{Engaged} Ben & Jess

Love. I post a lot of posts about love. Even when I see love, witness love, photograph love, sometimes I forget which little things add up to equal love. Although it's my job, love is not the pictures of you put in a cute snuggly pose with your significant other, it's actually the feelings you feel once you're put in that position- that you're almost forced to feel in front of a camera, but soon the "poses" become REAL and effortless. Love is the touch of his hand on yours and the warmth it gives you to know he's there. Love is the soft kiss on your cheek while you wash the dishes.  It's the comfort you feel being in their arms after a long hard day of work. It's the way he makes you laugh the second you wake up in the morning when you turn over to say hello or just before you close your eyes at night. It's the way her nose wrinkles when she laughs or the little snore she lets out when she falls asleep on your lap on the couch. Love is a million little things, little things you never would normally notice with anyone else. It's the way he doesn't close the damn box of Cheez-Its when he puts them away... and, oh god, does that drive you crazy- but GOOD crazy... because you wouldn't have chosen anyone else in this life to make you feel insane. Love is the unspoken eyeball words- you know, when you're out somewhere and you both give the look like "let's get the hell out of here" and it's the way a few extra glasses of red wine turn her lips and teeth purple. Love is the random pats on the butt, his awful dorky jokes (that you secretly think are funny), the cup of coffee he pours you because he knows you can't function without it, the way she folds your socks up nice (because god knows you would just throw them in a pile in the drawer) or the way she looks when she sleeps because for some reason, you don't mind watching her.

Love is such a simple equation, but we tend to make it so complex because, well really, life itself is just that; COM-effin-PLEX.... but when you think about it, love and everything has it has to offer is the greatest, easiest and most satisfying feeling in the world. Another great feeling, though, is seeing your friends have this love. This silly, fun, caring, affectionate love and being able to capture that for them makes me not only remember what love really is, but it makes me remember why my job is so freakin' awesome.

Ben & Jess, I love the love you have. And I just love you in general. Never forget that the things that make you insane and the tiny moments and affection you share are what make up this crazy and wonderful thing you're about to be involved in FOR-EVAH. <3

xoxo

*disclaimer: the images in this post are low resolution. If copied and posted to Facebook and/or printed, they may appear blurry or distorted. All discs of purchased images are high resolution for printing and posting.

{Married} Amy & Pete

This was my first wedding at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Ma and WOW- the view from the back of the venue is absolutely stunning! Especially after a crazy impromptu thunderstorm  and then a warm summer sunset filled the sky! This, as you could imagine, made for some gorgeous lighting and photos.

This was also my first time being able to witness a few family traditions, such as the tea ceremony, which happens right after the initial ceremony. It's always so nice to fall out of the everyday wedding "norm" and see and photograph other family traditions & beliefs. The tradition of a tea ceremony is to show the members of the bride and groom's close family a sign of respect. Gifts in red envelopes and jewelry are presented to the newlyweds after the exchange of tea. Before the ceremony though, there are a series of "challenges" presented to the groom and the groomsmen by the bridesmaids. This is tradition used to prevent the groom from seeing the bride as long as possible. These made for some laughs and seriously funny pictures! It was truly a beautiful experience for me to be a part of!

From the light pinks, navy blues and grays to Amy's tea ceremony dress, to the beautiful lighting and the love that sparks from two families becoming one- it was such a lovely day for everyone involved. In fact, I don't think I ever saw Pete frowning. Every time Amy was by his side, he smiled from ear to ear. He wiped away her tears and they both told each other  "forever". What more could one ask for?

Amy & Pete, Thank you so much for inviting me to witness the love that you share. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my day. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek! :)

xoxo

*disclaimer: the images in this post are low resolution. If copied and posted to Facebook and/or printed, they may appear blurry or distorted. All discs of purchased images are high resolution for printing and posting.