Sigh . . . twenty-twenty.
I don't think any of us could have predicted
such a crazy, topsy-turvy year.
As, just about everyone else on the entire planet earth,
I can't say I wasn't affected by it.

My husband and I both worked less.
However, we also got more time together
and together with our kids, which was so wonderful.
When we're working, we have opposite schedules.
So there's usually only one of us home with them at a time,
but what a treat for them to get us both at the same time
and for so long!

There were other pluses to the year as well.
I read two whole novels straight through!
I can't remember when I last had the luxury to read as a pastime.
We worked on our house projects.
We played board games and went for long walks.
We stayed up late and watched old movies
and caught back up on television series
we had long since abandoned.
We slept in, ate junk
and referred to it all as our staycation
because doesn't that sound
much more pleasant than quarantine?

So, despite some of the saddest and most heartbreaking
news all around us,
we managed to find some bright spots
in our isolated bubble.

Then, the moment we were allowed to open back up,
I was greeted by 
my incredibly supportive and faithful clients
who didn't miss a beat in booking new sessions!

It was overwhelming to not feel forgotten.
And I want to thank you!
It brought me so much  joy
to see your familiar smiling faces.
Just to SEE you!
To have actual human interaction.
Even with a mask, even at a distance with a zoom lens.
I got to see my people and it meant so much!

I know, especially for my wedding clients,
things didn't go exactly how you had originally envisioned.
And yet, every ceremony,
every backyard, every local park,
every union . . . was breathtaking.

I feel so blessed to know so many wonderful people
because of this industry.
To be a part of your stories!!

How could I have known eleven years ago,
when I picked up that tiny blue $150 point and click camera
that I would live an entirely new life?
Photography has brought me
an immense amount of happiness.
Part of that is the craft itself, the creativity.
Part of it is the freedom and flexibility.
And a large part of it, is all of you!

Thank you for another year
of trusting me with your precious moments.
And for making me smiling,
even if you couldn't see it. 
 😷

Here are some of my favorite moments from 2020 . . .

Contact me HERE, to book a session for 2021!

Right up there with "where should we have our session",
(btw, HERE is a list of location ideas)
one of the most common questions
clients have regarding their photos is, 
"what should we wear?"

As I mention in my FAQ's
The most important factor in choosing your wardrobe
is that you are comfortable and feel good.
If you feel awkward, it will show in the images. ​

Personally, I am a big fan of neutrals (white, cream, nude, peach, grey, denim).
To me, these read as "classic" as opposed to boring.
Mix in a pop of color or two, and you have yourself a color palette.
I recommend either reds, light to medium blues or gold/mustard tones.
I think layered solids are the way to go.
Layers can add interesting texture and dimension to the image.

Picture a rural setting with a pretty floral print
with layers on top,
maybe a solid cardigan and a leather jacket.
Removing a layer or two during a session
is a great way to change up the look
without having to change clothing or lose any time.
PLEASE avoid neon colors at all cost!
They cast color onto the skin and do not photograph well. 

Also, gone are the days of an entire family
sporting all white tops
with all khakis or denim bottoms.
Of course, there are still exceptions where
a solid neutral palette can be done well.
For example, in this recent summer time image . . .

Here, the palette was literally all white and cream.
And it just works in such a lovely way.

As a rule, however, do NOT attempt to perfectly match each other.
Rather aim to coordinate each subjects outfit
by tying in 3-4 complementary colors.
You will also notice how nature itself,
adds to a color palette.
I also love accessories
​like scarves, layered necklaces, stacked bracelets, etc.

Once you have made your selections,
or as a way of narrowing down choices,
I love to lay all the outfits out together
on a bed or sofa.
This allows you to get a better feel for coordination.

I have been photographing families for over ten years.
Below you will find just a few examples
of clients who pulled together cohesive
​and complimentary family outfit choices.

Some are on the warm side, some cooler tones,
some strictly neutral and some full of fun colors.
I wanted to show you a variety of palettes
and how they all can work.

A lot may depend on the time of year
your session is scheduled as well,
​but I hope these examples serve as an inspiration
for your own family.

To book your own family session,
​contact me HERE.
To see my family session pricing,
click HERE.
To view my family gallery,
click HERE.

Carina and Craig got married five years ago.
She bought this dress for their wedding,
but they ended up eloping to City Hall.

So, we played dress up and created
the wedding photos that they never had.
And Carina finally got to wear her dress!

This was a special session for me, too.
You see, this stunning WOMAN
and mother of two was the flower girl
at my own wedding 22 years ago!

She was just three years old!!
It is so surreal to see her
grown with a family of her own.

I am so happy I was able to give them this gift!
Carina and Craig, you are beautiful.
I hope you love your gallery.
Here is a sneak peek . . .

Did you miss out on a wedding day?
Or are you unhappy with your wedding images?
How about a redo?

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement pricing.
To Book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.
To view more Wedding images, click on my Gallery HERE.

Finally finding time to blog some older sessions.
I wish I got more requests
for newborn lifestyle sessions.
They are so natural and timeless.
 
​I don't know any parents who wouldn't want
a lovely and permanent record
of these early and precious days with their babes.

Here is but a small sneak peek at the images
that were including in their final gallery . . .

To book your own newborn lifestyle session,
contact me HERE.
To see my maternity/newborn lifestyle pricing,
click HERE.
To view my maternity/newborn lifestyle gallery,
​click HERE.

I was originally supposed to photograph the wedding
that would make all these boys, brothers.
Cue 2020 and the Corona Virus.
Needless to say,
Kelly and Todd did end up getting married,
but sadly, not the way they intended.
And not with me there to capture it.

It was disappointing for me.
However, it felt so great
to see them a short while later
for their very first session, as a family of 6!

I was excited because it was a location
​I'd been wanting to shoot at for a while.
We met up at the double stone arch remains
from the old Syracuse Northern Railroad
along the Salmon River in Pulaski.

We couldn't have asked for a better day.
Late fall, golden hour
and nothing but laughter and love!

These are just some of the images
included in their final collection.
​Let me know what you think
​in the comment section below!

To book your own family session,
contact me HERE.
To see my family session pricing, click HERE.
To view my family gallery, click HERE.

2020 was truly one for the books!
So many last moment weddings and elopements
that turned out absolutely breathtaking.

Jessicah and Armando's was no different.
They contacted me two days,
yup, you heard that right.
Just two days before their wedding!!
They still didn't even know for sure
where the ceremony would be yet.

In 48 hours they managed to pull together all the details
to make the loveliest of days,
shared with but a few family members and close friends.

I am so honored to have been a part of it.
Here is just a glimpse into their memorable love story . . .

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement pricing.
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.
To view more Wedding images, click on my Gallery HERE.

Oh, Finny.
our dear sweet rainbow baby . . .
you're three now.
Every morning you ask Mama to cuddle you on the couch
with your Otis baby (stuffed goat) in one hand
and a cup of kefir in the other.
We watch robot videos together until sissy wakes up.
She is your bestest playmate and partner in crime.
And although you are very different from each other,
in many ways you're a lot like her, too.

I see her influence on you
in the way you empathize with others and show small
and yet breathtaking acts of kindness.
You're affectionate and joyful and so much fun!

That's not to say you aren't a mischief maker.
You like to do your own thing, even when you've been told no.
Then when you see me get upset,
you always ask me the same question
"are you happy Mama?"
And I always reply with the same answer
"I'm happy when you listen Finny."

But the truth is, I'm happy even when you don't.
I'm happy I get to teach you . . . 
to apologize.
And to help you grow.
I'm happy I get to be your Mommy.

Even when you cannon ball onto the dog
and try to ride her like a horse.
Even when you dig through the recycling
and litter our home with trash
that you call "robots" and "airplanes".
Even when you scream to sleep with me at night
and when I finally cave and let you,
you scream to go back to your room.

Yes, Finny.
Even with all the challenging bits,
​Mommy's happy,
that you are you!
​
"I like you just the way you are." -Mister Rogers

Would you like precious moments of your little one documented?
Contact me HERE
​Session Pricing can be found HERE

I can't fully express how touching Logan & Daniel's
small backyard wedding was.
Every precious detail,
from Logan wearing her Grandmother's headpiece,
to Dan's shocked and affectionate look
at seeing his Bride for the first time,
to the couple's parent dances (which absolutely did me in)!
Their day was chock full of
true emotion, breathtaking nostalgia and powerful love.

It was such a privilege to witness
two gracious and supportive families
​come together to make this dream,
a reality, for this sweet couple.

Congratulations Logan & Daniel!!
Your love story
isn't just surviving through this pandemic,
it's thriving!

And this sneak peek is the proof . . .
(Enjoy!)

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement Pricing.
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.
To view more Wedding images, click on my gallery HERE.

From the moment Sammie, Michael and I connected on FaceTime,
I just knew we would click.
They are both so down-to-earth and sweet.
It was so great to meet up at the park
and witness their love in person.
They've been together for quite a while,
but still have nothing but heart eyes for each other.
I'm so excited for their wedding!
2021 better be good to them!!

Here is their e-session sneak peek . . .

To book you own engagement session, contact me HERE.
Click HERE for engagement/couple's session pricing.
Click HERE to see my engagement/couple's session gallery.

Like so many couples in 2020,
Emily & Connor had to rewrite their wedding story.
That said, their day turned out absolutely breathtaking.
It was the perfect fall evening,
full of color, color and more color.
(And a couple cute pups)
I think the warmth of their images
reflects the warmth in their relationship.

October 10th, also just happened to be the anniversary
of when they first began dating.
So naturally, they wanted to make this special date
their double anniversary.
As you can imagine, 10.10.2020
was a pretty popular date.
Originally, they couldn't find a venue with it still available.
I guess one good thing came
from all the heartbreak of Covid-19.

Emily & Connor were able to have their meaningful date.
And due to a cancellation that I had,
I was now available to capture all of it for them.

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Hughes
for inviting me into your celebration.
I hope I did it justice!

​Here is your sneak peek . . .

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement Pricing.
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.
To view more Wedding images, click on my gallery HERE.

It's been a few years
since I photographed this beautiful family.
It was so wonderful to catch up
and to see how little Frankie has grown.

I love when I can document
a Mommy/Daughter relationship.
It's such a strong and special connection.
Every Mother should treat herself to
a session like this!

Please enjoy this sweet sneak peek . . .

To book your own family session,
contact me ​HERE.
To see my family gallery, click HERE.
To see my family session pricing, click HERE.

Lindsey and Patrick weren't always
going to get married in their own backyard,
but man was it the right call!

Over a month before their big day
I went to check out their location.
There was more dirt than there was grass.
In a very short window of time,
and with the help of incredible family and friends,
they were able to completely transform their space.

They leveled the ground, planted grass seed
and decorated it so elegantly.
By the time their special day arrived,
it really was a magical setting!

I am so thrilled that I was asked to be a part of it all.
Thank you so much Mr. & Mrs. Sweazey!

I hope you love your sneak peek . . .

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement pricing.
To book your own wedding, contact me HERE.

>>>   <<<

I am continually blown away
by how many couples have managed
to switch gears mid-planning stage
and still pull off absolutely breathtaking weddings
in such limited timeframes.

Erica and Matt are no exception.
After losing their originally booked venue
they created their own woodland fairytale
nestled in a neighborhood trailway.
And it was beyond lovely!

The day included a couple other unexpected surprises as well.
Including the Bride and Groom running out of gas
and getting stranded on the way to their own reception!
Despite the obstacles, they handled it all with laughter and grace,
​as they were surrounded by close friends and family.
And more love than anyone could ever ask for.

Mr. & Mrs. Grenier
thank you for allowing me to capture your perfect day.
I am wishing you a lifetime
of health, happiness and full gas tanks!

​Please enjoy your sneak peek . . . 

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement pricing.
To book your own wedding, contact me HERE.

​>>>   <<<

He was nervous when I showed up.
He was waiting patiently for his Bride
in disbelief that he was getting married
and hoping he wouldn't drop the ring.

He cried when he saw her in her dress.
And when they embraced you could feel the overwhelming love!

Serena and Omar literally found me nine days before their wedding
on a local Facebook Mom's group.

They got married during blue hour,
just after sunset at a beautiful park.
It was a small wedding with just family and close friends.
They hired me for an hour and a half,
enough time to create some lovely memories
of their intimate day.

These micro weddings are giving me all the feels!
The focus is so much about the connection
between the couple.
And these two have amazing connection!

Mr. and Mrs. Melendez, I am wishing you a lifetime
of happy tears.

Please enjoy your sneak peek . . .

Click HERE to see my Wedding and Elopement Pricing.
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.

​>>>   <<<

A worldwide Pandemic, windy weather conditions, beach photo bombers.
Nothing, and I mean nothing could stop
the love and future of Caitlin & Jeremy!
And yet, even with so many obstacles
their day was so lovely and full of genuine support.

This couple has an incredible group of family and friends.
They literally jumped in whenever they saw a need
and worked to smooth everything out.

Mr. & Mrs. Dow, it was an honor!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
I wish you the very best.

Please enjoy your sneak peek . . .

Getting Ready.

Click HERE to see my Wedding & Elopement Pricing.
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.

​>>>   <<<

I was so excited when Cassidy and Joey
asked if we could shoot their e-session at Geneseo.
They shared so many special memories going to school here.
It was so much fun walking the grounds with them
as they reminisced.

The images turned out so beautiful,
I can't wait for their wedding next year!

​Here is their engagement sneak peek . . .

Welcome to Love In The Time of Corona!
Jillian and Jeffrey always planned on a small, intimate ceremony
and it was just as lovely as we all pictured it would be.
Their, party with friends,  will have to wait until next year,
however, that didn't diminish
the beauty or emotion of their special day!

Jillian and Jeffrey are two of the kindest, most gracious souls.
They radiate positive vibes and
the connection they share with one another, is undeniable.
There's a mutual respect between them.
It's in the soft way he speaks to her
and the understanding way that she responds.
Theirs is a love so powerful
not even a worldwide pandemic can halt it!

Thank you so much Mr. & Mrs. Newell
for inviting me (with a mask 😷)
into your love story!
I hope I did it justice.

Here is your official sneak peek . . .

Click HERE to see my Wedding & Elopement Pricing
To book your own Wedding, contact me HERE.

​>>>   <<<

I mean, how exactly can my job be hard
with clients that look like Sophia?!
Senior year is looking a little different these days.
It's a tough time for everyone right now.
I'm so happy that I can have a small part
in making things memorable and special.

Sophia chose one of my favorite places to shoot and
she totally rocked her senior session!

So, here is her senior sneak peek,
let me know what you think . . .

Interested in a Senior Session?
Click HERE to see my senior session pricing guide.
Contact me HERE, to book your own session!

​>>>   <<<

What a blessing to be back to work.
Even with the challenges of Covid-19 restrictions.
My mask was steaming up my camera view finder,
so I literally had to hold my breath for each photo.
Which is tough when you're trying to direct your clients.
Still, I'm not going to complain too much.
I'm just thrilled to do what I love.

And baby Bennett was the perfect way to get back into the swing of things.
Such a doll and so alert.
Her eye contact was on point.
I hope her parents cherish these images forever!

Here is her sneak peek . . .

To book your own Newborn Lifestyle Session, contact me HERE.
​For Maternity/Newborn session pricing, click HERE.

​>>>   <<<

​>>>   <<<