Category Archives: Love and Marriage

50th Wedding Anniversary – Wrentham, MA

Fifty years is a long time to sustain anything. When it comes to marriage, 50 years is admirable, something to aspire to, something to learn from, something to behold and celebrate. And celebrate they did. Maryann and Bob renewed their vows surrounded by their family, friends, and most of their original wedding party. As the priest touchingly brought to light, unlike a regular wedding where we are wishing the couple a “happily ever after,” celebrating such a major milestone in a marriage has a very different quality. It’s a way of marking having enjoyed each others’ companionship through the years as well as weathering the various challenges life brings us all. It brought goosebumps to my arms and tears to my eyes to see them recommit to each other in whatever lies ahead in the next chapter of their lives. A giant congratulations to you, Bob and Maryann!

On a personal note, this was a special day for me, too. You see, Bob and Maryann’s son traveled to China with his wife exactly 11 years ago on this day to adopt their oldest daughter, Kaia. At the time, I was working at the agency that facilitated the adoption and I traveled with them on their trip. It was incredible to see you all again, Melanie, Bob, and Kaia. I love how the different chapters of my life have intersected to bring me such amazing opportunities. Thank you so much to all of you!

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Holly & Matt’s lovely, sweet wedding – Newburyport, MA

Yes, you read that right – I did a wedding a few weeks ago. I’ve come to know a wonderful little family through a series of shoots over the past couple of years: first it was a cute little baby shoot, then an aunt’s wedding, then a surprise-anniversary-goodbye-house party for the parents. They are a really fun group of folks – down to earth, warm and welcoming. So, when Holly approached me about shooting her upcoming marriage to Matt, I had a hard time turning it down even though it’s not what I normally do. And I’m so glad I agreed to it. It was a BEAUTIFUL day – the people, the weather, the venues. And the lovely couple beamed throughout the entire day. It was amazing. I have a bunch of favorites to post so I’ll keep the narrating to a minimum and let the images tell the story (note the cool skiff they took to their reception, restored by Matt himself!).

Holly and Matt – your day was awe-inspiring. Thank you so much for the privilege of documenting it. To view the complete gallery, click here (password protected; contact Matt, Holly, or me if interested).

A beautiful night for a dry run

So, if you’ve been following the storyline of my baby, baby sister, Alyssa, you know that this has been a big year for her. She graduated with her PhD in May and just last weekend, she married her best friend, Adam. While I was not the photographer for the wedding (thank goodness – I wanted to be truly present for this event), I did have my camera at the ready the night of the rehearsal. Alyssa and Adam were sweet to include all of their nephews and nieces in the wedding. I love this moment as they were getting ready to walk out to the clearing for the practice ceremony.

Here is the handsome groom, my new brother-in-law!

Practice smooch!

OK, OK, I did realize that this was not one of my regular photo shoots with kids, but sometimes, I just couldn’t help myself.

Back to the lovely bride – getting a squeeze from my big sister, Beth. See the similarities?

Oh, and there was this cute bug. How could I *not* take her picture? Honestly, it’s as if she asked me click my shutter.

It also happened to be my other sister’s birthday that night – so much to celebrate. Happy birthday, Rainelle!

Bishop Farm, the bed and breakfast where everything was held could not have been better suited for this pair. A tasty dinner was served up by MacDaddy’s Rollin’ Smoke BBQ.

These two are not only sweet but they are funny, too. She *totally* got all of the funny genes in the family. No fair.

The evening was capped off with a good fire and delicious s’mores. Who could ask for more?

It was the perfect way to start the celebratory weekend! Thank you Alyssa and Adam, for all that you did to make the weekend special not just for you, but for your guests as well. You really put a lot of thought and heart into all of the details. We love you both! (And now “Uncle Adam” is totally legit!)

To view the complete gallery, click here (password required; please contact either Alyssa and Adam or me if interested).

A big year for the “little one”

OK, OK, so this “little one” isn’t really a baby in the infant sense of the word. Let me explain. Anyone who knows me knows that I am one of four girls. My three sisters are at the center of my soul, the root of my being. It is with much joy that this year we celebrate the “baby” of the family, Alyssa Rose, as she reaches a number of milestones. One such momentous occasion is her upcoming marriage to someone who has been “Uncle” Adam in our family for a long time. Along with a dear friend of hers, my two other sisters and I hosted a shower for her a couple weeks ago. Isn’t she so pretty?!

She was the perfect shower honoree, pairing sophistication with a healthy does of silliness (complete with a rubber chicken, courtesy of her future father-in-law!).

Her maid of honor, Rainelle, worked hard to keep things in line with Alyssa’s desire for simplicity and earthiness.

Hugs to our grandmother and kisses for the hubby-to-be.

Alyssa, I love you dearly and cannot wait to celebrate with you and Adam in June! Woohoo! (Photo credit below: Tiffany, aka cousin-in-law of the year!)

Click here for the full gallery (contact me or Alyssa for password). Stay tuned for details and pics on Alyssa’s other huge milestone (totally unrelated to the wedding). Any guesses?