Well I thought I would do something a bit different -- blog MY own wedding! It has been 5 years since Michael and I got married and this milestone deserves something special. After we go married that is when I transitioned from taking portraits and kids to love, couples and weddings. It has been such a ride these years and looking at these photos bring back those priceless memories of the best day ever 10.18.14!!

Shooting in new places is really what drives creativity. You would think working and living in Connecticut I would get the opportunity to shoot in Massachusetts often but I usually go to New York, however Mary and Todd chose Smith College Botanical Garden in their town of Northampton, MA

Super happy to have the chance to go back to the Lodge at Maneely's in South Windsor, Connecticut. The laid back nature of Sam and Chris are what they loved most about the lodge and the day reflected the fun and relaxing atmosphere.

With working from home mandated these days it allowed me the chance to put the finishing edits on this shoot from last year. I even wrote most of the post just never got the images together. There have been so many projects going on lately, adding this styled shoot was something else that worked out perfectly.

Back when I first got started and building my portfolio I photographed a couple of boudoir sessions for family members. I also participated in one myself and surprisingly loved being in front of the camera in this vulnerable way

This portrait session at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut was nothing short of a blast. These girls were all so sweet, fun and funny! This opportunity came at a great time -- I was just thinking how much I wanted to add senior portraiture to my business and the following week my inbox had this very inquiry (thank universe!).

Going to just put out there how much I love spending time with this couple! They are so down to earth and make me laugh! When we discussing their engagement session location Tiffany mentioned off hand how much her fiance loves Central Park and New York City.

This session was super special to capture at a local Air BnB and the Waterford Judicial Court House. A wedding planner I follow regularly asked on Instagram if anyone was available to take photos for her sister, partner and their two young girls they would be adopting. I jumped at the chance for this different type of experience. It was nothing short of amazing!

Engagement sessions could quite be my favorite thing. For this session I was able to visit Great River Park in East Hartford, which is a on the banks overlooking Hartford. Despite the wind AnnMarie and Larry rocked it - they are such sweethearts and easy to work with. There was some pressure being my first session of the year but I quickly got back into the groove. I am excited for their East Hartford wedding this October.

I read somewhere that most of engagements occur between Christmas and Valentine's so I felt this post was at the right time. So about the week after Valentine's Day a close friend of mine got engaged! She sent me a photo of her hand and I was overjoyed but through a quick call I could tell she was immediately overwhelmed. There's photographers, guest lists, color scheme, registries and venue selections

Digital Media is always changing so printing your memories is becoming more important than ever. Remember when something on a CD was the best way to have your images?! When you are a Mariel O. couple I now offer prints, canvases and albums to create your first family heirloom. Something to show your future children or thank your parents for one of the best days.

At the start of 2019 I got to participate in a duel styled shoot. If you missed part one you can see it here -- the following images are part two! This shoot was a bold and bright color scheme (Color Pop!) with amazing floral arrangements and a citrus color pallet of oranges, yellows, and vibrant pink invitation suite. It was complimented by a ball gown with tulle and lace. Sam our model had tattoos where the color really popped against the dress.

Are you a #marielocouple? Read more about my photography approach and my experience as a wedding professional and the couples I attract.

For the past few years there has been this trend of couples seeing each other prior to the "walking down the aisle" called first looks. In my consultations I get asked often about whether its a good idea.

Who doesn't want an amazing soundtrack for your wedding day? I am a huge music lover and one time won $100 bucks on a bet by acurately identifying a song by Boston but I digress. I always see post from brides on Facebook wanted help on music choices for certain aspects of their day especially first dances!

Started off the year with a lovely duel styled shoot from Chelsea Elizabeth Photography at Haley Mansion - Inn at Mystic. Winter months are usually slow for photographers so I jumped at the chance to participate especially since it was only an hour away from home. Last June I participated in my first shoot and quickly knew I wanted to do more. Its a wonderful opportunity to boost my image portfolio and get to practice.

The Riverview in Simsbury was a perfect setting to my last wedding of the year. The weather the week previous was a bitter cold but on the day of was a pleasant 50 degrees with a light snowfall and rain. I hit a bucket list photo stop - the Drake Hill Flower Bridge minus the flowers was great for the wedding party portraits.

There are so many details of your wedding day that your photographer tries to catch. What I find most essential is having a second photographer or assistant. They are the lead photographer's best friend. There's so much to see, so much to photograph its so great to have someone by your side. I have second shot over 10 weddings so far and its really made me refine my eye and style. Each person that I've assisted has a different vibe which is as unique as the couples they serve.

Personal post alert! My best friend since 8th grade got married at the most beautiful place to the best match for her. I was honored to take their engagement photos on the beach last December // here. I got to witness their love and laughter then and it made this day even more special. The seaport has so much meaning to Heather's family and everywhere I turned was historic and there were many options to be inspired.

Welcoming 2019 with an open heart and new fresh website for you all! I am a few years into my business and felt the time was right for a refresh and proper branding. I continue to find my style to attract my ideal clients -- the relaxed, fun, smiley & spirited crowd. I wanted this new site to showcase bright and bold images that bring out the emotions of my couples and families. There are so many aspects of this site that I love, like the interactive scrolling homepage and seeing my updated images on the portfolio page.