Ailish at 2

When I joined my friends Shannon and Andy for their daughter Ailish’s first birthday, she somewhat defied their plans by having little interest in smashing her cake.

When I met up with Shannon for Ailish’s second birthday on a beautiful summer’s day, she defied them again by… really having no interest in summer, fields, nature, or the guy with the camera.

But she did give us a few good smiles here and there, and then got to go have fun with her grandma, which I’m sure she was much more excited about. Plus, she gave me maybe my favorite photo I’ve ever taken, which should definitely be the album art for her first hit single some day:

Sometimes you just gotta roar.

Service and a Sense of Humor

Sam and Jason wanted their engagement photos to honor his service.

But they are also big goofballs, so after a quick outfit change, we did more casual photos.

And finally, a quick photo or two with Jason in a Star Wars shirt, his out-of-uniform uniform.

I’m so excited for their wedding!

Happy Holidays!

Welcome to the Navy!

Emily and Trevor were a dream to work with - photogenic, friendly, and willing to be a little goofy. 

The whole day was spent at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, beginning with hair and makeup with Emily, her bridesmaids, and the mothers. Emily's look was stunning - simple and elegant.

Once she was ready, it was out to the beach where Trevor was waiting in his Navy service dress whites. He was all jokes until he got to see his future wife!

Before the ceremony, we took a bunch of posed photos-- mostly serious ones, but my favorites are more silly.

The ceremony was held on the beach, in front of an arbor decorated by Emily's mom. The day could not have been more perfect; a relief after a recent string of rainy weddings I've done.

Before they could enter the cocktail hour, it was time for a navy tradition - the sword arch.

The reception kicked off with their first dance and speeches from their parents.

Just before dinner, I pulled Emily and Trevor outside to take advantage of the sunset. The timing and the backdrop were perfect!

After dinner, it was time to cut the cake - easy enough when you're using a saber bigger than the cake itself.

Then it was time to get out on the dance floor. The band, Those Guys, did an amazing job getting everyone moving. Oh, and the navy men switched their formal uniforms for some pretty interesting hawaiian shirts.

Which brought us to the end of the night and the sparkler exit. Things got a little discombobulated, but it all worked out in the end!

Congratulations, Emily and Trevor!

Happy Holidays!

From myself, my wife Heather, and our mostly tolerant cat Enzo...

Thank you all for another wonderful year. I hope wherever you are, and however you're celebrating this holiday season, you're having as much fun as I did putting together our Christmas cards this year. 

Back next week with the State of the Business!

A Postcard