Nicola & Hugh Wedding - Getting Ready | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer | Collingdale PA Wedding

I decided to share with you Nicola and Hugh's wedding in 3 parts. First up are the getting ready shots.

Outside of the ceremony, getting ready shots are my favorite pictures from any wedding. There is always a sense of anticipation and excitement in the bridal suite that is just electric.  There are definitely laughs, some tears, and just great feeling of feminine camaraderie.

I can't lie I was a little anxious that day since Nicola was running late in getting to the hotel and I knew she had a lot to do once arriving. However, Nicola arrived cool as a cucumber with her big beautiful smile greeting everyone as usual. And her bridal suite was so calm and organized. I was amazed at her efficiency. She did her bridesmaids' makeup, her mother, mother-in-law and her own makeup in record time and didn't break a sweat. And she still made it to the church at her designated time. Amazing!

I loved her jewelry which was a perfect compliment to the bronze detail of her dress.  Nicola definitely knows how to choose some fierce accessories. I am wondering if she could be my personal shopper ..... LOL

I was able to do portraits of Nicola's mother and mother-in-law as Nicola was prepping. Unfortunately Nicola got her dress on in just enough time to get to the church so there was no time for pre-ceremony bridal portraits.

On the road - My Trip to Brooklyn

The other weekend I was able to ride the train up to New York and spend the weekend with one of my oldest and dearest friends from college. I met Toya my first week of college and while we are soooo different in so many ways, we feel comfortable around each other and can talk for hours and hours when we are together. I love visiting her and her little family, her girls are so adorable and sweet, plus I get the opportunity to always see some cool site in NY. This trip was no different and we swung by the Brooklyn Flea Market. I felt I had died and gone to heaven with all the cool clothes, home decor, and fabulous food. I also got a chance to stop by favorite outdoor spot for a frozen mojito and cuban sandwich. YUM.

It made me realize that I need to start taking my camera out a lot more on the street and start snapping away. I always feel so self conscious when whipping it out in public. But in New York no one batted an eye. I wonder if I get the same response in Philly? Only one way to find out.

There were tons of vintage coach bags at the flea market. Oh how I wanted to snag one.

Being a foodie, you know food pictures are always a must.

Sneak Peek : Makaiah's Portrait Session - Philadelphia PA

Isn't she an adorable woodland cherub!

More to come ......

Sneak Peek : Nicola and Hugh Wedding - Collingdale PA

Isn't Nicole's bracelet simply stunning!

Can't wait to share the rest of her wedding.

Gwendolyn's Newborn Session | Philadelphia Photography

Ok so I promised ages ago to blog about my newborn session with tiny Gwendolyn and her parents. Things have been really busy for me and I just now got around to prepping the pics for posting.

Gwendolyn was such a precious little bundle. Her mother Stephanie warned me that she would probably be a sleep most of the session but oh no she was wide awake, very alert, and gazing intensely. She was also very quiet, not a peep or a scream the whole time.  In fact she was one of the easiest subjects I have yet to shoot.

Thanks to Stephanie for allowing me the opportunity to shoot her beautiful family.

Just relaxing with my buddy

Just relaxing with my little buddy about to fall asleep for a nap. I love our special time together.

Oh how I covet letterpress

One thing I failed to mention about the Weddingbee Meetup I attended this past Saturday is that I got to meet the lady that inspired my own wedding invitations, namely Brooke Forry aka Mrs. Cupcake. During my own wedding planning I drooled over all her love paper products wanting them for my very own. And when I saw her accordion fold program, I knew I wanted something along that line for our wedding invitation.

Well this weekend Brooke caused me to drool once more and look on with envy at her GORGEOUS business cards. She has struck out on her own with a bunch of talented folks and together they have created Curious and Company, a creative solutions firm. They do every thing from branding, websites, invitations, brochures, etc. I was sold on them by her business card alone. It is beautiful letterpress done on the thickest paper I have ever had the pleasure to have in my hand,  and the design is so clean and modern. I am sitting here now thinking about how I can fit business cards from Curious and Company into my business budget.

When I go to upgrade I am definitely giving her a ring.