The Real L.A. Law (OK, so it's Cleveland)

Thanksgiving weekend has become a really popular wedding weekend. In fact, I am already booked Thanksgiving weekend for the 2010 season-
This Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Kristen and Bobby, two lawyers from Chicago who hosted their wedding in Cleveland. Talk about an amazing event- we shot all family and local photos prior to the ceremony; something that is becoming more and more popular. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to the most amazing Italian spread at MichaelAngelo's, a quaint but mighty venue in Little Italy. I have to tell you the food was out of this world.....buffet style but served in courses so guests could graze while sampling some amazing wines. It was just a perfect plan!
Here are a couple of pics from the day... I have a feeling that the Pilgrams would be so jealous!

Deep In The Heart of Texas (or Zoar, Ohio- Same Thing)

Over the weekend, I had the honor of shooting the wedding of Lauren and John. Although they live their day to day lives in Texas, their wedding continued their adopted western theme by shooting their locations in Zoar, Ohio. Zoar, an amazing and historical town south of Canton, is literally a cross road that feels like you just stepped out of an old western movie. Now THIS is a fabulous location! Saddle up- and have fun viewing!

Curling Up with a Good Book

As a little girl, I was seldom without a book in my hand. It doesn't surprise me that I chose a career where books are a large part of my daily tasks. The wedding book, is definately the end all, be all to the wedding photography industry.

I love looking at them, designing them, and researching them. I even dream about them. The wedding book is more than a story, it's the documentation of history.

Here are a couple of my favorite pages from a book I recently completed; Stephanie and Chris. Enjoy!

A Lucky Break

Life just seems to know when you give you a bit of a boost. This time of year, as I was editing my 44th event this season, I was thinking how much I could use a tiny break from the wedding world. After I ate my daily Fage and Cheerios, I went out to my mail box and there was a note from my girl, Emily.

Emily should really be a wedding planner. Just the flow of day along with the little details were just the perfect representation of Emily and Erik as a couple. I have such respect for her skills and taste. I was so thrilled when her note to me read, "We can't thank you enough for our beautiful wedding pictures. We love them all and will cherish them forever. Thank you for all of your time and patience. Our wedding day went so smoothly. We are so grateful to have worked with you."

Break? Who needs it! Bring on another 44!

L.A. Woman

Those of us who experience Cleveland weather every year are saying today, "Well, here we go!". Today is the first day that snow is forecasted in our area this season.

So it seems fitting to post a few images from Heather and Anthony's wedding. We often work with out of state couples and Heather and Anthony live in the L.A. area. These images were shot at Mentor Headlands Beach, on the Lake Erie lakefront. What a beautiful and warm day it was!

Looking at these images, all I can do is to concur with the Cleveland masses, "Here we go!"

Mrs. Hill

One of our brides, Shena, is a school teacher. While she was getting ready on her wedding day, Shena commented that her students were going to have difficulties adapting to the change from Miss McCall to Mrs. Hill. We could all hear it now- "Mrs. Hill, can I go to the restroom?", "Mrs. Hill, can you help me with this math problem?", "Mrs. Hill, can I have a hall pass?", "Mrs. Hill, Little Johnny is pinching me." Oh, the joys of the name change.

Congratulations, Mrs. Hill- I hope you never tire of hearing your new name:).

Once Upon A Wedding

The wedding of Christian and Tricia had all of the elements of a true life fairy tale. Their event included:

• A tall, handsome European groom
• A beautiful young princess to be
• A horse driven carriage
• A fabulous ball gown with a 12-foot train
• A Cinderella cake topper
• Many, Many ladies-in-waiting (bridesmaids)

Is there anything else really to say?:) I think this is every young princess-in-training's dream!

Fun, Festivities, and Tequila!

Now that we have thankfully said goodbye to the summer ailments of both me and my family, it's time to get back to the business of showing the images of my beautiful brides! Thank you to all who expressed their well wishes. Both my Mom and I are well on the way to recovery-

Despite my recent battle with pneumonia, I have not missed a beat with shooting weddings this season, I am only behind in posting!

What a fun time we had with Stephanie and Chris on their June wedding day! I bet Chris is always the life of the party and his wedding day was no exception. One of the day's highlights was a stop at a local Mexican restaurant- where shots of tequila were had by all. (Except for us, of course. That would be very bad.) Also, while shooting at one of our locations, we ran into Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson, who was more than happy to pose for photos with the entire wedding party.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the day- Salute!

Mummy's Little Girl

As you can see, I am a little behind on posting despite the fact that I have shot mucho weddings and engagement sessions since the last post. I got sidetracked when my Mom, who is 82, landed in intensive care unexpectantly for a heart issue. Now that she is much better, I am hoping to be back on schedule with regular postings and new stories, of which there are many.
I want to thank everyone who sent me notes and phone calls wishing us well as my Mom recuperated. My Mom and I have always been very close, despite out rich and steriotypical Italian roots; guilt trips and seperation anxiety both included. (Example- typically when saying "See you later" to her each day she replies, "OK bye, I hope I'm still around." If that's not Italian, what is?! I don't affectionately call her "Mummy" for nothing- :)
Anyway, thanks again. We are so grateful that she is improving and doing well.
Double header wedding weekend beginning tomorrow! Stay tuned-

Puppy Love

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It's pretty well documented that I am a crazy doggie lover. My own dogs Leo and Lilly (along with Cokey The Man Cat) are the loves of my life.

I have shot a couple of engagement sessions over the past couple of weeks where the couples have brought their dogs to join in the photo fun.

Meet Natalie and Rocco and Jen and Mya. I love when couples bring their furry family members for shoots and it's obvious that both Natalie and Jen feel the exact same way as I do about their loved ones. Keep throwing out that "blue steel" Rocco and Mya"!