Sweet baby Ella has no idea how truly blessed she is.  She was born just a few short weeks ago into this amazing family. The kind of family that passes down their most cherished family heirlooms on to the next generation.  In the photos below, you will see a few of the heirlooms passed down to Ella (and her Mommy, Jenna) before she was born: 1) the pink and blue wrap made by Jenna’s Nana for her daughter (Jenna’s Mom) when she had her first baby and 2) a bonnet that came with a poem (to be turned into a handkerchief on a wedding day) was given to Jenna’s Mom when she had her, and will be given to Ella on her wedding day and 3) a beautiful pink blanket made by Jenna’s Mom and given to Ella at the hospital after her birth.

I first met Ella’s Mommy and Daddy back in 2008 when they were planning their wedding and we were talking about cowboy boots and a vineyard setting for their photos.  Even today those were some of my favorite memories to capture, and I still get all choked up thinking about that day and the dance between Jenna and her Mom.  I know, I’m a big old sap… but there’s a unique bond between them and something so special that I was able to witness through my lens that night. xoxo

So here we are a few years later, capturing their first born and it was obvious to me that both Jenna and Mark were complete naturals at their new roles.  Maybe it was all the practice they had on their beautiful nieces and nephews or even on their fur-baby, Barley, whatever it was… I was in awe!  Jenna told me that “she feels so lucky that she gets to share such a wonderful bond like she has with her mother, and that Mark gets to experience a beautiful baby daughter (because he comes from all boys!)” and I couldn’t be happier for them.

Ella was so good at playing dress up for our shoot. ;-)  We had to time things just right with the tutu, because let’s face it… they can be itchy and uncomfortable on skin (anyone who has ever danced can relate), but I am so glad we kept trying and finally got it because that was my favorite series of the set and I know that her dancer Mama just loved seeing her precious and tiny dancer in it too!  Enjoy this time in your lives and know that you are wonderful parents already! xoxo

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Cat and Brian met over 4 years ago at UConn when they were both in the music program.  Brian stayed in the music department, but she changed departments and they didn’t see much of each other after that.  But somehow, fate had other plans for them…

A couple of years later, they both started their Masters programs at Southern CT State but without knowing that the other was doing the same.

Who would have thought that in between their studies they’d both walk into the same restaurant and reconnect after all those years?

Cat and Brian went to lunch that same weekend and after talking for over five hours and catching up on life, they’ve been together ever since!

They wanted to do their engagement session in the picturesque Greenwich Harbor with L’Escale and the Delamar hotel as the backdrop because it has become a favorite spot for them.  They fell in love with the venue back when Cat took Brian for his birthday this past October.  They have chosen to have their wedding there this coming fall and we cannot wait to capture the emotion, beauty and elegance of their day!

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Meet adorable, Nick.  He is all dressed up with no where to go. ;-)  Wearing his dashing white tux and sitting below his blooming Dogwood tree, this dapper little dude can’t even crawl out of the photo yet.  He’s a 7 month old prince charming.  Pretty soon he will be crawling, so we got these photos at just the right time.

His sweet little cheeks and curious eyes were so easy to capture, and he was one of the happiest babies this morning.

We played some of his favorite musical toys and that’s when the giggles and expressions went wild!  Don’t you just love this face?!!

Babies grow so fast, and they become real little people, and this kid is going to be a blast!  He is going to be just the right amount of chill, sharing plenty of laughs, with a mixture of spunk and a shot of playful energy — that is sure to keep his parents on their toes! “S” Family, thank you for allowing me to capture this time for you all, and I hope to see you all again as Nick grows! xo

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This Mom pictured here is feeling something that I have felt before, and it wasn’t that long ago.  In fact, it almost feels like yesterday.  I think almost any Mom who has had multiple children can relate to this time.  That “time” when you are so used to it being you and your first born. Your pride and joy.  They have had all of your time, energy and love since the day they entered the world.  But now it is all about to change…

You are giving your first born the best gift you could ever give them.  A playmate. A friend. Someone to love and someone who will love them in return. Someone to build sand castles with. Someone to catch frogs with. Someone to ride their bike with. What could be better? So until this newest little one arrives, you cherish each and every moment alone with the first born.  The moments that go by too fast…

Right now your first born is “getting his wings” and is about to become the big man on campus (um, your home) and he will be your shining star and big helper amongst the sleepless nights and dirty diapers. So until then, relish in the moments when there is quiet and happiness at play, and watch him soar!

Katie, Enjoy the feeling of those tiny kicks in your belly. Rub it and smile at that precious gift you are carrying.  Know that you are stunning (and adorable!) while pregnant, and such a wonderful Mama. Each and every time that I get to spend the day with your family capturing your greatest memories, I am forever humbled and grateful that you chose me years ago to be your wedding photographer. I am honored to watch your family grow, and to share in all of the joy! Thank you! xoxo

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People of all ages packed into the hallways and rooms of Fairfield Warde High School this weekend for the 3rd Annual Food For Thought Expo that inspired and motivated a community on Saturday, March 31^st.  The Food for Thought Expo, sponsored by the Fuel for Learning Partnership (FFLP), a Fairfield PTA Committee, featured local exhibitors, vendors, and services that help to make good eating habits part of every meal.  Children and adults had the chance to get up close and personal with healthy foods, farm-to-table cooking presentations, and resources teaching them how to easily incorporate these methods into their homes, schools and daily lives.

Two of my friends happen to volunteer their time for the FFLP through the Fairfield PTA and they had asked if I’d be interested in volunteering my photography for this great event.  Hearing the goals of the event, I knew it was a right fit immediately.  My oldest child is in Kindergarten right now, and she refuses to buy school lunch, which means I am packing it every night.  It’s a challenge to come up with creative ways to feed her and to feed our family with all of the confusion of naming, labeling and packaging of healthy food vs. non.  Right now parents are getting mixed messages about what food is actually good for their families.  There’s a lack of transparency regarding what is in our food (i.e. pink slime in chicken nuggets and GMOs to name a few), issues with food safety and increasing food allergies in our classrooms, which are clearly diet-related health problems that need to be addressed and understood.  Parents just want to feed their kids right, and they want it to be easy, affordable and accessible.  The Food for Thought Expo was designed with this desire in mind, providing access to local farmers and healthy businesses and professionals, as well as cooking demonstrations and workshops.

I witnessed the Fairfield community coming together to take part in these educational activities, in a relaxed school setting, supporting our local businesses, and fueling our minds and bodies.  Some of the highlights included sampling foods and beverages from local vendors such as Planet Fuel, Izzi B’s Allegen-Free Cupcakes, Simmons Family Farm, Brookside Farm Maple Syrup, Robeks, Whole Foods, Wave Hill Breads, Catch a Healthy Habit, Fairfield Bread Company, The Farmer’s Cow, Health in a Hurry and Skinny Pines.

I sat in on a chat with Didi Emmons, a chef and author of Wild Flavors: One Chef’s Transformative Year Cooking From Eva’s Farm, who provided insightful inspiration towards living a sustainable life with demonstrations and a taste of wild flavors.

Many participated in a cooking demo with Amie Guyette Hall, of From Your Inside Out, who gave the crowd clear action steps and resources for healthy living and “Kickin’ Cancer in the Kitchen”, and Linda Soper-Kolton, of Green Gourmet to Go, who provided delicious Meatless Monday ideas to please the whole family.

There were some great kid activities and learning centers focusing on healthy lunch ideas with kid-appeal, and displays encouraging balanced meals of whole grains, beans and veggies all to touch and explore.  Young and old participants could compare the sugar content in fruit snacks, milks, cereals and more of their childhood favorites.

In every hall you could speak with local farmers or CSA’s on how to support sustainable foods, herbs and living in our area  such as Sport Hill Farm, Stone Gardens Farm, Wakeman Town Farm, Red Bee Honey, Moorefield Herb Farm, Graze and more.

Cookbooks were available for those who wanted to read up on the various topics, continue their learning or bring home some recipes, and cooking equipment was also on hand thanks to the Fairfield University Bookstore, Kitchen Corner, and the Fairfield Public Library.

It has been a long time since I’ve stood in the lunch line at school. ;-) This time around, as a parent with a child in the school system, it was very different and educational.  Fairfield Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department members served some of their healthful and yummy school-made foods such as vegetarian chili, yogurt parfait (nut-free) and fruit slaw, all options on the elementary, middle and high school menus.  These lunch ladies (as we used to call them) were very kind and cared about what they were doing.  Their team was awarded with new food processors (hooray!) thanks to the PTA, Whole Foods, Cuisinart, Kitchen Corner and FFLP during the expo, so they can continue their efforts of fueling our children with healthy and delicious foods so they can reach their maximum learning potential!

The Expo was a great way to learn and see so many people come together to support each other and the efforts of our schools, health educators, local businesses and community.  I was happy to see the positive improvements in school nutrition and menu options, and so very thankful that we have knowledgeable people working for the continued change to things like GMOs, pink slime and additives in our school foods and beyond.  There is progress being made and change for the better in Fairfield.  I cannot thank the Fuel for Learning Partnership enough for doing everything in their power to make sure that I have the resources I need at my fingertips.  I can bring up healthy and conscious children, while shopping locally and with sustainable businesses now that I know where to go and who to support.  I hope everyone in the area checks out the Expo next year, and that more parents will support the Fuel for Learning Partnership on Facebook to get updates and learn more – I know I will!

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Spring is in the air and the colors are starting to pop up all around us!  That means it’s time to start scheduling your Spring portrait sessions and get thinking about spring fashion.  For those of you who are challenged when it comes to coordinating your family or you and your man, check out these examples of what you could do…

We are always asked, “can I wear a pattern?”.  Well, to show you above, the answer is YES.  Keep in mind that smaller patterns won’t distract attention away from the main subject(s) too much. Use patterns sparingly, so if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting anyone else in a competing pattern.  When considering a texture, try choosing something different that will give photos some interest such as lace, linen, flannel, ruffles or denim, etc.

With the example above, did you notice that it isn’t 100% khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt?!  Holla!!! There are ways to coordinate vs. being too matchy.  No one wants to look cheesy, so take a chance and add a splash of color and different textures.

For the fashionistas out there that don’t want to go with a timeless look because that is too blah for you, you can still use a classic item like jeans and incorporate your own flair into the outfit with funky tops and/or trendy accessories.  Whatever you choose, remember the outfits and photos should look like YOU!  You want to capture this time, your true personalities, the relationship and emotion right now!  Enjoy it and I’ll see you in the sun!  ;-)

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Suzanne and Tommy met through a mutual friend and their first real interaction was at a birthday party back in ’09.  They chatted and soon after she was attending his fraternity’s formal.  They spent the next couple of weeks hanging out and strolling along the beach in West Haven, CT and were inseparable from that point on.

These two love ANYTHING Disney.  They take a vacation at a Disney resort every year and are spending their honeymoon on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas with a stop in Disney World.  They even ran in a 5K at Disney World this past October.  And, you might have already guessed it… but Suzanne and Tommy got engaged in the happiest place on earth — Disney World!  We would have gone there for this engagement shoot if we could have. ;-)

So, how did the engagement happen? In Suzanne’s own words… “We were on vacation with my family in August 2011 and we started our vacation at the Magic Kingdom.  We went to the park at night and after doing a couple of things with my family Tommy said we should go take a picture by the castle.  So we went to one of the Disney photographers and without my knowing it Tommy told him to make me close my eyes.  So after a couple of pictures I was told to close my eyes for a fun picture.  When I was told to open them Tommy was on his knee and asked me to marry him.  I immediately said yes and we got to celebrate our engagement for the rest of the vacation.”

I love getting to know couples and hearing all of their stories.  Each one is so different from the next!  When I asked Suzanne to put into words how she felt about the engagement and their story together she said, “I am so happy how our relationship turned out. Tommy makes me happy and I cannot imagine my life without him.  He makes me laugh and feel at ease.  I can totally be myself around him – even if it’s completely nerdy at times.  I cannot wait to be his wife and spend the rest of my life with him.”  After spending just a few short hours in the snow with them, I could tell that they were right for each other.  I just love that!  It’s one of the coolest things to witness…two people you’ve just met, that make perfect sense together, and make each other happy.  I’ll be seeing you both in a few months!!

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Diana and Justin were looking for something different (that wasn’t your typical wedding reception space), especially since they were having both the ceremony and reception in the same location.  The New Haven Lawn Club (NHLC) really speaks for itself.  It was love at first sight once they saw those dramatic art deco chandeliers and the fireplace in the ballroom.

Diana might have had my favorite hair style this season!  It was long and natural with cascading curls, and she adorned it with a silk flower instead of a veil.  The flower would coordinate perfectly with her dress and the gorgeous belt that made it a show stopper!  Her natural looking makeup was sheer perfection too.

For their November wedding they were using cream, brown and gold colors with elegant fall details.  Diana told us from the beginning that ” I love detail photos and  sometimes they’re my favorite part” of the photos from a wedding.  One of the unique keepsakes that Diana incorporated into the details was a heart charm that was pinned to her bouquet (shown below), and pictured on the charm are her Grandparents (so they could be there in spirit).

So we set aside plenty of time to document every detail of the day and to take the couple’s “First Look” photos before the ceremony.  I just loved how Justin reacted when he saw Diana (a little shock and a little awe), and it was such a sweet moment between the two.

The ambiance that they absolutely wanted to convey to their guests was intimacy, warmth and a fun spirit, which isn’t hard to do at the NHLC.  The club has so many great doorways, hallways and architectural elements that are beautiful to photograph, and then you add in a great couple, lots of candlelight and their families, and you are all set!

To keep with the color scheme and fall theme, Diana incorporated gold leaves into the invites, menu, candy apple favor tags and cake topper.  She also used a really cool art print of a tree (family tree) with their names and wedding date to replace the old guest book.  Each guest would take their finger and place it in colored ink, and then leave a print on the tree as one of the “leaves” or family members. I absolutely loved this idea!

White pumpkins, white birch tree centerpieces, rich fall toned flowers and leaves adorned the tables, fireplace and room.  Candi (the florist) did an amazing job and went above and beyond to find the very last white, mini-pumpkins in the entire state of CT (which was a challenge since we got hit with snow in October!) to make sure that every last detail went according to plan.

By the looks of Diana’s laughter and dancing, she was having the time of her life!  Justin changed into his Chuck Taylor’s and showed us his dance moves for a bit, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful night!  Many thanks to the NHLC for taking such good care of us, and to my friend and 2nd shooter extraordinaire, Leslie Dumke, for making me laugh with her silly faces all night and for her always creative perspective! Muah! xo

Vendor resources…

• Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal from their own Kleinfeld Kollection
• Hair: New Day Salon
• Makeup: Maria Dominici
• Floral Design: Candi’s Floral Creations
• Ceremony Officiant: Rev. David James
• Coordinator: Christine Perusse from NHLC
• DJ + Lighting: Powerstation Events
• Invitations: You’re Invited
• Cake: DiMare Pastry Shop
• Candy Apple Favors: Daffy Apple
• Favor Tags, Cake Topper, Family Tree/Guest Book: Etsy

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We’ve all been hearing a lot about the darling social media site known as Pinterest.  Yes ladies, you’ve got one more social networking site to add to your roster, but I promise – this one is different!  Pinterest users have been adding images to their virtual pinboards for inspiration to help plan their big day, collect ideas for their dream home, and to visualize their baby’s nursery and more.  I started my profile just a few weeks ago, and I found it interesting that some of the users pinning wedding or baby related content aren’t even engaged or pregnant yet but they are sharing, using images for future planning and having fun with it!  Pinterest users have become self-proclaimed “Pinaholics” and are obsessed with the Instagram-like search.

Pinterest is social media’s rising star, and it has over 10 million U.S. monthly unique users (as of Feb. 2012) even though it has been an “invitation only” site for the past two years.

Women have been flocking to the site because it is a hotbed for planning and chock full of beauty and inspiration!  You can find everything from wedding details to home decorating tips, fashion at its finest, yummy recipes, vacation and travel photos, or simply some quotes for inspiration.  Chances are that you’ve jumped on the bandwagon months ago or are wondering if you should take the plunge.  I say, go for it!  Here’s a peek at what I’ve “Pinned” and I’ve only just begun.

Pinterest is a young company, but its presence and impact has been felt by just about every brand and retailer nationwide and fast!  The online network lets users “pin” images to boards rather than the old method of bookmarking a single site in a browser list.  On Pinterest you can “bookmarklet” similar photos, websites or useful information into organized collections like a virtual bulletin board or scrap book for all things you love.  You can follow other lists and users, and “repin” specific items onto your boards.  The only downside I’ve found for the bride (or user) is that once your profile is public… all of it is public.  (Why can’t you hide a certain board yet?  Put “hidden board” on your list of updates Pinterest.)  So for now, if you want to hide a certain element of your wedding (like your dress design or style) that can’t be done yet so don’t put those images here.  You’ll need to leave it off of Pinterest and keep it elsewhere in your private online board, binder or similar.

Pinterest describes itself as a way to let you “share all the beautiful things you find on the web”.  When Pinterest founder Ben Silbermann was looking for an engagement ring for his girlfriend, he turned to his own product for inspiration. He found the right one on the list of a jewelry enthusiast, and pinned it to his digital board. He also used Pinterest to help plan the wedding, which is interesting too.  My initial thought (after testing out the site) was that Pinterest is perfect for wedding planning and I would definitely be interacting, sharing and getting inspired now that I figured it out.  I also love it for my dream home inspiration and as a creative and photographer, I love the visual beauty and humor that comes across my computer screen through the pins from people and brands that I follow.  Here are some of my favorite brands to follow for your wedding, home and family inspiration: Real Simple, Style Me Pretty, Etsy, The Perfect Palette, HGTV, Travel Channel, Whole Foods, ModCloth, Emmaline Bride and there are many more.

I wanted to share some simple ways for my clients and friends to get started and to get the most out of their experience.

1. Join and follow along! Here are 7 Tips for Planning a Wedding on Pinterest and email me using the contact form if you would like to join and I’ll set you up with an invite! :-)

2. Be social! When you set up your Pinterest account, you can connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts (if you’d like), along with your personal website. You can choose to share your Pins across the networks, or to embed them onto your wedding website, family or personal blog too!

3. Create boards and “like” some things! When you choose to “Like a Pin”, it will appear in a separate feed from your Boards. You can keep a like list for those random pins that are interesting, make you chuckle, or are drool worthy, but those you wouldn’t necessarily dedicate a whole board to (i.e funny animal photos, a great walk-in closet, gardening ideas, a cocktail recipe for a party, etc.).

4. Find and follow!  Another way to find interesting Pins or Pinners is to use the “Popular” category to discover trending pins.  You can also narrow down the search, by going to the “Everything” category and searching by topic (i.e. weddings, photography or fitness). When you see a pin you like, view that pinner’s other boards, who they follow, and so on.  It might lead you to some great finds!

5. Add pins by site!  Feel free to start pinning to your collection of boards from all of your favorite websites.  These could be bridal fashion sites, planning blogs or inspiration boards, registry sites for home decor, etc.  And if you haven’t already…go to the top of your Pinterest page and click on the “Add +” tab to start using the “Pin It” button while in your browser.

6. Credit the work of those you share!  It’s pretty simple, but it is often forgotten or ignored.  Please respect the livelihood of the artists or those who’s work you are sharing by asking permission for personal use and giving them credit where credit is due (i.e if you are sharing your engagement or wedding photos of any kind, wedding details and decor, whatever the creative project or work of art, please link to a website for credit and if there is ever any question of use just ask the creator first).

If it was your life’s work or research project or design, you’d want the credit too.  It is a matter of common courtesy.  Stealing ideas or works of art, promoting them as your own, or using copyrighted material without permission can leave you with more legal trouble than you ever imagined.  If a site has a “Pin It” button then it is safe to assume that they are happy to share and encourage you to pin their work for personal inspiration.

Now, there is a chance that you won’t be able to pin work from some of your favorite artist or creative sites.  There is a bit of an uproar going on right now in the creative community about copyright issues on Pinterest (see links below for more) and some of these artists or sites have chosen to add code that eliminates your ability to pin so they don’t lose ownership and copyright of their work.  I get it.  I truly do, and I understand their fears.  I fall in the category that agrees with the arguments, but believes that Pinterest (as a company) is going to change their ways and do right by the artistic community soon enough.  They will have to or they will feel the backlash much like Napster did, and no one wants to see that with something so great!  So, I will not be boycotting Pinterest like some want me to, instead I choose to embrace it.  I remember when businesses fought email and having a website initially, photographers fought going digital, others fought Facebook and social media in general, and they will fight this too.

As long as my work is being used in a personal way, for inspiration in planning a special event or similar (and as long my images are not cropped, altered or have the watermarks removed), I am fine with it.  Go ahead, use the “Pin It” button at the bottom of each and every one of my blog posts – you have my approval!  That includes clients from years past.  Search for your event or images on the blog and you’ll be able to pin as well.  Now, if there is an entirely different use for my photographs that is planned for editorial, commercial or other… talk to me.  Shoot me an email.  Kindly ask permission.  And always, always, provide credit.

Most of all, have fun!  Be inspired.  Plan away!  Oh and see that button down there that says “Pin It” in red? Go ahead, do it! You know you want to.  ;-)

PS – Here’s some background below on the photography (and creative community) copyright issues with Pinterest and the uproar surrounding it, if you are so-inclined to read.

Cheers!
Sarah

• http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/02/29/businessinsiderpinterest-copyright-.DTL
• http://ddkportraits.com/2012/02/why-i-tearfully-deleted-my-pinterest-inspiration-boards/
• http://www.pictage.com/blog/2012/03/01/what-every-photographer-should-know-about-pinterest
• http://www.christianothstudio.com/posts/477-Pinterest-The-Wonderful-World-of-Pinning-and-Infringement-
• http://www.livinglocurto.com/2012/02/letter-bloggers-pinterest/
• http://offthewallsocial.com/2012/02/pinterest-giving-credit-where-credit-is-due/
• http://venturebeat.com/2012/02/24/flickr-pinterest-pin/
• http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/brands-pinterest-breaking-law/233038/
  

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Meet little Miss Harper.  She was a snuggly, sweetheart during our session and I was so thrilled to finally meet her.  I had photographed her big brother, Jackson, a few years back so it was a blast catching up and seeing how much he is talking, growing, and how the family dynamic is changing now that they are a party of 4.  But back to this new little princess…

Can you see how easy going and happy this little peanut is?  Thank goodness her silly Mama was on hand ready to act all goofy, sing songs and comfort her baby to sleep when modeling tuckered her out. ;-)

Thank you for calling on me to capture your precious babies through the years!  These moments are fleeting, and I am honored when I can preserve every tiny detail so you can look back on that time and show your children the photographic story of when they came into your lives… and how you were forever changed. xoxo

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