Welcome to the Blog!


 

I’ve had the privilege to be part of so many incredible days and here you’ll find a collection of them as well as some tips and suggestions for making your best day ever come true — with a few personal posts sprinkled in every now and then too! Take a look around and find inspiration for your best day!

location guides

 
The Stonington Meadows - Mystic, Connecticut Wedding | Trinity & Curtis
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The Stonington Meadows - Mystic, Connecticut Wedding | Trinity & Curtis

I remember the first time Trinity and I spoke on the phone - instantly drawn to her sweet personality - we chatted about almost everything and I fell in love with her vision for their wedding day. Even more than that, the way she talked about Curtis and their relationship had me so excited to meet these two. We decided on Harkness Memorial State Park for their engagement session, an especially meaningful decision as it was where they actually got engaged! In addition to getting to know Trinity and Curtis as we walked around, I also got to meet their sweet pup, Lulu, and Curtis’ parents (who generously volunteered to dog-sit while we explored).

Their love for Fall and the outdoors made The Stonington Meadows an easy choice for their wedding venue, with large windows and a beautiful view of the marsh behind. They couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather to go along with this amazing venue and all that they had planned for the day.

Trinity and Curtis, thank you for trusting me to capture the love you share!

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Pond House Cafe Hartford, Connecticut Wedding | Rachel & Harrison
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Pond House Cafe Hartford, Connecticut Wedding | Rachel & Harrison

From the first moment I met these two their genuineness and ability to truly have fun together was infectious.

Maybe it’s in part because they’ve known each practically since birth, but they are so comfortably themselves with each other. After sporadically keeping in touch over the years, Rachel tells the story of them reconnecting when they happened to be at the same restaurant one night and Harrison made a funny face at her from across the room - the more time I spent with them the more I realized that this interaction is so them.

I would also like to mention another beautiful part of their story that I think made their wedding day even more intimate and precious. Harrison serves with the United States Air Force (thank you for your service, Harrison!) and he and Rachel have had several seasons of time apart in their relationship. The more I think about it, watching the two of them together there’s really no other way to put it (sorry for the cliche) but they’ve found home in each other. From short visits and moves around the country, they’ve stood one another. Watching them embrace is like getting a little window into the immense comfort and safe space they’ve created together.

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Nope, actually I was definitely crying. Especially watching Harrison’s reaction to Rachel walking down the aisle and then when they literally did a little *completely* adorable jump together in the first few moments after sealing their union with a kiss.

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Tyrone Farm Fall Wedding Pomfret, Connecticut | Johnna & Jay
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Tyrone Farm Fall Wedding Pomfret, Connecticut | Johnna & Jay

Johnna and Jay spent 10 years together before walking down the aisle, but if there’s one thing I could say about these two it’s that the foundation they spent time building, well, it certainly shows.

From the moment I first met them, the way Jay looks at Johnna let’s you know that he feels like the luckiest guy in the world.

I got to document the day they confessed their love for each other in front of their friends and family, and with the sweetest vows they committed their forevers to one another and it was pretty dang cool to witness. During the bouquet toss I planted myself next to Jay at their sweetheart table to get the best shot, and as she was laughing it up enjoying the moment with the gals, I looked over at Jay and said, “she’s pretty great, isn’t she?”

His response? Grinning from ear to ear he said, “Yeah. She’s the best

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

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Elegant Farm Engagement Photos - Connecticut | Joe & Tori
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Elegant Farm Engagement Photos - Connecticut | Joe & Tori

When I received their inquiry several months ago, I remember smiling as I read that although from an outsider’s perspective these two seem like opposites, as they discovered their friendship and gave it the chance to blossom they often times couldn’t believe just how similar they really were. I love stories like this.

From the very first conversation we shared, I could tell that Joe and Tori were a couple full of life and fully in love. Their love for nature and genuine openness to each other and new experiences is not only sweet and infectious, it’s something I know will carry them through the ups and downs of marriage.

That first conversation also had me completely excited to finally meet them in person and see their love in action. From the moment we began and these two started interacting I could tell the whole night was going to be magic - and it was.

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Olana State Historic Site: Hudson, New York - Engagement Session | Bridgette & Mike
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Olana State Historic Site: Hudson, New York - Engagement Session | Bridgette & Mike

If you follow my Instagram you may already know that my sister is getting married!!! While Bridgette is technically my husband’s sister, making her officially my sister-in-law, since the moment we met she’s been the sister I never had. From road tripping to Florida, watching her graduate from college, bar-hopping, hanging out and finding the best places to eat, to now watching her be the most amazing Aunt to our daughter - I simply can’t imagine life without her. And now she can’t imagine life without Mike!

By this time next year these two will officially be Mr. & Mrs. and I couldn’t be happier for them. Aside from just being thrilled to have watched their love story blossom from the very beginning, it’s also been a huge privilege to have been trusted with capturing some of the milestones along the way.

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Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut - Engagement Session | Taylor & Sean
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Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut - Engagement Session | Taylor & Sean

The only thing I love more than photographing couples in love is photographing couples in love with their dogs.

Taylor and Sean were another couple that we had to reschedule and move locations due to predicted weather, but the great part about all of this meant that they were able to bring these cuties with them. And, really, that because of that I got to meet these cuties! If you can’t tell just by the photo above these two pups are simply full of love. I didn’t even have any treats on me and look at them cheesin’ for the camera.

We only had a few minutes together before the real rain started coming down, but it was a few minutes well worth it. Keep an eye out for their continued engagement session later this month…. and then for their wedding in 2020!

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Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut Engagement Session | Kelly & Stephen
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Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut Engagement Session | Kelly & Stephen

We had to reschedule this session…. two times? Maybe? I felt bad every time we touched base and made the decision to call it and hold out for better weather. I mean, it’s New England and we’ve got to roll with Mother Nature’s punches, but I was crossing my fingers the day we ended up getting together that the stars would align and give these two the best weather. And align they did.

Kelly and Stephen, you guys are awesome. An absolute blast to be around and the smiles you bring out in one another are making me smiling just writing this.

Looking forward to your 2020 wedding! Thanks for asking me tell your story.

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Jonathan Edwards Winery Event
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Jonathan Edwards Winery Event

You know how there’s a large part of the population who would likely tell you “I hate surprises,” when asked?

Well, I discovered that it’s because no one has been surprised with a birthday party amongst the vines at Jonathan Edwards Winery before. If everyone had experienced this kind of surprise I think we would be able to change the stigma around the dreaded word “Surprise!”.

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Great River Golf Club Milford, Connecticut - Summer Wedding | Julie & Tom
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Great River Golf Club Milford, Connecticut - Summer Wedding | Julie & Tom

Going into this wedding weekend I had my fingers AND toes crossed for beautiful weather for this sweet couple - and mother nature certainly did not disappoint. Between blue skies and comfortable temps for the guests to enjoy a gorgeous outdoor ceremony at Great River Golf Club, this was the kind of day couples dream about.

Julie and Tom spoke their vows in front of cherished friends and family and I’m pretty certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Every detail was beautifully planned and as soon as the day began I could immediately tell they were both just excited to relax and enjoy the festivities.

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Couple’s Session | Downtown Mystic, Connecticut
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Couple’s Session | Downtown Mystic, Connecticut

This session was the foggiest I think I have ever seen it in Mystic. And I’m completely obsessed with the magical quality that fog gives couple’s photos, particularly when they are by the water.

These two are so full of love and laughter it just makes my heart burst. There is nothing I love more than standing back and getting a little window into the giggles and romance in everyday fun shared by two people committed to each other forever. Don’t you just love love?

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Trailblazer - Boston Voyager
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Trailblazer - Boston Voyager

Awhile back I had the privilege of being interviewed by Boston Voyager. Instances like this are such an honor and also a wonderful opportunity to be able to look back and see where I was, both personally and as a business, and what’s changed since. I wanted to share the contents of the article here on the blog to make sure I don’t lose track of it!

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2 Things to Consider When Planning Your Honeymoon
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2 Things to Consider When Planning Your Honeymoon

Chances are if you’re Facebook status currently reads “Engaged” you’ve likely spent so much time bogged down by invitation lists, seating charts, and floral choices that you’ve forgotten there’s even such a thing as a honeymoon. I’m here to remind you that after all of the celebration with friends and family you can make the decision to celebrate just you and your forever! Here are two simple things to think about that will hopefully make planning your honeymoon a whole lot less stressful.

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Senior Session | Harkness Memorial State Park
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Senior Session | Harkness Memorial State Park

Meet Emma!

Emma is an absolute gem - she’s a beautiful combination of a genuine personality and an infectious smile. A couple of years ago when I first met her family (we all pretty much instantly became friends), I remember them saying "We can't wait for senior photos!" We've done a few amazing sessions in between, but it's really hard to believe she's graduated and closed a big chapter and turned the page to a new adventure.

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Mercedes McCoy, Makeup Artist & Facialist | Studio Tour
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Mercedes McCoy, Makeup Artist & Facialist | Studio Tour

Spring is finally feeling like it’s here to stay and I don’t know about you but this warm weather and sunshine on my face has me thinking about staying more active, letting my inner beauty shine, and taking proper care of my skin to keep it looking healthy. I thought there no better time than now, with wedding season on its way, to talk about one my favorite local Makeup Artists, Mercedes McCoy, and to take you on a little tour to show you the inside of her gorgeous studio.

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Personal Branding | Tara with Rodan & Fields
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Personal Branding | Tara with Rodan & Fields

You know when you meet someone and think - they’re just so genuine?

I think that word sums up Tara best. Full of life and grace, a beautiful spirit, fiercely compassionate with a thirst for knowledge and understanding - I’m grateful to have met her and to have had the honor of getting to know her. And especially stoked to give her images showcasing her personality, priorities and her journey in business with Rodan & Fields.

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