Lumina Images - Wedding and Lifestyle Photography - New England

CHANGE IN BLOG ADDRESS

2009-01-23T22:39:00.001-05:00

HEY EVERYONE, I HAVE A NEW BLOG ADDRESS AND WEBSITE....PLEASE CONTINUE TO VISIT ME AT: WWW.LUMINAIMAGESBLOG.COM

SEE YOU THERE :-)

THANKS!

Updates

2009-01-16T21:09:00.004-05:00

So I started fooling around with this blog template today because I'm so bored with it and did SOMETHING and can't my margins right again.......but no worries, NEW BLOG & WEBSITE COMING IN A WEEK!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT, KEEP CHECKING BACK!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

Wow, can't believe it's been two weeks since I've updated my blog! With the craziness of the Holidays and being that I've been under the weather for two weeks I lost track of time.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Keep checking back, new and exciting things coming soon!!

More Christmas....

2008-12-15T09:00:00.007-05:00

So a few weeks ago I did one all day Mini-Holiday Session event. It was interesting to say the least. I felt like I was hit by a freight train the next morning.....anyway, this little munchkin was NOT in a good mood that day so here's a retake of little Hailey....so sweet! Just so you know; hanging Hailey in her stocking on the fireplace was her uncle Charlie's idea.....but I made sure she was perfectly safe of course, he was holding her the entire time, but I removed him with some Photoshop magic!

Nadia & Alex - Engagement

2008-12-12T01:32:00.005-05:00

Nadia & Alex, what can I say other than you can sense the chemistry when they're together. I've known Nadia for quite some time as she's my children's hairdresser, and had met Alex once before. Some couples in this setting are a little uncomfortable at first but these two were magic, none of mine needed :-)

It was so incredibly cold and windy the day we shot these, but you could never tell with these two. After my fingers started getting a little numb and slow with the shutter, I decided to call it quits or I could have photographed them all day; they made my job so EASY and I was getting "the shot" over and over!

Nadia & Alex thank you so much for such a wonderful time and August cannot come soon enough (a little heat right now wouldn't hurt either), I can't wait for your wedding!

**please turn off my playlist to the right to listen to the slideshow music, and be patient as it loads.

Wedding - New Bedford

2008-12-09T12:06:00.005-05:00

Here are a few photos of some 2nd shooting I did for Jen Leatherwood. It was my last wedding with her this season.
Maggie the bride was incredible, it was pretty cold out but she was willing to do whatever it took because she just really wanted good pictures, and she got them! Make sure you check out Jen's slideshow: http://leatherwoodphotography.com/blog/?p=580

First Glance - Alex & Tiffany

2008-12-08T08:50:00.010-05:00

Who says you can't plan a fabulous wedding in two months? Friday was a rush of emotions for me because my "little" cousin Tiffany got married....it was amazingly beautiful filled with SO MANY DETAILS! I can't wait to blog more about it and to put the slideshow together....here is a quick first glance for now....

Wedding - South Shore

2008-12-03T12:24:00.005-05:00

Here's another wedding I was the second shooter for Jen Leatherwood in October. The brides dress was gorgeous and had an antique feel to it....I have really been so blessed with all these opportunities!

Wedding - New Hampshire

2008-12-03T11:53:00.007-05:00

Here are some photos from a wedding I second shot for Jen Leatherwood in October at the Gunstock Mountain Resort in New Hampshire. Crisp, cool and amazing fall colors everywhere...my favorite time of year.

Frantz & Jackie

2008-12-01T09:39:00.005-05:00

I was lucky enough to get some wedding experience under my belt this year by second shooting for Jen Leatherwood, which was an amazing opportunity. But I finally shot my first wedding on my own this past weekend. Frantz & Jackie thank you so much for letting me document your beautiful day. It was an interesting one to say the least, the ceremony started exactly 1 hour late leaving us in the dark for formal pictures. Talk about trying to be creative, and finding every available street light! I especially enjoyed witnessing some of Frantz's Haitian customs and listening to one of my favorite styles of music at the reception: morna (creole). There is something romantic and mesmerizing about that beat, watching them out on the dance floor really wrapped up the day and the love these two share. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-11-27T20:47:00.006-05:00

I've been trying to squeeze in my kids Xmas pictures for weeks now and just haven't had the opportunity. Here is a quick session we got in today of my two little guys (well I guess they're not so little anymore) before heading to our Thanksgiving lunch. Aren't they so handsome?
Since I'm ALWAYS the one behind the camera and have few pictures with them, I asked my husband to take one....thanks babe! Although, I had just told my 5 year old to stop whining so the expressions aren't ideal :-)

Holiday Sessions

2008-11-23T21:03:00.009-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites from this weekend's Holiday Sessions. We had quite an interesting day yesterday. My sister let me use her home for these sessions. She has this amazingly huge wide open living room with this awesome natural light. But let me tell you, my godchild Lilly was NOT to thrilled about IT! Every time one of the other children would cry so would she, and at six months old she basically PROTESTED by not drinking her milk all day! Needless to say we were quite exhausted by the end of the day, thanks so much to everyone who came over and let me photograph all these cute little faces...and especially to Kathy & Michael for letting me use your home.

Holiday Cards

2008-11-19T23:47:00.005-05:00

I have many Holiday Card options, here are more of my favorites! Most of these will be flat press printed cards, printed on the front and back.

Murphy Family

2008-11-19T01:23:00.004-05:00

I photographed the Murphy Family a few weeks ago. Chris, Stacy, Robin & Colin (and Maverick) were such a pleasure. The main purpose of the session was to photograph Colin to commemorate his 3rd birthday. What a cutie! I was trying to get him to laugh by having him show me his expressions and he was a real pro at them as you'll see. I also had a wonderful time photographing Robin , check out those eyes. Thanks for everything especially your patience Murphy Family!

Custom Holiday Cards

2008-11-16T22:57:00.004-05:00

I have beautiful custom Holiday cards available. No time for a session? How about using a past session for them? Please contact me for pricing.

Marine Corps Ball Gallery Ready

2008-11-13T11:14:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to say the Gallery for the Marine Corp Ball pictures is ready. You should have received an email from me with directions on how to view them this morning, or the website address is also on the card you received from me on Saturday. If you have any questions or need help with it, please email me at soaresn@msn.com.

Thanks! Happy viewing and please feel free to leave me a comment on if you like them or not, and if you would like to see anything different in the future.

Proofs - 2008 Marine Corps Ball

2008-11-10T01:38:00.007-05:00

Coming your way soon..... I have hundreds of them to review. I'll have them ready for viewing in an online gallery in another day or two. Anyone who took a formal (or not so formal :-) picture and gave me your email address will receive a notification once they are ready. If you're looking for the link, please send me an email and I will respond. Thank you.

2008 Marine Corps Ball

2008-11-10T00:25:00.006-05:00

Saturday, I had the pleasure of once again attending a Marine Corps Ball. Manny and I attended quite a few of these many moons ago as he was a Marine for over 10+ years......We were excited for quite a few reasons; Manny hadn't seen some of his Marine Corps buddies since leaving his unit (I could sense the emotion it was stirring in him for weeks prior). It was our first "DATE" night in as long as I can remember, AND I was photographing the entire night, "formals" included. Not something I typically do, so lets just say there was some butterflies in my stomach.
We had a fantastic time! and I'd like to thank everyone for giving me such a great opportunity. Especially Gunnery Sergeant Arsenault, who not only trusted me w/this event, but also brought all the "crew" together to reminisce.

I'll close with this; There is nothing more bone chilling then spending a night in a room filled with Marines; young and old, active and not, women and men, with their pressed uniforms, shiny shoes and metals, war and drill stories....most of which volunteered for their duties. They all some how share this unspoken bond. As a spouse you can sense it, but you can't explain it. All I can do is try to show it to you:

The song: GOODNIGHT SAIGON by Billy Joel

....We met as soul mates On Parris Island........and we were so gung ho To lay down our lives. We came in spastic Like tameless horses We left in plastic As numbered corpses..... We dug in deep And shot on sight And prayed to Jesus Christ With all our might.... And it was dark So dark at night And we held on to each other Like brother to brother We promised our mothers we'd write... And we would all go down together We said we'd all go down together ........

Then.......Here's an amazing event I was fortunate enough to document...

Gift Certificates Available

2008-11-06T11:55:00.004-05:00

Thinking of something unique to give this Holiday Season? Anyone getting married, or having a baby? Please consider a Lumina Images gift certificate for weddings, births, showers and birthday parties! Just want to make everyone aware that I do offer gift certificates in any value. Please contact me if you would like to purchase one.

Chemistry Lesson - Sneak Peek

2008-11-02T22:59:00.007-05:00

......These two just have such a natural chemistry I couldn't just pick a few! Can't wait for this wedding.....more to come.

Sneak Peek

2008-11-02T22:37:00.007-05:00

Here's to another crazy weekend.... Awesome wedding with Jen Leatherwood again on Saturday, and two sessions today. I'll hopefully be sharing some of the last three wedding pictures soon.

Here's a peek at Meghan. We started off talking about this session with quite a few ideas about having Megan's horses and friend in on the session, but it just didn't work out. We're going to try that in the spring. Thanks for such a fun afternoon Meghan!

Christine & Ozzy - Engagement

2008-10-29T22:59:00.006-04:00

When they were younger Christine and Ozzy saw their share of ups and downs (as so many of us did), but I'm happy to say they found their way back to each other....the rest is history!

I've known Christine for literally most of my life. She's like family (cousin of a cousin), she also grew up with my sister and is one of her dearest friends. Christine is seriously one of the funniest people I know. She just loves to laugh and have a good time. The party usually hasn't started until Christine arrives. Her smile and laughter is infectious. But she certainly has a serious side. She is just as caring and loving as she is funny, and therefore always puts her family and friends first. Ozzy too is a cousin of a cousin (don't worry no relation), and he also loves to laugh as you'll see shortly.

They've chosen to have a destination wedding in S. Miguel, Azores (Portugal) next July. Which is no surprise being that their heritage is such a big part of their daily lives. I am thrilled to have been chosen to document such an amazing event, at a place that is so important to the both of them, I can't wait!

Thank you so much Christine and Ozzy, I had a blast and can't wait for July!

**Please stop the music on my Playlist (to the right) before beginning slideshow. Also please be patient as the slideshow takes a minute to load.

The Arsenaults

2008-10-26T23:19:00.006-04:00

...these munchkins were so cute, although there was no shooting around the face plant the little guy took the previous day. Who needs bandaids when you have Photoshop!...big brother had some bruises too....never a dull moment with two boys, I know that for a fact!

HOT! HOT! - Sneak Peek

2008-10-26T15:42:00.021-04:00

So here is my attempt at adding some variety to my portfolio. Jenny was super easy to photograph because she is just so stunning! The 1st is definately my favorite.

Sneak Peek - Check this out!

2008-10-20T16:11:00.006-04:00

...This is one of many freebie sessions I'm doing in the next couple of weeks to add some variety to my portfolio. This is just a sneak peek but I couldn't decide on just 3-4 pictures! I had so much fun with these girls...more to come....

Murphy Family Sneak Peek

2008-10-20T06:48:00.004-04:00

Engagement Sneak Peek

2008-10-20T06:35:00.005-04:00

What a crazy weekend, traveled to New Hampshire on Saturday to 2nd shoot a wedding all day and three photo sessions yesterday. Here are John and Jennifer and their dog Keeoti (sp?).
More to come.....

Ms. Jolie

2008-10-16T00:32:00.007-04:00

So I 1st met little Ms. Jolie almost 3 years ago, her brother Adam and my son Alec were at the same Tae Kwon Doe School. I remember her then quite well, little 2 year old who knew exactly what she wanted, when she wanted it and how she was going to get it all the time. The most independent little girl ever.....I can remember her telling her mom Mel (who along with husband Curt our are closest friends),"I do it, I do it", and she would actually "do it" no matter what, as she was so determined. I thought it was pretty remarkable at such a young age. Well she's still like that! But she's the sweetest little "girly, girl" EVER, she loves to give hugs and kisses and there is nothing more special then that.

It was such a treat to finally do this for her and especially for Mel. As I edited and put this slideshow together, something was certainly pulling at my heart strings. As with my own children, I sat here looking at this beautiful little girl, and she grew up right before my eyes and I wondered where the time had gone....

Jolie, you will always be my "little Ms. Jolie", and I hope you always remember where you can ask for a BIG scoop of peanut butter on a big colorful spoon FOREVER!

**please remember to shut off my playlist (to the right), and be patient as the slideshow loads

Melissa, Alex & Raul

2008-10-13T15:57:00.008-04:00

I photographed Melissa, Alex & the little Raul a few weeks ago. Melissa has been friends with my sister since elementary school and has since moved to Florida. But they were in town for several events and we planned a photo session. Raul has the cutest smile and was such a treat to photography. Thanks so much guys!!

1st annual Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome 5k Walk/Run

2008-10-07T23:50:00.010-04:00

So as most of you know I volunteered to shoot the 1st annual Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome 5k Walk/Run last Sunday...what an amazing day.

They had an incredible amount of people attend the event; from avid runners, to children that have been diagnosed with the Beckwith-Wiedemann disease and their families, to some of last season's Biggest Loser contestants from all over the country that came to support the Kruger brothers, to just plain old good-hearted people that came to support a great cause whether they walked, volunteered to help, or were just there for support....then there are those that came to catch a glimpse of the local celebrities :-) Whoever you were it doesn't matter, you contributed to a heart-clenching cause which is to help improve the lives of these children. We'll see you next year!

**To view all the proofs from the days' events please click on the Beckwith-Wiedemann icon at this link:
http://nsoares1.photobiz.com/cart/
*Sorry for all you runners who are looking for particular pictures, I had no idea who would be viewing these so I have included them ALL.

5% of the total print sales will be donated to the Beckwith-Wiedemann Foundation

Thanks so much for stopping by my site/blog. Here are a few of the highlights of the day:

Had to put this in here....me w/Mark & Jay Kruger

1st annual Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome 5k Walk/Run

2008-10-06T13:06:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to all that participated in this incredible event!

A warm thank you to the Kruger family and all the "Biggest Losers". It was such and honor and pleasure to document such an outpouring of support....also probably the closest I'll ever get to celebraties :-)

Please come back later in the week for instructions on how to view the event photos.

Thanks!!

Christine & Ozzy - Sneak Peek

2008-10-05T00:53:00.006-04:00

Christine and Ozzy...where do I begin? I'll save it for the slideshow, I'll just tell you their wedding will be my first destination wedding!! It's taking place in S. Miguel, Portugal next July and I'm SOOOOO excited! Stay tuned for their slideshow soon.

....yes that's Ozzy's reflection in the glass..pretty cool...

Jolie - Sneak Peak

2008-10-05T00:01:00.006-04:00

How fitting it was to take Ms. Jolie's pictures yesterday as her mom Melanie (one of my very best friends) and I did the 3 mile walk this morning benefiting the March of Dimes. This is the 2nd year I walked with Mel in Jolie's name, as she was over 8 weeks premature. It's such a heartwarming feeling to be involved in something so beneficial to children and families.........here's little miss independant (when I first met Jolie she was two and all I remember is her ALWAYS saying "I do, I do, I do"..)...more to come this week.

What's a Trash the Dress You Say?

2008-10-03T16:28:00.006-04:00

So since posting my blog entry about free sessions I've gotten a bunch of "what's a Trash the Dress"....so here goes (I got this explanation from a stylist blog online): Amid the posy photos and puffed-up bios that comprise the wedding announcement section of Sunday Times Style Section, there was a fascinating article on the rising trend of so-called Trash the Dress wedding photography.Trash the Dress, you say? It's exactly what it sounds like -- following the blessed event, the bride straps on that gorgeous dress once again for a final farewell photo to the gown she spent a fortune to wear for one day only. Only instead of posing in some predictably idyllic setting, the picture is shot in a scroungy back alley or a mossy lake......

Now we don't have to necessarily destroy it, and it doesn't even have to be a wedding dress, lets do some "hip" or "edgy" or even "glamorous". Or how about some male volunteers...any takers? think "Hollister" or "Abercombe" ads.....might be a good time to re post this, take a look at my first solo trash the dress which is also one of my all time favorite slide shows; the beautiful Charisma in Ontario Canada: any volunteers?? ****please shut of my playlist music on the right before starting the slide show, slide show may take a minute to load***

Free Session - Looking for Models or Guniea Pigs !

2008-10-03T14:18:00.004-04:00

OK everybody,

So I’m going to completely overhaul my website and blog (in my spare time!) and need some MAJOR new pictures to add to my portfolio…..looking for anyone who wants to do a Trash the Dress (doesn’t necessarily have to be a wedding dress), Engagement,
Bridal Portrait Session (maybe you didn’t like your wedding pictures?) or any other fun "adult" or "senior" (as in high school) session you could think of……..don’t want to do it by yourself? maybe we can do a bunch of your closest friends....think "Charlies Angels" !

I'm just looking for some cool, artistic, sexy, fun shots to use on my new site....absolutely free and I'd give you your high-res files on disk. Obviously the weather is slowly going down-hill so it would have to be soon and I'm a little limited on availability, please click on my calendar to the right.

Hoping to squeeze in 10 sessions, first come first serve.

Let me know if you’re interested and feel free to pass this along to anyone you know….. thanks!

Yarmouth, MA

2008-10-02T20:47:00.014-04:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing in the rain at the Red Jacket Beach Resort in Yarmouth!! Seriously, we squeezed in Andy and the groomsmen pictures before the ceremony and the weather held up, but just as the ceremony was about to begin; torrential downpours began! Actually 1/2 way thru the ceremony, everyone had to "huddle" in the middle of the tent because the wind was so strong it was just whipping the rain at everyone. But the weather eventually subsided later in the day and Andy & Sharon had such a great attitude about the whole thing. We learned they had both vacationed there many summers as children, so it was a very special place to them ,and I don't think any amount of rain would have spoiled the amazing day for them.

Thanks to Jen Leatherwood for once again letting me share such a great event with her.

My calendar

2008-09-24T13:15:00.003-04:00

So I have a pretty cool new resource. Since I have so many people asking for appointments (which is AWESOME) and not everyone gets back to me right away, it's been taking quite a bit of time to get back to some of my other customers because I'm not sure what time slots will be available for them. So I've found a solution:

View the Lumina Images Calendar

Click on the link above and you will go straight to my calendar. These are all my available dates until the end of the year. You can just click on the date & time you would like and it will send me an email. I'll confirm the date/time and length of the session or meeting and an email will be sent back to you. You can even sync it with your Outlook or Google Calendar.

Pretty nifty! Feel free to send a comment/email if you have any quesitons. Thanks!!

Dartmouth, MA.

2008-09-22T09:37:00.012-04:00

Once again I had the amazing opportunity of second shooting for Jen Leatherwood, she always has the best brides and bridal party!

Lindsay & Gilly were wed at St. Peter and Paul Church in Fall River and the reception followed at Hawthorne Country Club in Dartmouth. We all became a little worried when the ceremony was supposed to have started at 1:30 but at 1:50 the bride still hadn't arrived. There had been a bridesmaid dress malfunction which caused some delay, but the ceremony finally started and was perfect. Everything and everyone looked fabulous. We had so much time in-between the ceremony and reception for pictures so we headed to Fairhaven, it makes THE WORLD of difference for us photographers, we got some really cool shots.

These two celebrated with so many people that love them.....it gave me goose bumps when the brides sister spoke about Lindsay's struggles when Gilly was in Iraq (he was a Marine) because it reminded me so much of when I first met my husband, and he had just received his orders for Desert Storm....thank goodness those days are over for the both of us!

Lastly, all their guests were party animals.....they literally danced from 9pm to past midnight and could have kept going! What an awesome time......thanks so much for letting me document such a memorable day.

...busselling (sp?) the dress....

Inspiration-Red Marbles

2008-09-19T10:56:00.005-04:00

...so how many emails do we get a day from our friends and acquaintances that we just glance thru, or we don't have time to read so we delete them? Or we will actually sit and read thru them because we don't want to be the friend that misses something and doesn't respond to emails......but then how many of us have read the lines:"If you don't send this to 10 friends you'll have bad luck for 7 years" ? and you think come on what a joke, but this tiny little voice in the back of your head says "but what if" so you do it and apologize to all your friends for it!! come on you know you're one of those people :-) or how many possible versions of "Getting To Know You" could there possibly be?....anyway, just wanted to get you to laugh as it's FRIDAY and I'm so glad my good friend Deborah sent me this and I read it! I'd like to share it with all of you....I know it's long but please take a few minutes to finish this....

RED MARBLES
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes, but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. 'Hello, Barry, how are you today?' 'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.' 'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?' 'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.' 'Good. Anything I can help you with?' 'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.' 'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller. 'No, sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.' 'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?' 'All I got's my prize marble here.' 'Is that right? Let me see it,' said Miller. 'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.' 'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked. 'Not 'zackley, but almost.' 'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble,' Mr. Miller told the boy. 'Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller.' Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile, she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community, and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening, and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary, we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts. . all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. 'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size. . they came to pay their debt. We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided,' but right now Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.' With loving gentleness, she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. . Green stoplights on your way to work. . The fastest line at the grocery store. . .A good sing-along song on the radio. . .Your keys found right where you left them. Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just did. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Boston, MA - Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center

2008-09-17T13:50:00.017-04:00

...So the weekend was somewhat of a wash-out, I had to reschedule all my sessions for Sunday, but Saturday was the prime wedding day. I have to tell you it was quite interesting driving into Boston after a Red Sox double-header, thank goodness I gave myself some extra time. Alex & Wendy were wed at St. Cecilia's Church in Boston which was just amazingly beautiful. I got a bit carried away with some shots of the architecture as I was shooting from the balcony. We then headed to the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center which had these amazing views of the city. The service, food and atmosphere was just pristine. Alex is from California and Wendy was originally from northern Massachusetts and we heard all about how they met in Vegas. Although I didn't get to know them all that well and I know this sounds cliche, but there just looked like they were made for each other. They didn't let each other out of their sights all night long and were just so sweet. They were also surrounded by the best group of family and friends from east to west coasts, and it was such a pleasure to get to know some of them.

Thanks to Jen Leatherwood for once again providing me with the opportunity to 2nd shoot for her!

Personal

2008-09-12T09:08:00.006-04:00

...I was dragging a bit this morning as I was helping my sister wash windows until past 11pm yesterday so they can move into the amazing house my brother-in-law built for them. I came home and was so wound up from the Dunkin Donuts turbo coffee I had, lets just say my head didn't see my pillow until 2am....I get out of the shower this morning and my dark circled eyes are looking in the mirror, and I'm trying to get past the fact that at 33 I'm still dealing w/a small but bright red pimple, right on the tip of my nose! As I'm looking thru my endless makeup draw for some miracle that will cover this thing, when doesn't my 5 year old come in complaining about his brother calling him a "weiner head" and shortly their-after the 7 year old comes in with tears in his eyes because little brother had punched him in the cheek!!!! welcome to my world.....life with two boys.....

I'm really excited about the weekend as I'm second shooting a fantastic wedding in Boston tomorrow, and I have two family sessions and an engagement session on Sunday.........be sure to check back next week for sneak peeks....have a great weekend everybody!

Sneak Peek - Raul & Family

2008-09-12T00:45:00.006-04:00

Charity Work

2008-09-11T11:23:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to ask for your help and support in a few challenges I'm talking on in the next couple of months:

1. The first is the March of Dimes, on October 4th I'll be walking in New Bedford and raising funds for this amazing organization that provides funding and research for premature babies. I have experienced the wonderful work this organization does first hand from one of my best friends daughters who was born 7 weeks prematurely, to my own godchild who was born almost a month premature and so many others I know this has effected. If you would like to support me and donate online, please go to http://www.marchforbabies.org/nsoares

2. I've had the honor of being asked to be the official photographer for the 1st Annual Beckwith-Wiedemann Children's Foundation Walk, which will be in New Bedford on October 5th. Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is an overgrowth related disorder that manifests itself in many ways. If any of you watched the last season of "The Biggest Loser" you may have heard about this disease. Jay Kruger who was one of two local brothers that were also final contestants on the show, has been very closely affected by this disease as his daughter was born with it. It affects one in every 14,000 births and has a pre-disposition to cancer and other life-threatening complications. This organization was created to help improve the quality of life for these children. I'm really looking forward to this as it's the first time I'll be covering and event like this, it's a great cause and I will also hopefully get to meet a few of the other "The Biggest Loser" contestants. If you would like to help or find out more, please go to: www.beckwith-wiedemannsyndrome.org

There is one last organization I would like to mention, but will post separately....stay tuned....

Personal - Blessed & Giving

2008-09-11T10:58:00.003-04:00

I thought today would be a perfect day to just note or remind us all that we all need to sit back and look at how blessed we are. We need to NOT get so wrapped up in the day to day stresses we all have, but to really think about how much we've been given. For me, I have been blessed with two healthy and beautiful boys and a loving husband, and although he hasn't been the picture of health; as many of you know, he'll be having major back surgery next month, which will take 6-8 months to recover from......but "It could be so much worse", that's seems to be my new motto! God has also given me an "eye" so everyone tells me, which I intend to continue to develop and pursue my goal of becoming a full-time photographer...I have a really good career in accounting, but it certainly doesn't "light my fire" as photography does. I have been blessed with so many wonderful "old" and "new" friends that continually encourage me and give me hope. Although I did have one friend say to me this week that the definition of INSANITY in the encyclopedia should have my name in it! (that's after I told her I was up until 1am editing photos).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that when you're having one of those days where you feel like crying and giving up, or you just don't know how you're going to pay this bill or that bill, or whatever it may be; remember all those that have it so much worse, that are ill, or lost their home, or are in ultimate dispair. I find when I remember those people, and try to do what I can to help them, my worries don't seem so sizeable any more......which will lead me into my next post.....

Lincoln, RI - Kirbrae Country Club

2008-09-08T21:32:00.008-04:00

Here is the latest wedding I was lucky enough to 2nd shoot for Jenn Leatherwood. Amy & Sean had the perfect day, and the most amazing details. From her perfectly fitted gleaming dress and dazzling Swarovski headband, to the brown pinstripe suits on the groomsmen, that complimented the sage bridesmaids dresses with brown sashes which were accessorized with their trendy brown jewelry. The reception was just as carefully thought out with all the elegant details in the ballroom carefully interwoven together; tall glass centerpiece vases filled with coffee beans which were topped off with perfect flower arrangements, the simple yet elegant cake with Swarovski monograms, and lastly the just perfectly detailed and YUMMY candy bar....I just love and appreciate details, and this wedding just "screamed" with details! I'm sure for Amy it was so satisfying to see it all come together that night, because I was just gushing about how everything "matched", not to mention the night was loads of fun!

Cute

2008-09-08T20:55:00.008-04:00

ok so I should call this the Lilly blog...but she's so cute! actually wedding pictures to follow soon....

Baptism

2008-09-07T23:16:00.004-04:00

Today my husband and I had the pleasure of being Godparents to my sister & brother-in-laws baby Lillian Grace......I'm sure you've seen her all over my blog already...but she's the sweetest thing ever, and we're so honored to be her Godparents.

Dartmouth, MA.

2008-09-02T22:14:00.002-04:00

So a couple of weeks ago, I photographed the D'Augusto family after a LONG 2 wedding weekend. It was early on Sunday morning and I already felt like I had gotten hit by a train due to the pretty exhausting weddings (but I love them!) so I was praying that God would make this session easy on me because kids are usually easy or not, I don't find there is a lot of in-between even with my own! The D'Augusto's were a treat...spotless and beautiful home, an amazingly maintained garden and they were all such a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much for letting me into your home and family!

New Bedford, MA - Buttonwood Park

2008-08-25T23:26:00.003-04:00

Here are the wonderful Goulart & Machado families. They wanted this session as a suprise for the grandparents anniversary, which I thought was really sweet. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful children and allowing me to capture such touching moments with them.

My Boys! - Where has the time gone?

2008-08-25T16:16:00.014-04:00

Blue Eyes 2

2008-08-22T09:33:00.009-04:00

It's the month for pictures of blue eyed boys I guess.....I've had a string of them, how lucky am I?

This is a little guy was from Scotland and was at the wedding I shot on Saturday. He just loved me too, he'd laugh every time I talked to him...not sure if that's a good thing or bad! Isn't he just adorable?

Blue Eyes

2008-08-21T01:39:00.004-04:00

This is Collin my next door neighbor. Every morning when I leave to go to work and when I come home, he greats me with a "hi Nanny" (he can't say Nelly). He screams it out of his storm door screen over and over until I say hello back.......IT'S THE CUTEST THING!! Although when I get close he gets all shy. I happened to have my camera hanging off my shoulder (where else would it be) and couldn't resist snapping a few shots...here is one of my favorites.

N. Dartmouth, MA - Augusto Family Sneek Peek

2008-08-21T01:27:00.004-04:00

Westport, MA - Wedding

2008-08-21T00:58:00.005-04:00

...So it was a bit of a crazy weekend, weddings Friday & Saturday with Jen Leatherwood, and I had a family session Sunday morning. Now just trying to catch up. This wedding took place on Saturday in Wesport. It was outside by the ocean, I swear I can never get enough of the salt water in the air. It was so beautiful and intimate and just filled with amazing details....

Falmouth, MA - Ricky & Tracy

2008-08-21T00:04:00.014-04:00

This is going to be a bit long, but these two made such an impression on me I feel like I have to "dish". Maybe it's because I'm a mom and a hopeless romantic all this makes me extra "mushy"? So I met this amazing couple a few months ago as Jen Leatherwood let me tag along on their engagement shoot. First thing I thought was, wow aren't they BOTH BEAUTIFUL! turns out it's on the outside and inside. As we sat having drinks after that shoot, Tracy talked about how in addition to her nanny job (she couldn't stop talking about how much she loves her job and the children she watches) she also works at a type of orphanage in RI. She and the others that work their ARE these children's families, and you could absolutely see that she means that from the bottom of her heart....she went on and on about so many children and how she's felt like a mom to so many of them and how she just adores all of them. Her caring unfortunately is probably the only goodness most of these children have felt. Takes a lot to be thrown into that, try to mend these kids and then see them go (some of them had been there for years). I can't imagine what that does to one's heart, and how you can keep going back to halve it broken over and over, she must be an ANGEL. Ricky is a police officer and we got to talking about how sometimes when he comes home after a long day of dealing with society's worst problems (I won't go into detail) he comes home to Tracy, and she just seems so "clean and innocent", she's his ANGEL he said. I'm driving on the way home that night and thinking, wow what awesome people and what an awesome photo shoot, I was hoping Jen would let me 2nd shoot the wedding. I actually called her that night as I listened to a song I'd never heard before by Natasha Bettingfield titled "I'll Be Your ANGEL" as I thought it might be an appropriate song for their slideshow. Fast forward to the wedding.......... so I'm in the hotel room w/Ricky and the guys trying to capture all the anticipation of the day and we're just waiting for the staff to clear off the beach to take some pictures outside. I asked Ricky if he was nervous, and he said he was nervous about all the people that were going to watch him, but not nervous about actually marrying Tracy. He literally went on for 5 minutes about how she's been there for him thru so much, and he went on and on about how much he loved her....I swear I got goose bumps then and NOW, he finished with "she's my ANGEL". The wedding went beautifully and everyone was dancing the night away when the fire alarms go off, about 45 minutes later we're told to evacuate the building.....so all the wedding guests clear out in addition to the hotel guests into the pouring rain (some of us managed to get under the building's overhang - Jen & I standing outside w/napkins covering our equipment) . About 45 minutes later we were allowed back in and the wedding continued, but talk about CRAZY and MEMORABLE to say the least. So I head home and it was way past midnight and that ANGEL song was on the radio again, talk about timing coincidental? A few days later I found out the building was hit by lightening 3 times that night, twice on the roof and the 3rd time it came thru the main entrance/lobby which was directly adjacent to the reception hall....lucky no one got hurt....I found this out from Tracy who emailed Jen.....guess what's in her email address? ...ANGEL... just kind of give you the goosebumps doesn't it? felt like I HAD to share all this so you can get the "full effect".

Told you it was a long one, hope you survived my rambling. I love this job!
I'll stop writing and share their wonderful images now :-)

New Bedford, MA - Alex & Tiffany's Engagement

2008-08-14T17:31:00.006-04:00

Alex & Tiffany have been engaged for a few months, and they're getting married in June 2010. They decided to do the engagement session a bit early so that they could send Save the Date cards to friends and family, as they'll have quite a bit of Alex's family potentially flying in from Florida.

Tiffany is my cousin and I was in my early teens when she was born. Once again I'm dating myself and feeling old, seems to be a reoccurring event lately! I've seen her grown into a responsible, beautiful young women with a great head on her shoulders. We all just adore her......Alex has been around at all our family events for quite a few years, but we've really gotten to know him more this past year. He always seemed like a nice young man who treated Tiffany wonderfully, and has a lot in common w/my husband...CARS and my boys just LOVE climbing all over him when he and Tiffany come over. Not until the engagement session did I really see a softer side of him. Tiffany was all shy and giggly, while Alex was really just, patient, loving and sweet. I could totally see what an amazing relationship they have together. Can't wait for the wedding, thank you and I love you guys!

I'm trying out a new style of slide show in addition to my normal one, please feel free to leave comments on what you prefer. Thanks for reading!

Mattapoisett, MA.

2008-08-12T23:07:00.005-04:00

Here are the amazing blue eyed Arsenault boys.......NO color enhancement here, these are TRUE BLUES which they get from mom. My husband has been friends with Dennis (dad) since they joined the Marine Corps many years ago, and we all had quite a bit of fun in our younger years (ok so EVERYTHING is making me feel old).

I was so excited when I got an email from Karen to shoot these two beautiful boys. We shot a few at their fantastic house in Mattapoisett, and most of them at the beach right down the street from them. It had just rained and the weather had been terrible all day, but just as we got there the sky opened up, the sun was setting, and everything was so peaceful and untouched, I really enjoyed it. Except for the nats that were attacking Dennis!

It was also just about the little guys bed time so it was probably a little harder than usual to get a smile out of him, but I still think we got some incredible shots. Enjoy! (please be patient as the slideshow loads after clicking the arrow for play)

New Bedford, MA - Lilly at 3 months

2008-08-10T19:47:00.004-04:00

..So here's like the cutest baby girl EVER....ok so I'm a little impartial as she's my goddaughter, but isn't she sweet?

Mendon, MA

2008-08-10T10:06:00.004-04:00

Here are the Carvalho boys, Alex & Tyler who are 6 month old twins, and a few of Hunter who's their 3 year old big brother. We had this session planned for a while with their parents Chris & Celeste who are really good friends of ours, and of course it was downpouring right before we got there. Now I thought twins wouldn't be so bad as I know Celeste keeps them on the same schedule, but they are so completely different! When one cried the other laughed, while one slept the other was awake...it was pretty amusing, but somehow we got some really sweet pictures! I think this song fits so perfectly, for those of you who know Disney's "Toy Story" movie, you can relate and for those of you who don't its basically about 2 completely different toys competing to be a little boys "favorite" and in the end the end up best friends. I can see these three struggling for mom's attention, but in the end they'll be the best of friends.

New Bedford, MA - Tiffany & Alex's Engagement Sneek Peek

2008-08-06T22:16:00.006-04:00

Mattapoisett, MA - Sneak Peek

2008-08-05T00:51:00.005-04:00

Look at these little guys I photographed today.......no words needed! more to come...

Assonet, MA.

2008-08-04T23:42:00.012-04:00

I had the treat of shooting for Leatherwood Photography as the 2nd photographer for Eric & Jillian's wedding Saturday. Nothing like tagging along for such a momentous occasion, and documenting all the anticipation & joy one's wedding day brings....... I started out in Dartmouth at the grooms house and then onto New Bedford for the ceremony & some pictures downtown. The reception was at Independence Harbor in Assonet, MA.
I just LOVED shooting this wedding from all the beautiful details & colors, to the fun wedding party, and mostly meeting Eric & Jillian (she's a dark haired version of Jessica Simpson I think!) who were just "beautiful" people, I mean that literally and figuratively of course!
Thanks Jen for such an awesome opportunity....Here are some of my favorites:

New Bedford, MA

2008-08-04T16:00:00.006-04:00

Here's my niece Lilly (soon to be godchild) at 3 months. We have this beautiful little spot in the front of our home, it's so lush and looks so "untouched" or uninhabited...almost like it's my "secret garden", although it's smack dad right by the edge of the street so not so "secret"! but I thought it would be a sweet spot to photograph Lillian, here are a few of my favorites:

UPDATES

2008-08-04T15:40:00.002-04:00

Wow so it's been a while since my last post. I've been super busy the last couple of weeks; we had a wonderful visit from my family from Canada, had the opportunity to be the 2nd shooter for 2 of Jen's weddings (www.leatherwoodphotography.com) which was so awesome, did my godchild's 3 month photo session (so darn cute!), Monster trucks/racing/demolition derby all day yesterday (I guess when your a mom to two boys you need to be really "cool" about spending 7 hours at the Seekonk Speedway!), and went to an amazing photography seminar in Boston the "I Shoot People" tour by the Sallee's (husband & wife team) and got TOTALLY inspired! So look for some major changes w/my website....and keep checking my blog for updated posts as I have some catching up to do this week!

Mendon, MA.

2008-07-23T22:50:00.007-04:00

So much for planning......we planned this shoot with friends over a month ago and of course as soon as we're about 5 minutes from their house (an hour drive) it begins to pour! We got some good shots of these munchkins regardless. Here are Tyler & Alex (6 months) and big brother Hunter who's a BIG 3! ...more to come this week.

N. Dartmouth, MA.

2008-07-13T13:02:00.019-04:00

We were at a friend's barbecue yesterday and I noticed these two amazing animals right next door. Of course I got the camera out, along with this awesome Canon 70-200 2.8 lens I'm borrowing, and went over to see if I could try the lens out. I had the pleasure of meeting Meghan Hamilton and her husband Mike, who are the owners of Hamilton Equine Services, the beautiful Sleepy Hollow Farm they live on and of course the horses Garth & Farrah. Oops almost forgot Ava, their beautiful black Great Dane who was a bit camera shy, I'll have to get her next time. In addition to the many services she provides, Megan is certified to do therapeutic equine and canine massage...how cool, I didn't even know that existed! Thanks Meghan, I hope to work with you in the future! This was something I've really never done before but anyone who knows me will tell you I've NEVER been afraid to TRY, here are a few of my favorites: (to check out more, go to my website www.luminaimages.com and click on "Slideshows" and "Hamilton Equine Services"). Thanks for viewing!

Milton, Ontario - Canada

2008-07-10T10:53:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned in some of my previous posts, we traveled to Ontario Canada a couple of weeks ago to spend the weekend with my husband's cousin Alex, his wife Charisma and their son Austin. Alex is godfather to our son Alec, and my husband Manny is godfather to Alex's son Austin....did you get that? Although we only see each other a couple of times a year, we just all share a really neat bond, its as if no time has lapsed since the last visit (email helps!). The time is always so short, but very sweet.

I went thru all 5 of my memory cards that weekend! We shot Charisma's Trash the dress session (see below) and we also shot a family session. My husband and kids sneaked into a few of these, you'll also see a few of my husband's "monster truck" which Austin was pretty amazed with. Austin was a riot, he would make the funniest faces when a truck or motorcycle would pass by. To share that wonder and excitement with a two year old is such a treat. When we asked him to do a "thumbs up" he does this thing with both hands that looks like he's trying to make a square...super cute...anyway...enjoy! thanks Alex, Charisma & Austin

Milton, Ontario - Canada

2008-07-07T23:50:00.006-04:00

Here it is, my 1st official solo Trash the Dress Session! Charisma who is my "cousin-in-law" and I, have been talking about this for a while, and how much fun it would be to do on our next visit to Canada. Charisma's only concern was that after a few years of marriage and giving birth to beautiful Austin, could she fit back into her wedding dress?.....well let the pictures speak for themselves! How lucky was I to have such a "hot" trash the dress model? Thanks Charisma for volunteering, for driving as I kept saying we were done, but then kept finding cool spots to shoot, and for such a great time!

Milton, Ontario - Canada

2008-07-01T23:21:00.004-04:00

We spent the weekend in Canada with family and had an amazing time. This is my husband's godchild Austin. Sweetest little boy EVER! ALWAYS smiling and ready to give kisses & hugs to whoever he meets........really precious and look at those lashes! Happy 2nd Birthday Austin!

Milton, Ontario - Canada: Charisma's Trash the Dress - Sneak Peek

2008-07-01T23:14:00.005-04:00

S. Dartmouth, MA.

2008-06-24T23:43:00.008-04:00

Such a blessing to be surrounded not only by my own children, but by the many beautiful babies I get to photograph continually. It constantly reminds me just how precious our time with them is, and to always kiss those cheeks, and caress their precious little hands, and feel that unforgettable skin, because they grow up so fast....and then kisses from mom are only behind closed doors at home where friends can't see because it's embarrassing!

This is little Matthew at 4 weeks, who's tummy we assume wasn't feeling so well because the poor thing just wasn't comfortable, but he hung in there which resulted in the cutest pictures of those cheeks (and everything else)! Congratulations, Joe, Jen and big sister Katelyn!

S. Dartmouth, MA. - Matthew's Sneek Peak!

2008-06-23T16:42:00.006-04:00

Here's little Matthew at 4 1/2 weeks old....what a cutie! More to come this week.

New Bedford, MA. - PINK!

2008-06-11T01:40:00.009-04:00

Not sure how interesting this is but here goes....we bought our house 10yrs ago this July. I bought all kinds of bulbs/plants that year even though we weren't moved in as we were renovating and weren't getting married until the following year. Anyway, I REALLY wanted these PEONIES I planted to grow. Every year I watched as the plant grew quite large at times, and NO BUDS/FLOWERS! We're talking almost 10 yrs..Last year I was so mad when I saw them coming up I cut them down right away. I'm so excited, guess what I finally have this year? yup,that's right peonies finally! here are a few pics of some others that are looking quite beautiful this week too....something about the PINK this year.

New Bedford, MA.

2008-06-11T01:18:00.005-04:00

Melanie & Jarrod: So I've known Melanie for a couple of years as she was one of my little guys pre-school teachers...such a sweet person. She told me about her engagement last fall and she's been all smiles ever since! I literally couldn't get her to stop laughing and smiling during the session last week in Downtown, New Bedford. The three of us talked quite a bit of course (in-between the laughing) and Melanie told me she just knew Jarrod was the "one" ever since the beginning. Anyone can definitely see the love these two share, so I am thrilled to be able to capture such special moments for them. They're getting married next April at the beautiful Lindon Place Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island and I wish them both nothing but happiness in the months and years to come.

New Bedford, MA. - Sneak peek - Melanie & Jarrod

2008-06-05T14:54:00.005-04:00

Fairhaven, MA.

2008-06-04T02:40:00.009-04:00

As I posted earlier in the week I had a great photo session with the Neves Family at Fort Pheonix, Fairhaven to celebrate Landon's 1st Birthday. The always gorgeous and super nice grandma Connie came along to help and make Landon laugh which was great, and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful and beautiful family. It was so easy working with all of them, thank goodness because we were totally rushing to get out of the weather! Thank you so much Tracy, Mario & Landon !

Fairhaven, MA. - The Neves Family Preview

2008-06-01T22:10:00.007-04:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing Mario, Tracy and little Landon. Tracy has been one of my sisters best friends ever since I can remember. We had been planning this shoot for a few weeks as Landon turns one this month, and she wanted some pictures to commemorate the big occasion. They live in Connecticut so we planned to meet Saturday because they were in town for the weekend. Of course, it couldn't have gotten any cloudier and it felt like it was going to pour any minute! It was also in the 50's and quite windy at Fort Phoenix, but we went ahead anyway, and literally did what we could in 15 minutes to get Landon out of the wind. He was in the best moods which was fantastic and we got some great shots.....well with such an amazingly beautiful family it would be hard not to!! thanks Tracy here's just a preview!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-28T00:54:00.006-04:00

So then how many things can one possibly fit into a weekend?...........a visit w/little Lilly of course, meeting with a potential wedding client, Birthday Party for Jen Leatherwood (little crazy but fun!), baby photo session, 6+ hour photography seminar, cookout-bonfire-fireworks-SMORES,(thanks Jillian & Mick for a great time!) Although all us moms of 5-7 year olds could have probably written a book on how to give yourself a heart attack; let your children run around chaotically w/sparklers in their hands, then watch as they are NOT paying attention and are swinging the 2ft stick they've just had in the bonfire very closely to the other 5 year old doing the same thing!!!! It was fun though....and of course the kids had a blast. Let's see what else.....marshmallows stuck on everyone's shoes :-))meeting my new baby cousin Matthew, and one of our favorite past times; skipping rocks at the beach with the boys....I won't bore you w/the household chores that I somehow fit in there....crazy, I need a few days off due to the weekend! Have a great week..

Acushnet, MA.

2008-05-28T00:39:00.007-04:00

This Memorial Day weekend was quite a busy one for sure, I was lucky enough to photograph so many cute little people! I met Nichole and Charlie Sunday morning, who entrusted me to photograph their first little guy Chase, he was born 8 weeks ago on April 1st. Chase was wide awake and in a great mood, and it was really easy to get carried away with pictures as they were such a beautiful family. It wasn't until I put this slideshow together did I notice the many little faces Chase made...so cute, he has quite a personality already! Thank you Nichole & Charlie.....
(please be patient as the slideshow loads)

New Bedford, MA.

2008-05-22T23:39:00.004-04:00

My little sister Kathy (she'll ALWAYS be my LITTLE sister) gave birth to her first child almost 3 weeks ago. It's so wonderful to share this experience with her and have a baby around again especially now that the boys are older. The BONUS for me is that she was a girl. Girl clothes are so much more fun to buy! Here is Lilly at 2 weeks:

Blessed

2008-05-21T16:52:00.012-04:00

....this is for all the people that have heard me complain about my lack of sleep! my son Tyler who is now 5 ONLY started sleeping thru the night last year, BUT he still wonders into our bed a few nights a week....he just likes to cuddle and STILL plays with my hands as he sleeps (I used to love touching his hands when he was an infant, and it became a nigh time comfort for him). I do complain as I'm a light sleeper and he's a mover, but this past weekend I woke up to that porcelain little face of his and those long eyelashes, and the light was hitting him just right, it reminded me of how blessed I really am, so I HAD to get my camera.....

Thanks Jen!

2008-05-20T14:48:00.003-04:00

So here's a big shout out to Jenn Leatherwood of Leatherwood Photography (www.leatherwoodphotography.com)

I happened to find her ad for a 2nd shooter on Craigslist for her upcoming wedding season. I checked out her work, and she's so awesome I hounded her for a few weeks
:-) So thanks Jen, I'm really excited about working with you !

New Bedford, MA.

2008-05-20T12:56:00.009-04:00

My first slideshow on my BLOG!!
Please be patient as the slideshow loads. Apparently, I checked off something I shouldn't have while creating it and it takes a bit to load, but considering it took me like 5 hours to finally figure this out, I'M NOT CHANGING THIS ONE!! I think it's worth the wait.

About Brittany: My sweet and adventurous cousin who's making me feel really old as I can't believe she's graduating this year. She's off to be a Veterinarian. Thanks for the fun photo shoot Britt!

New Bedford, MA - Angel

2008-05-20T09:38:00.006-04:00

So here's my niece at 2 weeks old.....what an angel. Definately one of my favorite pictures.

Welcome!

2008-05-19T23:38:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone!

So this is all completely new to me, I'm not a "blogger", although in the last month I find myself checking a few different blog sites daily for updates.

I thought this would be a great way to share all my new photos and "happenings" with all my great friends, instead of sending you emails all the time. Now you can CHOOSE to come to my blog or not

Enjoy, and if you have any suggestions or comments feel free!!