Within the first minutes of meeting Traci and Steve in person, we were already laughing.  They’re both so fun loving and laid back which makes being with them so effortless, and in turn we got some really amazing frames. We headed down to Nantasket Beach in Hull for this engagement shoot and thankfully it was a warm, sunny evening and got to play in some really great light.

Since Steve is in the army we had some fun with the American flag and his badass army jacket. I always have so much respect for those who serve in the military, it’s something to be very proud of.

I’m so excited for this June 16th wedding!

Peace, Love & Red, White + Blue,

April K

This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it and a testament to how much fun Traci & Steve are. It was one of the first pictures we snapped and also Steve’s big modeling debut.

One of my favorite images of all time right here

money ring shot

This picture is very “quiet” to me

I love everything about this frame, from the colors to the look on her face, to the fact that she’s still showing off her bling while she’s being whipped around by Steve. hahaha

Traci totally reminds me of a Maybelline model in this frame

sometimes it’s the little things

This series is so fresh and vibrant, gotta love that creamy good light

Just you, me and the deep blue sea

Stephanie and Brian are such sweethearts, truly. As you probably know by now, I love the story of how each marriage is created; how did he catch your eye, how did she change your swagger.  Maybe you’d call that a “love invention”?! {haha}.  So their love invention started in Salem, since that is where Brian lived at the time. They would spend a lot of time getting to know each other by going to different restaurants, bars and just hanging at his place.

If you’ve ever been to Salem, MA you know what a cute town it is, right on the water, the perfect backdrop for making some art. We had so much fun, I received an email from Stephanie the next day saying “can we do that again?!”

The love between Stephanie and Brian is so evident and I’m so thrilled they hired me to be with them on their big day. Not only is it going to be so much fun, but when the love between two people is that powerful it makes the day so heavenly.

Peace, Love & Inventions of Love,

April K

We started our tour of the town at Rockefellas, where Stephanie + Brian would frequent {for good reason, this place rocks}

I love the way she looks at him…

…that is the best “thank god I found you” picture, ugh, love.

Hazel eyes, can’t get enough

So Brian, being the history buff that he is, took us on a little tour and dropped some serious knowledge. This gate and lighting + the historical facts… it was just awesome.

While we were walking around town, we came across this shed… that we couldn’t resist

And a little secret corridor we found walking back

When Marisa first called me about being the photographer on her wedding day I asked her a ton of questions like I do with all of my brides, “tell me everything”… As she went on to tell me some of the details I was quickly struck by her laid back, yet spunky attitude rather than the wedding itself {hey, I’m just being honest}. I love when this happens. I remember specifically writing in her file “book this girl, seems fun”. haha, yes, I did that.

Since Marisa wanted a beach engagement shoot we decided on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA. We had such a great time and as always, James {her man} was a great sport about it. See, usually guys aren’t down with engagement pictures, but I always seem to find a way to get the men to have fun! Love is Art and Art is Fun {it’s true}!  We started at the beach and then drove around the estate. We were driving awfully fast from location to location in order to beat the rain.  As soon as we wrapped up the session, the skies opened up and it poured for the rest of the evening. I think that’s a good omen for their wedding day!

Peace, Love & Art,

April K

Beach engagement shoots typically are windy… I love the wind blow hair look {I really do!}

I love the emotion…

Just a guy who loves his girl

I love this montage of beach-ness, so fresh!

I’m a sucker for romance and I love this picture, so much!

We drove over to the Crane Estate and when I saw this beautiful area of course I got all excited!

So we were looking at these finely manicured greens… Me: “how do you feel about taking your shoes off and running up that hill?” Marisa: “I’ll do anything” hahaha, so much fun!

and though I love a good time, I also love these quiet moments

What a wonderful day for a wedding, we thought it might rain and I had my white umbrella’s on hand, we were prepared! Luckily, and I love when this happens because it’s almost magical, the clouds parted and the sun was shining as soon as Lianne and Jeff walked out of the church as Husband + Wife. After spending the day with these two lovebirds, I know they’ll be together forever. I wish Lianne and Jeff much happiness and good health.

Peace, Love & Sunshine!

April K

I’ve found myself saying this to recently engaged friends over and over again… so I decided this would be helpful for my couples… and anyone else who is planning on exchanging vows at some point in the future.

Speaking from my experience, it’s easy, SO EASY to get caught up in the party aspect of a wedding. What is the right venue, the right dress, the right dinner to serve and even the right photographer. Do I have video,  Do I get a band or DJ, Do I really need up lighting, WAIT… that costs how much?!? (as you’re spitting out your drink). If you’re planning a wedding you’ve probably thought these things at one time or another. If not, well, congratulations you’re a rare breed.

What I’m here to remind you of is that the FIRST thing you should be concerned with, when planning out all of these beautiful details… is your CEREMONY! Yes, the ceremony, the whole reason you’re getting married (take a breather and think long and hard about this part).

When I first started my planning I was soooo enthralled in all of the details of the reception, that I didn’t give two thoughts about my ceremony. I knew that we would stand up in front of everyone and I knew we would write our own vows, but that’s about it. I’ll be the first to admit that the ceremony was an after thought until my bff Jenny (who was married 8 mos. earlier) brought to my attention that maybe I shouldn’t be so concerned with the reception until I have my ceremony on lock down.

Huh? Ceremony? I didn’t even think about the ceremony and it’s really the only part that matters!

Since Justin and I had a non-traditional ceremony ( aka hitched in a barn), we were in charge of writing most of our ceremony, how we wanted it to flow, what we wanted included etc. I started researching different types of ceremonies and let me tell you, I never realized how many different types there are. It was pretty interesting just to read through some of them to see the (sometimes slight) difference.

We finally found one we liked that really spoke to our personalities as individuals and encompassed our relationship as a whole. Brian, Justin’s cousin who married us, of course added his personal touch which made it feel complete. Overall the ceremony expressed the belief that marriage is a creative process, and for marriage to achieve its fullest, most unique and beautiful expression, takes time. It’s the belief that marriage is an on-going process and work of art. We have only just begun the process of being married, rather than the thought of getting married as one day.

As a wedding photographer I get to listen to a lot of ceremonies and a lot of readings, so I knew what type of reading I wanted and what energy I thought it would add. The day for me was about our love for each other and was more spiritual with just a touch of religion. So I chose poems about loving each other through life’s chaotic journey. For you non-traditional folks, think about what readings will encompass your relationship rather than your religion.

I know you’re probably sitting there reading this thinking… is she nuts? On top of planning this giant celebration she’s suggesting I write my entire ceremony out too? No, that’s not my point… relax, breathe, haha.

The point of me telling you all of this is to just simply point out to you, like Jenny did for me, that you should really be giving your ceremony a lot of thought. I want you to feel like your ceremony meant something to both of you and wasn’t just a thoughtless process. It is really the only part of your day that is about the two of you, the rest of the shin dig is for everyone to help celebrate.

Tammy & Tommy did a phenomenal job of really putting their own personalities into their ceremony. So much so that I was fogging up the eye piece on my camera!

So whether it be the traditional or the non traditional, make it your own and make it what you want it to be.

Peace, Love & Handwritten Vows,

April K

Tammy + Tommy’s nuptials were exchanged at the Cracker Factory in Geneva, NY. What a beautiful and heart felt ceremony. Not only could you tell that there was so much thought and care put into her big day, you could feel it radiating throughout the room. Seriously… I was shedding a few tears behind the lens as she was walking down the aisle and especially when Tammy & Tommy were exchanging their vows.

I’ve been asked various times, what I think is the BEST way to personalize your wedding day? Hands down…writing your own vows. Taking the time, thought and energy to express the way you feel today and how you promise to take care of each other, no matter what, forever and ever,  is something only you can say. Vows are something that should be the #1 thing you think about when you’re planning out your details.

As I was going through these teeny tiny moments in time, I have to say that I got choked up all over again. The ceremony is, without a doubt, the most important part of the day. Watching Tammy and Tommy exchanging vows, watching Tammy get choked up over and over and over again… it’s why I love my job. Being able to give them something that no one else can. The gift of that single moment in time, when the vibrant love they share illuminated the room.

Fun times in the photo booth!!!

Peace, Love & Tears of Joy,

April K