I've known Amanda since I was in first grade and she will always be "Mandy" to me. We've lived in many different places and we both ended up in College Park, in Orlando, Florida. Isn't that crazy?! Mandy and her friend, Kasey, seem to walk in the same paths of life. They also love their fur babies unconditionally. When Kasey found out some devastating news about the health of her boy, Truth, there were some things to start crossing off the bucket list. One such item was a photo shoot for his 9th birthday. Truth was so good, even keeping on his party hat! It's like he knew this was important to his Momma. It was only fitting that his bestie, Honey, was there for the party. Honey decided it was a swim party and high tailed it into the lake within minutes of arriving. Party animal!!

So here is a glimpse of two friends going through similar times, along side of their greatest supporters. The best listeners.
Sometimes, no words are needed to reciprocate love.

 "Momma gets one day out of the year where everyone listens and smiles." This may be my favorite line, ever, and I think we all have been there. These guys did her proud!
They were all up at sunrise, but these boys were happy and hugging each other all on their own. I don't think you can ask for more from brothers! We thought we had worn them out with the Tour de Park Avenue and finding random critters as only boys can do. Believe it or not, these guys began selecting their own photo locations after we told them they were all done taking pictures!
​Oh, happy day!! Thank you for exploring Winter Park with me in the wee hours of the morning! 

The coziest little 6 month session. I'm reliving this season in Buffalo through all these sessions and blocking out the fact that it is 85 degrees here in Orlando right now! This week we have a cold front too! Haha.
 
6 months is such a cute and cuddly age, definitely one of my favorite ages! Lorenzo is the most lovable little boy who just adores his Mommy and Daddy. Oh, how they can make him giggle and flash those tiny new teeth! He is constantly moving and smiling, right up until he falls asleep. Lorenzo is one charming little guy and you can just feel how much joy he brings to this family!! 

This family is just so sweet. I'm so glad it worked out that I was able to photograph them will I was back in Buffalo. They were all troopers when the weather suddenly turned on us and we had only a tiny patch of trees with changing leaves to use as our autumn backdrop. The wind decided to come out of every direction, so we sought shelter in between some willow trees. I just love seeing the changing of all seasons here. Still green weeping willows, warm days turning cool. Gray skies and spurts of vibrant colored leaves. Baby Jack, just beginning to walk and his sister stating he resembles Frankenstein. The changing of seasons in nature and in life. Please take the time to scroll down. Baby Jack's legs will not let you down! Dinner rolls for days and I could not be more obsessed! 

Then there were 3.
It's amazing how much can change in just one year. Last summer, I was photographing Caitlin and Mike at their wedding in downtown Buffalo. This year, I flew in from my new home of Orlando and, as luck would have it, was able to photograph them as a family with their new baby girl! I truly feel so grateful to be able to follow along on Caitlin and Mike's journey together and document these milestones as they happen. Little Miss Harper is simply adorable and I couldn't be happier for them!! 

Jackie and Chuck are just the sweetest couple and make a great team. I really can't even imaging having twins. It's hard enough to manage one baby at a time! In the short period of time that I was able to spend with them, Jackie and Chuck looked like professionals managing the daily challenges of life with 2 new babies. A feeding and sleeping schedule with brand new, identical twins is no joke. It seems to require all hands on deck, all the time. I think even Lucy, the dog, was ready jump in and help. She was bound and determined to be in the family photos and even posed herself! We laughed about it, but she was really so cute and always checking in to see what was going on with the new babies. It truly must be an amazing experience to be able to watch the special relationship between twins grow. Maeve and Greta are two very beautiful baby girls. These little ladies are lucky to have such adoring parents, and each other! 

I was thinking about just how to describe this wedding on my way traveling back to Orlando, and I thought that the word 'love' sums up the day in it's entirety. There was thoughtfulness and love put into every aspect of Emily and Julia's  day. A deep, true love for each other, an explosion of love from everyone so excited to see them happy, a love for those remembered, a love of florals and a love of good cake. A little rain in their hometown of Buffalo, NY did not phase anyone! 
Mary and I were obviously giddy to photograph two brides and they just happened to be absolutely stunnig!! Julia chose a strapless Ines Di Santo gown from Nordstrom and paired it with a Toni Federici cathedral length veil. Her classic look was flawless with an updo and makeup by Salon Elizabeth. Julia added a touch of glitz with her blue, crystal embellished Badgley Mischka heels. Emily looked stunning in a simple and elegant high neck wedding gown. She chose a timeless style with hair and makeup by Excuria Salon. Emily wore her hair swept back into relaxed curls and completed her look with her grandmother's timeless veil. 
Their first look was in the gardens at the Twentieth Century Club. It was exciting, emotional and filled with pure joy. Julia shed a few tears of happiness and it was so sweet for them to have a few moments just to be together. There may have been a small audience watching from the balcony, but they waited to cheer and it was more than welcomed!! 
Butterflies have always reminded Julia of her late father, so it was only fitting to have a butterfly release on this special day. In the company of their closest family and friends, Emily and Julia released a box full of butterflies. One flew right on top of Julia's bouquet and just hung out there for several minutes. It was a beautiful way to honor her dad's memory.
Emily and Julia walked each other down the aisle and it was simply gorgeous. Both of their mothers wept and I truly believe that everyone in the room was touched. Julia's stepfather served as the wedding officiant and provided an extremely heartfelt ceremony.  Tears of happiness were abound. 
After the emotional ceremony, it was time to celebrate! Julia worked at Maureen's Wholesale Flower Market for several years, so of course they were called upon for all the florals. They certainly executed and turned the Twentieth Century Club ballroom into a romantic space filled with candlelight, sprawling greens and the most beautiful assortment of flowers. 
The couple was introduced to their guests and cut their simple, yet lovely, white wedding cake by Carriage Trade Pastries. Wedding cake may have been dinner for one bride and I think that may have been the most amazing choice! The speeches from Emily and Julia's siblings were both thoughtful and funny. Poppers on the tables revealed colorful crowns for each guest, and it was time to party!  Atlas Band played an assortment of Motown and fun music which had everyone on the dance floor immediately. Conversations, laughing, dancing and cocktails. All the good stuff.  It was all there. Full of love, for these two beautiful people. Just as Emily and Julia fell madly in love with each other, it is very clear that their family and friends are so in love with them, together as a couple. 
Congratulations Emily + Julia! We were so excited to be a part of your incredible day! 

Venue: Twentieth Century Club
Dress: Nordstrom - Ines Di Santo
Veil: Nordstrom - Toni Federici
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Julia's Hair and Makeup: Salon Elizabeth
Emily's Hair and Makeup: Excuria Salon
Invitations: Zenger Group
Rings: Blue Nile
Florals: Maureen's Wholesale Flower Market
Cake: Carriage Trade Pastries
Band: Atlas Band
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

Keywords: Orlando Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Buffalo Wedding Photographer, Florida Wedding Photographer, Orlando Brides, Buffalo Brides, Florida Brides, Orlando Weddings, Buffalo Weddings. 

I'm not quite sure when our little boy turned into a big kid, but here he is. 5 years old today. I feel compelled to write this in scattered thoughts like the conversations we have. He will ask the most random questions and is thrilled to hear a ten minute explanation, especially during church or a movie. He loves every sport and will gladly play with anyone. He is quiet but full of personality. He likes to help me cook. He is happy to play with kids 3 years older or 3 years younger than himself. He is a night owl and only wakes up in the morning if his breakfast is ready. He is our middle dude. He loves his older brother and wants to do everything he does. He is also protective of his younger sister and endlessly entertains her. He is by far the silliest of the 3 and can make either one laugh in an instant. He is our peacemaker. Always the first to compromise or share. He gets very sensitive when he's overtired. He just learned to ride his bike without training wheels and is so proud of himself. He always "loses his question." He is aloof most of the time and can get lost walking to the car. Sometimes, we think he may actually be living on his own planet. But then he will put something together the we can't even do. The most frequent answer to a question we receive is still "Whaaaaat?" We adore his laugh and mischievous smile, his quiet confidence and willingness to help. Unless that includes picking up all the toys that he pulled out. If there are tools or cleaning supplies involved, he is in!  He wants to be a hockey goalie and takes pride in putting on all the pads and practices the moves he has memorized while in goal. He loves being outdoors and swimming. I think he would sleep outside, if we would let him. He is my adventurer who loves to explore and gather treasure. Anything we find is exciting and he is just as happy to toss it as he is to find it. It does not take much to make this guy happy and we are so thankful for him!
​Happy 5th Birthday Joey! We love you so much!

I am savoring these last, baby nurturing days
As each one slowly slips through my fingers.
You repeatedly show me that you are strong willed.
Fiercly independent.
All too often,
Opting to hold my hand rather than be held.
Full of vibrant personality. 
A bright smile shimmering when you giggle.
Little curls bouncing as you anxiously run to keep up with your boys. 
I will continue to bask in the warm sunshine of your early morning snuggles. 
Revel in the evenings when you crawl into my lap, 
Gazing up at me as you gently pat my shoulder. 
Time is a thief. 
So I hold on tight to these moments 
Knuckles white, 
Like you now grasp my hand as we walk together. 
I hope you always love me as much as you do now. 
My little shadow.
My sweet baby girl. 

Happy 2nd Birthday, P!

Keywords:
​Orlando Family Photographer, Orlando Newborn Photographer, Orlando Lifestyle Photographer