Constant Reminders

We live in a world filled with reminders and to-do lists.  Reminders when our check engine light comes on to tell us it's time for a tune-up.  Reminders that pop up in our inbox 15 minutes before a meeting.  Or the reminders we get from the Doctor’s office letting us know our appointment is coming up.  

As much as these life reminders help keep us on track, there are different types of reminders we keep around to fuel our spirit and to bring a smile to our face.  The constant reminders we place around our homes, on our desks, or even in our wallets.  The constant reminders that mean something in our hearts.  A photograph of your children or maybe that picture of a girls trip you took with your friends that you framed to remind you of that amazing trip.  Maybe your constant reminder is a poem or a piece of artwork, a piece of furniture, or a set of china from a loving grandparent who lives in your heart.  These are the simple and most beautiful reminders which we turn to when we need a quick pick-me-up.  They remind us about life, love, and happiness and isn't it pretty awesome how they bring us immediate joy!

For us, we love to display constant reminders throughout our home.  Maybe it's a small token we picked up on our honeymoon or from a trip we took together, they are the constant reminders that help tell our story.  But one of my favorites is a quote I bought when I was first starting to build my photography business.  I remember running into the grocery story one night and happened to stumble upon a wall of quotes.  I stood there debating if I should even buy it because it seemed like an impulse buy.  As it turns out, this constant reminder is one that motivates me on a daily basis.   I see it every morning when I wake up and every night before I go to bed.  It's pretty simple, yet for me, it’s incredibly powerful.  It’s my gut check, it helps me quickly keep things in perspective as I continue to make decisions about the business and it challenges me to constantly ask myself "WHY". 

I had to start making time for new opportunities even if this meant having to say "NO" to certain things.  Do more of what makes you happy.  This simple phrase has created an enormous amount of freedom in my life and helps put some of the harder decisions into perspective.  Do more of what makes you happy has opened up new doors because as difficult as it is to do, I've had to say "NO" to the things that were not making me happy, in order to make room for the things that would.  And to be honest, this is still something that is difficult for me to do but I've learned that it is ok to prioritize and unselfishly be able to say no. 

The daily life reminders and to-do lists will always be there, but it’s the constant reminders that lift us when we need a quick pick-me-up.  They help comfort us when we need it most, and they give us permission to do more of what makes us happy. 

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

St. Patrick's Day | a family tradition

Ever since I was young, my mother has always gone all out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  I'm talking all the staples...corn beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and her homemade Irish soda bread, delicious!!  Her Irish soda bread would always be the first to go; I don't think a crumb made it off the table.  She would even put green food dye in our drinks which my sister, brother and I loved and thought was the coolest trick.  She used to tell us the leprechauns did it...gotta love a mother’s touch.

She started cooking several days in advance and no matter what day of the week St. Patrick's Day fell on, it was a big deal for her to celebrate her Irish roots and more importantly to teach us the importance of our Irish heritage. Coming from parents who are 100% Irish and 100% Italian, my mother definitely loves having one day to celebrate the Irish in us all.  The St. Patrick's Day menu is something special, only enjoyed once a year.  It's a tradition we all look forward to all month long!

I am so grateful to my mom who has created such a fun (and delicious) family tradition for us all to gather and enjoy together.  Here are some pictures from our St. Patty’s Day celebration including my Nana who celebrated her 92nd St. Patrick's Day and is full of so many amazing Irish stories along with my niece, our newest little leprechaun :).     

                                            

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 Anne is a Connecticut based natural light photographer specializing in family, children and engagement portrait photography.  To learn more about booking your portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

Truth Tellers

Through the good times and difficult times, who are your truth tellers?  When the sun is shining (like today! wohoo!) or when the dark clouds roll in, who are your truth tellers?  I fell in love with this expression when our priest delivered his homily, a powerful message, which resonated deep within my soul.  So simple, yet so…well,  for lack of a better term, TRUTHFUL!  

“Who are your truth tellers?"  “Who are the people in your life that tell you exactly how it is, exactly what you DON’T want to hear?”  He paused.  He wasn't talking about the sugar-coated; everything is perfect about you people.  Nope, he was talking about the people closest to our hearts, who know us best and see our full potential.  The people who tell us what we don’t want to hear because it makes us better people.  It’s a beautiful feeling to have truth tellers in our lives and to also BE a truth teller for someone else. 

As I sat there listening, I began to think about who my truth tellers are and what being a truth teller meant to me.  I am so grateful to have so many wonderful truth tellers in my life.  We all need them; we are all better people because of them.

A truth teller is someone who does not come from a place of judgment but a place of compassion. 

A truth teller does not come from a place of jealousy or negativity but a place of kindness and positivity.

A truth teller does not tell you what you want to hear because it’s the easy way to avoid conflict but instead a truth teller tells you what you need to hear and should hear in that moment. 

A truth teller always comes from a place of love and friendship. 

A truth teller accepts you for who you are, and doesn't try to change you.  They support and care for you deep down inside and have your back…no. matter. what.

Your definition of a truth teller can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, it’s your truth.  My truth tellers are my unconditional supporters, my positive lights, and the ones who pick me up when I need it the most.  I welcome advice I might not always want to hear because it forces me to listen and shift my thinking.  Sure, the truth is hard to digest sometimes but I've learned that the truth is the only thing I want to hear. 

The truth challenges us to be better people and it helps us see outside of ourselves.  My truth tellers give me insight to life outside my world, and they help me be present in my everyday life.  Truth be told, it’s all a work in progress! 

Hearing the hard truth, and not the sugar-coated, everything is perfect truth, is only going to help us become our best selves.  Big hugs and thanks to all my TTs.

xoxo

anne

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

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