J'Adore: That Lil' Red Cup

It's that time of year again!! The little Red cups are back at Starbucks and this girl couldn't be more excited! I may have made an excuse to the hubsters that I had to work at Starbucks today. Ya know, because the dog is so distracting. And really doesn't everyone function better with a hot Peppermint Mocha? Scratch that, a skinny Peppermint Mocha! Oh be still my fluttering caffeinated heart.

I hope you find something that makes you smile today. Even if it's just a little red cup from Starbucks. Go a head and splurge and enjoy the smile!

Life Captured: Meet the Corbin Family!

Dave and I have known the Corbins since they moved down to Massachusetts from New Hampshire seven years ago. Whoa, time flies. They were an important part to our relationship as we dated and then as we prepared for marriage. They gave us advice, guidance and friendship. And they let us play with their adorable kids. Seven years later, the kids are growing up and it was time for some updated family photos!

We have been trying to plan this family session for almost a year. So leave it to us to schedule the session on the same day as a Nor'easter! Who were we to know that it would snow five inches the weekend before Halloween! (Oh winter, please be kind to me!)

We managed to sneak in some time together before the skies opened up and I'm so glad we decided to just go for it:)! There was still a little bit of color (foliage has been awful this year) on the trees and it still had that fall feel to it. Add in a happy family, some giggly kids you've got a recipe for a fantastic afternoon!

To sign the Corbin's guestbook and to be notified when their images are online, click here.

Life Captured: Meet Lena Hartford of Hair That Moves!

One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer is all the fabulous people I have met over this past year. One of those lovely people is Lena of Hair That Moves. Lena is a magician with hair, so was it really no surprise that I asked her to help me out for our Love Recaptured session this past Monday? :) I first met Lena after we needed a last minute hair stylist for a ballerina inspired shoot we created this past Spring. I was in LOVE with the up-do she created for our model and couldn't wait to work with her again! And I did, with one of my favorite brides Lisa, for her coastal wedding in Maine earlier this summer. I knew that she was the perfect person to help me with my hair when it came time for me to get in front of the camera.

She worked her magic on my frizzy, curly hair and I couldn't have been happier! I felt like a model! My hair is always out of control and some how she tamed the beast and helped me to look and feel beautiful! (The fake eyelashes didn't hurt either ;))

Since Lena's a hair stylist and always changing things up with her own hair, she hoped we could get a few pictures of her with a shorter do while she was down working with me. Of course I jumped at the chance and we spent some time walking around my crazy neighborhood together. So please leave some love for this beautiful lady! If you're in need of a hair stylist, absolutely book Lena. And ps, she books up fast so don't wait! Enjoy!

Life Captured: Meet The Callahan Family!

This past weekend I got to spend some time with the Callahan family at Plum Island, one of my favorite beaches in Massachusetts. I grew up going to this beach and so it was fun to come back and watch these little guys exploring it too. And boy did they explore! Three little munchkins full of boundless energy made for a fun and tiring afternoon. And how adorable are they? I'm going to sound all crazy granny like, but I just want to squeeze their cheeks! Amy and Mike it was a pleasure meeting you and your growing family! I hope you enjoyed spending the afternoon chasing the kids around and taking some pictures too;) Enjoy!

To sign The Callahan Family's guestbook and to be informed when their images are online, click here.

J'Adore: My Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

My mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies. Scratch that. My mom makes the world's best chocolate chip cookies. They are staple for family get-togethers, celebrations, or just because I want chocolate chip cookies.

Some of my favorite childhood memories include me and my mom in the kitchen, pulling out the 70's orange containers that held the precious ingredients to make my favorite treat.  First we'd mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients and then combine them together to make delicious cookie dough. And if like on cue, once we were done with mixing all the ingredients, my dad would sneak into the kitchen only to be shooed away by mom. But despite her best efforts, we always managed to get a spoonful or two of that delicious dough in our mouths before the cookies made their way to the oven.

I always get asked by friends and family who've had her cookies, what's the secret. After all, it is just the Toll House recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag. But there's just something different about these cookies. Perhaps its made with love? Or maybe it's the extra helping of Crisco? Me and my waist line will go with love. Yes, love:).

And now every time I have a bite of that home made goodness, even when I make them at home, I think of my mom. I remember all the times we made a mess of the kitchen, baking "together." And how each cookie is made with love. Sweet, delicious, love.

Plum Island Family Portraits

Jess and Will are high school sweethearts and I've known them both since we were in school. Jessie and I were band geeks. We both loved music (she a little bit more than me:)) and we both marched to the beat of our own drum(or marching band if you will). I was lucky enough to watch as Jessie and Will's love blossomed into marriage and now a growing family.

Jessie and Will chose to have family portraits taken at Plum Island where they celebrated their anniversary and became engaged. They now live just minutes away and their children have become part of the history that they share here.

With camera in tow, I followed this energetic family around as they splash in the water and rolled in the sand. It's a family full of love and laughter. From the infatuation of two high school friends to the responsibilities of a growing family, their love runs deep and strong. Enjoy!

A Preview of the Bond Family Portraits At Plum Island in Newburyport

Last Thursday I spent my evening chasing around two adorable kids, Oliver and Audrey while their parents Will and Jess strolled hand and hand on the beach. What fun it is to spend time with these energetic and smart kids. Sure makes me feel young again! Stay tuned for more of their session later this week, but for now enjoy their sneak peek!

J'Adore: So You Think You Can Dance

Wednesday nights during the summer are a sacred time in the Parker household. Why? Well because it's So You Think You Can Dance night!! Every summer since this show aired I've been a dedicated fan, loving every minute of each choreographed hour. Perhaps it's the fact that I danced until I was 13 or the fact that music has been such a huge part of my life since I was born. Either way, this show, just speaks to me.

Dance speaks to my soul. I find pure expression through movement set to music, there is just something so special about these two things put together.

So it's not surprise that I just love So You Think You Can Dance, my weekly summer escape. Here's my all time favorite routine from the show's 8 seasons. Enjoy and take some time today to just let go and dance. (Like no one is watching of course:))

Josiah & Allison's Love Recaptured at the Wentworth By The Sea

Several weeks ago on my Facebook Page I asked if any brides out there were willing to get back into their dress and have some fun. The response was overwhelming and I was delighted to see so many women excited about photography and of course, their dress:) The lucky winner of the session was Allison. The only requirements?: I get to pick the place. I get to experiment. You have your hair and make up professionally done (the hair stylist backed out at the LAST minute:( sad). And of course, you need your dress! Allison was more than willing to oblige and ever brought her hubby Josiah along. We had a great time walking around the beautiful property of Wentworth By The Sea, a coastal resort in New Hampshire.

Allison and Josiah, even after almost a year of marriage, are still newlyweds at heart. I'd often catch them stealing kisses in between shots or moving to get even closer to each other after I posed them. Isn't wonderful to know that your love for one another can continue to deepen and strengthen far after the wedding day?:)

To see more of Josiah and Allison's images, click here.

Venue: Wentworth By The Sea

Dress: David's Bridal

Suit: Macy's

Florals: Sarah of K. Lilly Floral Design

A Preview of Allison and Josiah's Love ReCaptured at Wentworth by the Sea

To today is a happy day. One of my dearest friends, Amy, is visiting! We're off to Boston for a day of pedicures, giggles, and of course Brown Sugar:) So to tide you over, I thought I'd share a quick preview of Allison and Josiah's classic Love Recaptured session at the Wentworth by the Sea.

AND yesterday's winner of their very own copy of How To Become A Rainmaker is: Suzanna March:) Congrats lady! Email me at deborahzparker@mac.com soon!

Life Captured: Meet Carrie, Ezra and Vera

The first time I met Carrie we were both new brides. I was barely 22 and still trying to figure out how marriage worked. I hardly had any idea of what I was doing. Carrie on the other hand seemed so confident in her new role as wife. She was effortless in her ability to be a caring and loving a wife, a great example to me, still fumbling in my own immaturity. It was soon after we met that Carrie and Sam welcomed little Ezra into the world, a now rambunctious and vibrant little man. And just last year they gave birth to little Vera, a precious and delicate baby. (Who also loves to eat rocks;)) I've been so blessed to document this family and to call them our friends. Their example as husband and wife and as a family has been a huge encouragement to me and countless others. Carrie, thank you for being you. For being open and honest, real and down to the Earth. But mostly for inviting us to share in life together. It's been a joy.

J'Adore: Pintrest

Hi, my name is Debbie Parker and I am addicted to Pintrest, and Facebook, and Twitter and... No seriously. Perhaps there is a Pintrest Anonymous group out there for people like me? One can only hope.

Until I hear of this group, I will continue to waste hundreds (ok maybe not hundreds) but lots of hours on this amazing site. Ever heard of Pintrest? It's fairly new but if you're like me and you love to pull inspiration off sites then you'll LOVE this site. It's a place where you can pin pictures of the things that inspire you, things that make you laugh, things that you love, things that you need. You can pin just about anything that you want!

For you photographers out there I've pinned my favorite books and wedding images that I love. This is my go to place to get daily inspiration right when I need it.  For you brides out there, I've started to create different design boards focused on everything from color to weddings themes.  And if you're house obsessed like me, I have two boards dedicated to my love of all things house related. My personal fave: the DIY board.

I'd love to hear what you'd like to see pinned. My hope is that I can create boards that are helpful to YOU, that give you that little bit of inspiration boost;) What would you pin? What are the things that make you smile?

I'll pick one lucky winner who comments below with their suggestion to receive a $20 gift certificate to Amazon, just for being awesome and helping me create a blog experience that benefits you:) I'll announce the winner tomorrow!

So what are you waiting for? Join Pintrest now! And then immediately start following me so that I can see your pins and I can re-pin them and get inspired. Please and thank you! :-P

J'Adore : Water For Elephants

I am SO excited to start a new blog series, call J'Adore (I Adore:)). What will J'Adore be about? All things that I adore of course! From books, to stores, to whatever is on my radar at the moment. First up: BOOKS:)

I LOVE books, especially Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. A friend recommended this book to me last year and of course, like most books, I devoured it within a few nights. There is just something about the story, the love triangle, the drama, that gets to me every time. It's a beautifully written book that touches on all the human relationships one can have. I get so excited every time I think about it.

On Friday, Dave took me to see the recently released movie, based on the book. I had my doubts. I didn't want the movie to ruin the beautifully crafted story within my mind. I'm happy to say that it did not disappoint! It was like visual eye candy, wonderfully executed with some amazing acting (August, played by Christopher Waltz is horrific and awesome all at the same time!)

Because I am SO excited about this book, I am giving away one copy of Water for Elephants. Read the book then run out and go see the movie and let me know what you think!

To enter a chance to win a copy of the book, just comment below with book that you J'Adore. Winner will be announced on Wednesday!

A Preview of Mark & Sarah's Love Recaptured at College Woods in Durham

A small preview of Mark and Sarah's Love Recaptured session in Durham. How hot are they?!

Life Captured: Meet the Hadarean Family!

These photos are not new. In fact they are over two years old! The Hadareans, who have moved over seas, where hoping to get a disc of images from their portrait session as their old disc somehow got lost in the move. As I picked through images for their disc I relived that session with Ruben, who was just a few short days old. With a pudgy belly, chubby cheeks and a small tuft of hair, Ruben was a bundle of beauty. He was an adorable newborn. He's now an adorable toddler, which I still can't believe! It's been two years of growth and knowledge for me as a photographer, and while this is not really my style today, I couldn't help share the adorableness that is Ruben. Enjoy!

The Best of 2010 Lifestyle Portraits

The Best of 2010 Lifestyle Portraits!

A Limited Time Offer on Lifestyle Sessions

Helllooo internet:) I just wanted to share with all my blog readers out there about a special promotion going on at Deborah Zoe Photo. Between now and the end of February I am offering a limited number of lifestyle portrait sessions, on a first come, first serve basis. ANNNNDD if you contact me between now and December 5, I will deduct $50 from your purchase (this could be off the session fee, an album purchase, a print purchase or more)

I shoot all types of sessions ranging from maternity to families to happy couples in love. Beautiful images are not just for people getting married. You deserve images that document all stages of life from your five year anniversary to your first baby, or for no reason at all.  Everyone should have images that make them feel fabulous and that help them remember every stage of life, big or small.

All sessions are on shot on location, either at the subject's home or a location of their choice. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at deborahzparker@mac.com

If you are interested, please get in touch soon, as space is filling up fast! And remember, the special discount is a limited time offer!

Life Captured: The Hyun Family's Portsmouth Portraits

I met up with the Hyun family on a blustery fall day in New Hampshire for some fun in downtown Portsmouth. They are such a beautiful family with adorable kiddos and strong love for each other. Their love and faith are such an inspiration and I feel honored to be been able to document their family. Carrie and Sam, thank you for being so gracious, rockin' it out in front of the camera and for just being you.

Life Captured: Liz's Boston Portraits

Saturday was filled with all things that I love. Friends, relaxation, momos, Trident Cafe, and a leisurely stroll down Newbury Street. Oh and I even got two super cute earrings on SUPER sale. Love, love, love. But maybe what I loved most about Saturday was photographing my friend, Liz. Liz and I got way back. I mean way, way, WAAAAYYY, back. All the way back to seventh grade where we awkwardly tried to make our way through our teens. Since then we've gone through A LOT, but we've always managed to be there for one another, through the good, the bad and the ugly.

It was entirely fun to catch up on life over ice tea and momo's Saturday and drag her all over the city. She rocked it in front of the camera. I love Boston and I love my friends:) Enjoy!

I can make her laugh just by telling her to laugh. I am talented.

Liz, you are beautiful!

I love when people can be their awesome crazy self!

I love, love, LOVE these next two!

Liz, I love you, thanks for being, well, awesome:)