Just because Heather and Michael aren’t married, doesn’t mean they don’t have anniversaries! Because they do! And they are not going to sit around and wait until their ENGAGED just to have their pictures taken together. Nope, these two are going to get started documenting their relationship right at the 6 month marker! (sounds like true love don’t ya think?) They also decided to start a family right away too! They recently adopted this cute little baby girl, STELLA! Truth be told, she’s the real reason for all the fuss and pictures. And my camera could NOT resist her!

We shot this in the couple’s neighborhood of downtown New York. Stella brought her most fashionable jacket. ADORBS!!!!

You know how you meet some people and you just know, in an instant, that they’re going to be your friend? For me, that was Rachel. Actually, I hadn’t even met her yet – and I knew we were going to be friends. Our first phone conversation was actually short and rushed, I had 5 minutes before I had to shoot a wedding. I was in Florida and everything seamed chaotic that day. I don’t even remember what was said in that short time, but I just knew I was going to be friends with Rachel.

The next part I shouldn’t even admit. But when I got back to the studio, I got on the phone with Heather (she does my publicity) and we rolled through all the pictures on Rachel’s Facebook page together. There, I admitted it! It is actually quite common for a bride to stalk her photographer – that’s what blogs are for after all. haha! But I switched it up…I silently stalked my bride on Facebook!!! (I promise this it the only time I did this) And after that, I REALLY knew we would be friends.

The last part sealed the deal…during her engagement session, Rachel requested that I take her and Mario to Hogs -n- Heffers so I could photograph her dancing on the bar. They’re just a TAD bit restrictive about photography inside this place. We were not given any sort of special exceptions. So you’ll just have to use your imagination. But we went there, and we let people yell at us through a bull-horn. And Rachel danced on the bar…with her photographer. A match made in heaven! Can’t wait to see you next week doll, you’re going to be the most beautiful bride ever! xo

About a month ago I was up in the Bay Area photographing families and Engagements. Ginny and Andrew were on the list, as their wedding is just around the corner! Ginny has such a nice smile…that will be a nice accessory on the happiest day of her life! So happy I’ll get to be there to capture the magic.