My favorite images are, quite often, those that happen during the in between moments. When children and families are interacting and connecting in a way that is truly them. During this session, the kids found an apple tree and were having the most fun picking the small apples and showing off their treasures. The sound of their laughter as the sun peeked out from between the tree branches, showering them all in golden light, was such a happy moment that I felt was just meant to be remembered. As I watched them playing together, I thought these are the images I will love. And as a mother, I would like to have remembered this part. When my kids were being kids and their little personalities were shining ever so brightly in that afternoon light. I just feel like there is such magic in the uniqueness of each and every family and I wanted to share that beauty as I saw it. 

Krissy and Brian are two the most warm and kind people I have met. They are just easy to be hang out with and to laugh with. They also happen to be the cutest together! It is always so wonderful when our couples know other friends who we have photographed on their wedding day. Lucky for us, Krissy and Brian know several! I was cracking up as they listed off all of the couples they know and recalling some of the weddings we have all been a part of. I am truly so grateful for all of the amazing couples we have been fortunate enough to work with and honored to be included in one of the biggest days of their lives. We can hardly wait for Krissy + Brian's wedding next year!!  

Every stage is truly so special. They grow up much too quickly for my liking! 

Aralyn + Jacob's wedding day was so much fun and bursting with love! The girls began the day at The Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, NY where they sipped champagne, chatted and laughed while a very talented girlfriend did their hair. Ava Grace did a beautiful job on makeup while babies were fed and passed around to many loving aunts.

Aralyn chose two dresses for the occasion. She selected a traditional, strapless princess gown, with delicate lace details that she found at a trunk show for her ceremony. She chose a more fitted, satin gown with a jewel encrusted bodice for the rest of the day and evening. Rose gold jewelry and shoes added a hint of color and sparkle. A side swept, relaxed updo completed Aralyn's look. This momma looked amazing! Since momma had two gowns, it was only fitting that Aralyn's 5 month old daughter, Elly, had two outfits as well. She was so cute! The bridesmaids wore different shades, textures and dress styles, all in a rose gold hue. The men were outfitted in gray suits from Men's Wearhouse with vests and black bowties. 
​
Aralyn + Jake had a really sweet first look. Daughter Elly stole the show when she was brought over to see mommy and daddy. It was so beautiful to see there little family of three all together on one of the happiest days of their lives. Aralyn's nephew, Tommy, was also part of the wedding. He and Elly are close in age and they were both so good for the entire day. They were simply adorable! The bride and groom are highly allergic to flowers so Aralyn's mother-in-law created a unique bouquet for Aralyn and each of her bridesmaids of white peacock feathers and heirloom pearls and jewels. Aralyn honored her late grandfather with a rendition of his image attached to her bouquet. 

The bride and groom were married in a lovely ceremony under a simple white arbor adorned with willow branches and twinkling lights at Kloc's Grove.  Jake got a little choked up when he was saying his vows, leaving very few dry eyes among the family and friends in attendance. Jake + Aralyn have such a fun and playful relationship and their wedding day reflected that! 

We were so honored to be a part of such a special day. Seeing Aralyn, Jake and sweet baby Elly, together as a family of three was so wonderfully heartwarming. The excitement we witnessed from their families who came together from different countries and the other side of the world was so beautiful. It was truly a joyous event and one that we will never forget!! 

We wish you all the best, Aralyn + Jake and your adorable daughter Elly! Hope you have an amazing honeymoon in Punta Cana!! 


Venue: Kloc's Grove
Makeup: Ava Grace
Hotel: The Millennium Hotel
Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse
Entertainment: DJ “Shyguy” Shawn
Videographer: Dan Richardson
Day of coordinator: The Wedding Connection
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

​I want to remember it all. The curiosity, the faces they made, that wispy baby hair. These days when they are young. They are long, but the years somehow pass us by in a blink. The memories continue to build up as I try to grasp at them to hang on. Finding new ways to connect as they grow and no longer need to be held. Thinking about this as I snuggle my youngest baby, hoping she doesn't ever get bigger. Knowing that every child must grow up.

I met Stephanie + KC for maternity photos at their home, just a week before the arrival of their new baby girl. Stephanie is one stunning mama! This amazing view is what they look out at from their home, every day! 

​Amanda + Matt's wedding day was truly such a beautiful event. The people, the venue, the weather...it could not have been more perfect! Amanda and her bridesmaids began their day hanging out in their suite while having their hair and makeup done at The Tamarack Club of Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY. Groomservice had all the ladies' hair looking amazing while The Makeup Parlour made sure all the girls' makeup looked flawless. Amanda shared the sweetest gifts with her mother, father and mother in law, while her sister/Maid of Honor gifted her with a beautiful bracelet to wear on her special day. It was all so touching and everyone did their best to hold back their tears!  Amanda chose a unique Inca wedding gown by Grace Loves Lace from NYC. It is a dress bridal dreams are made of. The gown was so flattering with delicate lace, a low back and feminine details. She was so unbelievably beautiful in it! Amanda paired this with a simple cathedral length veil and nude heels with dangling drop pearls and crystals around the ankles. A stunning half-up fishtail hairstyle with relaxed curls completed Amada's look. She looked effortlessly chic and beyond gorgeous!! The bridesmaids chose coordinating gowns in various shades of pink, blush and champagne from Adrianna Papell and Lulus. It was such a soft and beautiful color palette. Matt sported a modern navy suit by Hugo Boss, while the rest of the guys wore suits in the same hue from JP Tailors with multi colored satin ties and coordinating pocket squares and socks. They all looked so well put together! Matt gifted all the guys with personalized flasks, complete with a cartoon image of themselves on the front. These gifts were hilarious and actually very practical throughout the day! 

Matt and Amanda chose to have a first look and it was so lovely and romantic. These two are absolutely enamored with each other in the very best way! Their happiness is contagious! After the first look, we took some photos and guests headed to the ski chairlift for a champagne cocktail and a ride up to the mountain top ceremony. The view was amazing! Keith James played music for the ceremony while over 200 guests watched this happy couple become husband and wife in front of a gorgeous floral and pampas grass arch created by Swan Street Florist. Amanda and Matt recited their own vows that were incredibly heartfelt and thoughtful. After the ceremony, guests headed back down the mountain for cocktails and the reception in the main lodge at Holiday Valley Resort. The newlyweds sat at a sweetheart table in front of a decorative wooden hexagon sculpture with floral details that reflected the ascetic of the floral arch from their ceremony. Tables were adorned with elevated gold vases holding pampas grass, fresh eucalyptus and rich greenery. Amanda and Matt were showered with love during the kindest speeches from their dearest friends and her brother and father. When your brother tears up and calls your new husband your "soul mate", you know you've found a partner that your family adores! After dinner, the bride and groom shared their first dance and cut their three tiered, gold foil embellished wedding cake created by Chrusciki Bakery. DJ Mike S. of Toy Bros got everyone on the dance floor with glow sticks for Buffalo's favorite "Shout" song. Stephanie and Mary Beth of Video Network got it ALL on video and we cannot wait to see it! Everyone was out there, included all the kids that were having the time of their lives. It was really so cute! 

Amanda and Matt share a love that is so special. They are two of the warmest and kindest people. It was evident that they bring so much joy to those around them. You can't help but to feel the energy of their love and happiness when you are in their presence. We wish the two of you all the happiness in the world. Congratulations!!!

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors that helped to make this day so amazing! 

Venue and Coordinator: Holiday Valley Resort
Dress: Inca Gown by Grace Loves Lace
Bridesmaids: Adrianna Papell and Lulus
Hair: Groomservice
Makeup: The Makeup Parlour
Groom Attire: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen: JP Tailors
Ceremony Music: Keith James
Invitations: Black Bow Studios
​Florals and Arch: Swan Street Florist
Bouquets and Boutineers: The Faux Bouquets
Cake: Chrusciki Bakery
Video: Video Network
DJ: Mike S. of Toy Bros
Photography: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

I know we are all busy and sometimes just getting through the day. These moments, happening right before us, are worth documenting. This stage, whatever it is, is part of your story. Those times of togetherness. Seemingly ordinary, but so very meaningful. The way she clings to your hip and kisses your face. The knowing glances shared over all the silliness. The special, little details like tiny toes and tight, blonde curls. How he laughs hysterically, while snuggling in close. That growing bump, so full of new life. Through the chaos, we are all making memories each day, as a family. The smirks and laughs, pouts and cuddles, those special nuances that are unique to your family. I would love make these tangible treasures with you. Keepsakes of moments shared together, in beautiful light, that you will always have to look back on. 

This is the last installment from my time at The Magically Mundane Workshop with Daphne Mae Photography! Sausilito, California was absolutely beautiful and the families that we met were just so wonderful and I really dragged it out for as long as possible! Since these photos were taken, this adorable family welcomed a new baby boy!! I think it's fun to look back on that time of anticipation and to remember the hope and wonder of what was to come! 

We had such a full visit to Buffalo in July. We really enjoyed our time hanging out with friends and visiting family. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard someone in our family say they miss something about our  time in Buffalo, since we have been back in Orlando! There are just so many people we love and we come home with such great memories.
While we were in Buffalo, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet with the most wonderful families for summer photo sessions. I am super behind on blogging, but you have to start somewhere.. Below are a few of my favorites from this adorable family of three! 

Erika and Tony truly had such an amazing day filled with joy and so much love. Their day was unique to them and filled with several personal touches! The girls began the day Studio 1404 on Hertel. Everyone looked gorgeous! Erika's half up look was the perfect compliment to her pale blush and tulle BHLDN Ricarda wedding gown. As they continued to get ready, Erika wore an ivory, satin and lace custom robe created from her mother's wedding gown, by Unbox the Dress. It was so lovely and such a sweet sentiment! Her mother helped Erika get into her own wedding dress that was absolutely stunning, featuring a deep V and feminine floral details. Erika paired this with an heirloom veil that her mother wore on her wedding day, updating the comb with a modern, jewel encrusted version. Erika's mom surprised her with simple and elegant diamond earrings to wear on her special day. Her look was completed with blush toned Badgley Mischka Vivien Flats, accented with floral crystals for the just the right amount of sparkle! Erika was such a dream that both her mother and father teared up when they saw her. It was really so sweet! The bridesmaids looked fabulous in their mix and match BHLDN gowns in whipped apricot. Erika chose to get ready at her parents home and we took photos with the girls in her favorite place, their beautiful garden backyard. Tony chose to get ready at the North Buffalo Ice Rink, a place where he has spent so much time, it feels like home! He and his groomsmen had access to the lobby, rink and locker rooms. Getting ready together and laughing as they might before a hockey game was actually a really fun idea!!

The bride and groom were married in a abbreviated Catholic ceremony, in front of their closest family and friends at St. Joseph University Parish in Buffalo, NY. After the ceremony, Erika and Tony drove away as husband and wife in a white vintage Rolls Royce. They met their beloved pup, Murphy, at Albright-Knox Art Museum for a few quick pictures and were off to cocktails at the iconic Hotel Henry. Erika and Tony have a love of history and architecture so this was a natural choice for a location to celebrate their nuptials. Daulton, of The Refined Host organized the entire day and kept everything running smoothly with the help of Made by Anatomy who served as the most wonderful Bridal Valet. As guests walked into the room for cocktails they passed the cutest, hand drawn pictures and encouraging words for the couple from Erika's students while listening to the Buffalo String Quartet Play. The very talented Flowers by Johnny, also a family friend, transformed the ballroom into a dream space full of candlelight and the prettiest florals. Pale peach, blush and ivory roses, white hydrangeas and the loveliest greenery topped each table in tiered arrangements. Marissa at B Sweet Designs worked her magic again with the dessert table she created! Glittering gold donuts, strawberry and mango macaroons, cake pops and so much more expertly designed and displayed looking almost to good to eat! 

Silver Arrow Band got the party started right away with lots of dancing! Erika's father gave the most heartfelt welcome speech where he told their guests "Erika has this way about her. She just makes everyone feel good and loved when they are with her...I see how she is, when she is with Tony. He just makes her so happy." Oh my Lord, it is so true!! You can just feel the happiness exploding from these two and I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd! Erika's sister and Tony's brother gave endearing and humorous speeches that were so meaningful to the couple. After dinner, it was back to the dance floor. Erika and Tony and all of their guests enjoyed their time singing and dancing and posing in the Photo Booth. The gorgeous cake, by Blue Eyed Baker, was rolled onto the dance floor and cut, providing an additional treat for everyone. 

Erika and Tony are the nicest, most patient couple. They, along with their family and friends, welcomed us with open arms. We were so honored to be a part of such a memorable day, with such kind and lovely people. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, and Congratulations!! Mary and I hope you had the best time in the Turks and Caicos!! 

Thank you to the fabulous team of vendors who worked so hard to make
Erika + Tony's wedding day so special! 

Venue + Catering: Hotel Henry
Planning + Event Design: The Refined Host
Dress: BHLDN Ricarda
Shoes: Badgley Mischka Vivien Flats
Bridesmaids: BHLDN
Robe: Unbox the Dress
Videography: Darren from Jacquelyn Daley Photography
Floral Design: Flowers by Johnny
Rentals: All Seasons Tents and Events
Vintage Car + Transportation: Advantage Limousine
Invitations: Rust Belt Love
Day-Of Paper Goods: Paige by Design
Band: Silver Arrow Band
Cocktail Musicians: Buffalo String Quartet
Cake: Blue Eyed Baker
Dessert Table: B Sweet Designs
Bridal Valet: Made by Anatomy
Hair + Makeup: Studio 1404
Photography: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan