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!

Controls for quality and screen size are in the lower right. Please scroll to the bottom of the blog to turn off the music before playing the video in order to save your sanity!

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!

For those with a faster connection speed, you can view full screen by switching to HQ and expanding. Controls ~ lower right.