When I walked down the aisle at my own wedding, I carried two bouquets - one for myself, and one for my mom. At the head of the aisle, before I joined hands with my husband, I laid my mom’s bouquet on her chair. The chair was empty, but it was reserved for her. I have so many memories of my wedding day, but that still, small moment of resting that bouquet there felt incredibly, peacefully solitary. I was surrounded by so many people, being watched by so many hearts, but that moment felt like an embrace - a private moment between me and my mom. She wasn’t there…but she was. I know she was…
Mary + Matt // A Destination Wedding at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, FL
Many of my fondest college memories begin with the statement, “RA!” (Read that in all of the exuberance that those two letters could ever possibly hold in a greeting.) As a college student, I was a Resident Assistant for a few years, and my perfect little Mary was one of my very favorite residents. I would often come back to my room with notes from her left on the whiteboard on my door - often they would just say, “RA!” Sometimes, they had a little more substance. She echoed this greeting every time I saw her - in the cafeteria, in the hallway, in class… Mary exemplified joy and excitement in every way possible.
Giving Your Heart: Free Wedding Photography Coverage (and a little something extra!)
We learn so much from the people that raise us.
I learned the most from my Mum - my best friend, confidante, rescuer, best hugger, mommy. One of the biggest lessons she taught me was that when you have nothing material to give, you can still give your heart, and that is one of the biggest and best gifts you could give to anyone…
Claudia + Dylan // A Sunset Winter Wedding at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY
Abbi + Ray // A Warm Winery Wedding at Magnanini Winery's Two Hearts Vineyard in Wallkill, NY
Nora + Dan // A Blush and Navy September Wedding at Highlands Country Club in Garrison, NY
Wedding Day Timeline Guidelines
The day-of timeline can sometimes be one of the more daunting aspects of planning a wedding day. Most standard wedding photography contracts cover 8 hours, and it can sometimes seem disingenuous to seemingly try to cram months and months of planning into 8 hours of photos. Trust me: it can be done - and is done well, and regularly. :)
Erin + Ben // A Rustic Wedding at Alyson's Orchard in Walpole, NH
Julia + Bart // A Classic Summer Wedding at the Chocksett Colonial Inn in Sterling, MA
Wedding days are always so obviously filled with tangible beauty. Gorgeous gowns, perfect hair, tailored suits, luxurious gifts. But what makes them special, unique, and worth every ounce of effort put into planning them...is the intangible beauty; the beauty you can't see, but can feel. The laughter. The tears. The sweet phrases. The hugs, kisses, and awestruck wonder of new beginnings...
Allie + Miles // A Bright Backyard Wedding in New Paltz, NY
Alexa + Joe // A Disney Inspired Wedding in Moonachie, NJ
Last year, I made a commitment to give away one free wedding package each year to a couple who had lost a parent. My mom passed away before I was married, and not having her on my wedding day with me was heartbreaking. There is so much community in loss. It's an odd community. A bittersweet one. But a community, nonetheless...
30
Dear 20-year-old me,
Hey, it's me. Well, you. Well, us together. We are the same.
30 years ago today a 30-year-old woman gave birth to a round baby girl that the nurses said looked like the Gerber baby, and others questioned whether or not you were named after Erika Kane from Days of Our Lives (because that was cool in the '80s). Actually, you were named after your mother's brother, Eric. Your mom was psyched that day; you were a miracle baby, and she had had dreams of you long before you were even born.
I'm Giving Away a Wedding - Again!
My mom died before I was even engaged, which was truly heartbreaking to me. Her biggest dream was to see her daughters get married. Growing up, we talked a lot about weddings. We talked about gowns and rings and how she prayed for us to marry the perfect person.
We talked. I miss that.
The anniversary of Mum's death is July 16. 6 years. So, sometimes, July sucks. But this year, July is going to be awesome. Why?
Because I'm giving away a wedding.
Yes. For real. This is not a joke.
I'm giving away a wedding package for the upcoming 2018 season.
Shana + Rob // An Intimate Park Wedding at Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown, NY
Shana + Rob are what I refer to as the realest of the real. I remember meeting them at our initial consultation, and thinking, Wow - these people feel like old friends; I could talk to them for days. Seriously. They are confident, but kind. They were excited, but down-to-earth. Their wedding day was gorgeous, and oh so them...
Jaime // A Lifegiving Session at Stonykill Farm in Beacon, NY
I seem to be surrounded by pregnant mamas lately. I won't lie - I'm not mad about it. :) I think pregnancy is one of the most beautiful, remarkable, and miraculous things that a woman can go through. Jaime's pregnancy is even more special because she's my sister-in-love, so her cute little belly is holding my new nephew. T minus 2 weeks, y'all...
Alex + Kevin // A Forest Green and Copper Inspired Fall Wedding in Middletown, NY
Alex + Kevin are the type of people you always want to be around. They are magnetic with their wit and cheerfulness, and draw others to them easily with their compassion and kindness. They love to encourage others, and it's evident in every part of every interaction with them. They are givers, and they exude a special type of goodwill that you can't quite put your finger on, but you know you want it in your life...
The Top Eight Things I Learned in Business in 2016
If you follow my Instagram, you were able to count down my top 31 favorite moments of 2016. Some had to do with my business, some had to do with my personal life - almost all of them had to do with connection.
Connection is so much. In life. And in business. I'm a firm believer that genuine connection with others should be a priority in business. 2016 has taught me this well...
Jamie + Nick // A Rustic Ridge View Farm Wedding in Kerhonksen, NY
It's funny how certain memories stick. I remember very vividly meeting Jamie + Nick for the first time. They dreamt of their gorgeous farm wedding with me. They told me about the incredible venue, their thoughts for their colors and bridesmaid dresses, their desire to have a day that just encompassed all that they are together, and celebrated it in the best of ways...
Catherine + Thomas // A Mohonk Mountain House Wedding in New Paltz, NY
Chelsea + Ernie // A DIY-Infused Wedding in New Windsor, NY
Chelsea and Ernie are an important part of my little tribe. Their relationship has been one of my favorites to come alongside. Chelsea is the soft to Ernie's loud, the sweetness to his boisterousness. They are genuine through and through, and are some of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met...