The Weddings of 2014!

 It's crazy to think that there are only a few hours left of 2014!  Seriously where did it go?! This year has been one of the craziest yet.  With every year I find myself more grateful for what I have and this year was no exception.  Being a wedding photographer allows me to continually fall in love with what I do and I could never do that without the help of these couples!  

Here's a little tribute to all of my amazing 2014 couples.  

Thank you all for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of your day, you guys are the best!!!!  

Mr & Mrs Jerome

 Mr & Mrs Dunlap

Mr & Mrs Mastin

Mr & Mrs Bennett

 Mr & Mrs King

 Mr & Mrs Burkholder

Mr & Mrs Sikes

 Mr & Mrs Quanz

Mr & Mrs Thomas

Mr & Mrs Karnes

 Mr & Mrs Wensel

Mr & Mrs Sachman

Mr & Mrs Janto

Mr & Mrs Ahern

Here's to an amazing 2014 and an even better 2015! Cheers! 

BIG NEWS!!

As usual it's been a while since I've been here bloggin' away but today brings some exciting news and big changes! As some of you may or may not know photography has been my "side job" now for a few years.  I've spent many days going to my 9-5 job then going to shoots or coming home to edit photos while trying to juggle the rest of my crazy life.  I've also spent too many hours day dreaming of what it would be like to be just a photographer. In reality I was always scared to make that leap because it's a big deal to leave a full-time, stable job.
Up until Friday I had been working for a youth bureau for a little over a year and it had been one of the best work experiences I've ever had!!  The work was fun, the kids were great and the people I worked with are amazing!  The only downside was that my position was grant funded and a month ago I found out that we did not receive the grant therefore I would no longer have that full-time stable job.....  I had mixed feelings because it was going to be hard leaving a place that I loved but at the same time I knew my life was changing for a reason.  Fortunately, I have the most amazing husband who supports me and pushes me to live my dreams and for that I couldn't be more thankful <3
So today is my first day and it's been pretty productive so far!  I finished editing an engagement session, designed and ordered a wedding album and wrote this blog post!  I have lots of sessions and weddings coming up this summer and I'm looking forward to many more productive days!  I'm also excited to re-vamp things and to be able to offer my clients more availability and new services!  There will definitely be more updates in the near future!!
So that's my big news and of course I have to leave you all with an at home work selfie!! Yay for my first day!

It's really the end...

...of 2013 already?!!?  My calendar is telling me that there is only one day left in the year which is hard to believe.  I feel like I was just writing the last post in June just a few weeks ago.  I have done so much since the last time I posted.  This year has been full of weddings, families and really just absolutely amazing people.  There are a lot of times that I think to myself how did I get so lucky?  How did I manage to get to where I'm at?! How am I so blessed that I get to call something that I really love work?!

So I'm going to start with posting a photo from each of the engagement/couples sessions I did this year!  I can't tell you how awesome each of these couples are!  Some people feel that engagement photos aren't necessary but it gives me a chance to get to know the couple and chat about their big day!  It also allows for me to get used to how they react to me and vice versa.  I really love shooting couples and I now present to you the couples from 2013...

 Andrew & Justine and Patrick & Jessica

 Jessie & Jeni and Timothy & Jessica

 Russ & Monica and Jared & Ashley

 Brent & Beth and Bill & Salena

Dennis & Meghan and Jon & Julie

Josh & Miranda and Shawn & Autumn 

Thanks to all of you for having me as your photographer.  I love that you have allowed me toshare in your lives, it means so much <3

In the midst of..

...all this craziness I have been slacking on the blog.  I'm sorry and I know it's been way too long since I posted last but here I am!  We're going to give it another go and what better way to do it then to introduce the DeRitter family!

First of all, Ben and Molly, you two make for one adorable couple!  I mean seriously you guys are so sweet and it's so easy to see how in love you are.  Ben and I were classmates in a very small class so it was great to catch up and reminisce!

Next, there's Eli...proof that these two made one of the most adorable little guys ever!  He is so full of energy and has the bluest eyes.  I also have to add that he is the perfect mix of his Mom and Dad.

Also, if you hadn't noticed from the photo above Eli is going to be a big brother!!  Not too much longer and we'll be meeting their next little guy!  Molly, you are beautiful girl <3

We took the photos up at "the pond" which I have some fond memories of.  It was great to see how much Eli loves being there as does their whole family.

And here are just a few more of Eli...his Momma thought we definitely needed a bottom shot with his favorite cowboy boots!  He is the cutest!

 I really just want to thank you all for allowing me take photos of your beautiful family.  Your family is perfect and I can't wait to meet your newest member so soon!

When they told me...

... they were having a February wedding I had no idea what to expect.  February can be one of the most unpredictable months as far as weather, especially when you live in Western New York.  It turned out to be a "warm" 35-40 degree day and this bride and groom, along with their bridal party rocked every one of their photos!

Mike and Kerrin are such a sweet couple.  I had an awesome time with them when we were taking their engagement photos so I already knew how awesome this wedding was going to be!

 They had decided that due to the wedding being later on in the day that they would need to take photos prior to the wedding.  I was so excited because this was my first "first look" and it was perfect!  I'll be doing another blog post soon with more photos from their first look and all the benefits to having a "first look"!  Trust me, it's soooo worth it!

The lighting in Mills Mansion was perfect and I mean really perfect! Everything was original and vintage and really fit the style of the whole wedding.  Kerrin you definitely picked the perfect place to have your first look!

I love all these photos of you two!

And then there was their amazing wedding party!  Seriously you guys were a blast!  It didn't matter what I was asking them to do, they did it.  And huge props to these lovely ladies for sticking it out in the cold...you'd never know by how awesome you all look!

And this idea came from the groomsmen! Such a great idea and you all played your parts perfectly!

And they became Mr & Mrs Chapman <3

Then came their first dance and the dances with their parents.  So sweet!

These five have been best friends since high school so of course we had to recreate a picture from their senior ball!  You ladies are beautiful!
   

And of course I always get excited when I get to visit with past couples! You may recognize these two, Allison and Travis, who's wedding I had the pleasure of photographing in June.  You two are adorable!

There's also nothing better than seeing a full dance floor! It's so hard being someone who loves to dance and being the photographer too.  The result ends in me boppin' around while taking pictures...Hey, at least I'm having fun!

Mike and Kerrin I want to thank the two of you so much for giving me the honor of being your wedding photographer.  You had the perfect day and were surrounded by people who love you both more than you know.  You're perfect for each other and what you have is so special.  I wish you all the happiness and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you two!