As I sit down at my desk to write this post, I am flooded with visions of smiles, beautiful details, tiny toes, amazing locations, and more hugs than I could ever imagine getting used to.  I am so incredibly thankful for the life I have been given, for the path I have chosen, and for the future full of hope that I foresee for myself and my family.

Celebrating the beginning of a new year brings all sorts of emotions…usually starting with excitement…and soon afterwards, a sense of failure…before even beginning.  New Years resolutions are evil.  They’re supposed to help us, but they usually just make us feel bad because it’s almost impossible to commit to something…just because of a new date on the calendar.

I’ve decided to focus on what I didn’t accomplish the prior year and to make a point to incorporate some of that into my every day behaviors.  Even if it’s as simple as eating one less cookie a week…it’s something

One thing I wanted to do all year and didn’t, was to purchase a new lens for my camera.  I bought a flash, but only because I had to…and it’s no fun when it’s because you have to.  I’m already looking forward to the images I can produce with it.  Still me, still my style…just more variety.

If I’m really lucky, I will purchase a camera body that allows me to take video too.  I really really really want to be able to do that.   I will figure something out.

Most importantly, I want to focus on what I didn’t do last year for YOU, the amazing people who choose me for their memories, and those that support me and my business with recommendations.  I would not be able to sustain my path without your love and praise and thanking you will be my top priority.

As the snow (finally) falls outside my window, I am filled with peace.  A quiet calm that I will harness and save to bring with me for everything I do.  May you find peace this year as you make your choices, and always, share a little love and laughter.  ♥

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this:  To rise above the little things.”  ~John Burroughs

Happy New Year!!

So, now that the mom’s best friend got Engaged ~ she instantly suggested my services to the Bride to be, and the rest is history…here we are celebrating their Engagement and future Wedding at the Rochester Yacht Club!

The couple, Liz and Tom, actually live in California!  They’ve been planning their entire Wedding long distance with the help of their amazing family and friends.  I really wanted to meet them before their Big day and to give them a chance to enjoy their Engagement session together…so luckily on their recent trip home to NY, we made it happen.  Buffalo was the closest we got, so I made the trip out there, and was able to photograph them in their families beautiful back yard.  It’s so nice getting to photograph my couples at different locations ~ especially when they choose places that have special meaning to them.  I love it, and I love these photos, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them enjoy their celebration together in just a few more weeks.

Congratulations Liz & Tom ~ have fun and I’ll see you soon!

It’s unbelievable to me how long this sweet couple has already been together…High School sweethearts!  They are a perfect match and I’m so lucky to have been a part of their celebrations; through their Engagement session at Maplewood Park and Corbett’s Glen to their Wedding day at Terry Hills Golf Club.

Getting ready!

Groomsmen ‘sustainables’ 

Off to Terry Hills!

Handsome Groom with his proud Best Man

The girls relieving a little stress before their walk down the aisle ♥

I just LOVE flower girls!  They’re always SO cute!

Beautiful incredible singer

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.! ♥

The event coordinator, Danielle, did an incredible job with the setup, as always!  She is incredibly professional and a breeze to work with.  I can’t thank her enough for being so attentive and genuinely interested in what’s going on throughout a Wedding day.  Thanks Danielle ~ you’re awesome!

LOL, Peekaboo!

I’m still wondering what went wrong here…but whatever it was, lit up the room with laughter

Dancing!

Florida!  You’re a sweetheart! ♥

I loved this couple ~ they were having SO much fun together…and as I took their picture late into the night, the next thing I saw was a pizza buffet!  I looked over at them and yelled, Pizza?!  They were laughing and couldn’t believe it either ~ way to go Terry Hills!

As I took a break from dancing and circled the room, I came across one of the girls beautiful manicures!  How fun!

A few more before the night was through ~ it always goes so fast

Congratulations you two!  What a beautiful day for your celebration complete with a perfect sun shiney day, loving family, and amazing friends!

Best wishes on a long life together filled with love, laughter and happiness always! ♥

Dear Guests: Please check the ‘Ordering Gallery’ section on my website in a few weeks to view the entire Wedding:  The password will be their new last name together ~ enjoy!

I’ll be at the Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park this Saturday from 11-1pm for mini sessions! Tell your friends and family; I’ll bring the Easter Basket and bunny, the conservatory will have the tulips!

Complimentary $50 G.C. towards products with purchase; great deal!

And as you’re trying to decide whether or not to join me for this very special photo session, listen with an open heart to this little compilation. ♥

We just want to be remembered beautifully, and appreciated always…let me help you do both. ♥

To reserve your spot, click here and you’ll receive your Gift Certificate by Saturday!

I knew that I wouldn’t get many responses…it’s not something very many of us are comfortable with.  Emily told me later that she only did it because it was me; she already knew that she’d feel comfortable around me and trusted me to make sure her photos were simple, and beautiful.

And who knew she’d have a trench coat and fishnets to work with?!  Sweet! 

Here’s a small sample of our time together; the rest you’ll have to leave to your imagination. 

LOL, I think if I have a signature ‘look’ to my portraits/something in common, this is it ~ I just love it this expression.    Great job Emily!

“I never knew a love like this…’til you”

Booking sessions now through January 30th to ensure all orders are complete by Valentines Day!  I come to you in your own environment; relax and have some flirty fun!

With love from my family to you and yours ~ wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter, hugs, and sweet treats!  Enjoy!!

My day began with getting off the elevator on the 14th floor (very top) of the Radisson Hotel downtown (where the reception would be later too) …hearing loud pumping Usher type music coming down the hall.  I remember thinking to myself…that must be the guys…and as I got closer and closer I realized it was!  Little ol’ me .with my back pack on .. about to head into a room of 15 or so partying guys – bring it!

I walked in and loudly introduced myself smiling over the music saying ‘hey guys, I’m Sue’ … Then out of no where, every single one of them yells Suuuuuue….Suuuuuue….over and over…we were hysterical.  Or maybe I was blushing?  I knew it was gonna be a great day!  I laughed, hugged Chris (the awesome Groom) and went about my way taking pictures.  Now THAT’S how you start a Wedding day!

Thanks guys!  SO sweet – I will never forget that welcome…ever.

Making sure they had the rings…Chris took a moment to look at Bridgette’s Wedding band…already thinking about seeing her coming down the aisle.

I spent just a little bit with the guys, and then headed out to catch up with the girls getting ready at Bridgette’s mom’s house.  We just had a little time there too but we were lucky to get both before the ceremony.

Beautiful Bridgette!

Bridgette’s mom was so sweet!

Time to go to the chapel!

CHASE! ♥  Bridgette and Chris were blessed with a baby just a few weeks before their Wedding.  I photographed their maternity shots, and shared my recent experience of having a baby with them too.  Now that I am so lucky to have a baby, I wonder what was I waiting for??!  So, as I was driving to the church that day, I was filled with excitement to finally get to see their little bundle.  Look at him!  He’s wearing a baby tuxedo!   LOVE!

Time to start the ceremony; the beautiful and amazing Sacred Heart Cathedral

Congratulations Bridgette & Chris!

Baby Chase!

This was funny….we were all done with formals, and everyone got on the bus…then this one groomsman jumps off dragging Chris back to the front door for this picture.  He wanted a picture of him keeping Chris from running away ~ I can’t imagine anyone even thinking about running away from Bridgette; lucky guy!

Ok, we’re off to the park!

I was going to ‘clone’ out the beer bottles….but I really like that they’re in the picture…authentic and I know they’ll love it.

oh, and p.s. it was COLD!  The guys were so nice to give their jackets to the girls and to our beautiful bride.

Ok, time to head to the reception!  Let’s get this party started!

So, I walk into the cocktail hour and this is the first thing I see…really?  And ice sculpture!!!   I rarely get to see them!  ACK is the first part of their last name…and look how they put the three names in there…Chris, Bridgette, and Chase…(but what about Pudgie?!!)  

This was their incredible city view from the windows of their reception

The toasts were perfect…heartfelt from the maid of honor, and hilarious from the best man.  Bridgette is cracking up from something the best man called Chris out on…I wish I could put the whole speech in here!

First Dance

Father/Daughter dance…there isn’t a single Wedding I have photographed that I don’t tear up at these.

Bring on Usher!  Yeah Yeah

SO happy for you guys!  Wishing you both a lifetime filled with happiness and baby giggles!

**Please check back towards the end of December to view the entire gallery on my website.  When it’s live, their new last name together will be the password.  Enjoy! **