And Two Become One...

On Tuesday, December 29th, I drove to Bellefonte for what I expected to be a very different wedding. Well, the wedding was different, but not at all in the ways I expected.

Lauren and Mike chose to have a small wedding at the Bellefonte courthouse with a dinner reception following at the Gamble Mill. I ignorantly feared that since this wedding wasn't the traditional wedding I attend year round that I wouldn't have the same emotional connection that I normally have to the couple and the event. I couldn't have been more wrong.

This small gathering of only family and the closest friends welcomed me into the fold the moment I walked in the door. By the time Lauren stepped into her dress, I had tears pricking the corners of my eyes, and when the Judge pronounced them Husband and Wife in her small chambers there was not a dry eye in the room. This was the joining of not only two individuals, but two families who have pledged themselves to encourage and support this new couple as they walk the road of married life.

There were laughter, tears, and hugs abounding - leaving an impression on me that will not easily or quickly be forgotten.

These are just a few of my favorites from the night:

Generations

The holidays are wonderful in that they are one of the few times a year where we make a point to see family. Where all the generations trek over the river and through the woods to arrive at grandma's house, or Auntie Em's, or Uncle Bernie's.... well, maybe not. But still, holidays are one of the few times where multiple generations find themselves in one place at one time - and when that happens; it is time, dear readers, to take a photo.

"But Suzanne... aren't you a wedding photographer???"

Yes, dear reader, I am. I am a wedding photographer who also takes family photos, maternity photos, baby photos, etc... You'd be amazed at what locations can work for a variety of images - even in the middle of winter. Anything from your own living room (or that or a friend with a bigger living room), to a nice restaurant (just get permission first), to the location that the Andersons chose - a conference room at the Village. With a little bit of prior planning and an ounce of ingenuity; family photos that preserve the generations before they are gone will become something you DO, rather than something you wish you had done.

Winter Wonderland

Denielle and I met this summer when she was a bridesmaid in Mandy's wedding. We hit it off immediately and I was so happy to be contacted a few months later to photograph her own wedding. I love weddings; big, small, extravagant, simple, it doesn't matter - I love them all. This wedding was special and will stand out in my memory forever, not because of the huge snowstorm that I had to drive through to make it to Liberty, and not because I got terribly turned around on the dark snowy streets when heading to the reception, but instead because of the warmth and love that flowed out of Denielle, John, and their families. This was a wedding where I felt like I was with family, where laughter flowed easily, and true emotions filled my view finder every time I lifted my lens.

Denielle & John, I am so blessed to have met you!

Merry Christmas - and a little gift from me to you:

Best Christmas Present EVER!

Stumped as to what to get for Mom and Dad this year for Christmas? Take a tip from Olivia and her siblings and give them the best gift ever - YOU! Seriously, how long has it been since mom had a nice family portrait taken, or a fun personality filled picture of all of her kids together, or even a beautiful head shot of you by yourself? Time is running out to get these done before Christmas, but a gift certificate can be just as nice.

On to the actual session - We had a great time trying not to freeze our fingers off on Sunday afternoon. Choosing a local park allowed a variety of backdrops without the need to travel very far. I can't wait to work with Olivia and her family again next year when she gets married to that handsome tall guy.

Enjoy the tip of the iceberg....

Thanksgiving - Family Style

A few months ago I was contacted by Erin about taking a family picture as a surprise for her mother. After spending some time talking I realized that this family was anything but typical. First, Erin is on of 9, yes I said 9, children. Her mother is gorgeous and deserves a medal of honor, or valor, or both! Erin explained to me that is has been 10 years since the family last had a portrait taken. We decided to include mom in the session rather than lose this rare opportunity to have an image of the entire family. The session took place at the family's picturesque mountain home.

It was such a blessing to be able to spend the afternoon with this very large, very welcoming family; and to be reminded how thankful I am for my own.

Enjoy the teasers...