Engagement Strike! {Binghamton Area Wedding Photographer}

In some circles the word "strike" can be a very unfabulous word.... however, in the world of bowling, it can lead to high fives and squeals of delight! (Okay, maybe some people don't squeal, but in my world of bowling... I squeal...) For Sarah and Dustin, the long glossy alleys, the sounds of crashing pins, and the colorful shoes led them to each other, and their lifelong commitment to one another. Bowling has played a large part in their lives, and with the business in the family, I'm sure it will continue for the many years they will share together as husband and wife.

Thank you to Ideal Lanes for giving us the perfect setting for Sarah and Dustin's engagement session! (And for the fun night of birthday bowling last week! Our crew had a blast!) =)

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Congratulations Sarah and Dustin! Can't wait!

Firefighter, Family Tradition {Binghamton Area Photographer}

No matter if it is a career or volunteer firefighter, becoming a member of the fire service is often times a family tradition. A young son or daughter grows up and watches a parent serve his or her community in a very selfless way and they want to do the same. Firefighters train for any number of circumstances they may come across: structure fires, motor vehicle accidents (anything from motorcycles to the big rigs), medical emergencies, and even water rescue. They train on a regular basis so that at the drop of the tones on their pagers, they can drop what they are doing, kiss their families, and run out the door to respond. Maybe they were just hanging out at home, maybe they were eating dinner with the family, maybe in the midst of bowling on the Wii with the kids. Doesn't matter, someone needs help, and they are called to respoond.

Many people don't realize what it takes, many people just take for granted the fact that if they need help there are "people there" who will help them out. Until I experienced life as a firefighter's wife, I was in the 2nd category. I never thought about the people that responded to emergencies. I never thought about if it was their career that they chose or whether they were volunteering their time to serve the community. It never crossed my mind even once.

My husband grew up watching his father, and as any boy does, looked up to him. His father is a paramedic by trade and also volunteered for a number of years with his local fire department. Now my husband serves in the local fire department with a long list of other voluteers, and our oldest son Colton (currently age 11) aspires to join the department as soon as he is of age. He is proud of his dad's service and looks forward to serving with him. Every year at school his teachers comment on this. It is very much a part of who Colton is. I have to tell you that watching our son is like getting a glimpse into my husband when he was a boy.

Colton came home from school a couple of months ago with a poem he had written called I AM. The poem is about being a young junior firefighter and it brought tears to our eyes when we read it. Listening to Colton read it in his own voice was one of those golden parent moments when you just burst with pride in your child. Words can't even express how we felt. There were some tears that did a better job of that...

This Christmas Colton and I sat down together to look over some images I took a couple of years ago of the kids with Steve in his bunker gear. Colton helped select the perfect image to go with his poem and we put them together to print for Steve and his father for Christmas. He was soooo excited and couldn't wait for them to open their prints! Now that Christmas has passed and the gifts have been opened, I would love to share it with all of you. Before I do, I'd like to say a few thank you's...

Thank you to all of you who serve others in your communities. You are the ones who run to the scene when everyone else runs away. You have something inside of you that is truly incredible that makes your hearts unique. Thank you to the families who support the loved ones in their lives that possess this unique gift, it's not always easy to shift your plans and send them away with a kiss and a quick , "Be safe!"

To my father-in-law, thank you for shaping the man my husband is today. His desire to serve other people in this way comes from watching you. I see that so clearly as I watch and listen to Colton as he grows. To my husband, I'm so very proud of you and so are our children. Thank you for being such a positive role model to our kids. We all love you very much. And to Colton, I'm your mom, so I'll always be a little on the protective side, but I'm proud of your dreams, and I will support you, no matter what. I love you.

I Am

by Colton Luker, 2011

I am a young junior firefighter.

I wonder who will join with me.

I hear the crackling of wood burning, and water rushing out of the hose.

Then th sizzle of water hitting the fire, the roar of the fire engines,

Also the tired breathing of the firefighters.

I see nothing but black, thick smoke in the house.

I want to help my community.

I am a young junior firefighter.

I pretend to put out fire with a hose.

I feel hot and sweaty from the fire and my fire gear.

I touch the leather of the steering wheel in the firetruck.

I worry that someone may get hurt.

I cry when family die.

I am a young junior firefighter.

I understand that it is dangerous.

I say God will protect me when I'm doing it.

I dream that I will do my best.

I try to be good.

I hope other people will join with me.

I am a young junior firefighter.

Chelsey! {Binghamton, NY Senior Portrait Photographer}

The blog has been feeling neglected, but I have just the gal to spruce it back up! Miss Chelsey is a senior this year and she has a smile as bright as the sun! Chelsey used to be a music student of mine, once upon a time and the thing I remember most about her was how she used to bounce into my room with a sparkling smile on her face. It's been a number of years now since I've seen her and I was happy to see that her sparkle remains. Enjoy your senior year Chelsey, I'm so proud of you!

Imported Sunshine! {Binghamton Area Wedding Photographer}

Those of you who are local to the Binghatmon, NY area know that lately, our skies have been grey and wet, wet, wet! A couple of weekends ago I was getting even more antsy for the sunshine than usual. Joyce and Geoff had made plans to head this way from New Jersey for their engagement session as well as some other wedding planning activities in the finger lakes area.

Thankfully, they imported some of the sunshine from the coast when they headed over! Phew! Granted, we could have rocked the umbrella's and played in some puddles, but I'm not sure Joyce may have had her wardrobe planned for that.

This was the first time I got to spend a good bit of time with just Joyce and Geoff with no one else around. Joyce could not stop laughing! Geoff was talking a mile a minute and he just kept her grinning, giggling, laughing! It was so truly infectious! I love leaving a couple and having my cheeks hurt from all of the smiling and laughing! I cannot wait for their wedding this fall! The finger lakes in the fall... breathtaking location!

Inspirations {Binghamton Area Photographer}

It can be so easy to get caught up in getting things done that we forget to just experience joy and pleasure in the things that we love to do. For me, one of my loves is photography... but, I'm quite certain that is more than a little obvious, right? Usually my joyous moments in photography come in the form of taking shots of my children, but last week I siezed the opportunity to work with some beautiful people that stand a little taller than three apples high.

I recently added a ring light to my arsenal and I have been itching to work with it a bit on my own. Pull together a few fabulous models and I got two evenings of shooting for the bliss of shooting and trying new things! Ladies, (and David!) you were amazing and I thank you for joining in my madness!

With the joy of shooting also came the joy of post processing. Here is one of my favorite results from trying something a little different.







I would like to give a special nod to Mr. D for being an awesome sport! He came along with his girlfriend and didn't expect to get in front of the camera. However... he came around a let me snap a few and I'm so glad he did. D, you look amazing! Seriously, ladies, am I kidding? Incredible!

Lullaby Baby {Binghamton Area Newborn Photographer}

It seems like just a month ago Mr. J's big brother was this tiny in front of my camera.... ok, so neither brother was very tiny. Both of them weighed in at over 9 pounds! But, I digress! Big brother is toddling around like a champ these days and can't seem to stop kissing his adorable baby brother! Can you see why? These cheeks are super kissable, and I can tell you that Mr. J is the most perfect snuggler! Not surprised though, since big brother gives the sweetest kisses and hugs!

Daffodils are almost here!

Spring is coming! The crocuses are blooming and the tulips are pushing forth through the chilly earth. Today's love was being outside in the sun with no coat on, hearing the creaking of the swingset and the giggles of my children. If the "super full moon" weren't out tonight, the darkness might seem like a complete waste! I do suppose it is the perfect time to sit at the computer and work on some of the images that I need to get posted. As the first set loaded, I decided to reminisce a bit and landed on this beauty that set my heart aflutter for spring all over again. This, my dear New Yorkers, is what we have to look forward to very very soon!

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Photographic Treasures

I was going through some photos of when my twins were babies today and found a photo of my grandfather when he was just a baby. Already I had forgotten that I added that image to their book, but my heart melted all over again at the reason. Our oldest son and our daughter were each a ringer, no contest on who Colton looks like (his daddy) and who Ella looks like (mini-me). Then there was Aidan. He shared some features of both sides of the family, but at that point in time, we came to find out he was the spitting image of my grandfather as a baby.

What an amazing blessing that we have that photograph of him! I always liked going through photos and seeing the family resemblences when I was younger and now that I have my own children it's fun to do with them as well! Colton grins and asks questions, and the twins giggle about seeing other family members (mommy and daddy included) when they were babies.

Oftentimes we don't realize that the very things we treasure in the present will still be around when we are gone. The memories that we capture today that make us look for the link to ourselves, ask questions about our family, giggle and even cry will still be around for generations to come. Photos are a gift... even though you will never see some of the people who will discover such treasure.

Here are some of our family treasures... May they inspire you to dust off some of your own family treasures and share them with your children.


The above mentioned image of my grandfather.





The little girl is his mother (aka my great-grandmother) with her parents (my great-great grandparents) Even though I never met these people, I see my Great Uncle Mick in my great-great grandfather and I see my grandfather's face in that of my great-great grandmother. My son's chubby little cheeks, straight from my great-grandmother. Talk about priceless.





This is my grandmother's senior portrait. I had the incredible blessing of living next door to my grandparents until I left home. They were married for 61 years before she passed away. I love them both incredibly and carry them in my heart always. <3

Liz and Ryan

On a chilly New York afternoon, nothing seems to keep you warmer than love! And if that is a little too cliche' for you, at the very least, getting to spend the afternoon with a newly engaged couple is the best distraction from the slacking thermometer that I can think of. Ryan proposed to his lovely bride-to-be just in time to be whisked away for career training. We managed to squeak in some of their precious together time for some shots to celebrate their engagement! Congratulations!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! ~Binghamton Area Photographer~

It's that most beautiful time of year, and also the most busiest time of year! It's been ages since I've updated the blog, so I thought I would pop on quickly to share a recent session. The Redman family wanted to go urban and this time of year, it's the perfect thing to do! We were blessed with amazing weather for November in NY... it was almost 60 degrees!

The Colors of Fall

The vivid colors of fall are leaving us a little more every day, but thankfully we are able to capture those colors while they last! I can't think of a better way to enjoy the sights and smells of fall leaves than by spending time outside with a handsome little man and his family!

Here's one little preview for now, and a few more to come. Keep checking back in!

Chloe Turns One! ~*~ Binghamton Area Family Photographer ~*~

It doesn't seem like it's been a entire year, but it really has! Over the past year I've fallen in love with Miss Chloe and her entire family. We've had so much fun together and so many things have happened! Watching a child experience all of the milestones in their first year of life is such a blessing and I would love to share a few with all of you! Chloe started out as a snuggly, sleepy little peanut and with every visit something new and exciting was happening!






At 5 months, she was the smiliest little boo and just starting to sit up on her own. When she fell over, she grabbed her little toes and giggled and flashed her incredible blue eyes up at everyone.





When 9 months rolled around her happy disposition was still solidly in place. One small glitch started a few grumpies... turns out Chloe wasn't so thrilled about her feet or legs touching the grass. Thankfully, being the cheerful bean that she is, it didn't take much to distract her and bring out the smiles!






And now, at a year, what a happy girl! I pray that Miss Chloe and her baby blues will always look at the world through rose colored glasses and spread the sunshine to everyone she meets. Her happiness is truly contagious!

Happy birthday sweet Chloe!

The Sweetest Couple ever! ~*~ Ithaca Wedding Photographer ~*~

Yes, I seriouly mean the sweetest couple ever! Whitney and Michael have been such a joy to work with in so many ways! Their wedding day was covered in bright yellow sunshine. Not only am I writing about the weather, but included in the sunshine is Whitney's glowing face and bright personality, the yellow linens and flowers, and the sunny lemons that adorned the tables.

After many years together, Whitney and Michael came together surrounded by their loved ones on a lovely little dock floating over Cayuga Lake. One of the most touching moments of the ceremony was Whitney's trip down the aisle. Many brides come down the aisle arm in arm with their fathers, but Whitney's father did the most beautiful thing. As the string quartet played, he wrapped his arm around his precious baby girl and held her close as they walked out onto the dock together. A seemingly small gesture, but truly a special moment.

The ceremony was as unique as Whitney and Michael and was written by the bride. So much thought and love was put into each and every word spoken. Sparklers lined the path as the new Mr. and Mrs. left the dock to greet their guests. After the guests gave hugs and kisses and many congratulations, we stole away and spent some time at a nearby waterfall where Whitney and Michael were able to soak up those first moments of being husband and wife.

The reception that followed had the most fun party atmosphere! The bridal party started out with a classic bridal party song, but broke out into a choreogaphed number that had everyone smiling and bouncing along. The DJ, Rich Birdsall, kept the party going and the dance floor full!

Here are some highlights of Whitney and Michael's wedding. Congratulations to both of you!

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Tessa and Ray! ~~New York Wedding Photographer~~

Tessa and Ray's wedding day had the most intense start, with an uncertain ending, yet had one of the coolest brides I have ever seen! The morning of the wedding found the groom in the hospital after emergency surgery the night before and the bride waiting to hear from the staff if he was going to be released to attend their wedding. Talk about nail biting, right?

Thankfully, he was released and their day carried on as planned... with some minor modifications, a groom with a strong resolve, a bride with a cool manner, and a bridal party with a fun sense of humor, sunglasses, and some eye patches!

Tessa and Ray's wedding was in Binghamton in an outdoor courtyard at Terra Cotta and they couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for such a setting! The courtyard was shaded by tranquil greenery and accented with lovely flowers by Missy Bidwell.

Their reception was full of laughter, dancing, and even a few tests for the bride and groom led by DJ Tom Anushutz. I must add, that Tessa and Ray passed the compatibility test with FLYING colors... and blue shoes. ;) If you've never heard about the tradition of tossing the Best Man's boutineer... just ask Tessa, I'm sure she'll be more than happy to share with you!

Congratulations to you both... on three counts!

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Surprise for Daddy! ~~ Binghamton Area Photographer~~

Tonight I was burning a few DVD's and watched this one from earlier this summer. Terri and the boys met up with me to create a little surprise for their Dad. All of the boys in the house (yes, Dad included...) are _very_ into hockey.... okay, maybe that is a slight understatement... Eat, sleep, and breathe hockey would be a much more accurate description! They educated me on the different jerseys and which team they were for and I even got to see them in action! Check it out for yourself!

Class of 2011 ~Binghamton Area Senior Photograper~

This fabulously fun young lady was so much fun to work with! Kelsey was looking for a beautiful outdoor setting for her portraits and we found two perfect spots to accomplish that look. She is such a stunning young woman and the setting complimented her fun-loving, easy going personality. Kelsey, you were a true joy to work with! Senior year is right around the corner, live up the rest of your summer!

Ben, Kelly, and the girls!

Kelly and Ben have two very beautiful and precious little girls! Big sister was an excellent helper that evening and she is an endless fountain of energy! While I was there she chatted about pretty much everything and had many posing ideas as well. I told Kelly and Ben that I am quite certain they could have a photographer on their hands! What a blessing to see them love on one another and play... everything from tiny toe tickling to lots and lots of kissing! Congratulations on the addition of the beautiful Miss D to your family!

Naomi and David, 40 Years of Love ~~Binghamton Area Family Photographer~~

Naomi and David recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary surrounded by four generations of their beautiful family! The sun was shining almost as brightly as they were amongst all of the hustle and bustle. When I asked Naomi and Dave what their secret is to staying married for 40 years, both of them, completely in sync, responded with, "Patience!" What a strong foundation to stand on for their three children and their families and an inspiration to the rest of us. May the two of you have many many more happy years together and may your children and theirs follow in your footsteps. Happy Anniversary!

Miss Chloe! ~Binghmaton Area Family Photographer~

It's hard to believe that the most adorable Miss Chloe is already 9 months old! Still full of smiles and those blue eyes can still melt your heart in an instant! Even though the evening was a little on the chilly side, we had a beautiful evening to go out on our latest adventure. It seems like we had everything that night... everything from beagles to pink feather boas! Thanks for the fun!