Nicole and Jake Engaged

The best way to describe this couple is that you get the feeling at all times that they just wanna eat each other right up.  And you kinda wanna eat them right up too.  Or at least fold them up and keep them in your pocket.  They are constantly cracking each other up and no one else has any idea why, but you don't really care because it's just so cute to watch.  They were so in sync with each other, and were so good at honing in on each other and completely forgetting I was there.  In fact there were times when I'd ask them to kiss and I got worried they forgot a little too well that I was still there.  ;)  Which, really, is a great thing.
I am so so so very very very happy for these two.  Their wedding in April is sure to be as down to earth and beautiful as they are.

Through the Tunnel and Over Queens to Long Island I Go

It wasn't until I made it about 15 miles onto 495 that I realized the leaves had yet to change out in the Island of Long.  I was up in Syracuse, NY last weekend, and it seemed as though most everything had fallen already.  Since, I spend most of my time in Manhattan and Brooklyn where the few trees we have seem to be on their own time table, I had forgotten about the extended fall that seems to always makes itself present further east.

Anyways, it was a very pleasant surprise because OF COURSE the bright shades of yellow orange and red, ESPECIALLY when the sun is shining, always make for very nice picture taking.

At the last minute it was decided that I would come out to Smithtown, NY in Long Island to photograph a Stell & Dot Party.  My oldest friend in the world (bff's since 2nd Grade), Jaclyn Mellone, was in town for the long weekend and hosting it at her Aunt Nancy's home.  We both thought it would be a great opportunity for some great pictures and for me to do some very valuable networking.  

Aside from shooting the party, I was going to shoot some portraits of Aunt Nancy's children.  Well, it didn't work out exactly as I had planned.  I hadn't thought about the fact that although these were a bunch of women, all either family or good friends, very happy to be spending some fun time together, it didn't have the emotional presence that a wedding or shower would.  This was more business.  But, this was no problem as they all brought their kids!!! So instead of party photographing inside, me and the kids had a blast making pictures outside in the dirt and the leaves.

It turned out to be a really great day. Every single child in that backyard was a pleasure to be around AND to photograph.  I had way too much fun!!  I also got to a have an unexpected visit with a best friend I do not get to see enough, her two FABULOUS and so very very encouraging and loving Aunts, Nancy and Anne, and her oh sooo huggable and lovable father, Joe.

Please enjoy the beautiful innocent and wonderful faces of Ryan, Nick, Little Jack, Jack, Chris, Mia, and Rocco.  

The Soon To Be Mrs. Polito . . .

This past weekend I photographed the Bridal Shower of a very very close and dear friend that I could not be more honored to have in my life.  Everyone and anyone who knows Jenny will tell you that she is the most kind hearted and selfless person he or she knows.  And when I say that the things I believe in the most in this world are true love, friendship, and family, it is because of events like this one that is it so easy to be a believer.
Jenny has a HUGE family.  Which is now EVEN BIGGER because of its combination with Phil's, her husband to be, family.  It was truly inspiring to see such a large number of amazing women coming together and exuding so much positivity.  Jen and Phil's mothers are BFF's already and both could not have raved more about their future children in law.  There was so much love and admiration in the air, you could smell it.  I for one believe in fate and destiny, and the coming together of these families is exactly that.  No doubt about it.
The other extremely touching thing about the day was that while yes this was Jenny's day, there was absolutely no lack of mention of Phil.  He was just as honored as she was even in his absence.  This couple is the kind of couple that is just one in a million.
I feel 100% blessed to call them not friends, but family, and just as blessed to have met some EXTRAORDINARY and INSPIRING women this weekend.  Hugs, kisses, and LOVE to you all.
Oh and the Paris themed party is because Phil proposed to Jenny IN PARIS . . . ON HER BIRTHDAY!  Yeah . . . umm . . . yeah.  Thanks for upping that bar there Phil.