Award Winning Boston Wedding Photographer

Award Winning Boston Wedding Photographer serving Boston, Cape Cod, Newport and New England. Celebrated for her empathetic understanding, meticulous organization and impeccable time management, Deborah brings a distinctive collaborative approach to her craft.

Jonathan Turns One

Happy Birthday Little Man

It's here, Jonathan's First Birthday!! I've been thinking ahead to this day for months now, wondering what it would feel like to have a one year old. It's simply hard to believe that a year ago today we were working hard to bring this little guy into the world and now he's one. Someone once told me that in parenting the days are long but the years are short. I don't think there could be a more true statement. How long those first few nights felt, how long those first few days home alone were. And yet this year was over in the blink of an eye. I can still FEEL what it felt like to be with Jonathan and Dave those first two weeks. I can still remember what it was like to stay up late with our newborn. I can still experience the joy I felt when he rolled over on our kitchen floor, what spring time walks were like, what packing up boxes and playing in the summer was like. There were times this past year I found myself stopping, trying to burn and etch every memory into my mind, trying to save it forever. This last year was the best year of my life.

It doesn't end here. We have another year of firsts, fun adventures, and memories to make together! But this is a birthday post for the birthday boy and since we're on the topic of memories, I thought I'd share my favorites from this past year. A time capsule of images, dedicate to the little man who has stolen my heart!!

Happy Birthday Jonathan!!Where it all began...One of my all time favorite photos:) First Family Photo!Happy Gampie;):)!Dave was in love from the first moment...Happy grandparents!Happy Gammie;):)!Many thanks to my friend Erin for capturing Jonathan's newborn images:)!!So, so, so in love.Still one of my favorite images from this past year.I'm a sucker for this one too!Getting bigger!My dear friend Coco captured Jonathan's three month portraits, how cute is he?!Saying goodbye to our first home...Tiny little hands!!I love this one:)!And these! Ok, ok, I love them all!Jonathan meeting his cousin for the first time, I love how excited he was!My favorite image from this past year, and it was taken with an iPhone!My little bear...Gobble, Gobble!!Another fave, I think I have a theme here...Mhmm, Thanksgiving!!Nothing is cuter than Jonathan in his snow suit...He loved Christmas!And sledding in our backyard:)!Familia!He simply could not be any cuter!!Bath time is the best time.Disney tuckered him out...And he loved our trip to Austin!Another favorite from this year, I love this kid!Our little family of three, one year later!!:)

How To Style Your Engagement Session

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No doubt knowing how to dress and what to wear while being photographed can be a stress inducing task. Dave and I just had our family pictures taken over the weekend and I once again found myself riffling through my closet trying to find something to wear. Luckily our subject, a rowdy and wiggly one year old, helped determine much of what I could choose from. It had to be cute, loose and easy to move in. Phew, that's a tall order!

Being a photographer has given me ample opportunities to be in front of the camera for both professional and personal reasons. I've struggled, just as I know many Brides and Grooms have before me, with knowing what to wear and how to style my outfits! But I have found with experience comes knowledge and I've learned a thing or two about how to style sessions and outfits for a polished and tailored look.

Dressing for your engagement session doesn't have to be hard, in fact it should be fun! It's an excuse to do a little bit of shopping and to collect pieces that express your personality and style. Preppy, fashion forward, chic, ethereal, whatever your vision, the engagement session is the perfect opportunity to express that unique side of you. So how does that translate to your session? Here are my top five tips and tricks for styling your engagement session!

1. Accessorize!

Accessories are the easiest way to customize your outfit by adding interest and layers. I believe accessories are really where your personality and unique style can be showcased! Whether it's a watch, your favorite necklace, an heirloom piece of jewelry, or a splurge on designer heels, this part of your outfit is key in helping to pull the entire look together. When accessorizing keep in mind the feeling of your outfit, match chic accessories with a more formal dress or an every day necklace with a more casual outfit.

2. Layering.

Another tip I find to be helpful in adding interest and style to your outfits is by layering. Cardigans, scarves, jackets, blouses, are all great ways to add layer and depth to your attire. And this isn't just for the ladies! Men can easily do this as well through accessories like buckles and shoes then layering in a tie, sweater or jacket. For those colder months having layers adds a cozy and intimate vibe and encourages those cute snuggles between you and your fiance. In the summer months, using flow-y skirts and light blouses really adds to that warm and beach-y feel!

3. Use Texture!

I'm a girl that loves texture, as you can see it's all over my blog! I love the variety, depth and interest texture can create in life and I love using texture to create variety in an outfit. It's even more fun to photograph! Similar to layering, varying texture can create a feeling and vibe to your outfit. It can compliment the season or backdrop to your session AND it gives you something to do with your hands during! Go head and play with that soft scarf or tweed jacket. Have your fiancé wrap you in a merino wool bear hug. You get the idea;)! Texture = variety = depth = interest. (A side note, texture does not mean frayed, ripped or tattered. Keep your clothing well kept, tailored and clean. Trust me no one wants to see a big hole in the seat of your pants and neither will you!)

4. Flatter Your Shape.

One of the BEST tips I can offer for looking your best, is knowing what fabrics, cuts and styles flatter your shape. In fact I would encourage you to take pictures of yourself in varying outfits to find what truly best fits your body and shape. Often times what we see in the mirror might not necessarily translate to the camera so it is best to experiment well before your engagement so that you'll feel confident, sexy and beautiful when it's time for your session! Trust me, as a curvy girl I've learned this through experience. There are just certain things that do not flatter my body and when I know I'm going to be in front of the camera, I make sure to pick items that will enhance my best features and distract from the parts I'm not crazy about. Try on your outfits, use different combinations and pose a little bit in front of the mirror. Watch as the outfits move with you to really get a sense of how they'll enhance or distract from your best features the day of your session!

5. When in doubt, choose timeless.

Your engagement session is meant to capture this special time in your life, one that years from now you'll fondly look back on. And while I highly encourage Bride and Grooms to not be afraid to be fashion forward for their session (hey this is your excuse to dress up!), you also don't want to look back on your session and regret any trendy decisions you made. So if you're ever in doubt of what to wear, go timeless. Choose items like a pearl necklace or diamond earrings, pieces that will stand the test of time. I'm a HUGE fan of this necklace from Tiffany& Co., a gift from my husband after our son was born. It goes with almost every piece of clothing in my closet and has that timeless, classic feel. When in doubt, choose timeless!

*Bonus Tip! -- Think Movement!

I absolutely LOVE when a Bride chooses an outfit that moves with the breeze or allows her to be free and spirited;)! Nothing is more feminine or beautiful than a long dress or flow-y blouse. Plus it adds a chic touch to more classic staples like tailored dress pants. Think about how you'll be moving in your engagement session (I'm a huge fan of the twirling photo, guilty as charged;)) and how your outfit can compliment that! Nothing is more beautiful than layers of fabric that move with you!

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Any questions about how to style a session, send them my way! I love being able to help Bride and Grooms source, style and tailor their outfits for their engagement sessions. After all, the most successful engagement sessions are those that are cohesive in their vision and style, a true representation of you and your fiance!

What I Wish I Knew About Wedding Planning

What I Wish I Knew About Wedding Planning

This summer Dave and I will celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary (HOLLA!) which means it has been over eight years since I've planned a wedding. I still can remember what it felt like to plan such an event and how, at times, it was like a second job. There was so much to think about and organize. I was still in college when I was planning our wedding, a baby by today standards, I wed at age 22. I was one of the first of my close friends to get married and as an only child I had only been to a handful of weddings. I truly did not have any idea what I was doing. I learned so much in those nine months of planning and the subsequent years later of shooting weddings. Things that I try to pass along to my Bride and Grooms as they plan their weddings. Below are some of the things that I wish I knew when I was planning our own wedding.

Hire professionals.

Dave and I DIYed almost the entirety of our wedding. From the stationary to the flowers to the DJ'ing to the transportation, with the help of family and friends, we did the brunt of the work. And it was because that was what our budget could afford. There's nothing wrong with having a small budget, but looking back I think I would have dispersed the funds differently so to have the ability to hire professionals for the most important jobs of the day. Your wedding is a day that only comes around once and it ends with the blink of an eye. It is SO important to work with wedding professionals, people who know the wedding day inside and out, who can serve you on a day you never want to forget. No matter what your budget, hire professionals for the things that matter most, your memories will thank you.

Unplugged ceremony.

We wed in 2006, right before the cusp of the smart phone and the explosion of social media. (Can you believe I almost canceled my Facebook account in 2006 because no one was using it at the time?!). So when it came time for the ceremony, I never had to worry about guests whipping out their cell phones or iPads or fancy cameras to take pictures. Sure a family member or two took a few pictures here and there but for the most part they were present as we said our vows and shared our first kiss. Today it's such a different vibe, where almost every guest has technology at their fingertips. If you haven't already, consider having an unplugged wedding or at the least encouraging your guests to put down their phones for the ceremony. It truly is a magical feeling knowing that your friends and family are present with you during such an important moment in your life.

Timeline.

As a wedding photographer today I want to scold myself as a former Bride. I paid no consideration to our timeline and our photography while planning our wedding. Our ceremony and reception were at least 30 minutes apart and Dave and I did not choose to have a First Look. That meant we were rushed when it came time for our photography. Add in a very rainy and thunderous day and well, the conditions were less than ideal. Today I try to plan out almost every minute with my couples to ensure that they have enough time to capture the images they desire without adding undue stress to the wedding day. Knowing ahead of time how much time is needed for the photography as well as planning for travel and unforeseen interruptions throughout the day is crucial to having a smooth timeline and an enjoyable day together.

Consider a First Look.

Like I mentioned above Dave and I chose not to have a First Look for our wedding day. I don't even know if chose is the right word because frankly we didn't even know this was an option!! I was so nervous the morning of our wedding and I would have given anything to have seen Dave before hand. That time alone on our wedding day would have been very welcomed and appreciated! (I love the idea of a First Look so much, that when we took our anniversary session four years later we decided to have a "First Look". It was one of the most special moments, ever.) While I know that a First Look is not for everyone, it is worth considering if it fits the vision you have for your wedding day.

Vision.

It's amazing how Pinterest has altered the very fabric of weddings today. Sure wedding notebooks were huge when I got married but back in 2006, vision as it is related to a wedding day, was almost entirely about a singular color and not an over arching theme. I chose the color purple and based all our decisions around that. And while there is nothing wrong with that per say, pushing that vision further would have helped to pull all my details together. Pinterest had changed all that. Today Brides can truly theme their wedding around any idea that they choose and I highly recommend doing so. Having a vision creates cohesion between all of your details and choices related to the wedding day. Having a theme can communicate a clear message to your guests about what they day means to you and who you are as a couple.

Bride and Groom at Misselwood by Katelyn James.

When it came to our wedding day, there were things we did right and things I wish we could do over. There are things I know now, that I wish I knew then. But I know that all that experience and information has directly related to my clients today. I'm able to share what I've learned as a former Bride and now wedding photographer and pass that along to my Brides to ensure that they have the wedding and experience of their dreams. Our wedding was one of the best days of our lives, perfect or not, it paved the way for what I'm doing today!(Many thanks to Katelyn for this beautiful image from our amazing anniversary session!)

The Working Photographer Mom

As Jonathan's first birthday approaches I've spent a lot of time reflecting on this past year and all the lessons I've learned about what it means to be a mom and small business owner. Every since I was a little girl I've dreamed about being a mom AND being a photographer and I often pinch myself just to be reminded that those little girl dreams are now being lived out. It is a joy to be Jonathan's mom and it is a joy to be a wedding photographer. I am VERY blessed (and I don't use that phrase lightly) to live this life.

But this year has not been free of challenges and like many new moms can attest, it's been a year of learning balance and grace. I have found through those lessons that not only am I passionate about what I do, I'm passionate about seeing others life out their dreams too. I believe that we can be parents AND small business owners and that having a business can indeed fuel the health of our family and our family can fuel the passion in our business.

Today I want to share just a few of the many lessons that I've learned this past year, lessons that have helped me to navigate through parenthood and business. (I've written about my experience before which you can read here.) Seasoned Moms will certainly be able to add to this list and I'd encourage you to share your experience in the comments! But for those of you just starting on this journey to parenthood I hope what I share will encourage you to know that parenthood AND your business can coincide together. You dreams don't end with the title of parent, they expand, morph and grow as you do!

Grace.

Before I write any further I think it is important to remember that we must be gracious with ourselves. Any mom will tell you that parenting can be hard at times and you're never going to have it ALL figure out. In those moments, remember to be gracious with yourself and know that you're learning the lessons that will propel you forward. It made be hard but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it.

Community.

Remember that phrase, "It takes a village"? It most certainly is true. I have found that part of my success over this first year of parenthood is connecting with other Moms who run their own businesses. It has done wonders for my mama heart to talk with other women who face similar struggles and to be given an outlet to talk through challenges and ideas. Often I will walk away from these conversations with a new perspective and outlook that not only encourages me in that moment but propels me in the right direction. Surround yourself with people who will support you and those who understand just what it means to balance family and business.

Systems.

I truly believe that systems are what keep you a float when you are balancing family and business. Systems are what run my life and keep me organized. I have systems for my emails, client workflow, image organization and storage as well as systems for social media and blogging. There is so much to balance when it comes to work/life and so having a way to keep it current and organized is SO important. It may seem ridiculous to systemize something as trivial as say a Facebook update, but keeping yourself organized in business frees you up to live your life, like going for a run with your baby. (If you'd like me to share more about how I organize each of these areas, leave a comment below!)

Boundaries.

Since the beginning of my business I have tried to create and HONOR boundaries in my home life and business. Of course there are those days, especially during a busy season, that you might find yourself staying up late to edit images, answer emails or work on a project. But that can't be every day life. There needs to be clear distinctions between your working hours and your home life, otherwise how can you give your best to either? For me that looks like working when I have child care and closing my computer when the hubby gets home from work. It means working hard throughout the week to have weekends that are filled with family and baby giggles. It means doing what needs to be done during "working hours" so that non working hours are filled with the things that make my heart happy.

Get Help.

You simply cannot do it all on your own. Don't even try, it won't be worth the heartache, the stress, the worry and the anxiety that comes with a Mom who tries to be it all. I tried that. I tried to be the stay at home mom, the working photographer, the small business owner, the wife, the friend and the many hats we all wear. But I failed every time I tried to say I could do it all and have no help. Now Jonathan will head to daycare 2-3 times a week and is babysat 1-2 times a week. My mama heart rests easy knowing that Jonathan LOVES his time away with his friends at daycare and it gives me the freedom to work, uninterrupted. I could never give my clients and my baby my all if I was constantly trying to balance both at the same time. Getting help has given me freedom to invest my whole heart into my clients and our son and has eased much of the anxiety of trying to do it all. Of course this list is just a short abbreviation of lessons mamahood has given me over these last 12 months. And I certainly know that as Jonathan grows my capacity for my own growth will too. Being able to look back however, has given me an appreciation for what we have built together and how Jonathan has not only inspired me as a photographer but has given me a deep joy that translates directly into the images that I create and the relationships I form with my clients. It's a beautiful cycle. I'm ever so grateful to have the title of MOM and PHOTOGRAPHER.

Spring Wedding In Boston at the Royal Sonesta

If you live in New England you know just how long this winter has been. If you don't, let me try to find the words... In short I feels like we're living in a perpetual snow globe where the temperature doesn't rise above freezing and there's almost a guarantee that if you let your guard down even for a second, it will snow. But despite what has been one of the most depressing winter seasons in years, this last weekend after months of cold and drear, the skies cleared, the air warmed and one of the most beautiful days this year appeared. Spring won the day on Saturday creating a spectacular day for Paul and Emma's wedding, a day that we weary New Englanders have only dreamed of!!

Paul and Emma held all of the days festivities at the The Royal Sonesta in Cambridge. The hotel offers sweeping views of the city skyline, the reason why Emma and Paul chose the venue. The city holds such a dear part in their hearts it was only fitting that it be the backdrop to such an important day in their relationship. The day couldn't have been more "them" either. Emma in a fun and flirty Allure gown and sparkly jewelry, Paul in a casual but tailored grey suit and surrounded by fun purple accents throughout. But beyond their stunning details, it was truly Paul and Emma who stole the show. I don't think I've seen such a happier couple on their wedding day, Emma radiated with joy and Paul couldn't have looked more proud than he was to have Emma by his side.

When Life Doesn't Go As Planned

Over the weekend I sat down and finished my blogging calendar for the month of April. I organized and categorized my to do list. I made a plan and was excited for how much I was going to get done this week. Then we found out Jonathan has pneumonia, he developed a fever of 105 and my well laid plans were flipped on their head.

As I bathed my poor baby in the tub yesterday, trying to reduce his fever, my best friend called. I was scared, alone and tired and I burst into tears. "I'm not going to get any work done today," I sobbed. Her reply? "Really? OF COURSE NOT! It's a sick day!!"

Leave it to your best friend to give you the slap in the face you need. It indeed was a sick day, a very, very sick day. And I needed to be reminded that blogging, timelines, editing, emailing, they could all wait. My first responsibility was getting Jonathan healthy and cuddling him till my arms were numb (my biceps are killing me today!). Thankfully Jonathan's fever reduced and did not stay at that scary high number for too long. My Dad and Mom came home early from work and helped get everything organized and figured out. They picked Dave up from work and together we took care of Jonathan.

Things don't always go to plan, especially when you have a baby and as a small business owner sometimes that can be a hard pill to swallow. I rely on systems and checklists and schedules. It's what makes my day tick and if I'm being completely honest, it's REALLY hard to break from that. Yesterday was a lesson in learning to bend and learning to let go.

All those things that NEED to get done, they can wait. Baby cuddles come first.

A Garden Inspired Engagement Session

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It's really funny just how small the world is. Being a small business owner really puts this idea into perspective as I am constantly amazed at the way that my clients find me and how we are connected. Like Andy and Liz for example. Liz's sister is a dear friend of a friend of mine from college. I first met Liz when I photographed Megan and Kenny's wedding two years ago and when it came time for her own wedding she called me. Andy jokes that Liz has known me longer than she has known him! Either way, it makes my heart happy to not only have personal connections with clients but to also to work with people who are incredibly excited about what we can create together. (Plus it doesn't hurt that they are adorably in love and have the sweetest proposal story ever)!

Which leads me to their engagement session. You see Andy is a landscaper (and a kid at heart!) and for their proposal Andy wanted to do something epic. On their two year anniversary he convinced Liz to come and see a landscaping project that he had been working on at a client's home. Completely fooled, Liz agreed but was confused as it was night out and wasn't sure how she'd see the project in the dark! Not to worry, Andy had candles ready when they got to the home which lit the "project". The project being a log with the words carved in the side "Will You Marry Me?" Andy had friends hiding across the way and when he gave the signal they lit off fireworks. He got down on one knee and well, the rest is history!!

When it came time to plan their session Liz knew the perfect place, the property where Andy proposed! We spent a beautiful and blustery spring day getting to know each other a little better, talking about cameras, drinking wine and having an amazing time. The lovely ladies at Whim Events provided some amazing blooms for Liz, adding the perfect touch to this garden inspired session.

Congrats Andy and Liz, I simply cannot wait to celebrate with you in July!! Enjoy your images:)!!

A garden inspired spring engagement session.

Garden inspired bouquet from Whim Events.

Spring inspired engagement session with florals from Whim Events.

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After a quick outfit change we headed over to Mahoney's for a few more fun portraits together. Floral Design : Whim Events

Location : Private Home & Mahoney's Garden Centers

Pinspiration

My Photography Wishlist

As you already know, I recently started the task of redoing my home office space. Part of the desk has arrived, the walls are painted and some decor has been hung. Just that little change alone has begun to inspire and refresh me in ways that I never anticipated. The space is not even finished yet and already I feel rejuvenated. It's amazing what a can of paint can do!

Part of that rejuvenation is a rekindled desire to grow as a photographer. We all want to grow, but the day in, day out, tasks of running a small business can often impede on the creativity and artistic veins that drive us as creatives. My soul craves the arts and I realized that I just simply need more of that in my life. So I decided to surround myself with things that inspire me, images that make me crave something, images that make me feel something, images that push me as a photographer. Part of that comes through Pinterest.

I created what I call my Photography Wishlist. My friend Emilia does something similar on Twitter through a series called Wedding Wishlist. Using social media in this manner is great way to share the things that inspire you while creating an outlet to connect with clients who share that same vision. Since I adore Pinterest, I used that to share with the world the idea, places, people and things that inspire me. Just looking at this pin board fires me up and makes me swoon. I hope that it connects with others too and begins us on a path of creativity together. I'm also a firm believer in putting things out there and so I collected images that represent the places I want photography to take me and the types of images I want to create.

I write this all to say there is something very powerful about creating outlets for inspiration and creativity our lives. As photographers and creatives we should always be striving to grow and learn, to stretch ourselves and improve upon our craft. However you are inspired, take a few moments this week to seek it out. Find ways to surround yourself with those things every week, every day. Let it seep into the way that you see the world. Then go, create.

Comparing Our Spouse

It's the first Monday of the month so that means it's time for another Marriage Monday. For April I decided to tackle the topic of comparison. By now I'm sure you've seen the famous quote from Theodore Roosevelt, "comparison is the thief of joy", floating around the internet, particularly Pinterest, And there is probably a very good reason why : We like to compare. We like to compare our bodies, our clothes, our homes, our families, our friends, our entires lives to one another. It can become an unhealthy habit, and as a woman, I feel acutely aware of this habit in my own life.

When Dave and I were first married I was a horrible at comparing my marriage, husband and my life to those around me. Perhaps it was because I was young or perhaps its because we had not been married that long. I had no idea what I wanted in my marriage and so I would look to other couples and their relationships to find my inspiration. When Dave didn't match up to the husband I thought he should be, I was very critical and demanding of him.

It's a battle I struggle with still to this day and while I do it in all areas of my life, I'm highly aware of it in my marriage. As we've matured and grown together as a couple, the comparison games have eased, but there are still moments when this bad habit can rear it's ugly head. It's something that I am always aware of and now am quick to apologize for.

I think age and perspective has allowed me to see a larger picture of our marriage and how we each fit into that picture. Our relationship is very different from the relationships of those around us and its ok! Our marriage doesn't need to a fit a certain mold, trend or idea. Accepting that was hard, but there was so much freedom in being ok with who we are as a couple and as individuals.

If you find yourself comparing your husband or spouse to others stop immediately. Take a step back and try to take in the grander picture. Your spouse has been given to you as a gift, a partner to walk through life with, someone to teach you and encourage you. Your spouse was uniquely chosen and paired with you for a reason, because together you are better. Together you bring something truly wonderful to the world around you. Comparing each other robs us the joy and the gift that is our spouse.

Jonathan's First Year

11 Months Old

You guys, it's almost here! Jonathan's First Birthday is right around the corner. I'm having all sorts of Mommy emotions lately and I'm often struck with just how fast this year has gone! I simply cannot believe that his first birthday is THIS MONTH. Yes this post is a few days late... Just last night I was talking with Dave about how it seems like it was yesterday that we were cuddling with our new baby boy, watching endless hours of tv during the day and wondering how we'd survive at night. Those first two weeks were hard and amazing and challenging and wonderful all at the same time. And here we are a year later.

This month has brought a lot of change, once again, to our darling boy. He is speaking more and more, picking up food and actually getting it into his mouth, and learning how to not hold on when standing up. I see more and more evidence of a toddler, fast disappearing is that little baby boy face. And though I'm all nostalgic about Jonathan nothing being my "baby boy" anymore, I have to say that I completely adore this stage of life. He is so full of life, a bouncy and loud little dude. Gah, he's just the bees knees.

Pretty soon this blog series will be over and I'll probably have to mourn just a little. I'm SO grateful to have taken the time to capture these pictures of Jonathan. Award winning images? No, but they are SO incredibly important to me. I have a visual record of my son in his first year that I will treasure for the rest of my life. (And hopefully, one day, embarrass him with;))!

So go ahead, try and resist those chubby little cheeks, you simply cannot;):). Happy (ALMOST) Birthday little dude!!

(*Many thanks to Melissa, Jonathan's babysitter, for helping wrangle him for the photos;)!)

The truth behind these pictures......is that Jonathan really wasn't into the whole model thing......until......we gave him a toy;):)!! If you'd like to see more, click here to see Jonathan's First Year month by month : Month One, Month Two, Month Three, Month Four, Month Five, Month Six, Month Seven, Month Eight, Month Nine, Month Ten, and Month Eleven.

Whim Floral Workshops

Creating With Industry Peers

Last Friday night I had the pleasure of joining the Whim ladies of Whim Events for a floral workshop hosted at their Somerville studio. Having worked with the Whim Team in the past (you can see more of their work here and here) I knew that I was in for a fun evening. And while I set out to photograph the workshop, I had no idea how much I would LEARN while doing so!

Moira, the floral designer of Whim Events, shared with us all her knowledge of how to arrange, preserve and pick the perfect flower for a floral arrangement. Did you know that if you cut the stem of a flower in a certain way that it makes the flower last longer? Or that some flower stems should never be cut or given flower food? Or that certain tools work better for pruning florals than others?! Well I sure didn't!

Each lady was given a HUGE assortment of flowers that Moira had selected from the Boston Flower Market. She then when through each floral explaining why it could be used in a certain way, why it was picked and how all these florals worked together. I was captivated! I'm not a huge flower girl, heck I've killed every plant we've ever had, but I absolutely loved learning the tips and tricks Moira uses to give flowers a long and beautiful life!

The Whim team hopes to host more of these workshops in the future (HOLLA! I know a certain mother in law that would LOVE this;)), which is incredibly exciting! What could be more fun than some wine, hip hop throwback tunes and floral arranging for a great girls night out?! Perfection!!

Whim Events hosts a floral workshop in their studio.

Here are some of my favorite images from the night, enjoy!

Our Home : State of The Office

Did I really just post a picture of my office? Yup I went there. I'm in the middle of a overhaul of my home office and to say that things are "out of place" would be the understatement of the year. I recently sold my beloved Pottery Barn Bedford desk to make room for an even bigger Bedford desk in a lovely shade of antique white.

There was nothing wrong with my old desk, but in all honesty, the dark color left me feeling less than inspired when I would sit down to work. Not one to be foolish about things like that, I waited years until I felt it was a financially viable decision to purchase a new and larger desk (HELLO COUPONS!!). Plus I was able to sell the desk to another local photographer whose home decor fit well with the desk's dark wood stain. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, as it was my "desk of dreams" long before I even had my business. I saved and saved for that desk, purchasing it as a leap of faith that some day I would have my own photography business. Now it can be her "desk of dreams", a place for her to dream and grow. Is it sad of me to be joyful about someone else loving that desk as much as I did?!

Since the desk was gone that meant every envelope, file, piece of paper and iota of junk had to be removed and picked through. So I thought while I was at it, I'd take inventory on my entire office and weed through the things I needed and the things that could be given away. Which of course led me to a complete state of overwhelmed. Slowly and steadily I'm working my way through everything, determined for each item to have a proper place and home in the office. No more clutter, no more disorganization. Serenity now, HA!

Anywhoo, I hope to blog the overhaul SOON, but there still is a desk to arrive, some painting to be done and of course a little, JUST A LITTLE, shopping to be enjoyed to really tie the room together. In the meantime I'm completely open to suggestions for a paint scheme. As you can see I've tossed around a few ideas already and I'm picking up a few paint samples later today. But I could really use your help to make a decision, ideas anyone?!

Here's to spring cleaning I guess!

Our Home : A Hallway Update

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It may not feel like spring, but boy oh boy, do I have spring fever! MUST.CLEAN.ALL.THE.THINGS. Maybe it's because I am currently redoing my home office which has forced me to pull everything out of every drawer and examine it's worth or purpose. Or maybe it's the fact that we've let life get in the "way" of a clean home. Whatever the reason I'm feeling the itch to get organized, de-clutter and start with a clean slate. The first step in that process : a home command center.

For months our mail and stray papers have found a place on our countertops, our dining room table and our living room couch. It slowly was driving me nuts and I needed a way to organize it neatly and efficiently. After a few trips to HomeGoods and repurposing many items we already had in our home this little hallway addition came together. Since red and turquoise are the colors in our kitchen and this hallway leads right into that space I decided to echo that color scheme here. I love that I now have a place to menu plan, to hang Jonathan's projects from day care and a spot to organize the mail. It's not completely finished, ie ignore the empty frames, but it's workable and it's made our life much more clutter free!

DIY home command center Deborah Zoe Photography

Enjoy!To see more home posts click here : Jonathan's Nursery, Move In Day.

Welcome Site For Inquiring Clients

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New Addition to deborahzoephoto.com

I'm so excited to announce a new Welcome Site developed exclusively for inquiring clients, a hub for all things Deborah Zoe Photography. Once again I worked with my amazing designer, Tara of Stupendous Design, to create a unique plus site to my main website. This site compliments my main website but has a life of it's own. She created a way for me to present important information in a FUN and creative way, developing an idea of letterpress cards on which each section of information is present. I absolutely fell in love. They almost look just like my custom stationary, I'm a sucker for cohesive and consistent design!

The new Welcome site is a hub for information and includes a welcome from me, information about albums and the Collections as well as frequently asked questions (plus more to come!). My goal was to provide as much information as possible to potential clients to help them make smart and informed decisions about their wedding photography. Nothing is kept hidden and hopefully inquiring couples walk away knowing exactly who I am, armed with information about the services I provide and how we can best work together for their wedding day!

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Anniversary Session at the Allan House in Austin

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An Anniversary Session at the Allan House

I've known Amy since my freshman year of college when, on the last day of school, we awkwardly hugged and wished each other a great summer. Amy swears she remembers what I was wearing, I on the other hand barely remember the interaction. But here we are more than a decade later, married, home owners, professionals and practically all grown up;)! It's wonderful to walk through life together, and I'm so grateful for our friendship with Amy and Jon. While we don't get to see them much, since they live in Austin, every time we get together, we pick up where we left off. We cherish our friendship with them!

Amy and Jon will be celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary later this year and Amy really wanted to have some new and updated pictures with Jon. The last time they were in front of the camera was their on their wedding day and so they were definitely due for some new images! I think it is so incredibly important to document all the stages of life together, not just the wedding day! For Jon and Amy, they've started a whole new life together in Texas and are in a completely different place in their marriage than they were eight years ago. These images are a celebration of just how far they have come together as a couple and the joy that their marriage and relationship has given them. As a photographer, I absolutely love being able to celebrate that through images!

Portrait session at the Allan House in Austin, Texas

Portrait session at Barton Springs in Austin, Texas

We started the session at the Allan House in downtown Austin. A popular wedding venue, the house has a historic charm and very Texas feel. It was the perfect backdrop for their session! Enjoy!I just adore these two!How cute are they?!Nothing beats a good twirling photo!My favorite from the day!As the sun set lower in the sky we ventured to Barton Springs for a more natural backdrop. How cool is this dried up river bed?!

Travelogue : Austin, Texas

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In three months we've traveled to three different states all with a baby under the age of one! We learned a lot about what it means to travel with a baby, how to keep your cool when you're tired and stressed out (or at least try!) and how to have fun as a family of three! It's been pretty awesome to have had the opportunity to visit friends, travel for work, and enjoy a vacation together as a family. Looking back I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences we've shared together this year, and it's only March! I can't wait for what the rest of the year holds!!

This past week we jetted to Austin, Texas. Just in time for the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival which meant that Austin was buzzing with people, musicians and hipsters;)! It was great to see Austin really shine as a music destination. While we spent most of our time in the 'burbs of Austin with our dear friends Amy and Jon, we did get to enjoy a few days downtown and did some very Austin-y things.

Austin is so different than Boston. It's a young city, with lots of young people. It's artistic and Texan and rustic and modern and eclectic. It's truly a mix of so many things and it kept my brain on overdrive as I tried to process it all! While I hate that our dear friends live so far away, I'll admit that it's pretty fun having an excuse to visit new places and have new experiences:)!

While we were out west I took the opportunity to get Amy and Jon in front of the camera for a photo shoot! Their eighth wedding anniversary is later this year and they were excited to have some new pictures together! (Everyone should have an anniversary session, seriously!!) I'll share more of those tomorrow, but for now here's a recap of our trip to Texas!!

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Don't kill me for posting this Dave;)Amy works for the Texas School For The Deaf, she's pretty awesome!Apparently that is SO very Austin:)!Jonathan and I window shopped at the boot store:).While Auntie Amy smothered him in kisses.......Uncle JJ had a more adventurous approach;).I love this woman so much!!This is also very Austin and of course we had to stop and take a picture!Behind the mural is a place called Roadhouse Relics that hosts events in an incredible and unique space, filled with old relics and kitch. I LOVED IT!!As part of Amy and Jon's portrait session we stopped at Barton Springs, where the riverbed had dried up. It was so neat to see the Texan landscape and just how different it is from New England!The boy and his Dad...best buddies for life!Jonathan loved the rocks on the river bed!But I think he loves his Auntie Amy more;)!

A Collection of Recent Features

Hello from sunny Austin! In case you didn't know we are traveling again, this time to the Lone Star state to visit our dear friends. This is Dave's first time in Texas so rest assured we'll be indulging in yummy BBQ and for me copious amounts of country music. YEA!! While we're away I thought I'd share a few recent features of some lovely 2013 couples on some of my favorite wedding blogs! It truly is an honor to be featured on each of these publications and I am so grateful to the editors for showcasing the lovely weddings of each of my lovely couples! Happy Thursday!

Kristyn and Michael's harbor side wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

Pat and Lauren's ocean front wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

Barrett and Hannah's rustic fall engagement at Brooksby Farm featured on Heart Love Weddings.

Sarah and Eddie's coastal Maine wedding featured on Heart Love Weddings.

Matt and Christina's Harvard Square engagement session featured on A Paper Proposal.

Basil and Kim's urban inspired Back Bay engagement session on Modernly Wed.

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Jon and Melissa's preppy coastal wedding at Regatta Place featured on Style Me Pretty.

Capturing Wedding Details

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Having just participate in a styled shoot, much of our time was dedicate to photographing the styled details that were a part of the shoot. Of course the details were perfect, carefully picked and paired together. As we were experimenting and talking through how we photograph details, it made me stop and think : WHY do we photograph details on a wedding day and HOW can we go about doing that in an artful and considerate fashion. I thought I'd tackle those two topics today addressing photographers and Brides on the importance of capturing the wedding day details and including them into the wedding portfolio!Why.

Why is photographing the details of the wedding important? Well for starters, the details are the elements that help tell the story of the day. From the invitations to the flowers, the centerpieces to the place cards, the details help tie together the color scheme, the feeling and the overall look of the wedding day. They are the "filling" so to speak that binds the wedding day portfolio together. This is especially true when it comes to the wedding album where the detail images are incredibly important in creating a cohesive and visually appealing album design.

Additionally couples dedicate much time and thought into choosing the elements for their details. These details often become a huge part of the planning process and therefore become very important to the couple. They might even be family heirlooms which again gives them a high value of importance. These details also represent the many vendors that are a part of the day and care should be taken to capture images of those vendors work.

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Lastly, Bride and Grooms will often dedicate a large chunk of their wedding budget to the details. Whether its the plated hors d'oeuvres that are being passed at cocktail hour or the stunning bridal bouquet, each of these elements represent a choice, one that the couple has painstakingly thought about. That alone deserves our attention and care when it comes to documenting the wedding day.How.

So now that you know why the details are important, how do you go about documenting them? For each detail I multi range approach. First I start wide, then mid, then tight. For example, with the the images picked for this post, you can see the various focal lengths that I am using to document each scene. I want to make sure that I am capturing the scene in which the details are in, but also not being afraid to shoot tight and eliminate distracting elements. I want to give the couple a varied selection of their details for their own enjoyment as well as capture images that gives me flexibility when designing their wedding album.

I'm also not afraid to rearrange the details and elements in a way that is attractive and styled. I want to make sure that these details represent the wedding day in a beautiful way and that often requires that I style the details and elements. For example, if the stationary suite has hints of blue then I will work hard to find elements in the room or within other wedding details to highlight that blue. I will eliminate distracting elements in the background and work to create artfully crafted images of the details of the day!

Finally, I would encourage you to be aware of your perspective when documenting the details. Try to keep your horizon lines level, shoot straight down on items, shoot straight across tables and be aware of anything distracting in your foreground and background.

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For the Bride.

Brides, you can play an important role in how your details are documented throughout the day. As your photographer, I know just how special each element is and how much thought and care went into picking your details. In order to have the details captured artfully there are a few things to consider. First, especially during the getting ready portion of the day, make sure to have all your details collected and together so that your photographer can easily and quickly style the details together. This includes your bouquet, shoes, jewelry, stationary, hairpieces, veil, dress, etc. It can also be helpful to include fabric swatches or other elements that might be used throughout the day to tie into those images.

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When it comes to capturing the details at your reception, it is important to factor in time to do so. We need at least 15 minutes in the reception room/venue, before guests enter so that we can photograph the details before they are disturbed. You can help by communicating this to your venue coordinator and/or planner to ensure that this time is factored into your timeline. If you have any questions about how I capture the wedding day details or how to best approach this part of the wedding day, leave a comment below!

Wedding Shoot at Misselwood Estate

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On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending a styled shoot at one of my favorite venues in New England, Misselwood. It's the same venue that we had our Quintessential New England styled shoot last spring and where Dave and I had our own portrait session a few years ago! Needless to say, this place holds lots of happy memories for me! Next up, to photograph a wedding there!

The shoot was part of the Shoot and Share group here in Boston. I met some new friends, reconnected with and hugged some dear friends and had a blast stretching my creative muscle. While it was cold, the light was spectacular and it was simply a beautiful day on the ocean!

Shannon, one of the organizers of the shoot, pulled together some amazing Harry Potter and Breaking Bad details, complete with gold and winter accents! I'll be sure to add a list of the vendors when I have them, but for now enjoy the delightful wintery goodness below!

Jonathan's First Year

10 Months Old

Jonathan, the boy who never naps, is quietly trying to fall asleep in his crib amongst all this toys. Had I known this is all it would take....;)

That's our boy though, never sitting down, always on the go. He can now comfortable sit, stand and crawl which means new found freedom and new discoveries to be had, even if it's just the spice cabinet or the pantry. I spend my days chasing him around the house. He's full on boy and I love every inch of him!

This month we've had a few bumps in the road, including two rounds of illness. Jonathan has handled it like a champ but it's left me pretty happy to say goodbye to month ten. His red hair continues to grow in and now stands tall at the top of his head. He's long and lean and just about the biggest baby I know.

Today, someone told me that I am a "seasoned" mum. Far from it, but I am certainly no longer in the newbie stage. As friends and clients reveal the happy news that they are expecting I find myself reflecting on just how far Jonathan and I have come together. From belly, to birth, to sleepless nights to baby teeth and fuzzy hair, we've seen a lot together. It's amazing to think just how much can change in the course of a year. And while I certainly don't have it all "figured out", I'm thankful for the experiences and ways that Jonathan has grown me as a person over this past year. What an honor it is to be him Mom!

Happy 10 month birthday little one!