Waiting on Bear | Golden Hour Beach Maternity Portraits Gloucester, MA

It's hard to believe that the little guy we were waiting on during this maternity session is already a year old now. Even though we chose a day in late April for Sarah's maternity portraits, we were met with a stunningly windy (chilly!) day on the beach, so much so that we threw around the idea of postponing. But baby Bear wasn't going to wait, and Momma and Dad didn't have many free days left before his arrival. So Sarah totally "mama-beared" the whole session and made it look like a warm day in August! 

I love Sarah's classic maternity style! Her blush pink dress was so dreamy in the setting light at Good Harbor.    And I pretty much squealed when I saw the flower crown that she brought with her!  

Enjoy Sarah and Joe's maternity session and leave them some love down below by clicking the heart icon!

xo

Sydney & the Sea | Northeast Metro Tech Senior Pictures

One of my loves early on into my photography journey was photographing my loved ones and seeing their joy in being captured behind the camera. When my cousin Sydney entered her senior year at Northeast Metro Tech (Wakefield, MA), it was a no-brainer that I absolutely wanted to capture this exciting time in her life. Not to mention that she's entirely gorgeous and stylish and made my job incredibly easy!

For this session, we spent some time in a cove on the Rockport/Gloucester line, then we made it to the beach by sunset.  It was definitely one of those sessions where it was nearly impossible for me to narrow down the choices.  

After you look through Sydney's stunning senior pictures, be sure to hit that "heart" at the bottom and show some love! 

xo

Nautical Beach Tee-Pee Children's Portrait | Pretty Penny

Those blond curls! Those chubby cheeks! Those big blue eyes!

Penny's nautical beach portraits are the last in the series of last summer's model call mini-sessions.  As the oldest kiddo of the bunch, Penny got the coveted sunset spot, and the light during her session was dreamy.  Although she started off shy, before long we had more "keepers" than we knew what to do with. 

It's hard to believe it was only a few short years ago that I photographed Penny for her newborn pictures and now she is a darling little girl.  I'm looking forward to capturing Penny as she grows!

What do you think about Penny's seaside session? Click that little heart below to "love" it, if it makes your heart melt too!

Twinning Seaside on Cape Ann, MA | Vinnie & Nora

I've heard it said that twin parents are like the special-ops of parenting. Now that I have twins of my own, I know that to be true. Back when I photographed Vinnie and Nora on the beach in Gloucester, though, I never would have imagined that I'd have my own precious set of twin girls.  

That's what makes re-visiting this nautical portrait session so special--I get to look back on these two kiddos and see the special bond that they share, one that my own will start to develop in a few short months.  

Have fun checking out Vinnie and Nora's special beach session.  If you're like me, you'll get a kick out of what a ham Nora is in front of the camera, and how serious Vinnie seems to be taking the whole thing.

Please leave them some love in the comment section below! xoxo

Long Beach, Rockport MA Senior Portrait Session | Taylor

Weather in New England is a funny thing sometimes. On the days leading up to Taylor's senior portrait session, we went back and forth about rescheduling because the weather was iffy and Taylor and her family were traveling to their vacation home in Rockport from Connecticut and didn't want to make the drive if the weather wouldn't cooperate. We ended up keeping our date and the weather was foggy--misty at worst. Yet, we were determined to make it work because it may have been our only opportunity with both our busy schedules.

 I have to say, the fog made for the most romantic, moody images for Taylor's senior pictures.  She was a dream to photograph--so sweet and smiley! Later at Long Beach, we got the rest of the family in on the fun for photos on the beach.  

Have fun scrolling through some of my favorites from Taylor's senior portrait session and please leave some love for her in the comment section below!

Beach Baby Mini-sessions | Meaghan & Friends

One of the many things I love about photographing babies and children is that within a few short years (or even months!) those photographs show how quickly our little ones grow.  Now that I have twin girls of my own, I realize how important it is to capture each stage as it comes, because your child's growth sneaks up on you--and they will never again be as little as they are today.  

When I look back on Meaghan's beach portrait session, I'm struck by how much she's grown in the past year--and how special it is that we captured these moments of her life.  Bonus points for also getting her big brother in on the action!  

Now let's play a game--count how many rolls are on Meg's chubby little arms! 

If you love Meggy's portraits at Good Harbor as much as I do, don't forget to leave me some love in the comment section below!

Good Harbor Beach Mini Sessions--Mila & co.

Last Spring I had a vision of summer--beautiful babies on the beach dressed in their nautical best and drenched in sun and warmth. And we needed a beach teepee, because...beach teepee (!!) In order to bring this vision to life, I reached out to my Facebook following to recruit the cutest babes around. Then, I hooked up with one of my past brides who does nautical like no one else (see her wedding on the blog here.) She owns an adorably cute (repetition for emphasis, ha!) boutique children's clothing shop in downtown Rockport called My Sea Baby.  Together we put together these beach mini-sessions on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester MA.  Be sure to check back in over the next few days to catch all the little sea babies we captured during our mini-session on the beach that day!

Don't forget to leave me some love in the comments section below. (The Internet is a lonely place sometimes!)

Wardrobe provided by: My Sea Baby, Rockport MA 

http://myseababy.blogspot.com/

Brooksby Farm, Peabody MA Winter Tree Farm Portrait / Cousins Make the Best Friends

Precious Baby Girl and Big Brother Newborn Session / Little L

Little L has to be one of my favorite newborn girl sessions to date.  Weeks before our session, I had way too much fun ordering new delicate, girly, sweet headbands and stretch wraps from Etsy.  

During our session, Baby L napped while we played a soothing noise machine and kept the room nice and toasty with a space heater.  Big brother stepped in a bit later to play professional photography assistant and to join in the picture fun with his new sister.  My heart genuinely melted when he started to whisper little songs in her ear as she slept!  Gah! 

Later, during our image reveal session, Baby L's family was in tears over her image slideshow.  And can you blame them? Check our lil' L's newborn session below and don't forget to leave some love below in the comment section!

xoxo

Small Business Professional & Social Media Headshots / Shane & Chris

Take a second to look at the picture you are using on your LinkedIn, Facebook, or website profile photo. Is it grainy and dark? Did you take it with a cell phone? Is it *gasp* a selfie??

Your profile picture is often the one thing on which people will base their first impression of you. And I don't think I need to lecture you about first impressions, right?

With Chris' headshots, we chose to meet up at the Boston Public Library.  The courtyard was the perfect place to get some bright, airy shots. Later, we went inside where the stacks of books made the perfect setting to reflect Chris' occupation as an engineer.  

Shane works in the seafood industry, so it was a no-brainer that we needed to head down by the docks.  The harbor was the perfect setting to show Shane's connection to the ocean.

Lyndsay is a real estate agent, so we chose an outdoor space with lots of greenery and masonry in the background.  

With each session, my clients and I brainstorm on the perfect location for you and your professional portraits. During your session, I coach you with posing so you can look your very best in every picture!  After our session, a proofing gallery is uploaded for you to pick your perfect headshot. 

You know that it's well past the time to get this task checked off your to-do list! Let's do this!

Gloucester, MA Snow Day Winter Portraits \ Hannah & Tony Family Pictures

When Hannah contacted me to take her family's pictures in and around Gloucester, Mass, my mind got to working with all the fun places we could visit for our photography shoot. After weeks of planning and sending each other Pinterest ideas, we were ready!  On the morning of our session, it snowed--meaning that I was beyond excited and somewhat giddy to capture all that snowy goodness!  

We stopped by Gloucester harbor to take some family photos in front of the family fishing boat, and then made our way around the harbor for some other seaside shots.  

Our session wrapped up with an in-home studio session--pups included! Check out my favorite highlights from this sweet family's winter portrait session below!

Intimate Wedding Ceremony Rockport, MA | Roger and Suz

Roger and Suz's 4th of July wedding was special and intimate in so many ways. While they exchanged vows, they surrounded themselves with those who matter most--their two daughters and well-loved family pet Pippi.  

I arrived early to capture some special moments as the family got ready--putting on makeup and jewelry, last minute hair adjustments,  playing a few chords on the guitar, and showering Pippi with hugs.  A friend of the family conducted the ceremony as the girls sneaked excited grins at each other.  The thing I loved the most about this beautiful at-home wedding ceremony was how relaxed and genuinely happy the entire family was.  

After the ceremony, Roger gifted Suz a pen with the lyrics of an Ed Sheeran song engraved on it-- "Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars."  Excuse me while I go melt into a puddle at the sweetness of it all.

Congratulations Roger and Suz!!

xoxo

Makeup: Makeup by Nikki C (makeupbynikkic@yahoo.com)

Mines Falls Nashua NH family pictures | Joell & Mandy

Here in eastern Massachusetts we've had, like, the third snowiest winter on record. Just yesterday we wrapped up yet another blizzard, and tomorrow we are forecasted to get another six inches.  It was only about mid-January when everyone was wondering where the snow went.  Then we stopped wondering when the snow never stopped!

Personally, I'm a fan of the snow. If it is going to be bitter cold, it might as well be snowing.  I'm fortunate enough to not need to deal with commuting in the snow and I have a big strong man to shovel away my snow.  

Little did we know back in October when we shot this family portrait session that we would be waist deep in snow by now.  

When Mandy and I were exploring location options for her family portrait session, I mentioned Mines Falls on the recommendation of one of my fellow photographers.  Mandy and Joell were instantly excited--this was a special spot for both of them.  In fact, they take their beloved black lab Roxy for a walk there nearly every day.  This was my first time exploring Mines Falls, and I could instantly see the beauty of the natural space.  

Before their session ended, we took a few moments to capture this young family in front of their home, as they were going to be moving in a matter of a few weeks.  This family is so sweet and so near and dear to my heart.  I hope you enjoy these precious photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them!  Feel free to leave some love for this adorable family in the comment section below!

Baby Girl Newborn Photography | Meghan Alice

One of the reasons I enjoy photographing newborns so much is that it is incredibly calming. You almost NEED it to be to emit those stress-free vibes to keep the babes relaxed.  When I photograph a newborn, I keep the room nice and toasty, I turn on my white noise app on my phone, and we take our time.  It's totally unrushed. We work on the baby's schedule--not our own.  And if the little one decides to poop on your blanket...well, that's okay! It was only a matter of time before it happened anyway!  

For this session, I traveled to Nashua, NH to photograph Meghan in her native element (aka her home.)  The travel time was well worth it after I captured those first few gorgeous images.

It was such a joy to photograph Meghan when she was only eight days young.  Her momma is one of my good friends, and I love charming my friends with gorgeous pictures of their loved ones. Did Mom cry when she first saw the slideshow of Meghan's pictures? What do you think?

Welcome to the world Meghan Alice!

Concord, MA engagement session | Kelly and Tony

When Kelly first contacted me to photograph her and her fiance's wedding, it felt like we had already known each other for months. THAT'S how friendly she is.  And when I met her fiance, Tony, it was cemented that they were the sweetest couple ever. 

Their love affair (why does that sound so scandalous!) began when they met each other out on the town one night in Worcester, MA.  Now, they can't wait to celebrate the love they have for each other just a few months from now in Newport, RI!  

As the happy couple lives in Worcester and I am located on the North shore, we met each other halfway in lovely Concord, Massachusetts at the Old North Bridge.  It was my first time exploring the area, and hopefully not the last time my travels will take me there!  We had lots of fun making photographic magic in fields of wild flowers, on old historic bridges, atop rustic wooden fences, and among gorgeously manicured gardens. I'm so excited to be photographing Kelly and Tony's Newport wedding this May!  

Enjoy some of my favorites from their engagement portrait session from earlier this fall, and don't forget to leave them some love in the comment section below!

Gloucester House Bridal Shower | Shawna and Darren

Sometimes it feels like living in Gloucester is living on the other side of the world.  I have plenty of people in my life who are my "summertime" friends, who I usually only see when they come to beach.  I've grown used to a 30 minute minimum drive no matter what.  So getting the opportunity to photograph Shawna and Darren's bridal shower at the Gloucester House was something truly special.  It felt good to be working locally for a change!

Shawna is a good friend and co-worker of my husband, and, in fact, have known each other for many years.  So when she got engaged, I was incredibly honored that she asked me to capture her bridal shower, knowing how much time, energy, and love she put into arranging all the details of that day.  

Shawna looked like a dream at her bridal shower, wearing her mother's wedding dress.  Also, if you know anything about shoes or fashion you will surely swoon when you spot those red-soled beauties (ahem, Mr. Louboutin) she wore to her bridal shower.

If you know Shawna, it won't surprise you that her bridal shower quickly morphed its way into a dance party with the help of DJ Vito and lasted well into the evening hours. 

I have to say, one of my favorite things about this party, aside from the darling couple, was Shawna's complete and utter joy and excitement on that day--and happiness in being able to share it with some of her closest girlfriends.

 Please enjoy some of my favorites from that day, and leave some comments below too!

Congratulations, Shawna and Darren! 12.31.2014

Frank and Heather's Essex MA Beach Wedding

When Heather first contacted me to capture her beach wedding, she warned me that her and Frank were "not serious people," followed by an anecdote of a time that Frank was attacked by the cat because he had playfully placed a feather bandanna on his head.  

True to her word, Heather and Frank's beach wedding could only be described as playful, laid-back, and perfectly nautical. Heather's vision of her wedding day had me hooked at "beach", but when she mentioned "tidal island", "clam-bake", and arriving to the island in a canoe, I was swooning.  

Heather owns a nautically themed baby apparel boutique called My SeaBaby in downtown Rockport (visit her website), and her designs are precious.  Her sense of style was perfectly reflected in all the small touches she carefully planned for her wedding day.  

Enjoy some of the moments I captured on that day.  Don't forget to leave your comments in the section below! I'd love to hear from you!

Courtny and Katelyn | Salem High School Senior Girls' Portraits

I've known these girls since they were little tots, and, yes, they were just as adorable back then too.  Cortney and Katelyn are seniors at Salem High School in Salem, NH.  Yes, they are twins. Was that fun to photograph, you ask? UMYES!

They are looking forward to graduating (finally!) in June 2015; this is, of course, reliant on the fact that they can keep themselves awake during 1st period History class.  

Katelyn is an aspiring photographer herself, so it made me more than a little happy to talk photography with her.  It was actually kind of nice for someone to understand me when I started drooling when we stumbled across an insanely gorgeous field of wildflowers.

Both of these girls have a bright future ahead of them.  I can't wait to see what they will achieve! 

We shot on location at the Robert Frost Farm in Derry, New Hampshire, as well as the orchard at Mack's Apples in Londonderry.

Rockport, MA HS Senior Portraits | Saasha

I had been hinting begging Saasha to let me take her senior pictures for quite some time.  She is the type of person who gives so  much of herself, that I just had to give something back.  Not to mention that I just KNEW the kind of photographic magic we could create! We set about Rockport, MA one summer evening, making sure to hit all the hot spots, like Motif #1 and some rocky coves.  Have a peek at some highlights, and if you like what you see leave me some love in the comments! XOXO

Declan | Northshore Massachusetts Newborn Portraits

Welcome to the world, Tater! (I know that you have a big boy name now that you've arrived in the world, but Tater is just fun to say!)

It was incredibly special for me to photograph Declan because I also had the privilege of photographing his big sister Jayne a couple of years ago. Of course, as we were working on keeping Declan sleepy and warm during his shoot, Jayne was keeping a watchful eye over him like a good big sister. Declan is super fortunate--he has THREE big sisters to torture look over him!  Check out some highlights from his gallery, and don't hesitate to add a comment below!