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

I love engagement sessions. It is so great to get to know a couple before their actual wedding date! Amanda and Matt are truly the sweetest couple, so kind, and just beautiful people. And, can I please have Amanda's hair?! Gah!! I had so much fun with them at their beach session. I can hardly wait until their summer wedding next year! For all of my friends in Orlando, here is proof that there are beaches near Buffalo and that it is not always snowing!! Only for about 7 months! Ha

I remember the days leading up to the birth of our second baby. The uncertainty. The guilt. Feeling like you are going to crush your first born's whole world. Bringing home your sweet baby, feeling so full of love, and wondering just how your toddler will react to this new little being who will take over their home. Then, something magical happens. Your toddler suddenly falls madly in love with their new sibling. They want to hold the baby, snuggle the baby, feed the baby. And so that sibling bond begins. This is something that moves me to the core. I love seeing it with my own children and I truly hope that they will always be close. I am so grateful that I was able to witness this bond with sweet Brennan and his new sister, Molly. Here are some of my favorites from Molly's in-home newborn session at just 5 days old. Big brother really loved her up!! 

Jenna + Jeff know how to party, and what a party it was! Every measure was taken to ensure their day was fun and that those closest to them had a great time while they experienced Buffalo, NY,  Jenna's home town! 

The day started off with Hair and Makeup for 10 girls! Hair Reformation by Natalie and her team had everyone looking gorgeous in record time. We were seriously impressed by their beautiful work and efficiency!  Jenna wore a gorgeous fitted white gown from M.A. Carr Bridal that featured a low cut back adorned with beaded straps for a touch of sparkle. She paired her dress with a chic updo and cathedral length veil. Jenna completed her look with shimmery Jimmy Choo heels. She was beyond stunning! We witnessed a sentimental moment when Jenna's dad saw his little girl in her wedding dress, eyes welled up with tears. It was so sweet!! Jenna's bridesmaids were beautiful in a their many variations of flowing blush gowns from Lulu's and Adrianna Papell. The guys sported Men's Wearhouse Calvin Klein Extreme Slim Fit suits in blue with tan shoes. All of the bouquets, bouts and table arrangements by Woyshner's Flower Shop looked lovely with white roses and hydrangeas, lush greenery and blush accents. 

Jenna + Jeff were married with a traditional Catholic ceremony held at Saint Michael Church in downtown Buffalo, where Jenna's family has long attended mass. After the ceremony, we took some wedding portraits at the ever popular Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the same location where Jenna's parents had their wedding photos taken over 30 years ago! As Jenna + Jeff walked down the gallery stairs, back to their Status Limousine party bus, they were greeted with cheers and dancing that literally shook the bus. It was quite the welcome and a sure sign that it was time to par-tay! They took a few laps in the bus before cocktail hour at the renowned Statler City. The golden ballroom looked amazing with the sheer essence of it's historic nostalgia and all of Jenna and Jeff's personal touches. White florals and greens, combined with the vast crystal chandeliers and candlelight provided a grand and romantic feel.  

The party got started when the bride and groom walked in to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Their energy was infectious! Thoughtful and emotional toasts to the couple were exchanged, followed by first dances full of crowd pleasing spins and dips. Everyone then congregated to the dance floor as Shine played so many great songs. They were unbelievable, even coming down on to the dance floor allowing the crowd sing along on the mike. Blackhorse Videography was there to document it all and we cannot wait to see that video! Everyone, young and old, was singing and dancing  all night long. Perhaps the highlight of the night was when the bride got on stage and sang to Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" The crowd went wild!  It was such a good time! The whole day was just perfect, and fun. So much fun!!! Congratulations Jenna + Jeff! We wish you a lifetime of love, laughter and good times together!!


Venue: Statler City
Ceremony: Saint Michael Church
Dress and Veil: M.A. Carr Bridal
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Suits: Men's Wearhouse Calvin Klein Extreme Slim Fit
Florals: Woyshner's Flower Shop
Hair and Makeup: Hair Reformation by Natalie
Transportation: Status Limousine
Desserts: Kupkate's 
Jewelry: Kendra Scott
Groom's Wedding Band: Aydin's
Bride's Wedding Band and Engagement Ring: Cheryl Fornash
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu's and Adrianna Papell
Band: Shine
Video: Blackhorse Videography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan