Mark your calendars for July 22, 2012 from 9-5.

In just two short months Open Farm Day will be in full swing at Stones Edge Farm in Newcastle, Maine.

- Baby Goats

- Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

- Baby Miniature Horse

- Alpacas

- Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

- Food

- Craft and Farm Vendors

- Beautiful 30 Acre Location

“Hello, my name is Storm Trouper.  I am a baby miniature horse, which means I am both sassy and sweet!  Come see me at Open Farm Day this July!!

Open Farm Day is lots of fun for everyone, especially kids!

The following images are a few from last years Open Farm Day.

Lots of things for the kids to do and see.  No boredom here!

Would you like to promote your farm, animal or Maine related products?  Products that are interactive or that can be bought; products that are kid friendly or even food!  Hey, anyone out there make homemade ice cream?  Come join us this year.  Over 1,100 people came to the farm last year.

If you would like to participate, contact Derilyn at Stones Edge Farm.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Let me say just one quick thing about this location, which is the home to Lea, Sean, Tabitha and grandma Emily – WOW!  Seriously, first week in May, 2013, we’re doing this again – same place, same time!!

My style of photography is pretty basic.  I suggest the best time of day where the available light creates a nice ambiance, I show up at the location of your choosing, you be yourself in all your amazingness and I’ll do what I do, which is click the shutter a bazillion times.  Then I’ll go home, sift through the loveliness, keep and edit the best, put up a preview (like I’m doing now) so you can see just how amazing you are as you interact with each other in normal everyday life.  You don’t ever have to look at the camera, if you don’t want to, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have anything worth while to hang on your walls.  You will, and it will be perfect, because it will be you and your family, as you are.  Everyday.

Take a look at these photos and you will see what I mean.  Oh, and by the way, nothing here is staged or directed.  Thank you so much, Sean, Lea, Emily and Tabitha.  I had a blast!  Hope you enjoy your preview!

Spartacus and Tabitha having a moment.

With all the beautiful color it was hard to convert any to black and white.  This one, however, is perfect this way, as are a couple of others.

I’d say Tabitha is your next riding partner, Lea!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Small, intimate weddings are a wonderful thing.  I can well imagine that it’s far easier to plan a twenty minute ceremony with only 8 guests, followed by dinner at a local restaurant in comparison to planning a ceremony equally as long, but with over 100 guests, a bridal party, a catered reception and all the many many details that coincide with a big event.

It was an honor to photograph Rory and Scott’s wedding, which was held at the Pemaquid Lighthouse.  Short, sweet, casual and elegant.  The love and emotions spilling forth happened all the same despite the fact that it was a very small gathering.  As much as I love to photograph all the beautiful details at a wedding, what I love even more is capturing the candid moments of two people in love who are about to pledge the rest of their lives together.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There’s nothing like spring time.  Everything is new and exciting.  Plans are created, life is full, baby animals are born and young children are eager to explore.  These past two afternoons have been spent at my friends place in Newcastle, ME.  A wonderful spread of land called Stones Edge Farm.  Aside from the great company and baby critters, there are very few black flies at her place due to the constant wind.  Such a relief and so nice to be able to enjoy being outdoors instead of being constantly bitten by those nasty flies!

Here is a glimpse of my two visits.  The baby miniature horse is half brother to my mini.  I will have to restrain myself from this one, who is an absolute love!  If any of you are in the area July 24th, be sure to go to Open Farm Day at Stones Edge Farm to see this little one, as well as the other farm animals.  There will be Bernese Mountain Dog puppies at that time as well.

I love both the color and black and white, so I put them both up!

It isn’t everyday you see a baby horse in a persons lap, but at this farm you’d be surprised!  For anyone with children who is considering having photos done, this would be a great location for a session.  Lots of animals to be photographed with.  Contact me for more information.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

The black flies are in full force here in Maine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time having your photos taken.  All one needs to do is get away from the forest and fields and head to the coastline.  Black flies don’t like the salty air!  The only thing flying around was the wind.  The late day sun added to the beauty of these already beautiful young women.  My daughter has actually been asking for photo sessions with her friends, which I will never refuse.  I used to have to beg her to let me take her picture, but this session, in her own words “went really well!”  And one of her favorite shots was when I asked them to lay on their bellies, which she doesn’t like to do.  See, maybe I do know a thing or two about what will look good in a photograph!

For all you 2013 seniors out there, it’s time to have your senior photos taken.  The earlier the better.  Bring a senior friend or two along who also needs their photos taken and we can do some group shots, as well as separate shots.  Call me for group rates!!  It’ll be fun!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I’ve known Heather for over 10 years.  She was a massage client of mine and one of our main topics of discussion was her longing to have a child.  She and her husband tried everything imaginable, but their nest remained empty.

Until 16 years later.

It was in the fall of last year we saw each other at a local event in town.  She came up to me and announced she was pregnant!  Her joy was painted all over her face.  She literally glowed.  I can only imagine the peace and contentment she must have felt when her doctor told them that they would be having a baby.

To have their dream finally about to come true.  I knew the moment she told me her news that I wanted to photograph her during the final month of her pregnancy.  She would be even more radiant as she savors and anticipates the arrival of her daughter.  Her nest would soon be full.

Heather, I have always thought pregnant women are beautiful, but you, my dear, are stunning!

We had less than an hour before sunset, so we took a drive to Damariscotta Lake.  Beautiful lighting!!

Thank you so much, Heather!  I feel honored to have this opportunity to create these little jewels of this amazing time in your life.  I can’t wait to meet her!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

This will be the third and final post about my west coast trip.  I’ll start with the rest of the family pictures and end with our trip to Mt Rainier.

My brother, Donald, took this photo.  This is four generations of women in my family.  My grand mother, my mother, me and my daughter.  The photo below is still four generations, including one of my sisters.  My other sis Debbie must have been in the house!

Annabelle does not get her height from her grand mothers!

Surrounded by her aunties!  The photo below was taken by brother Donald, which I think is such a great moment captured!

Surround by uncles.

Mom and Jeffery.

This is my nephew, Ben, who had to work all day so arrived late.  Ben is my sister, Ayla’s, son.  He is an extremely talented artist and musician.  Below you will see him with a pair of violins he is making.

Ben, I can’t wait to see these when you are finished!!

Okay, now we will get to the landscape that defines the Pacific Northwest.  The photos in part two gave you a distant glimpse of why I adamantly say NO, Washington does not remind me of Maine, or visa versa.   When I first moved to the east coast I lived in the white mountains of New Hampshire.  When I was asked if I would like to hike up Stinson Mountain I said sure, where is it?  The person pointed to this hill and I said “where?”  They pointed again and I said “I don’t see a mountain.”  Finally, they said “you’re looking at it.  That is Stinson Mountain.”  I informed them that that was not a mountain.  It was barely a foothill by Cascade mountain range standards!

As we drove closer to Paradise Lodge, which was as far as you can go by vehicle, there were lots of places to pull over so “we tourists” could get a view.  I was so very happy that we had beautiful weather, with mostly clear skies.  I wanted Annabelle to see the beautiful landscape I grew up with.  She has never seen anything like this before.  She told me our day trip to Mt Rainier was definitely a highlight of our visit.

This was the last time we saw a full view of Mt Rainier that day.  I took this while we were driving.  Once we got to the lodge to park the car, the clouds rolled in.

There was 30+ feet of snow so we had no choice but to snowshoe in.  My first time doing that!

I had forgotten about the “camp robbers.”  When I was a kid my parents often took us on hikes in the Cascades.  Whenever we stopped to eat, we would be visited by these very friendly birds, who wanted a free meal.

These last two images were photographed by Donald, edited by me.

It started snowing on our hike back.

So there you have it!  Our fabulous trip back in time.  I simply will not go that long between visits, ever again!  Hope you all enjoyed the tour!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It looks like it will take 3 posts in order for me to edit all the photos I want to share from my trip.  So many!!  So this one will include most of my family.  The final post will have the rest from the reunion, plus our trip to Mt Rainier.  So, without further ado, here is another glimpse of my home state and my family.

When I tell people I’m from Washington State most everyone comments “isn’t Maine like Washington?”  My immediate response is “no!”  The west coast is majestic, with a skyline featuring the Cascade and Olympic ranges.  On a clear day you can see Mt Rainier, being the closest big mountain to where I grew up.  On a cloudless day you can see several other mountains as well.  Hopefully these photos will help you see why there is no comparison between Maine and Washington.

My Brother Daryl and sister Ayla.

Our youngest sibling, Debbie, and below is another brother, Donald.

We were very silly growing up, and I see we haven’t changed much in that department!

“Uncle Donald” giving Annabelle an early birthday present.

She got a Troll bead!

My brother-in-law, Gary, drying dishes with drying mitts!  See Ayla, he uses them!  Oh, and Gary makes the BEST bread, ever!

Me and my grandmother, who is going to turn 98 this month!  Oh, how I loved seeing her, so bright and cheerful!  More photos of her in Part 3.

The cool thing about being on vacation with my daughter, is I saw more of her in that week than I do at home!

Cousins – Jack, Annabelle and Ryan.

My brother Dan and his son Jack.

Brother Daryl, sister-in-law, Lori and nephew Ryan.

I think my brother Donald and I drove everyone crazy with our cameras!

Brother David.

Donald and my step father, Jeff, in what seems to be a deep discussion about who knows what!

So here we are, all seven of us!  Because of me, who lives on the opposite coast, we haven’t had a complete group shot in 22 years!  Or longer!

The photo my mother is holding is all of us when we were VERY young!  We are all in the same spot, except my sister Debbie is not sitting on my lap!

Phew, there’s a lot of pictures, and there’s still more to come!!  Hopefully by early next week I can finish them.  Stay tuned!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Somewhere between 15 and 22 years passed since the last time I saw my entire family, who live in the Pacific Northwest.  My children and I were there when my daughter was 16 months old.  She turns 17 in two days!  It is hard to describe all that I experienced once I was under the same roof as my six siblings, mother, step father, grandmother, brother and sister-in-laws, plus three of my six nephews.  Amazing.  Exhilarating.  Nostalgic.  Most of my siblings and I are in our 50′s.  I remember when I thought 50 was really old.  Nah, it’s just another number and old is a relative term.

I think the best thing to do is let our trip be told in pictures rather than a lot of words.  There will be at least one more post, possibly two, because I took A LOT of photos and it will take awhile to edit them.  I will simply start at the beginning . . .

There is one thing I truly miss about Washington that we don’t have here in Maine:  tall, mossy trees.  So lush and beautiful.  My sis, Ayla, her dog Bella and Annabelle being very silly.

I took lots of mossy tree pics – I couldn’t help myself!  We had fabulous weather, by the way.  It poured rain upon our arrival, but the rest of our stay was perfect, until the last day it rained lightly.

The western part of Washington is green all year long because of the mild, wet climate.

After walking through the beautiful forest, we came to a rocky beach.

Washington has lots of Madrona trees.  Love the red bark.

I made Ayla and Annabelle climb the tree so I could take a photo of them.

Time to switch to city mode!  I consider myself a country mouse but I have to say that our day in Seattle at the Pike Street Market gave me a new perspective that I never appreciated before.  Had so much fun!  I could do street photography there all day long!

There were rows of flowers.

And the produce was so gorgeous.  I think I got full just walking around because nearly every place had someone handing out slices of fresh fruit.

Loved this vendor selling these little pipes that made beautiful music.

My daughter has this thing for birds – always have.  This is her feeding pigeons on a side street near the market.

The musicians were everywhere!

These guys sang A Cappella gospel music and had the most amazing voices.

Can’t believe they only charged $5 for their music!  They had quite a gathering that filled the streets to listen.

I have no idea why there is this huge Popsicle statue in the middle of the city, but there was!

So this is the end of part 1.  It will be a few more days before I finish editing another batch, which will include the rest of my family.  We stayed at Ayla’s house the whole time, with the exception of one night at my brother Daryl, nephew Ryan and sister-in-law Lori’s house.  That’s why there aren’t pics of the whole gang in this post.  Like I said, I took LOTS of photos!  Stay tuned!!

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In five years Nijel will be the same age I was when I gave birth to him.  How does this happen in what seems to be a brief flash in time?

“Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity – a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.”  ~Rose Kennedy

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It’s that time of year again when I start to think about the upcoming wedding season.  There is a lot of preparation involved, not just for the couple and their family, but for the photographers who insure that one of the most important days of their life is creatively documented.   For all the hours the bride and groom and their entourage of helpers put into the planning of their wedding day, I know for a fact that a significant number of hours is put into their photographs.  I certainly know from experience that my 8 to 12+ hours spent photographing a wedding doesn’t end after the party is over.  In fact, my work will only just begin.  Hours upon countless hours will be spent uploading, backing up, culling, and more culling, editing, editing, editing and yes, editing until I am satisfied that when anyone, especially the bride and groom, view these pictures they will also have a sense of deja vu.  They will relive their wedding day and feel all the emotion that carried them through till the last guest went home.

All the little details will be noted.  No moment will be forgotten.

Tender moments will be frozen in time

to be delicately placed where the most precious of keepsakes are held.

Weddings aren’t always held in a church.  In mid-coast Maine the locations of beauty and romance are endless.  Fort Henry William in Pemaquid offers a stunning view and fabulous light.

Have you ever thought of getting married in a library?  Catherine and Bob did.  Skidompha Library in Damariscotta offered a very unique and beautiful location for their intimate occasion.

Wedding dresses aren’t always white and wedding guests aren’t always human!

The Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is another fabulous location for your nuptials.

Cheers to all the couples to be wed in 2012

and a big high five to all the photographers lucky enough

to witness and document such a sacred, life changing day!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

If this is winter in Maine, I’m afraid we’ve been short changed this year.  We’ve had very little snowfall and only a handful of very cold days.  I’m okay about the lack of cold, but I really miss the snow.  It’s raining right now but the weatherman says snow shall fall tonight and tomorrow morning.  Of course he also says rain will most likely mix in along the coast.

Despite the lack of snow, I did manage to capture some beautiful images when we did get some.

Miniature horses always blend beautifully against a snowy landscape.  This is Trixie and Muffin, who live happily on my property.

Out of the bosom of the Air, Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,

Over the woodlands brown and bare, Over the harvest-fields forsaken, Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Trixie can be so sassy, tossing her head – not in defiance, but out of delight.

I can’t believe Muffin will be 4 years old this June, and that he has lived with me since he was 4 months old!

This is Boo, my beautiful Maine Coon mix.  He thinks he is a lion!  He has huge feet because of two extra toes.

And this is Whiskers, who we have had for over 10 years.

Polly-Anna, our Barred Rock hen, who likes to hang out with all the animals.  She is the last survivor from a flock of 12.

So there you have it, my calm and mild winter in Maine.  How has your winter been and what have you been up to?

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Just because it is winter in the Northeast doesn’t mean it is cold and miserable everyday.  Far from it!  In fact, I’d say that winters in Maine have been getting milder each year.  Not sure if I like the changing pattern, but it is what it is so I say we ought to cease the moment and enjoy each day, no matter what we wake up to.

This past Sunday the sun shone and we had seasonable temperatures.  Perfect for a winter photo session, even mid-day.  That’s the thing I like about doing sessions at this time of year – the sun is lower in the sky, which means the shadows cast are less harsh on peoples faces.

I believe this is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to photograph my friends’ family.  But this is the first year we included dogs to join in the fun.  It was hard to resist their two 5-month-old Red Labrador brothers.  Lots of energy and lots of cuteness!  Thank you, Kirstie, Kerry, Justine and Carly for a fun couple of hours.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

How many clicks of the shutter does it take before you have all eyes facing the camera!  Lots! As you see, it can be done!

Sweet Lily, who had no clue she was playing Cupid!  Such a wonderful ol’ dog.

The pups decided to ‘style’ their own segment of the photo shoot.  They said “you like candid?  We’ll give you candid.  Catch this shot!”  And I said, “okay.”

Kirstie’s real estate head shot.

This is my favorite part – photographing the girls with their horses.  All the images are candid.  The only direction I gave was where the best lighting was located.  My goal was to portray the relationship they have with their horses.  How that played out was up to them.  I’d say there’s a lot of love here, wouldn’t you?

This is Otis and he belongs to Carly.  However, during this past year of eventing she rode the above horse, Teddy.  For anyone who is looking to buy a beautiful, well trained 7-year-old horse, Otis is for sale.  Contact me and I will put you in touch with the owner.

This is Justine with her horse, Giovanni.  I’d say they love each other!  The two of them won championship in their division at the Downeast Finals in hunter-jumper competition in 2011.  (I hope I got that right!  If not, let me know!)

“A lovely horse is always an experience…..

It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.”  – Author Unknown

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Winter finally arrived here in Midcoast Maine.  In fact, it arrived all over New England.  The weather reporters called for a mere 1-3 inches along the coast, but I’d say we got a good 6 inches of the white fluff, topped with a coating of sleet.  The best part of the day is when my daughter said “lets go out and do a photo shoot.”  I was beyond thrilled!  Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get her to do a shoot with me!  She wanted to use her old tree swing she made a few years ago, which I thought was a great idea.  Most of these are candid with a few poses thrown in.

Cody is trying to help her with the swing!  Such an Aussie, always needing a job!

Do they EVER stop texting!!

“No, mom, we don’t!”

Alright, so now that you’ve seen how fun winter photo shoots can be, who’s going to be the first to schedule one with me?  Remember, I am offering Off Season Rates now through the end of April.  That’s a $100 savings!!  It gets better.  Schedule a photo session between now and January 31st and I will include an 11×14 of your choice from your session!!  Contact me now and lets get started!!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Winter is here, or at least that is what the calendar says, but for those of us who live in the Northeast, winter seems to be a bit confused this year.  One day it’s extremely cold, the next it’s a balmy 40+ degrees.  That’s okay, helps to save on heating costs.

Speaking of savings, I’m offering off season rates for photo sessions, starting NOW!  How much will you save?  How does $100 sound?!  Pretty cool, don’t you think!  I LOVE the light that winter offers and so I’d love to take advantage of that light.  I’m not into doing sessions when the temperatures are frigid, but there are plenty of opportunities when it’s mild enough – even in a “normal” winter.

So lets do this!  Pull out your colorful hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, sleds, skates and lets have some fun!  Animals are most certainly welcome, and encouraged.

My off season rates (125.00) are good only through April 30, 2012.

Look at how much fun winter sessions are, and so beautiful!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Gosh, it’s December and I’m still doing photo sessions!  Very exciting!  And as you will see in these photos, no snow, and the temperature was in the 50′s, making it feel like early fall.

I had a great drive down to Yarmouth to meet up with these two young men and their mom.  Donna showed me some portraits of her sons when they were much younger so she decided it was about time to have some current photos taken.  I love black and whites, so was super excited she wanted these to be in black and white as well.

I hope you enjoy your preview, and it won’t be long before the rest are finished!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

About 3-4 years ago I began to use a digital camera.  I knew nothing about the technical side of photography, but always owned a camera and loved being behind the lens.  I remember that I didn’t have much work at the time that first year I got my Nikon D40, so I decided to make use of all my spare time and teach myself to take pictures the way I envisioned them.

Everyday, early in the morning, I took the dogs out with me to feed the horses.  I brought my camera, too.  It was at that magical hour or two after sunrise that I learned all about light and how it gave meaning and depth to anything I photographed.  I could take the same exact picture three hours later, but it wasn’t the same picture.  At all.  There was no life, no energy, no feeling.

I finally understood why it was said that photographers were always on the lookout for that “perfect light.”  It was necessary to convey emotion.  It was the thread that wove itself around subject and its’ soul.

I have been photographing people primarily for the past three years, but this morning I yearned to go out with my camera.  To be in the golden light as morning was waking up.  Pies were in the oven, my daughter asleep, the animals were enjoying the freshly fallen snow.

I wanted to go back to where I started this journey.  To remember my roots.  To discover how far I have gone and how much more of this amazing life I have yet to discover.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I just met the sweetest family the other day who won a photo session from one of the auctions I have donated to recently.  I love to support the local community and I can’t think of a better way to do so than by giving, especially if I can give of my talents, which will serve both the cause and the recipients.

It was another beautiful, unseasonably warm day here in Maine for a photo session.  I know I’ve said this many times, but the light at this time of year is exceptional.  I have been so pleased to be doing sessions well into November.  I really would like to do them outdoors all winter, as long as it isn’t frigid.

Both Elliott and Arabella were such sweet little troupers.  I often wonder what goes through children’s heads when someone they don’t know shows up with a camera in hand asking them to do this and that.  For the most part they indulged me with a pose here and there, but I know it’s asking a lot of 2 and 5 year olds so I kept it as light as possible.  In the end, I’d say we got some pretty good shots!

Thank you, Emery and Troy, for sharing your family with me.  I hope your enjoy your preview.  I think we have a few jewels in there!

I think it’s important to include the animal members of the family as well, especially since they were so willing!

It’s the moments in between the moments that create memories that move the heart ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I have driven past this farm many times over the years and have always loved it.  I would think to myself that whoever lived there was very lucky.  They have a perfect water view with meadows sprawling out in every direction.  Come to find out that Wriggins Hilltop Farm is a family owned business, producing grass fed beef, all natural pork and all natural cabrito (goat) in a small farm environment.  Love it!

Alana, Tom and their two children were such troopers to brave the November wind, which seemed to be twice as strong because their farm is situated on a hill with no trees to brace the wind coming off the water.  But that didn’t stop us as we moved from one area of the farm to the next.  With fences, stone walls and a red barn, the possibilities were endless.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to create some family memories for you to relive for years to come!  Enjoy your preview!!  Can’t wait to finish the rest!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” – Rumi

It could have snowed November 5, 2011.  It was cold enough to, but it didn’t.  However, the weekend before we had a typical nor’easter at a very non-typical time of year.  Didn’t matter because November 5 was bright and cloudless, albeit cold and feeling like it should in November.  With that being said, I marveled at how Catherine never once said she was freezing as we grabbed the remaining rays of sunlight to document her and Bob’s most special day.  Not only was their day special, as all weddings are, but their chosen location set them apart from any wedding I have ever photographed.

Catherine is a soccer coach, which means her summer and early fall schedule are spent on a soccer field, leaving no time to squeeze in a wedding.  Bob works in construction, and in Maine you have to make hay while the sun shines.  November made sense to them.  So where do two people who are madly in love with each other who are madly in love with books get married?

The library, of course!  What! you say?  Yes, The Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta, Maine to be exact.  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  It was amazing!  Here’s the lineup: wedding at the local library, reception at the elegant 1812 Farm in Bristol, and a 1967 black and white Camaro . . . need I say more!  Yes, one more thing – Bob & Catherine, you are awesome and I wish you a lifetime of love, fun and fond memories!!  Enjoy your preview!

Catherine, your dress was exquisite and the only thing it needed was you, which made it even more exquisite!

As the ladies spent hours getting ready, the guys did their thing so they could bring the “chariot” to the waterfront for photographs.  Very cool, I think!

They wrote their own vows.  I love that Catherine is “fine tuning” hers in the library.

A few candid shots before the ceremony.  This is the ring bearer and his dad.

The first look for both Catherine and Bob.  Such a precious moment.

Some of the girls from the soccer team.

Catherine, you totally rocked this Camaro!!

I think you two just gave new meaning to a library.  A very romantic location to be wed, indeed!

I love how all the tables at the 1812 Farm were set up with flowers and books as the centerpiece.

Note the Camaro cake behind the big cake.  And guess what the cake top is made from?  Take a closer look below.

For those of you who live in Maine, you should be able to guess right off.

First dance.

Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose
beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity.
~ Kahlil Gibran ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Children reinvent your world for you.

~ author unknown

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a warm, sunny afternoon in November than with two young mothers and their babies.  For Derilyn, this is child number three.  Her beautiful son, Madox, is four months old.  For Lea, this is child number one and sweet little Tabitha is two months old.  It was fun listening to the conversations.  It made me realize that all mothers have a universal language, mulling over topics like sleep, or lack of sleep.  Feeding habits.  Diaper changes.  Bathing.  How to reintegrate back into the world with a baby glued to the hip.

Two months hardly seems like any time at all, but there was such a noticeable difference between these two little cherubs.  Tabitha is just waking up to the world around her, while Madox seems to have been around the block a few times already.

I hope you enjoy this little journey of candid moments!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. 

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. 

~Elizabeth Stone

What a fabulous November morning to meet up with Virginia, Chad and Ava for a photo session at their beautiful farm.  The light was incredible, as you can see, the air was warm – no snow storms this weekend, unlike the last few days of October!  I haven’t seen Ava since May, when we did a secret session with just mother and daughter.  It was a surprise gift for fathers day.  My, how she has grown!  Not only does she look older, but she is talking in full sentences!  Not even two yet!  I hope you enjoy your preview and I especially hope you will find the perfect image to use for this years Christmas card!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I’ve learned that when you live in Maine, don’t count on the weather forecast to be accurate.  It was supposed to be a partly to mostly sunny weekend, but I know we saw more clouds than sun, and we even had some rain showers – at the time of this session, as a matter of fact!  Even so, we packed in a lot of giggles and plain old fun and excitement during our session.  It doesn’t really take much to make a wee one happy, and I’m telling you, can this little guy smile and laugh!  Abby and Mark, you are very lucky to have such a happy child, who is obviously loved to pieces!  I’ll hush now and get on with the show!

This black and white image is one of my favorites of the trio.  I love candid photos because they really capture authentic moments.  Plus, it isn’t easy to get a toddler to hold still for a posed shot, at least not for very long!

What a face!!  I just smile every time I see this!

“No, I want to run into the ocean!  No more pictures, please!!”

Thank you Abby, Mark and Ethan for such a fun time in Pemaquid.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  Stay tuned, there are more to come!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Within the quiet pulse of morning

a faint tune hums.

And there,

beneath the burning cloak

of autumn

a fiddler – disguised as shadow,

plays.

~ Darlene Terry

I was driving to the dump this morning and noticed something new along the way.  I stopped the car on the way home, got out and what a joyful surprise awaiting me.  I call it a sweet bit of magic, and only 5 minutes from home.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

This year the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest happened to be on my birthday.  Well, at least one of the days landed on “my day” but the Pumpkin Fest spans several days around Columbus Day weekend.  It felt like summer, with temperatures reaching 81 degrees!  I decided I was going to focus on street photography rather than taking photos of every single carved and painted pumpkin as I have done in the past.  I did take some pumpkin shots, but since I had my 85mm lens on and there were hundreds of people milling around, I wasn’t able to get in very close.  But that’s okay, I’m pleased with the outcome.

I’ll start with the Pumpkin shots.

And here is a child pumpkin, which I thought was sooo cute!

My favorite part of this event is the children and adults dressed up or just the expressions on their faces as they wait for the parade to begin or while they are watching the parade.  Of course, those in the parade are also fun to see.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

When do you get to be a grown-up? she said.

When you can read & write & lie without laughing, I said

& her eyes got big

& she said she didn’t know it was that hard.  ~Story People

I was looking through photos this morning from six years ago and I noticed how much you have changed. How can six years be so transformative? How did you go from shorter-than-me, always full of questions (yes, you asked more questions than I ever did!) to this young woman who now questions my questions? How are we suddenly standing at the crossroads of preparing you to go off to college in two years when it seems like yesterday you read to me for the first time?

You have a car now. You are driving yourself to work and school and to your friends homes.

And as I watch you pull out of the driveway, driving a car that totally suits your personality,

I wonder about the dreams that lay resting in your heart.

The dreams only you know about,

for they are still so big and unreal

that you dare not wake them up yet.

Even you know it’s too soon.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“i wish you could have been there for the sun & the rain & the long, hard hills.

for the sound of a thousand conversations scattered along the road.

for the people laughing & crying & remembering at the end.

but, mainly, i wish you could have been there.”  ~Story People

I have not seen my sister in six years.  She just left today after a sweet five-and-a-half day visit.  She is five years younger than me but we were always connected at the hip until I moved to the East Coast in 1981.  Now we are connected in our hearts.  Oh my, has it really been that long?!  The two of us had grand plans as teenagers.  We were going to live far in the hills in a log cabin.  We would grow everything we ate, sit around in the evenings and spin wool, knit and sew our clothes.  We would marry mountain men and raise our children together.  We would grow old in each others company, have long, grey braids and sit in rocking chairs sipping herbal tea and reminisce.

Maybe some day we will do the last part together.  It is too late to do the rest.  When we do get together it is always the same – the feeling that no time has divided us, almost as though one of us just went out for a few hours and then walked in the door to continue where we left off.

The following photos are of my beautiful sister.  For both of us it brought back so many memories of when we lived at Long Beach in Washington state.  We would photograph each other and play in the ocean.

The next day we went to a local apple orchard to do a few shots .  What a magical place.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I just love doing photo sessions with people who love to have their photos taken!  It really makes our time together fun and the images I’m able to capture will be treasured for many years to come.  The Smith family was a blast!  I felt instantly at home when I met them, their location and the late afternoon light was perfection, and I’m very pleased with the end results.  I sure hope you are, too!  This is just a handful of the images, and there are more to come.  I hope you enjoy your preview!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

At this time of year it is easy to fall behind in keeping up with posting my sessions on the blog.  But I try!  So much work and not enough time, but no complaints here.  I am grateful, to say the least.  I am especially grateful to have the opportunity to meet such wonderful people from all over the United States who seem to gravitate to Maine for a summer vacation.   Molly and David, you have such a beautiful family, so full of good humor and love.  Thank you thank you for giving me the pleasure of meeting your clan and spending a few hours photographing all of you.  I had such fun and I believe these images portray the fun you have with each other.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There are not enough wonderful words to describe Pascale and Kirk’s wedding day.  The weather is an important factor and it was beyond perfect.  Pascale got ready at her parents house and can I just say that the view was breath taking.  The Wilson Memorial Chapel at Ocean Point in East Boothbay created a serene mood for their ceremony.  The stone chapel is a beautiful, old landmark and the ocean was just a few feet away.  After some photos were taken we all headed into Boothbay Harbor to the Chowder House where Pascale worked for several years.  And just a couple of hours before sunset we went to the fabulous Botanical Gardens where a lobster bake was held, a live band, dancing and simply enjoying the company of their guests, some from as far away as Switzerland, which is where Pascale is from.

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, up to a year or two for most couples.  But when the big day arrives I can tell that both the bride and groom, as well as their parents and bridal party, are all in a bit of a daze.  There is so much going on, schedules to meet, last minute this and that, I am sure by the end of the evening they look at each other and wonder how it all slipped by.  Insert photographer.  I know one of my biggest jobs is to document all the little moments so they can look back and remember how beautiful their day was and how every hour planning was worth it, times ten.

Pascale and Kirk, thank you so much for entrusting me with your day.  I had such a great time!  You both have a lovely family and I feel blessed to have been a part of one of the most important days of your lives.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  I cannot wait for you to see the rest!!

When Pascale showed me her wedding dress she also pointed to the dress next to it, which was her mother’s wedding dress.  I nearly lost my breath and I just knew I had to photograph them together.

On the day of any brides wedding, there is an aura of magic floating around.  I feel like every princess fairytale that was ever told comes to life, and it is most vivid on the face of the bride.  Pascale, you are absolutely stunning!

Pascale and Kirk see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Their sweet son, Jackson, brought them their rings.  I might add that Jackson was a charming young man the whole day through!

Pascale said that one of the things she absolutely wanted to do after the ceremony was ring the church bell.  And ring the bell they did, several times in fact!

Is this not the most adorable family!!

I just loved the ocean theme they had for the reception.  All the little details were perfect!

Dear Pascale and Kirk,

may all the many years ahead of you be filled with passion, love, abundance in every way,

but most of all, may your days be filled with humor, even when difficulties arise.

Laughter will see you through.

Much love, Darlene

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits