Carefree Summer...

Summer is half-way over and I'm starting to feel panicked because there's so much I still want to do. Spend more time at the beach, take more photos of my kids, take the boat out fishing, go camping, go to a movie in the park, and the list goes on and on. I love the carefreeness (I know, it's not a word!) of summertime. I love having nowhere to go. I love having everywhere to go. I love sitting in the hot sun drinking lemonade (okay, it's a Coke Zero), reading a book while watching my kids jump in the pool. Soak it up, baby - you've got one month left!

*Photos below: running through the sprinklers after a long bike ride.

Tom & Susan Wedding - Lucky In Love.

For some, love comes a little later in life. Tom & Susan have amazingly found each other to spend the rest of their lives with. They were like two young teenagers in love - the way they looked at each other, how they spoke to one another, Tom referring to Susan as "my princess". Susan couldn't have looked more beautiful a bride. Tom with his deep voice, so kind and friendly - [and even cooler, a scout for the Bruins hockey team!]. I'm so happy I got to experience and photograph this wonderful day with them.

This was my first wedding experience as a photographer. I had the wonderful opportunity to second shoot Tom and Susan's wedding with Lyndsey Sammons, an amazing photographer and even more amazing person. I can definitely see why couples hire her to photograph their wedding. (check out Lyndsey's work at http://www.lyndseysammons.com/).

Here are some of my favorite wedding moments...

Portland Homestead Supply Co.

Last week I had the opportunity to do some product shots for the Portland Homestead Supply Co. And to be honest, I had no idea what it REALLY was until I arrived at the shop (I know, naughty me!). What a pleasant surprise! The shop is so amazingly put together, with a vintage-homey feel. They have goats, chickens and ducks in the back, and pretty much anything and everything you can possibly imagine for the urban homesteader. If you live in Portland, you have to go check it out. REALLY! (8012 SE 13th Ave). Or at the very least, pay them a visit online www.homesteadsupplyco.com. Now GO have a look!

Here are some of their amazing products...

Wall Displays - Size Matters!

I know I've posted examples of wall displays before, but I thought it would be worth it to post them again. Here are some examples of gallery wraps, smaller versus larger. It's crazy how much difference a larger size makes on a wall!

First one is 11x14. Second, 20x30.

Favorite blogs... photography and more!

If you're like me, you have your favorite blogs that you follow and check in on regularly. When I need inspiration, have some time to myself, over breakfast, late at night... Here are some of MY favorite blogs (some photography, some not):

The SatoriaList - Street photographer Scott Schuman.

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Savvy Photographer - Great buys and articles!

http://thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com/

The Maternal Lens - 5 Mom Photographers.

http://thematernallens.blogspot.com/

Tom & Lorenzo - All things fashion.

http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/

Jasmine Star - Wedding Photographer.

http://jasminestarblog.com/

Living Locurto - Creative Living.

http://www.livinglocurto.com/

The Mouthy Housewives - Oh so funny!

http://www.mouthyhousewives.com/

ad hoc MOM - Another funny read.

http://www.adhocmom.com/

Blue Cricket Design - Great ideas!

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/

*Oh, and for those of you with an ipad, if you don't have the "flipboard" app - you need to get it! It's so easy to flip through your favorite blogs (and news), just like the morning newspaper.

Love of vintage photos.

Today I was going through photo boxes and discovered some old photos of my parents in their younger years. I love the look and feel of vintage photos and getting a little glance into life as it was. Seeing how it is Father's Day on Sunday, I thought it would be fun to post these photos of my dad (and mom) - taken right after they were first married. I can't believe how young they look! (I hope my kids never say that about me!)

Last day of school!

Wow this year went by fast! I can't believe today was the last day of school and summer is here. Does that mean I get to sleep-in tomorrow? Yeah right! I think this is the first year I haven't signed my kids up for any summer camps or have any big vacation plans (and I may totally regret this!). We're just going to be spontaneous and play it day by day. I always feel so overwhelmed by the endless choices of camps and summer happenings. So this year I'm making it easy on us (I think). The kids may be driving me crazy by the end of the month, and I'll be calling around asking if any camps have open spots available. Then you can all shake your heads at me and say "what were you thinking?". OR the summer could turn out to be super amazing since we have so much freedom to do whatever, whenever.

So here's to a great summer AND to the last day of school!

(my kids on their last day of school... I think they were sad because school was out!)