Erica & Greg | A Stylized Shoot

These two.   These two have what it takes, you can see it in their eyes, in the way they look at each other, the way they giggle uncontrollable when they hold each other tight.  Meet Erica + Greg. 

Recently, I had the honor of joining 15 other local photographers for a Photography Session, planned by Southern CT based wedding photographers, Jason and Maggie Henriques of Jason Loves Maggie, Photographers.  Even though I specialize in family and couples photography, I was excited to do something different, and couldn't wait for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful, talented photographers.  It was an afternoon to get together and practice what we love to do!  We all had a blast shooting a “styled” wedding day, complete with dress, jewelry, and amazing hair and makeup artists! A big thanks to Jason and Maggie for setting up such a fabulous day and opening up their hotel room at the Omni Hotel in Downtown New Haven for all of us to use for the day! 

So when Jason was looking for a couple to be our models for the day, I reached out to my cousin Erica to see if she and her boyfriend Greg were up for some fun!  Immediately, she said “YES” followed by, “let me check with Greg, not sure if he will share my same enthusiasm”.  When she got back to me saying they were both available and excited, I was beyond pumped, first and foremost because it meant I got to see them!  And secondly, I was thrilled for my cousin to experience a fun day of being pampered!

But what I wasn't expecting was what unfolded right in front of my eyes.  Even though it was not a real wedding and we were playing dress-up, I still got emotional (big shocker, right!).  When Erica’s pretend wedding day look came together, the hair, makeup, jewelry, headpiece and finally the veil…oh the veil, it will get you every time!  I started to get emotional.  The majority of the photographers did not know she was my cousin, so when I stood there by the window looking at her, while everyone snapped away to capture her beauty, I couldn't help but reflect on her life, her successes, how far she’s come, the places she’s traveled and now right before my eyes the attention was on her, and the amazing man she shares her life with.  I realized in that moment that my little cousin was not so little anymore, she’s all grown up, and the happiness I felt for her was one I was not expecting, but it happened, and it was real.  

I'm so grateful that Jason captured this moment for me, I will cherish this shot forever.  So I guess it’s safe to say that someday, on her REAL wedding day, I’m going to be a blubbering mess, haha!!   

After shooting at the Hotel, we all hit the streets of New Haven for the second portion of the day, and ended up at the Yale campus.  Oh and did I mention it was freezing, and while we all had hats, gloves and jackets on, Erica and Greg walked around without coats or anything to keep them warm!  Thankfully Erica wore her adorable winter boots that made for some really fun shots.  The cold didn't bother them, they were amazing sports, up for anything, and truly had a blast.  It didn't bother them one bit that they had 15 different photographers snapping away, giving direction, and asking for them to look here and there.  They were such a joy to work with and their connection was beyond beautiful to watch.  They have what it takes, you can see it, and you can feel it.  Greg is such a gentle soul, a man who cares so deeply for my cousin.  He has NO idea how wonderful he is, but that’s ok, Erica knows and now, so do I.    

I will remember this day forever.  I met so many fabulous photographers and look forward to our future group gathering throughout the year.  This day also gave me an inside look into two beautiful people whose paths crossed while teaching at the same school in downtown Hartford.  Their love connection is real, everyone saw it and felt it.  Erica and Greg have that special something that comes along once in a lifetime, and to see my cousin SO happy, well…you deserve it darling.  Every look, every stare, every ounce of Greg’s affection, you deserve it ALL.

Here are some of my favorites from our fun day.  To my family, not to jinx it or anything, but we may have another Mastronardi wedding in our future…but no pressure Greg!  

xoxo
anne

Special thanks to our amazing vendors: 

Hotel: The Omni Hotel, New Haven, CT

Wedding Gown: The Wedding Embassy 

Makeup: Wedding Makeup by Candee Caldwell

Hair: Chick's on the Avenue Marissa Brophy 

Suit: Express Men

And be sure to check out some of the Behind the Scenes and beautiful images from the other talented photographers:

Jason & Maggie, Photographers:  http://jasonlovesmaggieblog.com/scenes-january-2015-shootout/

Jason & Maggie, Photographers: http://jasonlovesmaggieblog.com/erica-greg-omni-hotel-haven/

Corey Lynn Tucker Photography: http://coreylynntucker.blogspot.com/2015/01/shoot-and-share-ct-yale-new-haven.html

Maull Photography: http://www.maullphotography.com/wedding/wedding-shoot-out/

Daphne and Dean: http://daphneanddean.com/cozy-winter-portraits-erica-greg/

Keane Eye Photography: http://www.keaneeyeblog.com/blog/

Antonio Rocha Photography

Alicia Sturdy

Classic Renditions Photography

Rowan Berry Photography

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 To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

New Facebook Cover Page | What It Represents

For some time now I have been wanting to update my Facebook cover page to represent more about who I am as a photographer.  I knew I wanted it to be a compilation of the incredible families and beautiful people who I have been so fortunate to capture.  I knew it had to be full of a deeper meaning and knew it would be my inspiration board as I continue to build on the mind-blowing, dream chasing year I just had and work towards new goals for this year.  I knew I wanted it to be a constant reminder for me to keep pushing forward.  

But of course, I couldn't replace the old with the new without a little story :).  

My old Facebook cover page was a sunset picture of the Newport, RI bridge which I took from Goat Island, a very special place to Justin and me.  Newport ended up becoming our plan B honeymoon.  Our original honeymoon was cancelled due to Hurricanes and to be honest, we’re so thrilled it was.  We love being able to jump in the car and go back to Goat Island where we can remember every second of our beautiful wedding day and our honeymoon.  We instantly reminisce about the day and how fortunate we were to be surrounded by all our friends and family.  We always try to stay in the same room and laugh about how I walked in our plan B hotel with my bouquet in hand still wearing my veil, oh yes!  Newport instantly became a permanent place of meaning in our hearts.  We had a wonderful honeymoon, barely packed any clothes, because we thought we would eventually get to our original honeymoon spot, but couldn't because the island closed.  So we figured it out day-by-day…and it was perfect.  Absolutely perfect.

So when I started to brainstorm for my new cover page, I knew I wanted it to tell a story about this past year and about the love I have been surrounded by.  I knew I wanted Justin by my side.  I knew I wanted to be in the center surrounded by the images that have changed me in the best possible way.  I knew that when I printed my images that they had to be matted.  I knew that as I looked through them, carefully placing one image at a time, that I would smile and remember each and every moment of those special days, each image having a story.  I knew that when I picked out the burlap that would hold the images that it had to represent me and the type of photographer I am.  I knew when I arranged the pictures that they had to be a mix of organized and messy because I always aim for clean and perfect but have learned how important it is to roll with things because sometimes life throws those fun little curve balls our way and isn't always so perfect.   

Everything about my new cover page is a reflection of who I am.  I believe in creating images that inspire and move.  I believe in creating images that allow you to feel something, feel a connection.  Life is not scripted so we have the chance to write it and remember it the way we want.  My vision is deep, it’s a feeling, and it’s my heart.  When I photograph families, children, couples, I want to see their soul, feel their spirit and capture it so we can remember and hold onto it forever.  So when you look back at the pictures, you too can run your fingers over the images and feel something…deep.  You too will remember that moment, that day, that time the way YOU want. 

Who knew a cover page could evoke so many emotions?  The meaning behind my new cover page makes me smile from ear to ear.  I tried many different versions and drove Justin crazy!  But when I finally got the shot I had been envisioning for almost a year, I knew it was right, I FELT it. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the details I included in my new cover page.  The picture of me (in the center) also my new profile picture, was taken by Justin up in Maine this past summer and was right before my first family session.  A very special time for me in my journey, so glad he captured it for me to remember that moment forever.

xoxo  

anne            

 

...and the finished product!

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 To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Denise, Marc, Gavin & Grayson | Family Portrait Collection

I’m sure there comes a time, or many times over, in a photographer’s journey that we come across people who leave us feeling so whole and fulfilled.  Well, that was exactly how I felt after spending an afternoon with this wonderful family on that chilly, November day. 

I have been so excited to share this very special collection with you!  I didn't want to spoil the Christmas surprise for this family, I do love surprises but now that their family holiday celebrations are over and gifts are given, I can share!  When the mother of this sweet family and I talked about their session, she told me she hadn't had professional pictures taken of her family since her daughter was born. Time was slipping by so quickly and she wanted so bad to preserve this time in their lives.  Memories for them to display around their home, to give as Christmas gifts to loved ones, and for them to look back at to cherish forever.  FOREVER.           

Being invited into a family’s home, into their private space is such a privilege and something I don’t take for granted.  Every time I feel such a rush of deep gratitude for being welcomed with open arms and open hearts.  This family’s backyard is a lake, which was the perfect setting for our session. Casual, comfortable and special to their hearts.  

When I arrived, the kids were so excited to show me around their bedrooms and pointed out all their cool posters of dirt bikes, their guitar, drum set, and dolls.  Adorable, right!  These two beautiful children stole my heart.  They are also by far the raddest kids I've ever met.  They have such a gift of self-expression, confidence and sweet manners…asking to take my coat when I arrived, I mean really??!! A direct example of their fabulous parents!   

After we wrapped up, we all went inside and I was surprised with a gorgeous bouquet of white flowers that the kids were so proud and excited to give me.  The sweetest gesture.  When I woke up the next morning, and walked down my stairs, I had the biggest smile on my face thinking about the special afternoon we shared together.  I met these two little loves for the first time but by the time I left, it felt like we were family, like we've known each other forever.  What a beautiful gift they gave me…yes, the flowers, but more so the lasting impression this incredible family left on me and the connection we made.  A beautiful family so full of love, warmth and compassion.    

Here are some of my favorites from their session!  And I cannot forget to mention their fur-family member, Vida, who was the sweetest lab! I have a major obsession with labs so of course I had to capture her first :)  

xoxo

anne

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 To learn more about booking your family portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com