Well, we had high hopes. The beautiful magnolias were supposed to be flowering on Comm Ave… but instead they bloomed way too early, then died because the weather turned cold again. Then we were hoping for 70 degrees. Instead, it was freezing- not that you can tell from the brilliant smiles Jen & Kevin had on the entire time. (Especially when we made them walk down by the Charles!) Nonethless, Jen & Kevin’s happy perseverance for their engagement shoot was contagious, and hopefully a sign for their upcoming marriage. “Happy perseverance” is needed to create a life together

Here’s a selection of my favs… take particular note of Jen’s engagement ring… it was her grandmother’s. I love heirlooms

A few weeks ago, I was taking headshots of some college kids. I got to the fifth or sixth student, and she asked to see the back of the camera because she “looks bad in every photo.” (I get this from a lot of people, actually, particularly grooms.) I thought she looked great, I had posed her in a flattering way and had photographed her in front of the sun – which is really hard to do, but looks great if you know how (think a halo of golden sun surrounding you)

Anyway, I show her the photo and she gushes. She’s so happy. And then she says the words every photographer dreads: “You must have a great camera because that photo is awesome.” Yeah, the same way Michelangelo had a great paintbrush.

Ok, fine, I’m not a Renaissance master, but stilllllll. I gave her my spiel about how yes, I have top-of-the-line equipment and all that, but really, the reason the photo was so great was because of the posing and lighting and the fact that I made her laugh right before it so that she looked naturally happy. Ever heard the one about how it’s the carpenter, not the tools? She continued to ask about the specs of my camera

In a sort of related note, this weekend I had a dress situation (not like the time a bride almost got sewed into her dress because of a broken zipper. That was a much more serious situation. ) I practically redecorated the house to achieve a pretty dress photo… When I first started shooting weddings 8 seasons ago, I was too hesitant to do anything that would potentially disrupt anything. Now, I know when I can rearrange and when I stand back. This was one of those rearrange moments. Yes, the first photo is technically fine (as my camera takes technically fine photos), but I knew better…

Even monsoon-al weather (yeah, that’s right, monsoon-al is a word!) couldn’t shake Jacki and Matt’s beaming happiness. Seriously, their cheeks hurt from smiling so much!

Stay tuned for more- or see our facebook page!

Nicola & Shaw were married at Hamilton Hall in Salem yesterday. So beautiful! Here’s a classic portrait, an absolutely radiate photo of Nicola, and something artsy from the reception…

Jen and Kevin pretty much laughed their way through our entire engagement shoot on Comm Ave. and by the Charles River yesterday afternoon. I was pretty thrilled about that, because I love shooting happy people Here’s a couple teasers, and there’s another on our facebook page. Jen & Kevin will be getting married at the Omni Parker House in August! Woo hoo!

Happy Passover and Easter from this little lady! (Unlike our beautiful brides, Autumn prefers to chew on her dress, roll around in it, and, ultimately pull it over her head instead of posing nicely. ha!)