my favorites from our wedding!

Meanwhile, Reggie and his Mom were getting some portraits taken...I love these!

"...so Father Mazzola told us we would need to make our way to the front of the church in 10 minutes!  Jackie, the wedding hostess, who is a very sweet person, said we could go out a different way, since it was rainy and misty outside.  You see, there is no way to get to the church doors from where we were getting ready, which we were aware of from the beginning.  We went out the back doors.  It was a little misty and rainy, but I really did not mind.  I grabbed my dress and started jogging, as best I could in my 3.75 inch heels and dress!  It was fun, that is one of my favorite memories...running in the mist with my dress and my Mom and my bridesmaids...I'll never forget it! We reached the front of the church, and I was out of breath!  The cool air felt so good!  A few guests were still making their way into the church.  I went inside once I had caught my breath..."

The Bouquet!  My favorite flowers: peonies, roses, ranunculas, and hydrangeas!

"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!!!)

We were both giggling and shaking as we lit our Unity Candle. 

A big hug from my bridesmaids and best friends.

Married!

Getting ready for our drive off in Antique Limousine's 1953 Rolls.  

We loved this car!  I wish we could have kept it!  ;)

After the drive off, Reggie and I came back to the church for some special portraits. 

And another favorite of mine!  

Then it was time to go to our reception!

Photo Credits: Katie Collier
I'll save more photos for a later post...thank you for allowing me to share this with all of you! 

And, again, Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! xo
Reggie, I love you with all my heart! xo

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My Little Parisian Cafe

Pin It 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?  

Happy Weekend!  Stay tuned for something pretty special on Monday...

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On the Lookout

Pin It It's been a little while since Lola has made an appearance here on the blog, so I thought I would make her day by posting just a few recent photos.  A couple weeks ago, we fired up the grill since it was a nice day.  We left the french door open, and Lola sat at the threshold, on the lookout for Spring.  She's always really excited at this time of year since there is more activity just outside her window to keep her occupied.  She's an indoor cat, but she gets more intrigued by the great outdoors...that is, until a chirping bird or barking dog is heard in the distance, sending her running back inside to safety. 

She's learned to look both directions before making a move!

And on a recent rainy Sunday afternoon, this is how my husband found her...

she had curled up inside a blanket! Looks nice and cozy to me!  

Again, she's always watching something, unless, of course, she's snoozing.  

Her Sunday agenda is always the same: Catnap. 

It's so fun to see what new spot she'll make her own in the house.  Oh wait, I forgot, she thinks that she owns the whole house!  Silly me!  

Does your pet have a favorite location in your home to take a nap or to just chill out?  

Tell us about it!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!

Pin It It's officially Spring, and all of the flowering trees are blossoming and so beautiful!  It's also my Mom's birthday today, and I know that she loves flowering trees, especially the Dogwood!  We're expecting some April showers to blow through soon, so I hurried to capture some the delicate flowers that make this tree so magnificent and such a telling sign of Spring.

Happy Birthday, Mom!  I love you! xo

Have a fabulous day!!!

*Editor's Note: Upon further investigation, I may be mistaken about the name of this tree...it very well could be a Flowering Crabapple.  If anyone knows for sure, please let me know! :)

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