Stephanie reached out while planning their visit to Orlando from New York City. She dabbles in film photography herself, and they like to get family portraits when they visit new places to remember the fun and adventure during their travels. They took a break from the Disney Parks and friends and made their way to Winter Park for a sunrise session. It was hot, and we stopped for something cool and some treats, always a good idea! They are really the cutest family! And how adorable are the girls dresses?! Stephanie hand made these to coordinate with each other! Below are some of my favorites from this fun session! 

I was so happy to have the opportunity to connect with this crew while they were in town.  They are really just the sweetest family with 5 little girls, looking forward to a visit to Disney World. We ended up with the perfect evening after some afternoon thunderstorms. I really had so much fun at this session and experimenting a bit!   

I really cannot even put into words how happy I am for this couple. It was a long road for them to get to this point, but dreams come true. As expected, they are absolutely enamored with their new baby boy. Sure, at one month, the newborn schedule has changed many times, there are sleepless nights, cluster feeding and no rest for the weary just when you finally have the weekend to relax, but one sweet coo or tiny smile makes every chaotic moment worth it. It all goes by in the blink of an eye and each stage will be looked back upon with a certain fondness. Our babies grow and change so quickly and I am incredibly thankful I was able to meet this sweet boy and make beautiful memories together. Baby Riyaan, you are such a gift! 

I know there are a lot of babies on this blog but I do photograph couples and weddings too. I only shoot a handful of weddings a year so I have weekends with my family, but I really do enjoy photographing couples! I am usually accidentally making a fool of myself and tripping over things while I shoot, so the laughs you see are real. And sometimes, I get to see my couples again as their families grow, which is really special!

​Sarah and Matt were so much fun to hang out with. And aren't they a stunning couple?! They brought their adorable pups along for a few shots and I think one of my favorites is the image at the end, with their little doggie butts walking away. So cute!! I'm still not sure how we avoided the rain on this day, but it worked out and I actually love this overcast look.  I cannot wait for their wedding next year!! 

Courtney and Jim had such an amazing day surrounded by  people they love. The girls started the big day at Courtney's home. Hair and makeup came right to them and everyone looked stunning. Courtney chose a sleek statin Madison James gown from M. A. Carr and paired it with jewel encrusted Madgley Mischka heels and a cathedral length veil. She was flawless! Her bridesmaids wore floor length gowns in dusty rose from Aazaie. Everyone looked gorgeous. The guys looked great in classic black and white suits with black ties and suspenders from Men's Wearhouse. Maureen's wholesale flowers created beautiful bouquets full of ivory blooms and greens for the girls and cream rose boutineers for the guys. 

Courtney and Jim were wed In an abbreviated Catholic ceremony at St Louis Cathedral in downtown Buffalo. The priest gave a thoughtful homily and they had an impromptu exit from the church. We did some family photographs before the rain sprinkles began and headed to Knox Farm for some photos with the bridal party. The rain held out, just barely, and we got the pictures we wanted in the field with minimal showers! 

Back at the Sheppard residence, Nicole Baldelli had everything looking picture perfect despite the rain. The rain stopped just as we pulled into the reception area. Ahhhhh! The table scapes were  perfections with a mix of high and low centerpieces full of cream and ivory blooms, greens and gold accents. The cake from Muscoreils was not only beautiful, but also delicious. There were speeches from the Matron of Honor and Best Man that brought a lot of laughs.  Bob from Toy Bros had everyone one the dance floor nonstop. It was hard for us to even leave because he was just so good and this crowd was a great time! Dancing, break dancing, the shout song, limbo-ing with ties, bride + groom on shoulders, it all happened on the dance floor! There was no shortage of fun and dancing at this wedding! 

Congratulations Courtney + Jim! We were so grateful to be a small part of your special day. We truly enjoyed getting to know  you and your sweet family and friends. We wish you all the best! 


Thank you so much to this team of vendors who made this day so memorable:

Dress Designer: Madison James
Place of Purchase: M. A. Carr
Florist: Maureen’s Florist 
Ceremony Venue:  St. Louis Church
Reception Venue: Sheppard’s Residence
Wedding Coordinator: Nicole Baldelli 
DJ/ Entertainment Services: Toy Bros
Cake: Muscoreils Fine Desserts 
Catering: Lucarelli’s Banquet Center 
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen and Groom attire: Men’s Warehouse 
Invitations: Minted
Hair: Groom Service
Makeup: Makeup by Mal 
Rentals: McCarthy’s Tent Rental:
Photographer: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

I have a soft spot for very small babies. My first was 5lbs 3oz when we left the hospital. He is huge now at 10yrs old but I will never forget the day we drove home from the hospital. We were absolutely terrified  to even get him into the car. The carseat buckle was as big as his face. We drove home at 5mph and when we finally arrived at our apartment, I remember thinking life will never be the same and crying my eyes out. Not of sadness or happiness, just the realization that life will forever be different and all the hormones literally exploding out of my body. We had this tiny human that was solely dependent on us and we had no idea what to do with him. Exhaustion and self doubt crept in quickly and thank goodness for all of the help we had. To all of the new mamas out there, take the help. You will also get guidance and maybe some unsolicited advice but it all comes with the purest of intensions. Take what you want, seek out what you need, and be the parent you wish to be with the help of the village that hopes to support you. You are not alone! 

It was a long time coming for this 2020 wedding that was rescheduled due to Covid. I think everyone would agree, it was well worth the wait! 

Krissy and Brian had such an incredible day. The girls started the day getting ready at Krissy's parents home. Hair and makeup came right to them and had everyone looking amazing. The bridesmaids wore different styled floor length gowns in pale blush. Krissy chose a romantic, form fitting Essense of Australia wedding gown from Bliss Bridal. She was a dream in this sexy dress with French lace and an open back! So gorgeous, her friends kept calling her Barbie! Krissy and her dad had the sweetest daddy daughter first look and her bridesmaids gifted her a beautiful memory book and the last page was a handwritten not from Brian. It was really so sweet, she teared up reading it. Brian and the guys got ready at his house. They looked great in their navy suits from Men's Wearhouse. 

Krissy and Brian were wed in a traditional Catholic ceremony at St Christopher Church in Tonawanda, NY. It was a love filled ceremony and you could see the joy in their faces! After the ceremony, they had a bubble exit from the church and we did a few family photos outdoors. The bridal party took the limo bus over to Tifft Nature Preserve for some more photos and it was off to 500 Pearl for the real party. The reception took place in the Forbes Theater. It was beautiful. Every detail was carefully selected and had a touch of Buffalove. Flowers by Johnny created gorgeous arrangements of hydrangeas and white and blush roses that complimented the girls bouquets perfectly. 

The speeches and dancing were the main events at this wedding. We knew it was going to be fun! We heard thoughtful and witty sentiments from the matrons of honor, the best man and a surprise speech from the groom's sisters. Everyone was laughing at the funny stories and smiling warmly while listening to shared memories. Krissy and Brian are so loved. After the speeches, we witnessed all of the sweet first dances. Brian literally swept Krissy off her feet and dipped her at the end of their first dance which was met with many whoops and cheers. Once dinner was completed, Shine Band started playing and everyone was on the dance floor. I don't know if I have ever shared so many dance pictures but this crew knows how to have a good time. Guests were dancing and singing, doing the worm, limbo, the Dirty Dancing lift...you name it..it was awesome! Everyone had the best time!

Congratulations to the new Mr. + Mrs. Sultana! We are so happy for the two of you. You and your family and friends are so warm and kind.  We felt so honored to be a part of your amazing day. 

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Thank you to this wonderful team of vendors who helped make the day perfect! 

Dress designer: Essense of Australia
Dress boutique: Bliss Bridal
Florist: Flowers by Johnny
Ceremony: St. Christopher Church
Venue:  500 Pearl
Entertainment: Shine Band
Video: Black Horse Videography
Cake: Village Bake Shoppe
Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey
Groom: Mens Wearhouse
Stationary: Minted
Makeup: The Beauty Atelier (Nicole Morris)
Hair: Designer’s Edge Hair Salon Shannon Infante
Bride's rings: Yadav 
Jewelry: NY International Style
Groom’s ring: Scanlon Jewelers
Photographer: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

Sweet moments captured with this lovely couple as they wait on their baby girl! These quiet summer mornings in Florida are where it's at for photos these days. We have to beat that afternoon rain! Thank you for waking up early with me!! 

Dress mama wears is available in the client closet. Film scanned by Photovison. 

There is nothing quite like a little mommy and me time, especially when you have more than one child. An hour together is heavenly, just the two of you being able to spend a few moments of uninterrupted time is special. I believe this is what makes a milestone session. Babies have a special bond with their mother. There are so many cute props and things to remember your baby turning one. When it is all over, who does your child want to see in those images with them? The answer will always be you. 

Below are a few of my favorites from a recent milestone session. All of these photos were made in my guest room. I have used this room for several sessions now and I like the way it photographs. The softness, the light.. When it is hot and sticky this summer, this is an option for you!