All of the snow has melted, the air smells fresh, the cherry blossoms were out, tulips were in full bloom and it felt like Spring was in full effect. This dreamy and romantic celebration of love was the best way to kick off my 2013 season.

Kaitlyn and Kenny exchanged nuptials on a cloudy yet sunny spring day in April. As I pulled up to the extraordinary brick Mansion on Turner Hill, I felt overwhelmed with excitement and wonder. What will the day hold for everyone today I thought to myself… Well that was a short lived thought because as soon as I walked into the sun-filled bridal chambers and saw 8 beauties in linen robes with Champaign flutes in hand, I knew it was going to be a fun day. They welcomed me into the room as if I was part of the bridal party, it was such an amazing start to my day.

After everyone was polished and ready we headed outside to the sweet and romantic gardens. Guests walked upon cherry blossoms that were dropped from the exquisitely large tree to the right.  Kaitlyn and her father walked down a pebble path {she in her Valentino heels} to meet Kenny standing near the terrace kissed with hydrangeas and crystal chandeliers. A giant golden harp sat to the right of the garden as it sang sweet songs to all to hear. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, they were pronounced husband and wife the trumpets sounded as rose petals flew through the spring breeze… “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles filled the air and I just about dropped my camera!

… had I died and gone to heaven?!

What made this day most special was the warmth and love that filled everyones faces. Kaitlyn and Kenny are going to have such a beautiful journey together, I’m so excited for them.

This really was a day to remember for everyone in attendance.

Peace & Love… Actually,

April K

This affair was decked from head to toe with 5 Star wedding vendors:
Venue: Mansion on Turner Hill {amazing venue to work with, Carol ROCKS!}
Flowers: Pepperberry’s {knock your socks off gorgeous}
Band:  Night Rhythm {rocked the house down}
Cake: Jenny’s Wedding Cakes {she did a great job!}
Second Photographer: Meghann Gregory Photography

Alyssa and Nick exchanged vows on a very sunny yet chilly Friday afternoon. Their nuptials took place at the Liberty Hotel in the heart of Boston. What is now a luxury hotel was once, believe it or not, an old prison holding some of Boston’s most notorious criminals.

Alyssa did a fantastic job on creating a vibe all of her own. From the soft whites and pinks of the flowers to the gold key on the invitation and seating cards, each detail was well thought out and meshed well with her style and the history of the venue. It was a beautiful wedding, clearly enjoyed by all who attended!

Peace, Love and Locked up Love,

April K

I often times ask couples what they’ll be doing with engagement portraits, so that I can plan and visualize for whatever it is they’ll be using them for. Sometimes they’re used for save the dates {which I’ll need to leave room for text etc} and sometimes they’re used for a guest book or just because. I feel engagement pictures are such an important piece of the puzzle when you’re starting to preserve your families history.

The engagement period is when it all begins, when you decide to walk through life together and start planning your future together. I feel this time is precious and will be long gone, before you know it you’ll have 3 kids who are all off to college, and you’ll be left wondering what happend. Time moves quick, I don’t need to tell you that. Having photos from a time in your life when you were fresh, new and learning how to love one another is a great “go to” during your marriage. Chances are you have never been photographed professionally together, so why not take advantage of this precious time?

{Christine + Travis}

Beacon Hill’s old world charm and slanted streets make it the perfect location for a very Boston-esq engagement shoot. I was so happy when Christine contacted me to capture not only her wedding {which sadly I cannot shoot} but also her engagement portraits. She is such a kind hearted and energetic person and I was so happy to get to know Travis better. They’re a couple that just melts into one another and can tell they’ll be together forever.

Follow below for our walk through the cutest town around!

Peace, Love & Crooked Streets,

April K

What is my dream as a photographer? Besides my long list of goals… most importantly for me, is for my subjects to be comfortable to be themselves in front of me. Just to be together, not caring what I’m doing or thinking or what bench/wall/any object I’m climbing to get the perfect shot. My dream is to have each and every one of my clients to simply… act as if I’m not there! The goal for me is to capture each couple as they are, naturally, in real life… {just looking extra insanely good doing it!}.

Well Becky and Mark certainly had no troubles doing just that. These two are so much fun and completely and clearly adore each other. It was one of those shoots that I walked away feeling all toasty and tingly inside. Needless to say, I cannot wait to capture their wedding day! It’s going to be off the hook.

Peace, Love & Belly Laughs,

April K

As I walked up to the Engfer house it was 101 degrees (and rising). I had my dorky rolling bag-o-camera equipment, my camera (obvi.) and my water bottle. I really didn’t care what the temperature was, I was sure that Melanie & Brad’s wedding was going to be out of this world amazing… and it was! Warmly greeted by her family and girls when I walked in the door, we all hung out during hair and make up. I love that quiet time with the bride and all of her girls, it’s the time where everyone is telling stories, laughing and getting ready to light it up! And boy did they ever…

Fast forward to the First Look. Yes, Melanie + Brad knew that pictures were very important to their day, but so was the actual day itself and didn’t want to miss out on any of it. I placed Brad on the bridge… all alone and in anticipation, just waiting for his bride to sneak up behind him. We first played a little peek a boo, took a few photos and then the big reveal.

From the hair and make up to the last dance of the night, Melanie & Brad were in heaven. The love they share and the fun they have together was on full display that day and in turn we made some beautiful art. I wish Melanie and Brad all the happiness, laughter and adventure (and can’t wait until they have babies so I can photograph them!)

Peace, Love & Outrageously Good Times,

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

Live to inspire… that’s one of the mantra’s I live by these days. If it has to do with photography or weddings or anything in my personal life, I always aim to inspire others.

Why? Because finding things or people that truly inspire me does not happen very easily, mostly because there is a lot of mediocre crap flying past your eyes day in and day out. I’m addicted to that feeling of finally finding something that get’s my blood pumping and wheels spinning. Trying to fly above, we’ll call it, Level M (M = mediocrity) isn’t always a cake walk, but it’s what keeps me happy. When I find something that has inspired me I will share it until I’m blue in the face.

Epic Man is one brand that has truly inspired me. The first time I saw this craziness go down was last year (as my long time followers may recall in this post).  I was so inspired that I went from not being able to run more than 2 miles, to running a half marathon! Now for those of you (like my old self) who hates running and can’t breathe after mile 1, a half marathon was a HUGE feat; a feat made possible by the inspiration and motivation that the 2011 Epic Man team pumped me with, they were my inspiration.

This year Justin and I were the overnight support vehicle + 2/4th of the photo crew + cheerleaders for this amazing and growing team. (photo below by Alpengraphik)

This journey started out at Petite Jacqueline in Portland, ME owned by one of the 4 Epic Ladies, Liz. If you’re ever in Portland, ME and really hungry, I highly recommend the food, soooo good.

Thinking back to this day, the one thing that sticks out most in my mind was the ENERGY in the room once everyone arrived. It was off the hook!!! Probably my favorite part of the whole journey, catching up on the last year, prepping the mind and body for an incredible journey.

Also, I HAVE to give a shout out to all of the Epic Man Kids – Carter, Alec & Ty

So after a yummy dinner the team headed over to the Tri-Maine office to fix up the bikes, have a few beers and talk strategy!

Bikes so light you can carry them in your mouth!

After that little strategy and pep talk, we all headed over to the bar for PARTY TIME!!!! (excellent)

Yes, even though they’re about to kayak 2.5 miles, bike 160 miles OVERNIGHT, and then run the Boston Marathon… they still have time for a drink or 2. Epic!

The next morning we all gathered and rode down to the ferry station where we crossed over to Peaks Island to kayak back to the main land.

With signs in tow, the Epic Man team and fans followed to cheer them on every step of the way.

Watching them all try and squirm into a wet suit was pretty hilarious and entertaining!

Fashionista, Ed… Sporting the scarf/wet suit combo, well done!

I had to share these, you know I love me some cool tattoos The one on the right might remind you of this post, long ago!

And they’re off!

And we cheered them on every step of the way!

After we got to the main land, we all enjoyed some woodfire pizza at Flatbread.

And they were off for the first leg of the bike, 70 miles to Portsmouth, NH. Bellies were full, spirits were high and the sun was shining!

You can always rely on Skip for a good laugh!

We stopped about every hour along the route to rest and re-fuel…

… And as I was editing all of these pictures, I realized… Jake never puts his phone down! The Epic Communicator.

Once we arrived at the Trek store in Portsmouth, NH owned by another Epic Lady (and mother of 2) Olivia, we had Chipotle, beers (water too) and of course stretched a little.

And we were off to the Mitchell residence where the team would rest and relax, and if possible get a little shut eye for an hour. After that, it was time to strategize through the night ride, because it is very dangerous.

And as always, Ace & Gary kept the team laughing and in good spirits.

With stops throughout the night, Justin and I would pump the music loud and get out and cheer everyone on. As the night grew longer energy was becoming less and less abundant but the laughs never stopped coming.

And when we ran out of water and finally found a Walgreens that was open at 3:00am they were still cracking jokes.

We finally made it to Hopkinton where the Epic Man team would race in the Boston Marathon. Yes, you read that right… after no sleep and riding a bike 170 miles, they were going to now run on the hottest marathon day of the year (91 degrees) 26.2 miles.

While the team was STILL full of energy and adrenaline, Justin and I were BEAT! We were so happy to be heading home for some shut eye.

And this was our epic ride home… Boston bumper 2 bumper!

The one thing that I truly loved about being on this journey with the Epic Man team was being part of a team again… even if I was in the car driving behind them making sure they didn’t get run over. I’ve always been on a team my whole life until I went solo with photography, I miss team life.

This team is made of some pretty amazing stories. Stories of people who have never run or biked before, people who have overcome serious injuries etc… each person has an epic story that has given them the inspiration to join the team. Read more about each member of the team here – www.alwaysbeepic.com

Peace, Love & Team Epic,

April K

Have you ever been to a surprise wedding?!?! This was my first surprise wedding experience and let me tell you, Kate & John are onto something here.

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon before her wedding with, Kate. What a beautiful soul inside and out. She’s so calm, cool and collected as she’s getting herself ready for her wedding day AND taking care of her and John’s son, Jack. Talk about multi-tasking!

These surprise nuptials took place on Cape Cod at Woods Hole Golf Club. It was a sting operation (or so I felt). None of the family knew it was a wedding except Kate, John and their immediate families, who were also apart of the ceremony. All of the other guests, family & friends thought they were getting together for an Easter celebration, like they do every year. As everyone was gathering in the club house John’s father called everyone out to the back patio facing the greens and made an announcement. “You may not be here for the reason you think”… and continued to tell friends and family that they were about to witness the wedding of Kate & John. Jaws dropped, tears were shed and Kate & John (and baby Jack) walked down the aisle together to make a beautiful promise that they will spend the rest of their days together.

Kate & John, I had such a great time with you both and I can tell you share a beautiful love. May you have many years of love and laughter.

Peace, Love & SURPRISES!!!

April K

Remember yesterday’s blog post about my girl, Kathryn the Event Designer? Well, besides the wonderful flowers and tablescaping, her family was celebrating her mom, Betty’s 60th birthday.

SURPRISE!

It was such a fun and happy energy that filled the room as Betty walked in and saw all of her closest friends and family there to celebrate with her.

And to top it off…as if 40 of your closest compadre’s wasn’t enough… her twin sons flew in from California to surprise her! Every mother’s dream, a beautiful family together again.

Happy 60th, Betty… (I hope I look that good when I’m 60!)

Peace, Love & Surprises,

April K

Meet Event Designer, Kathryn Yee.

(Below with her Dad)

This tablescaping & flower design mastermind was the influence behind the flowers & tablescaping at my wedding AND the visionary behind Kathryn Yee Design.

What is tablescaping you ask?

Tablescaping is the aesthetic layout of a table (usually weddings or parties) including the centerpiece, color of linen, napkin folds, china and flatware, etc. This has become an ever growing wedding trend around New England and beyond.

When I was planning my wedding I was really concerned with flowers and how the centerpieces were going to look… yes I know, I didn’t even have invitations picked out and all I could think about was centerpieces. I was scouring every wedding blog and pinterest and I had the general idea of how I wanted it to look. I met with one florist who just didn’t get it, I was so frustrated. After meeting with Kathryn and explaining what look I was going for,  she cleaned up my idea and added the extra details it needed.  Kathryn has the gift of visualizing extravagant and beautiful arrangements that will liven up even the most mundane situations. I highly recommend her for any wedding or event.

Here are some detail shots of the surprise party she planned for her mother, Betty at the Harvest in Cambridge, MA. From colorful invites to soft yet vibrant flowers to flags and cupcakes… she covered everything!

Peace, Love and all things Visually Delicious!

April K