Pumpkin spice lattes, Bakerella, and good pictures drew Kathleen in. When she emailed me to plan an engagement session and told me about the different things we had in common I couldn’t believe it. Besides having similar interest in the aforementioned things, she was from Rochester, New York (close to where I live now) and her fiance Ryan is from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (close to where I grew up). They met in college their senior year, and it didn’t take long before they were inseparable and falling in love. They now live in Chicago and are trying to figure out where to have their wedding – Michigan, Rochester, NY or the Adirondacks – one of Kathleens families favorite vacation spots. I can’t wait to see what they decide, but first their engagement photos.

Since Ryan and Kathleen started dating in the fall and have a lot of “firsts” in this season it was fitting that it also set the stage for their pictures. Letchworth State Park was the perfect location so we met on a sunny afternoon in November. I love Letchworth – not only do I live really close – it has endless backdrops and inspiration and never gets old. So what do you get when you combine a rustic setting, plaid, wool blankets, apples, marshmallows and two people in love? Look and see…

You guys look so good together – and effortless in front of the camera

a classic Pendleton plaid blanket makes sure everything is cozy and warm

seriously… you make a rock staircase look real good – you two are going to be fabulous on your wedding day!

to end, a few pictures by the gorgeous falls… oh, Letchworth. Ryan + Kathleen, I’m so glad we were able to take these pictures and I hope you enjoy! Can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans as they start to take shape.

It’s not every day that you fall in love, but when you find someone you love keep falling for them each day. That’s what makes love grow and change and get stronger, something that certainly couldn’t happen without time. Jon and Julie have been married for several years and I photographed them to document the point in their relationship they are at now, and have some fun shooting an “anniversary session” where they dusted off their wedding clothes and put a new twist on them. So, there’s two parts to this session and I’m starting with the casual country shots complete with haybales, quilts, and of course the open fields that surround where I live.

I love them! the pictures and the people. stay tuned for part two debuting tomorrow!

It was several weeks ago that I photographed the Cool family and I can’t believe how much has changed since then. The leaves have changed, temperatures have dropped, and we are officially out of summer and on our way through fall. This family of five lives nearby so I took them to one of my favorite spots for their session and as you can see it was a gorgeous day. I love shooting in the area where I live since I know all of the good places (and am always finding more) and the country is (of course) full of open spaces. Family photos are not always the easiest to arrange but when you’re outside having fun it makes them so much better. How do you like my version of a family portrait in shadows, above?

Their three boys have loads of personality and I while we took some individual images of them these are my top choices of each:

looking good boys! one my personal favorites below…

oh summer, I can’t wait to see you again.

Natural light + soft sheepskin + sleeping baby = newborn photos. It’s a simple recipe but one that works. I photographed Gabriella when she was just one week old, and she was the sweetest baby that slept so well during the session. I will add it took a little while to get her to sleep which is totally normal and all part of newborn photography – I do have some tips and tricks of course to help. I’m sure she’s grown already since the session but it was my pleasure to photograph her when she was so new and tiny.

See the full set of images in Gabriella’s gallery here which you can view and order from for two weeks. While you’re at it, visit my facebook page and join in on the coversation.

We were determined to make the session happen. After meeting up after the wedding I shot in Rome, NY we drove to our planned location and it immediately started to downpour. We waited it out for around 15 minutes until the rain died down, although it was still a challenge to find the right spot for pictures. After a few tries we found our way to a quite overlook where we could avoid the glances and stares of passerby’s – no one wants a crowd. So finally with no rain, no crowd, and a nice setting this is what I captured, starting with some classic boy + dog images…

this just looks so classic to me! their dog is hilarious and obviously very good with kids.
the Stevensons obviously already have one very cute son, so I can’t wait to see what their daughter looks like!

Diane looks fabulous! Even though it took me a little longer to finish these photos… they weren’t taken that long ago. I want to look this good 4 weeks before having a baby!

I’m glad we were able to meet for this session and I wonder what my chances are at photographing their newborn… too bad I don’t live closer! Either way next time I’ll plan better weather :)

Three years ago on this day Ryan and Christie were married. I was lucky enough to be at the wedding, as a guest and photographer, on a hot New York day much like today. Now three years later, they are weeks away from welcoming a baby boy into their family… and doesn’t Christie look amazing? I heard her secret was swimming throughout the pregnancy, which is why it was appropriate for us to head down to the creek for part of the maternity session. Congratulations you two on three years, and look out for the rest of these soon!

This father’s day session took place a few days ago and you’re going to have to help me keep it a secret from Maryn’s dad (I’m fairly certain he’s never checked my blog or anything so we’re safe unless you leak it). I knew going in to this shoot that Maryn was an active little girl, like most one year olds. She had some toys so we played and ran and read some books, and through all of the action here are some of the moments that I captured. She has the most adorable little smile and is one of the happiest little girls, so it was a lot of fun to spend time with her and document her growing personality.

When Maryn looked at me I brought up the camera quickly to capture the honest look that she had. I didn’t have the camera as a barrier between her and I so that I could interact with her and get some of the expressions you see in these pictures. Photographing one year olds isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding. They have no programmed reaction to the camera and by being outside and playing they share so much of their personality… so much more than in a studio.

I love Raggedy Ann dolls, and so does Maryn.

We had some fun playing on the benches outside and hide and seek brought this big smile out. Adorable! These are going to be the perfect Father’s Day Present.

I photographed Eva in New York several days ago, and I’m happy to have all of the images finished today on her birthday! She is a doll, and quite the voracious reader as you will see. Once we gave her a few books she didn’t want to part with them. I also had the privilege of photographing Eva when she was born, so it’s been wonderful to see how much she’s grown up in the past year. She’s not a baby anymore and growing up quickly

There are so many images that I love from this session, and I think grouping them together would be an awesome way to display them… and if I had any advice to give people when displaying prints it would be to not be afraid of going big. Have you seen how one 8×10 looks on your wall? It looks lonely. You either need to group them together, or get something larger (16×24 at least) so it can be a centerpiece. Trust me!

She’ll be walking soon!

It was wonderful to photograph Eva again and hope she has a happy birthday! To see the full set of images head over to the gallery and create a profile to log in and see them. Enjoy!

I’m spending a few days in New York for several photography jobs before I head over to Michigan for Kate + Chris’s wedding. This morning I went over to some dandelion strew fields for Eva’s one year old portrait session. With a birthday coming up soon, it was time for some updated photos and I’m sure her family can’t wait to see all of the images! I hadn’t seen her since the newborn photos I shot when she was just a week old, so it was awesome to see  how much she’s grown. Enjoy the preview and check back for the full set soon. (special thanks to the Cool’s for letting me borrow their wagon! I need to stock up on props like this)

I’m beginning to think that winter is the perfect time for a wedding. It transforms the landscape. You might have to brave frigid temperatures for you photos, but in the end they are so completely worth it. Joe and Molly’s wedding was one such occasion. Temperatures dropped into the single digits and believe me, it was a wedding for the record books. Molly actually said before I left, “you’re going to write about how this was the coldest wedding!” and it’s true, I am going to write that. I’m also going to write about how Joe and Molly’s wedding was fabulous day tucked away in the hills of western New York, and the day started at Molly’s house…

When I arrived the house was buzzing with activity. Bridesmaids were almost ready, Molly was tucked away upstairs, and family were getting all of the last details in order. When Molly came downstairs, she made sure to clean her ring before everything got started.

Molly not only was a bride, she was a gorgeous bride! I love these two portraits we took before heading off to the ceremony.

Off to the ceremony, which was personal and intimate, and even included a duet Molly and Joe sang to each other. What a talented couple!

After the ceremony, we went back to Molly’s house and took some photos on the surrounding property. This was the coldest part of the day. I have to hand it to the bridal party for getting out there, and of course Molly and Joe who braved the most weather. Doesn’t it look gorgeous though?

Like any prepared winter bride, Molly had matching boots and a coat so she could stay warm and look as good outside for pictures as inside. That’s a must if you’re having a winter wedding in my opinion – you always need more accessories.

So lovely, I think the series of Joe carrying Molly through the snow is just perfect!

For the reception we headed to Anastassia Events, which has transformed an old church in a great reception site (below) in Portageville New York. It’s a really unique place and has a bed and breakfast (presumably the old parsonage) attached as well.  It was my first time at the location and I think they did a great job. Before joining everyone in the reception, we finished up with the photos you see above in the b&b.

Some of the other details from their wedding day are below, and one of the most unique things was their choice of cake: ice cream cake! Molly requested Coldstone ice cream cake and if that’s your favorite, I say go for it on your wedding! There were about ten different flavors of cake, which were listed on the back of the menu card, so there was certainly something for everyone.

When Joe and Molly cut the cake, it was a little bit more challenging since they were cutting through ice cream… and once they tucked their napkins in I knew it was going to be serious business!

Having fun on the dance floor, I love this imperfect yet lively photo from the end of the day. I’m sure you’re dying to see more, so head over to my proofing site, create a profile, and then use the couple’s last name as your password to view the gallery. Also, help Joe and Molly win a free 11×14 or 16×20 by leaving your comments below! Congrats again to Joe + Molly – thank you so much for letting me document your wedding and enjoy re-living it through the photos!