We made it through another crazy year my friends!  I don't know about you, but 2022 seemed to go by in the blink of an eye!  I think we were all playing catch-up after putting so much on hold in 2020 & 2021.  Busiest year ever, huh?

I was so happy to finally see so many of you, either in the studio or on location. We started the year with our first teen night, brought back the glam, photographed chickens!! and of course so many princess sessions!  Babies, branding, tulips, sunflowers, the beach! The prom, graduation, extended families and even a few weddings!  We ended the year jumping on the bed, twirling through the forest, dressing up for gingerbread sessions and running away to the circus. 

Seeing your families interacting, dressing your children up in beautiful clothing with whimsical themes, watching you all grow throughout the last few years - it has truly been my privilege and I am so thankful to have all of you in my life.

As we head into 2023, it's time for me to give back to all of you with a really fun contest. This year we have so many entries!  Everyone who had a paid session in 2022 wins bragging rights but ONE person will also win a free 11x14 canvas from their 2022 session! 

Here's how it will work:

I will share my favorite photo from your 2022 session. These are the BEES KNEES photos! Every single one of you who had a paid session this year will see one of your photos from your session posted on Facebook and Instagram.  (Model calls, giveaways and fundraiser sessions are not included in the contest.) 

Then the fun begins!  The person with the most points at midnight on Sunday, January 29th will win the canvas.  How do the points work?

You will vote for your favorites.  On Facebook, thumbs up (like) counts as one point.  The heart (love) counts as 2 points.  The surprise face (wow) counts as three points.  On Instagram there will be voting as well, simply commenting on the photo you chose.  Families who had more than one session get more than one photo included.  You can vote for as many or as few as you would like.  After you vote, be sure to invite your friends and family to vote too!  The photo with the most points will win the canvas!!  You can see all my favorite photos below, but to vote you have to follow the contest on social media!

Check out my account on Instagram:  Wendy Ringel Photography - Or my page on Facebook: Wendy Ringel Photography

Without further ado and in no particular order, here are YOUR 2022 Bees Knees Photos.  Thank you again for choosing me to document your families.

Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ

According to their website, Holland Ridge Farms is THE biggest U-Pick flower farm in the USA.  I can attest to the fact that this farm is enormous and beautiful!  Very soon they will be opening for their Tulip Festival, and there are some things you'll need to know if you want to attend, and a few more things to know if you would like to schedule a photo session during the Tulip Fest.  Keep reading for all of the tips!!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US AT THE FARM FOR A PHOTO SESSION!

Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ

First of all, you will need tickets to the farm.  The tickets go on sale at the beginning of April and they are sold online.  You need to buy your ticket in advance because they do sell out!  Tickets give you access to ALL of the flowers, plus a free hay ride that takes you around the whole farm.  Once inside you can purchase the tulips ($1 per stem) and check out their bakery barn and food trucks!  There's a petting zoo area for the kids, lots of fun photo props and plenty of room to run and play. This is a great family activity!

What should you wear to the farm?  What should you bring?  Dress for the weather! Rain boots are often recommended since the fields can be muddy in the spring.  Bring a jacket or sweater on cold days and on sunny days remember a hat!  You can bring a little wagon for your small children, or you can just take advantage of the free hay ride that is provided.  You don't need to bring clippers, the farm provides them for those who want to pick flowers.  (Trust me, you will want to pick flowers!)  NO pets allowed.

What about photography?  Well, you are always able to take your own photos at the farm, but I highly recommend hiring a professional photographer for a session there.  Why?  These are images you are going to want to print out so big for your home!  iPhone photos just don't cut it when it is time to print. A professional photographer will know how to pose your children, give advice for wardrobe and tell you where on the farm to get the best shot that you will cherish forever.  And the light!  I'll be honest and say that the light at the farm is pretty tricky sometimes.  Some times of day the light is very harsh and having a professional who knows when and where to take the best photos (and then sometimes edit out a few shadows) makes all the difference.  Be sure to scroll to the end for some of my favorite images from last year's Tulip Fest.

So when will we be there?  *UPDATE* We will be there starting April 26th!  The farm is less crowded on weekdays and the light will be best closer to first thing in the morning and last opening in the evening but we do try to work with your schedule.  The farm tickets are sold "rain or shine" so be prepared for anything!  We have been there when it has been cold and drizzly, we have been there when it has been hot and sunny and we have been there a few times when it has been gloriously, perfectly in between. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US AT THE FARM FOR A PHOTO SESSION

Your photo results will absolutely depend on the weather and the sun, so it is important to be flexible with your expectations.  We will go over all the options before your session, including suggestions for wardrobe, what to wear it if rains, what to wear if it is extra bright out and what type of images you might expect based on that day's weather.  The photos below were taken on a variety of weather days, one day was cold and windy, one day was drizzly and overcast and one day was so bright, the sun was making us all squint!  

Finally, how long will your session last?  We do try to keep these short so that you can also spend time enjoying the farm.  About 15 minutes is all the time we need.  Then you can be free to grab some food, visit the animals or pick some flowers to take home.  

If you'd like to be notified when our tulip sessions go live, drop me a line HERE and you'll be the first to know when we are booking!  Please scroll down and enjoy some of our beautiful client photos from last year's festival.   I can't wait to see you all at Holland Ridge Farms this year!

Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ

Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Cream Ridge NJ

Our Rainbow of dresses from Little Dreamers TutusAdorable princesses in all the colors of the rainbow

When you're looking for a special portrait experience, one theme springs to mind for girls of all ages - Princess Photos!  Dressing up in gowns and crowns and twirling through the photo session is bound to bring delight to even the most camera shy child.  

You may think that finding a photo studio with couture dresses would require a trip to Philadelphia or New York City, but I am excited to tell you that we have them right here in Burlington, NJ!  We have long and short gowns, brightly colored and more subtle, we have sparkly and swishy and twirly dresses for every size!  We start with infant sizes and go all the way up to adult gowns.  That's right mom, you can come for a princess session too!  We even have crowns of all types, featuring gems, flowers and rainbows.

Many are familiar with our special events that feature these princess gowns but did you know that you can book your own princess session at any time?  All you have to do is ask!  A special milestone?  Photos with mom?  In need of a confidence boost or just a girl's day out?  Maybe even a slumber party?  We have the dresses, we have the studio and we are ready to have some glam fun with you!

We include dresses from Little Dreamers Tutus, Anna Triant Couture, Dollcake Vintage and Tu Tu DuMonde as well as other lesser known brands and many fun vintage finds.  And if we don't have exactly what you need, we are always able to rent the perfect dress from one of our favorite brands.  Nothing need hold you back from having the perfect princess session!

Take a look at some of our happy princesses from sessions past.  Then click HERE to find out more about scheduling your own session for the princess in your life.  Or maybe even for yourself!  

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Another wild year has come and gone.  To me, 2021 felt like the year that took FOREVER to end and at the same flew by! 

Despite the many challenges we all faced, I was so happy to once again see so many of my past clients AND to meet some new friends.  We managed to get you all caught up on those family sessions, we had fun with some styled shoots, brought in MORE dresses for our princesses, we even managed some family mini sessions - and we did it all with safety in mind.  I'm so thankful to all of you who trusted me with your precious memories.

As we head into 2022, it's time for me to give back to all of you with a really fun contest. We did this last year, and it was a big hit.  This year we have even more entries than last year!  Everyone who had a paid session in 2021 wins bragging rights but ONE person will also win a free 11x14 canvas from their 2021 session! 

Here's how it will work:

I will share my favorite photo from your 2021 session. These are the BEES KNEES photos! Every single one of you who had a paid session this year will see one of your photos from your session posted on Facebook and Instagram.  (Model calls, giveaways and fundraiser sessions are not included in the contest.) 

Then the fun begins!  The person with the most points at midnight on Friday, January 14th will win the canvas.  How do the points work?

You will vote for your favorites.  On Facebook, thumbs up (like) counts as one point.  The heart (love) counts as 2 points.  The surprise face (wow) counts as three points.  On Instagram there will be voting as well, simply commenting on the photo you chose.  Families who had more than one session get more than one photo included.  You can vote for as many or as few as you would like.  After you vote, be sure to invite your friends and family to vote too!  The photo with the most points will win the canvas!!  You can see all my favorite photos below, but to vote you have to follow the contest on social media to cast your votes!

Check out my account on Instagram:  Wendy Ringel Photography - Or my page on Facebook: Wendy Ringel Photography

Without further ado and in no particular order, here are YOUR 2021 Bees Knees Photos.  Families, babies, glamour, princesses, maternity, engagements, weddings and dance photos - at the beach, the farm, the studio - it was quite a year full of YOUR beautiful faces.  

One of the most common questions I get about family portrait sessions is What do we wear? Many people haven’t had photos taken since their wedding day, and the thought of getting in front of the camera can be overwhelming.  And if you're trying to plan for the whole family it can feel like even more of a challenge!

On the other hand, the day of your family portraits can also be one of the most fun days of your life! A professional portrait session is an opportunity to feel like a model, show off your family's personality and showcase your unique style in a series of images that you can enjoy and display for years to come. The resulting artwork will show the world who you are!

What you choose to wear for your session is entirely up to you, but here are a few tips for selecting your outfits and accessories!

Style your pickiest family member FIRST.

This will always be my top tip for families.  We all know that there is one person in the family who is harder to style.  Whether it's a child with sensory issues who doesn't like anything itchy, a teen who wants to look more grown up or a parent who is self conscious about a body part (yes, in my family that's me!) - that person should be worked around.  Obviously everyone should be comfortable and happy with their clothing but let's let the most difficult person pick their outfit first and build around them.  Mom wants her little black dress?  Great, you can glam everyone up. Toddler needs a soft cotton dress instead of a sparkly gown?  Consider a more casual family theme.  Get the idea?

Express yourself.

Your family portrait session is all about showing off your personalities. Bring clothes that you love, outfits that capture who you are. And don’t be afraid to go all out! Go for glam with a stunning formal dress or display your unique style with a fitted jumpsuit.  Need help with this? Remember, our studio has an extensive client closet that includes gowns and dress clothing for the kids and even some gowns for mom!  Just ask!

Don't want the images to be fancy?  No problem, expressing yourself doesn't have to be formal.  You can choose a variety of outfits to capture all the facets of your personality. Bring something comfy and casual, something classic, something bright - whatever works for your family. Remember: this day and this session is all about you, so come ready to strut your stuff!

Keep it simple, but mix it up.

For your portraits, avoid patterns as they may detract from your face, which is where all the focus should be! A little bit of pattern might be cute but in general, solids are best.  You might want to bring a variety of colors, depending on the season.  I love rich, deep colors for the fall and winter and softer pastels for spring and summer but it really is about what looks best on you. 

As far as colors go, I suggest two or three base colors - different shades of blue, deep burgundy with army green, rich reds with grey and black - and then add a color pop with a scarf, jewelry or some other fun accessories.

Different textures will add visual interest as well, whether that’s a top with a bit of lace, a knit sweater, or a blouse with sparkly details. And think about wearing layers so you can mix and match and create different looks.

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Make sure your clothing fits. Everyone looks best in clothing that properly fits and hugs their figure. Not only does form-fitting clothing have a slimming effect, but it also shows your shape. If you wear something baggy or ill-fitting, you’ll look sloppy in your portraits.  If you just lost weight - or just gained weight - now's a great time to treat yourself to a new outfit that fits well.  And don't forget that this applies to the kids too!  Make sure their clothes fit - now is not the time to buy a size up or try to squeeze into something too small. 

Be bold and experiment.

Your portrait session is your chance to try something new, whether it’s glamorous high fashion, the latest trendy sweater or that classic jumpsuit you have been dying to try out. This is a great excuse to go shopping and find a beautiful outfit that you’ve only dreamed of wearing. How often do you have the chance to get all dressed up and get gorgeous photos as a result?

Don’t be afraid to accessorize.

Nothing says “glamour” like statement jewelry! Show off your style with golden bangles, dangling earrings, or a string of pearls. Choose pieces that are versatile and can work with multiple colors to increase your outfit options.

Think about your shoes.

Old sneakers, comfy crocs, your favorite broken in Uggs - what do these have in common?  They might not be the best choice for your photo session!  You don't need to invest in expensive shoes or wear something uncomfortable but clean is key.  If you're wearing dress clothes, dressy shoes make sense unless you're making a statement with fun Converse or funky boots.  After all of your hard work getting ready for your session, you don't want everyone zeroing in on your son's lime green crocs or your beat up boots.  You want everyone's eyes to be on your beautiful smiles!

When you’re choosing your wardrobe for your family portrait session, think about the outfits you love, the ones that make you feel confident, comfortable and happy. If you need advice on where to shop, ask your photographer!  See if they have a client closet, ask them about Pinterest boards and where to shop online and in person. Splurge if you need to and be ready to show off the style that makes you unique.  Remember, these photos may be on your walls or in your family albums for decades!  You won't regret picking up new outfits and getting everything just right!

I'm going to try to make this quick.  I say that a lot, usually when I am heading out the door or saying goodbye at a party and if you know me, you know it doesn't usually happen.  Let me say it again, I'm going to TRY to make this quick.  Doesn't mean it will be but I'm giving myself points for trying!

Today would have been my 29th wedding anniversary.  Five years ago we celebrated our last anniversary at home while my husband was very ill, but before that last anniversary, we always had a great time and gave gifts not just to each other but to our children and even the pets.  It's a day with special significance and always will be, despite the loss of my husband in 2016.  I'm sharing a photo from our 21st anniversary when we were just being weird and holding up fingers to make 21, that was just us. Goobers.

If you've been around for a while, you know that I have offered a giveaway on this day in the past - if you are new, get ready!  

One of the reasons I value photography so much is that it gives us a way to remember our loved ones long after they are gone.  Or just a way to remember how we used to be, how we have changed, and sometimes a way to celebrate growth within ourselves.  New baby's first steps, that graduation day, wedding day, a weight loss goal - we all have our reasons and they are all GOOD reasons.  

On days that are hard, I find giving to be the best medicine.  Giving something significant is even better medicine.  So I'm doing it again, this is the THIRD annual Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance Giveaway.  (My hubby would have been tickled to have his name on this, I'm sure.)  Here's how it will work this year:

I will give away THREE sessions that include a one hour session, an 11x14 print from the session and the option to buy the full gallery for $99 (regular price $1200).  There is no obligation to buy the gallery, winners can choose their favorite photo with no pressure at all.  Here's what you need to know to nominate someone for the contest:

• I'm looking for ONE family who has a loved one fighting cancer and needs an updated family photo

• I'm looking for ONE family with children on the autism spectrum who needs an updated family photo

• I'm looking for ONE woman of any age who is a hero for any reason at all.  They are out there!

A few rules: Families MUST know you entered them and be on board.  In the past I spent a little time chasing down people who just weren't up to having photos, and that is OK, but for my sanity, please make sure they know! They need to be available to come to the Burlington area. The contest ends in ONE week, February 22, 2021.  So get your entries in!  And sessions MUST be held by June 30th. PLEASE do not nominate someone who is already working with a photographer, it is not my intention to steal a client from another professional.  

As a BONUS, any entries you send will receive a $200 voucher toward their next family session, so even if they aren't picked, they can still come in for a discounted session.  How to enter?  Send me an email using this contact form:   CLICK HERE

Here are some photos from our past giveaway sessions.  These were all so meaningful and warmed my heart. There are many more I could share and probably will over on my VIP group - join us there if you want to keep up with contest updates.  Click here to join:  WRP VIP 

Teenager on gold chairTeen girl in tulle

You have probably had portraits at some time or another, whether they were family portraits, baby pictures or those bridal portraits taken on your wedding day. But have you ever experienced fine art portrait photography?

This type of portrait photography is often taken in a studio, where more artistically stylized images are created to make stunning wall art. These images are created not just with wardrobe, makeup and hair styling, but with careful editing and color adjustments in post-production.  Fine art photos can also be taken outside, with much thought given to the background and lighting conditions.

How is fine art portrait photography different from regular photography?

Most professional photographers specialize in capturing a specific moment or milestone in a person’s life, such as a wedding, the birth of a new child or a high school senior’s graduation. Those types of photos are not always documentary-style; they might be posed or un-posed, but they generally are not stylized, instead focusing on the genuine expressions and feelings of the subjects.

Fine art portrait photography, on the other hand, is designed to be a piece of art. From the clothing chosen for the subject, to the background, to the way everything is staged, these images are carefully created by the photographer as works of art, designed to be displayed.  These photographers also make use of backdrops, props, accessories and other objects and techniques to create fine art from their images.

Fine Art Portrait of a LadyFine Art portrait featuring tulle gown from our client closet, beautiful backdrop and extensive editing for a flawless finish.
 

Where photojournalistic photographers work to capture a moment or a subject as naturally as possible, fine art photographers strive to capture a  vision. That’s why staging and posing are so important in this type of photography, as they give the photographer more control over their images.  Many fine art photographers focus on their personal vision for the final product, but our studio always works with the client to bring their vision into the picture as well.  And for small children, we all know there isn't always a lot of posing!  For children's fine art, we focus on activity that will engage the child so that they find it easier to "pose" for their portrait.

fine art boy on a tractorwinter portrait of a toddler

Is fine art portrait photography always in black and white?

Absolutely not! While many portraits may be in black and white, fine art portrait photographers work in color as well, often to great effect. Like most photographers, they capture images with a variety of colors, as well as black and white images.  Our studio especially likes working with bold color choices for fine art photography.  And sometimes we provide both options!

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Why should I consider fine art portraits?

Fine art portrait photography offers something unique—art featuring you or your family members. Instead of normal family photos that you may share on social media or put in an album, these images look stunning on large canvases or as framed prints and can even be conversation pieces in your home.  Think of those framed portraits on the "ancestor wall" in castles and estates - wouldn't you love to start that tradition for your family? 

Long ago, people used to have their portraits painted. Fine art portraits are similar in style without the long hours of sitting and holding a pose. These are images you are and your family will cherish for years to come—a moment captured in time as a work of art.

Our studio offers fine art portraits for families and individuals, with styling assistance, multiple backdrops and the use of our client closet to help you round out your wardrobe choice for your session.  If you are ready for your next portrait to be extraordinary, click HERE to get in touch.  We can start the ball rolling with a no pressure conversation about how to bring your vision to life.  

Fine Art Outdoor PortraitGirl reading a vintage book in the woods Wearing a flower crown and a pink gown

Our studio is located in Burlington, NJ with easy access from the NJ Turnpike or Route 295.  We are within driving distance of Philadelphia, New York City and Baltimore.  We offer portraits for families, children and pets and yes, we offer fine art sessions in addition to the more typical family photos.  

2020 Has Been Quite a Year So 2020 has been quite a year, am I right??  Masks and shut downs and home schooling and wedding postponements.  I know we have all grown and learned a lot this year, to put it mildly.

Despite the challenges, I was so happy to be able to see so many of my past clients AND to meet some new friends.  We managed to pull off Cupcakes and Cuties (in the forest!) and switched from the tree farm to Winter in the City, there were beautiful elopement weddings and full outdoor family sessions, all managed with safety in mind.  I'm so proud of YOU all and proud of our little team.

So now it is time for me to give back to all of you with a really fun contest. This is kind of similar to what we did in 2015 with my Top 15 of 2015, but I think it's even more fun and there are over 100 entries this year!  Everyone who had a paid session in 2020 wins bragging rights but ONE person will also win a free 11x14 canvas from their 2020 session!  Here's how it will work:

I will share my favorite photo from your 2020 session. These are the BEES KNEES photos! Every single one of you who had a session this year (not including model calls and gifted sessions) will see one of your photos from your session posted on Facebook and Instagram.  Then the fun begins!  The person with the most points at midnight on Wednesday December 16th will win the canvas.  How do the points work?

You will vote for your favorites.  On Facebook, thumbs up (like) counts as one point.  The heart (love) counts as 2 points.  The surprise face (wow) counts as three points.  On instagram there will be voting as well, simply commenting on the photo you chose.  Families who had more than one session get more than one photo included.  You can vote for as many or as few as you would like.  After you vote, be sure to invite your friends and family to vote too!  The photo with the most points will win the canvas!!  You can see all my favorite photos below, but to vote you have to follow the contest on social media.

Check out my account on Instagram:  Wendy Ringel Photography - Or my page on Facebook: Wendy Ringel Photography

Without further ado, here are YOUR 2020 Bees Knees Photos, you are all SO gorgeous!!

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November 7th & 8th 2020 ~ Burlington, New Jersey

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This year I'm offering a truly unique mini session experience!  You'll love our charming historic downtown district and the kids will love our vintage toy props!  Your session lasts up to 20 minutes as we search for the light amidst the brick sidewalks and colonial homes of Burlington, NJ.  Bundle up in colorful sweaters and coats or wear your fanciest finery, either way will be amazing! 

Want that real winter feel?  Finish your photo off with our optional photoshop "snowstorm"
 

What's included?  Your price of admission includes one fine art digital print of your immediate family, just the thing for framing and hanging over the mantle, or for printing those cards. 

Want more than that one perfect photo?  You'll have the option to upgrade after your session, with photo packages available to add 3, 10 or 20 more photos.  

These sessions are going fast so grab your spot today!  Click HERE to book your time slot.  To view our upgrade options, click HERE.  This is our ONLY mini session event this year, so don't miss out!

See you soon!

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It is busy season for photographers right now and I am inundated with sessions and editing but I had to take a minute to reflect on Cupcakes & Cuties in the Forest, our gorgeous event that we hold every year.  Because guys, I am just feeling SO proud of myself and my little team.  We pulled off such an amazing event during a PANDEMIC and we did it safely. Go Team WRP!

We had kids of all ages, sizes and abilities plus one or two adults (aka kids at heart) and one big fluffy puppy - we fought the sun and heat one weekend and then the chill in the air the following weekend.  We set up home base in a parking lot and turned a baseball field and walking trail into an enchanted forest. Gowns, crowns, bowties and bowler hats - brothers, sisters, cousins and friends - toddlers, teens and every age in between - we had a wonderful time and captured some amazing fine art portraits showcasing everyone's real personality.  We operated with a skeleton crew to keep contacts down and made sure our cupcakes were individually packaged (Thanks N'TheOven Bakery!)  We had a table of wipes and hand sanitizer, wore our masks, did online ordering, kept up the social distancing and somehow it all worked.

This year's event was located in a secret little spot in Burlington, NJ and featured princess dresses and dressy boys clothes from Dollcake Vintage, Tutu Du Monde, Trish Scully and Little Dreamers.  Please enjoy a few of my favorite photos from this event and if you're so inclined, scroll down to the end to check out the fun slide show and see all 50+ (!!!!) beautiful faces that came to see us.  

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Want to see more?  Click on that slideshow, I promise it will make you smile!

To join us for our next event, or schedule your own family session, please click HERE to get in touch.  Our studio is located in historic Burlington, NJ, close to Bucks County, Philadelphia and Cherry Hill NJ and a little over an hour from the Jersey Shore, New York City and Delaware.  We are right off the NJ Turnpike with easy access to Route 130 and 295.  We'd love to see you!

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Well friends, it has been a long wait for this announcement.  Our Cupcakes & Cuties event at the studio has been such a big hit in the past and it has been so hard waiting to launch our summer sessions!  I spent the last few months trying to think of ways to work within state guidelines and still have a fun event, and I am finally ready to announce our upcoming SAFE event for September! 

Your spot can be reserved through our online ordering page if you CLICK HERE.
 

As you know, in the past we have held the event in the studio, but due to COVID-19, I am opting to have the sessions outside this time.  We'll be taking precautions for your safety that I will detail below.  I've also gone over a few questions that I thought might come up, such as "what if it rains" and "what about hair and makeup?" plus a few more.  Keep reading, you'll get lots of answers!

What will be the same?  We will still have styling options including fun dresses, crowns, bow ties and some more casual looks for boys. And I'm so excited to have a lot of new dresses and wardrobe options to share!  You will still get your first image included with your session fee and yes there will still be a cupcake! 

What will be different?  Well, it will be outside for one thing.  Dress options will be kind of set in stone so we can be sure that no one shares any dresses (and germs) without cleaning in between.  Props are going to be wipeable, so no blue couch (but we have some good props, don't worry!) - sessions will be spaced further apart so families won't be mingling and I'll be using my long lens so I won't be able to be hands on with little ones.  Contracts and order forms will all be online. And sadly, no hair and makeup this year, due to COVID-19 concerns.  On the bright side, I am including some new print options with every digital gallery upgrade and I am really excited to be offering a cute photo book and specialized prints, because you know how I feel about printing your photos!  Here's the cute mini photo book that comes with the 20 image gallery, I love it! D1

I am happy to announce our Cupcakes and Cuties event for September 2020 - Your spot can be reserved through our online ordering page if you CLICK HERE.

The details - Please join us on September 13th, 16th, 19th & 20th for a day of fun and photos at a special location - each child will be styled (prince & princess style) and have their own 15 minute model experience, followed with a cupcake to take home.  

Each child receives one 4x6 specialty print (mailed to you within 3 weeks).  Want more photos from the session?  Opt for a session upgrade at a special price.   If the event sells out, everyone receives one extra photo as a bonus!

Want to give this as a gift??  What a great idea!   Give the gift of an event this year!

Price is per child.  Have more than one child?  You need to purchase a spot for each child but obviously there is no need to wait 15 minutes and clean between sessions for children in the same family.  If you have two children,  please purchase the time slot for the first child and message me to add the invoice for the second child. For more than three children purchase the two time slots and message me to add the third and/or fourth child.  

Photos chosen at discretion of photographer, unless online zoom consultation is requested.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q:  How do we choose our wardrobe?

A:  After you purchase your time slot,  I'll send a questionnaire so I can match your child to the perfect wardrobe.  I have dresses and crowns for girls and a few different options for boys, depending on their age.  You are also welcome to have them wear their own clothing to the session if you prefer.  Boys especially sometimes want to wear their own clothing and that is ok.

Q:  Can we get family sessions done at this time?

A:  No, these sessions are for single children only.  If you book siblings back to back, they can have photos together.  Mom, if you book a spot for yourself and your children, we can include mommy and me photos during your session.  However we do not offer full family photos during Cupcakes and Cuties.  Feel free to schedule your full service family session through my contact page.

Q:  What if it rains?

A:  I'll be watching the weather closely and offering makeup days in case of rain.  Every effort will be made to find a date that works for you.   We may even have a few openings for in studio if you can't make it to one of our makeup days.  You know us, we will make things work.

Q:  What precautions are you taking due to COVID-19

A:   The biggest step we are taking is hosting this event outside.  We are also forgoing all of our plush couches and chairs and opting for harder surfaced props that can be wiped down between cuties.  We are also limiting dress usage, so that no one will share a dress during the event.  We have enough dresses to make this possible, but each child will have to take the dress they are assigned.  In the past we allowed them to choose at the studio but this is just not possible this year.  We will be wearing masks when in close range and using long lenses to take the photos from a distance.  We are also spacing out our sessions to every half hour so that we won't have multiple families getting too close to each other.  Cupcakes will be individually wrapped.

Q:  What about hair and makeup?  

A:  Sadly, we have to skip doing hair and makeup for now,  but these little cuties are perfect without it.  Feel free to add a little lip gloss or mascara if you'd like, and style their hair as you wish.  I've made up for this loss by adding special products to the digital gallery upgrades, which are the same price as last year but now include actual products and not just digitals.

Q:  Where will the kids get changed?

A:   I have a pop up changing tent that we will be using, and spraying with lysol between cuties.  Alternately, if your children would prefer to change in your car, that is ok too.  And as already mentioned, if this doesn't work for you, you are welcome to come in your own clothing for the photos.

Thank you all for continuing to support my business and allow me to bring this fun event to your families.  I know this year has been challenging to all of us so I hope I can safely bring some joy to your children and make them feel special at our event this year!

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Things started out so well, we got some family poses done at our first location and started into some shots of these cuties.

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And then .... 

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Yes, the rain started to fall!  We were on a covered porch so we thought it would be best to wait it out, and of course we still took some photos while we waited.  And the kids had a fine time playing with bubbles.  I don't think they minded the rain one bit.

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Eventually we realized we were going to be there a while.  Our apps were all wrong.  We were on that porch for almost an hour and it rained like crazy.  We all debated whether to make a run for it, but none of us wanted to get quite that wet.  

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Except maybe this guy.  Arthur had no qualms about getting that wet, can't you tell?

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We finally got off the porch when the rain slowed to a drizzle, and said we'd reschedule the second half of the session another time.  It took almost a year, but we finally managed to find a day to try again.  This time, due to COVID19 issues, we opted to skip the park and take the photos at the family home, also right in Mount Holly.  Their beautiful flower gardens and historic home made a perfect backdrop, and guess what?  No rain!!

I really enjoyed seeing how the kids had grown over the last year and as much as I loved the rainy day photos, I definitely am glad we were able to come back and enjoy a drier photo experience the second time around.  

We ended the session with some ukuleles - I can't think of a better way to end a session, can you?

I'm so thankful to have clients like these, who are good sports under pressure and so much fun.  They're super cute too, but you can see that for yourself, right?  If you'd like a photographer who will entertain you while you wait out a rain storm on a porch, drop me a line!  I'll bring the bubbles and some corny jokes, you just bring yourself and your best smiles.  I look forward to dancing in the rain with you.

Mr. Caius Jameson has been in for portraits in the past.  He's a very cool therapy dog with a very devoted dog mom.  He even has his own Instagram that you can check out here.  When she called me to say she had a new puppy and wanted photos, I couldn't say yes fast enough.  Meet Caius and his new baby brother Patrone.

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The massiveness of Caius next to the wiggly smallness of Patrone was just so much fun to see.  Getting them to sit still and be in the same spot was not as easy as it sounds, but with lots of treats and funny noises we got it done.  I don't think I need to say much more about this session.  I'm just going to share the photos so you can feel all the warm fuzzies.  And let you know that if you want a pet session, I'm your girl.  Or if you just want to include your pet in family photos, yes please, just say the word!  You can contact me HERE to chat about what I offer for pet sessions.  

And now, without further ado, here they are.  The cutest puppy pictures ever.  Happy Friday!

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Baby Aaron turned one and his parents wanted to be sure to capture his incredible cuteness before he got any bigger.  Those baby cheeks, tiny toes, those swaying first steps and oh my goodness, his curls!  Toddlers are just perfect, aren't they?

Due to the current pandemic, mom and I had our consultation on the phone and planned out the session details.  We used one of my exclusive "semi-secret" locations so we could avoid crowds and mom brought along the tent and the cake.  I supplied some small props (all sanitized before and after use) and we had one of the cutest socially distanced sessions ever.  It was no problem at all getting gorgeous shots of baby Aaron from a distance.  The hardest part was for me to back away fast enough when he gave up walking and started crawling through the grass.  Little man can MOVE when he crawls!!  How do babies do that?

With a little help from mom, dad, grandma and two amazing big sisters, we got some gorgeous shots of baby Aaron enjoying his time in the clover field, trying out his cake and then taking a little dip in the tub.  He had a wonderful time exploring nature while I just documented the beautiful moments.  His parents will have these memories to treasure forever.  

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Look at those toes.  

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Bringing older siblings (or other helpful family members) along during social distance sessions is a great idea! I normally have hands on assistants when working with toddlers but right now that is not the safest option. These girls were such great helpers, they deserved their own model moment when we were all done.  Check out our behind the scenes look at baby Aaron staying safe in the tub with his sisters, and then their gorgeous portraits.

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If you're in need of a milestone session and you are feeling nervous about the current situation in the world, I understand.  If you are ready for some photos, please consider one of our outdoor sessions.  We will do everything you need to feel safe and yes, we will get amazing photos for you to remember those first steps, first curls, tiny toes and of course that sparkling toddler curiosity.  

To plan a session or even just to ask questions, you can click HERE to drop me a line.  Hope to see you soon!

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It's been a crazy few months, hasn't it?  

I know so many of us are dealing with a LOT.  A lot of stress, a lot of fear, a lot of hurt, a lot of uncertainty.  To all of my friends and clients who are feeling all of these things and more, please know that I am here feeling it all with you and will be here as things unfold.  I understand all of the emotions and I'm riding this roller coaster with you.  And I'm here.  In case you were wondering - I am open and I'm ready for you.  I realize that could change again at any time but for now, I'm here.

That being said, we've had to implement some changes and I wanted to clearly put it all out there so you know what to expect when you schedule your photos.  Because hey, the world might be going insane in so many ways but there are still beautiful babies being born, milestones being celebrated and families who want to remember this moment before it passes by.  Teens are graduating, people are having those backyard weddings, you don't want to miss out on the pictures.  And that's ok.  Actually it's awesome.  Taking beautiful portraits that celebrate the GOOD parts of life brings me so much joy and that is something we all need right now. 

So how are we handling your photos in the midst of this pandemic?  You absolutely will still get the personal service we pride ourselves on.  With a few tweaks to keep everyone extra safe.  Here are some changes we have made:

1.  Consultations & Reveal Appointments.  Instead of an in person consultation, we are now doing Zoom consultations or phone calls.  We can talk about all the same things without the physical contact.  The Reveal Party/Ordering Appointment will also be on Zoom.  I will miss seeing you in the studio and having coffee (or wine!) together,  but for now, this is a great way to plan your session and then view your photos afterward.  I'm also offering some discounts on certain packages that work well with this type of appointment.  Be sure to ask about that when you schedule your session.

2.  Contracts and invoices are now being sent online.  This is something I've been meaning to set up for the longest time and now it's done and it is OH so easy!  No more paper contracts, no more checks, it all comes to your email address.  You still have the option to send in a check if you prefer but the online payment portal is super easy to use.

3.  Locations.  Your sessions will take place outside.  I have been putting my quarantine time to good use and found a few local spots that are very quiet and mostly empty.  Of course, I can meet you at a local park of your choice or even at your home, but the goal is to keep a distance from non family members so busy parks are not my first choice.  I use a lens that allows me to photograph your family from at least 6 feet away and I wear my mask for most of the session (except when I am far enough away).  A quiet location means less exposure for you and also a more relaxed atmosphere, and my scouted, exclusive locations are working out so well. 

4.  The studio.  Right now we are legally allowed to use the studio while following social distancing guidelines but I have found that children really don't know how to stay 6 feet away (bless them!) and it is even harder when we're inside.  We keep the studio clean but with the constant changes in the state guidelines, I have chosen to opt out of using the studio for now.  There are just too many unknown factors.  Plus, we have so many beautiful outdoor locations we can use and the weather is mostly agreeable this time of year, so it shouldn't be a problem.

5.  Distance.  As mentioned above, children are not so great at keeping their distance and really I love that about them.  For this reason, I'll have my mask on when I'm close to your family.  I will do my utmost to keep keep 6 feet between us but it's easier said than done with little ones involved.  I will NOT tell children to stay away from me and don't ask you to do that either (no one wants sad faces in their photos), but I will keep my mask on and use my hand sanitizer and do my best.  This is for the protection of your family and ALL of the families I work with.  I've run several model calls to test run these "distanced" sessions and they work well.  

6.  Session volume.  I have drastically reduced the volume of sessions I am doing.  This reduces the volume of people you are exposed to as well.  In my personal life I am also making every effort to practice social distancing and limiting my time "out and about' - it is hard to stay home but this is also for your protection.  Generally I'm seeing 1-2 families a week at most (and these are distanced sessions).  I've always been more boutique and less "high volume" as a rule and this will not change.

7.  Health.  As always, we ask that if you are not feeling well, please let us know and we can reschedule your appointment.  I will afford you the same courtesy.  This has always been our policy and it is even more important now.  Especially if anyone in your family has a fever or known exposure to Covid-19, please stay home.  I take my temperature regularly (as needed due to my son's school program) so i will be monitoring my own health to make sure I am in tip top shape for your session.  

8.  Cupcakes and Cuties & Mini Sessions.  This is a tough one.  The very premise of Cupcakes & Cuties is that it is "kind of like a party, kind of like a photo shoot."  Obviously, the in studio party session can't happen right now.  HOWEVER.  I'm looking into some options for outdoor princess sessions and a few other themed sessions that will be similar.  We'll have to limit the number of kids per day and spread things out over a few weeks but I think we can come up with some semblance of a session that will be fun, include a cupcake and get some amazing photos.  Stay tuned for that.

Like every parent, I am so concerned about the health and safety of my children and I know you are too.  I'm also concerned about all the grandparents and family members with compromised immune systems or other issues.  My clients and friends, I am also ALWAYS going to be concerned about your safety.  I legally have to follow state guidelines, it's true.  But my number one reason for all of these new practices is to keep you SAFE and allow you to feel comfortable when you come to me for photos.  I know you need to document these moments but I also know you want to feel relaxed when we're together and I hope that these new guidelines will help.

If you've read through all of this and you are comfortable and ready for a session - OR if you have a question about anything,  please click HERE to drop me a line.  I hope one day all of this will be in our rear view mirror and we'll be back to normal.  Until then, let's all keep doing our best.  

Here are some behind the scenes photos from recent sessions, along with the resulting photos.  I'm keeping my distance, and still getting the shots.  We can do it!  Hope to see you soon!

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Our last recipient of the Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance Giveaway was Alison.  I've held back from blogging all of these sessions because I knew I'd have to come to Alison's story, which needs to be told.  I want to tell it, but some stories are harder than others. 

Alison was nominated by her friend Sue.  Sue's letter is as follows:

"Hello Wendy.
I would like to nominate my friend Alison B* to win your photo session with her family. 
She is the single mother of 3 beautiful children.  June 16, Eric 14 and Izzy 11.
She also has breast cancer.  Again.  
My first memory of Alison was at her 5th birthday party.  Maybe it's the pictures from then.  Maybe it's because my father was friend's with her father.  Doesn't really matter.  We went through elementary, middle and high school together.  We were friends. High school came and went. We went our separate ways.  I sent her a note when her Dad passed away.  Then Facebook happened.  We reconnected as adults. With the same upbringing of our parents, of our town, of similar friends, we became close again.  Then cancer struck.
After a year of chemotherapy and radiation, which was completed in December, she was given a no "evidence of disease".  Today is February 15th, and this week she was diagnosed with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer.

Please read about her here.  I don't think I can add more to this email than for you to read about her.  She is absolutely amazing.

Thank you, Sue"
 

I immediately reached out to Alison to get her session planned.  Waiting for the right day, making sure she was healthy enough to drive down for photos, planning the wardrobe, it all took a little while but on a beautiful day in May we met at Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, NJ for a family session. Alison was feeling good, and the children were happy to be out with their mom for the day.  I had been keeping up with Alison's page and I knew exactly how important these photos were going to be and I think the kids did too, because there was none of the usual teen annoyance about coming out for portraits.

The family walked together and smiled at me and at each other.  Alison and I talked briefly in hushed tones about her health but most of our time was focused on taking portraits to show the beautiful connection between this loving mom and her amazing children.  Group portraits, candid photos, photos of all of them together and photos of each child alone with mom.  I'm loading up a lot of photos for this one because it was just such an important, fleeting, special time.

After the session, I cried in my car.  

I delivered the session as fast as I could and also mailed out some photos to Alison in early June.  

Less than five months later I heard from Sue that Alison passed away on October 1, 2019.  As Sue said, "She fought long and she fought hard. But she was tired and ready to go home.I want to thank you for allowing her the day with her children and the photo shoot.  She raves about what a great day it was and how special she felt.  Thank you again for giving her and her children beautiful memories."

I cried again.  And went back and read Alison's Meal Train blog to see what she was thinking and feeling during her last months.  Having lost my own husband to cancer, I often wonder about his feelings at the end.  He wasn't one to write about things or even talk about it.  So I have to thank Alison for giving helping me to turn the pages of my own story and give me some closure with her words.  I'll let her speak for herself, taken from her Meal Train blog:
 

"I am not alone and tasks that seem daunting are doable, If I can’t do something- someone else can. I’m so grateful. I am so blessed. It is a blessing to have people want to be by your side when you are down and out. If you are lucky enough to have people see you to the very end- what could be more beautiful?"

"Even though I keep speaking of dying, I’m going to do my best to live the best I can each day. Appreciate my health where it is now at this moment and hope that I can get healthier. Enjoy my kids and all the people in my life and create wonderful memories because there are more to be made!"
 

"Which ever way the wind blows, I will always marvel and be humbled by all the love and support you have given me. Some joke that I just have a black cloud permanently above my head but it’s not true. I am surrounded by love every day."  

Thank you Alison, for teaching me about hope and helping me to move forward.  
 

If anyone would like to read about ways to support Alison's children, check out the Meal train Blog where there is a continuing group effort to do good things for June, Eric and Izzy.

And that wraps up our special Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance Giveaway, the first edition.  Maybe if this pandemic eases up, we can do it again in February.  I'll end this series with a quote, from one of my favorite shows, "Call the Midwife."  The show deals with a lot of life and death and moving forward and has some of the best quotes.  When I heard this one, I knew I would use it one day and today is the day.

"Some pages take longer to turn than others.  It doesn't matter if the spotless sheet follows a blotted one or if the preceding lines are blurred with tears,  What went before is erased or embraced, as we begin another chapter."  

Here's to new chapters after pages blurred with tears.  Thank you to all of my Anniversary winners for sharing your stories and especially to Alison and family for the incredible inspiration and closure you have given me.  All my love.  Onward.

Continuing our updates from our "First Annual Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance & Giveaway" we have a very special family who came all the way from NYC to visit the studio.  Their daughter Adrianna had come to model for me in the past and I didn't know much about her family but when we announced our contest, her mom got in touch with me.  Here's the email she sent me:
 

"My name is Cindy - I saw your post on facebook.  My daughter Adrianna did a photoshoot with you,  but in this case I will tell you that I would like to get a opportunity to win the giveaway for 2 of my kids. One has autism and other with learning disabilities and speech delay.  I hope you can read this,  I also want to say you doing such a good job also you are amazing photographer."  I'd like to also add that mom is legally blind and dad speaks only Spanish - I find them to be so inspiring because they keep putting their children first despite their own challenges.  I had to bring them in for a session.

Photographing their family was such a treat.  The children are all beautiful super models and I know they have a bright future ahead.  Be sure to follow their accounts on Instagram if you'd like to keep up with them.  ( adriannachantel_04 - chris_world09 - and nicholas_andres_ ) After a few group photos we did some individual shots and of course Adrianna loved getting dressed up in one of our Anna Triant Couture dresses because she's fancy like that.

Next up on the blog, our final installment from the Scott Ringel Anniversary Giveaway project.  You'll need tissues, just a warning.

When Gina & Chris planned their wedding, a small ceremony with 10 guests was not what they had in mind.  Like so many couples who are still dealing with the wrench Corona threw into all of our plans, they knew they would have to make some changes.  In order to follow the guidelines in place, they whittled down the guest list to only a few, found a new venue for the ceremony, set up the back yard for the reception and had the most amazing, heartfelt, joyous wedding day you can imagine.  Of course there were masks and yes, there was hand sanitizer.  But there was also a shark!  Bubbles!  Hoagies! A bouncy house!  A beautiful ceremony and before that, not one but TWO "first looks." And at the end, the bride decorated the cake and they shared it in their own kitchen. 

It was hard to choose photos for this slideshow - there were so many incredible moments during this day!  But I manned up and did the work, and now I present to you the best of the best from Chris & Gina's shark infested, bouncy house, Primo's hoagie, bubble blowing, masked Corona wedding.  I recommend watching on the computer for sound, and be sure to make the slideshow full-screen.  Enjoy! 

Next up from our "First Annual Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance & Giveaway" updates, this lovely extended family session, honoring their mom and channeling their inner peacocks.  You see, mom loved peacocks, so they chose to honor her by dressing in jewel tones.  Here's their nomination, from their friend Sharon:
 

"After reading your post, I wanted to nominate two of my coworkers who are sisters, along with their other sister and brother.  They just lost their mom to lung cancer on January 29th. It was a very sudden diagnosis, as she went to the hospital in the Fall (I believe) with breathing problems and after a few days of testing was told she had lung cancer. These two women dropped everything to care for their mother in her time of need, all the while still working. In the morning I would hear about sleepless nights or see them holding back tears and just trying to make it through the day. With her recent passing, it’s been even harder on them as their mom was the glue that held their family together.  I think something as beautiful as a photo to represent the bond the siblings still have and to remember their mother would be amazing!"

When we were planning this session, one sister Tracy told me how much her mom loved family photos and how much it would mean to her to have the whole family together for a group portrait.  I made sure to bring a few little stools to help with posing and we met at Smithville Park for the session. We got shots of the whole group, then shots of just the grandkids and finally portraits of each individual family.  One hour and lots of laughs and so many memories captured. Their jewel toned outfits complimented each other so well and everyone looked amazing.  I think mom would have been Proud as a Peacock, don't you?

Next up on the blog, all the way from NYC, a model family!  

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Continuing our updates from our "First Annual Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance & Giveaway" is the story of beautiful J and her forever triplets. J's nomination came in from one of our lovely spectrum super model families.  This is what K* had to say about them when she wrote in:  
 

"Good morning Auntie Wendy,

We have a special family we would like to nominate for your giveaway - the V****s. Mom, J, is in the United States Air Force stationed at ****. Her  triplet sons - A**, A** and A** - were born prematurely and A** was too precious for earth. J has never let anyone forget A** or that her two living sons are triplets forever. "The boys" (as we like to call them) attend Peak Center for Autism with our girl, K, and both are on the spectrum. They are the sweetest (and most fashionable) little boys you could ever meet. Although they are men of few words (for now!), they radiate love and kindness. Their mom, J, is also a gem. She goes above and beyond for her boys and anyone else who may need it. They are truly deserving of a photo shoot and I know you an find the perfect way to incorporate brother A**, as well."

This family was obviously a perfect fit for my vision.  We started planning right away.  It was very important to mom to include a photo of A**, her forever triplet, and we made sure to incorporate that into our plan.  As a single mom with children on the spectrum, it admittedly took a little while to find a day that worked but when we finally got together, the results were magical.  The love these boys have for their mom, the love mom has for all THREE of her boys, and the beauty that just radiated from their faces - it all knocked me out.   Their eyes, those curls, those big smiles when mom grabbed them up and spun them around.  And can I mention that wardrobe was perfectly on point?  Our session took place at Smithville Park in Mount Holly and it was just the right place for the boys to have some room to run and play.  I loved meeting this family and look forward to watching these boys grow and learn for many years to come.  J - thank you for coming to me for these special memories.  Keep on being the amazing advocate for your boys that you are.

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Next up on the blog, a Mother's Legacy, continuing our posts from our Scott Ringel Anniversary Giveaway.   Stay tuned!

The state guidelines opened up just enough to allow a family party outside on the deck (with precautions in place, of course.)  I was able to attend and shoot from a distance with my long range 200 mm lens, and I'm so glad!!

The day started with a surprise parade.  Peggy and John were expecting me a little later in the day so they were extra surprised to see that I caught the whole scene from the street (due to a heads up from their daughter). Surprises are fun, right?

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After the big surprise, their children and grandchildren brought in food and gifts.  And BALLOONS!

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The big party got cancelled but DJ Seth Andrews from PhamousDJ brought the big party feeling to the back yard by spinning tunes remotely.  Family and friends tied in online as well.
 

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After some dancing, of course it was time for portraits.  How cute are these two, after thirty five years of marriage?

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Taking precautions, but those eyes are still smiling.

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This princess was fierce.  i always love the tough ones.

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Princess Paris was in full model mode.

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Peggy and her mom, two lovely ladies.

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Then it was time for dessert, including ice cream cake and strawberry treats from Kristin's Cupcakes.  Yum.   And presents!!  Including an amazing frame with an original photo from John & Peggy's wedding. 

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So their day was not the way they planned but it was full of love, laughter, dancing and cake. Grandkids, the dog, homemade signs and delicious food.  Not so bad in the end.  I know the dog was glad it turned out this way.

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Happy anniversary John & Peggy!  I hope you get your big party soon.  Thank you for having me there to photograph this amazing memory.  You are too cute.

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Mom emailed me about the giveaway and this is what she said, "I love your idea!! It’s funny because I was gonna reach out to you about doing pictures for my family I don’t know anyone who would be patient with my little guy and I always think of you! It’s been since 2009 that we had family pictures.  This is the only one I have of us all together. N*** is my little guy in the bottom picture. Our family is multicultural we have biological and adoptive children from foster care. S*** 19(not pictured) D*** 16, J**** 13, M**** 7, Na**** 4, M**** 1. Thank you!"

Of course I had to do a session!  Special needs foster adoption??  That is one of the things that makes my heart so happy.  And when this family came to the studio, they sure did make my heart sing.  Not only are were they gorgeous, they were lots of fun too.  When it was time for funny faces, the big kids really came through.  With so many people, we kept the background simple and used our vintage white couch, which barely fit them all!

Their littlest princess was on the move but she slowed down for photos when she got to ride in our pink car! (Ride on toys are my secret weapon for those fast moving toddlers!)

The three older kids were ready to model

And then a little "Hop on Pop" but it was more like "Hop on your siblings" lol.  

Little middle sis is a born superstar.  She knew she wanted to sit in the flower ring, so we made that happen.

And then this special guy was ready for his closeup.  Look at those eyes!

One more formal family shot and then a shot of mom and dad. 

And finally my favorite, a mommy and me shot with the whole crew!

Of course we couldn't post these photos at the time because they were waiting on adoptions, but - HAPPY NEWS - the adoptions have since gone through and these little ones now have this big forever family to love them.   Isn't that the happiest story??  They came back a few months later with the girls to do princess sessions at Cupcakes and Cuties.  Look at how these girls grew over a few months!  And that's how we'll end this edition of the blog, with some happy princess photos.  Stay tuned for the rest of our Happy Anniversary Sessions, they will be coming up on the blog all month!

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Today's blog is about the Paganelli Family.  They were the second family to come in for one of our Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance and Giveaways.

Here's their story, as told by Lisa.

"I almost cried when I read your post. I would like to nominate my parents for the giveaway. Christmas Day my dad ended up in the hospital, just a week or so later we learned he had stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer, and it is a rare kind, less than 1% of pancreatic cancers are this type. That makes it hard to find treatments and trials and physicians. My parents just celebrated their 41st anniversary. They are the pillar of our family and we are devastated. I would love for them to have a nice picture before my dad starts treatment. Okay, now I am crying! Thank you for considering them for your giveaway, and I’m so sorry about the loss of your husband. Cancer is terrible, and it is so amazing and selfless that you are turning it into something good. Best wishes no matter what."

Here's the adorable wedding photo she sent me:

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How adorable is that photo?  Of course I had to pick them for a free session.  The whole family came in to the studio last March to get the photos done.  We had the best time, there was so much laughter!  Especially between these two!  They may have gotten older but those smiles are still the same.

After the photos were delivered, Lisa told me it had been quite a while since their last session.  She gave me permission to share their "most recent" last family photo, which you can see below, along with the photo we took in March 2019.  Aren't family photos just the best??  I'm so happy that I could get them some updated photos.  I know they will cherish them forever.

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In February 2019 I started a project that I titled "The Scott Ringel Anniversary Remembrance and Giveaway."  I had many reasons for starting this project, including the admittedly self serving reason of needing to be busy during a difficult time.  The more altruistic reasons were spelled out in my blog.  To sum up,  this is what I wrote:

"In honor of my husband and our anniversary and the fact that I feel that everyone NEEDS to have family photos, I will be giving away THREE sessions that will include an hour long session and one 16x20 portrait.

I want to give one session to a person or family with a member who is fighting cancer.

I want to give one session to a family who has lost a loved one and hasn't had the heart to get a new family photo but they know they need one. (I'm right there with you on that one)

And finally I want to give one session to a family with a child on the autism spectrum."

The nominations came in and of course I couldn't stick to just three families.  There were more.  There were so many more amazing families with beautiful, heartbreaking, loving stories that had to be shared.  I haven't really known where to start with sharing these sessions, so I'm just going to start at the beginning with the first family to come in. 

Here's Kristie's story in her own words:

"I too lost a loved one to cancer. My 5 year old son Colin . He battled with AML and sadly lost his battle a year later. He was my only son at the time and the love of my life. It has been almost 6 years now since he has passed and It took me a long time to find any kind of joy in life.  

I now have 2 more kids. A 15 month boy and a new born girl . For the first time since I lost my angel I feel joy again. I know all too well as I know you do too how important pictures are because sometime they are all you have left. I would absolutely love to capture this beautiful time in my life. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my email."

Kristie came to the studio looking gorgeous, with her beautiful baby girl and precious son, as well as her step son. We did a lovely lifestyle newborn session as well as some toddler photos and mommy and me poses.  The thing I noticed most about Kristie was her smile.  She's rebuilding her life after a terrible loss and that amazing smile shows that she is finding the joy every day with her beautiful babies.  Here are some of her photos.

I'll be sharing the rest of these sessions in the coming week.  You are going to love them.  You might cry.  You'll definitely smile.  I can't wait.

I've been trying to blog lately, there are so many sessions that I want to share.  Like many of you, I have time at home, so I should be able to do this.  The photos, the beautiful people behind the photos, their stories.  But I've been blocked.  There are some blog posts that are harder than others, some stories that hurt to share and those of course are the most important ones.  And yet here I sit, frozen; blocked.  Why?  I've been trying every day for the last two weeks to start these blog posts and today it finally came to me.  I need to start with my own story if I want to be able to share for my clients.  And I HAVE to be able to share for my clients.  I need to tell my own story of the last four years, for ME, about ME.  Not about how things worked out for my kids or my clients or anyone else - but what happened to ME over the last four years.  Because that is how I got here today and that is the only way forward. 

And yes, I've shared my story before.  Some of it.  Last February I told you about my husband and how he died from cancer in 2016.  We had a contest in his honor and it was amazing.  Those are the stories I need to share, once I get past my own story.  Recently I watched some educational content from Sue Bryce and there was a lot about grief that I wrote down, underlined and circled because it really fits.  And right now, the world is grieving.  What better time to talk about this word, this condition, this reaction to change that we all eventually have to handle, than now?

So my story.  My grief.  My life that I used to have.  It included my four kids, my husband, a dog, a cat and a turtle.  It wasn't a perfect life.  We had a child with autism.  Not the Sheldon Cooper variety, but the "never going to have a real job or live on his own" variety.  Bills were high, we both worked a lot and didn't have as much freedom as we'd have liked.  We spent too much on takeout food, ran ourselves ragged for our kids, argued about the laundry and then reconnected on vacation whenever we could afford to get away.  It was our life. It felt comfortable and regular and good. 

I can only tell this story from my own viewpoint so I have to say that the last four years have brought so many changes, each change bringing a little pocket full of grief like a coin purse full of nickels.  And a few big things as heavy as a sack of gold bars.  In 2016 my husband Scott was diagnosed with colon cancer and given two to 10 months to live.  He lasted three months.  These were horrific months full of surgeries, chemo, emergency hospitalizations, juggling childcare, emotions and money.  I learned all the passwords, the account numbers, learned what I could about the things he normally handled, while pretending that I didn't really need to know because he was going to be fine. I learned how to plan a funeral, how to file a will with the state, how to switch over bank accounts and filed away a big pile of death certificates for all the accounts that would need them down the road.  I got a bad case of PTSD.  And then I got a new title:  WIDOW.

I learned how to be a single mom.  Not just a single mom, but a single mom with grieving kids.  A single mom to a child with significant needs.  A single mom to children navigating the college experience.  A single mom to a tween girl, growing up without a father figure.  A single mom with a house, an old car, a lawn, bills.  I learned how to create a special needs trust, how to file my own will, get my own life insurance, figure out social security.  I took my kids on a cross country trip for a month.  I replaced my roof, my heating and air, the old cars.  I got trees trimmed after they started falling on my house.  Absurd as it sounds, our house got hit by lightning and I managed to handle all the homeowners insurance and get everything fixed.   I had to learn to navigate the world of developmental disabilities as my son ended up in the hospital due to his behaviors, grief and a complicated diagnosis.  That is a whole other story and involves another full layer of grief as my son (who I expected to live with me his whole life) had to be moved into a group home setting in order to be safe.  That process was harder than you can imagine - paperwork, evaluations, hospitalizations, and huge bills from my attorney just to get my kid what he needed to be safe.  I'm still fighting for him and always will.

In the midst of all this I re-started my business. I joined two other photographers to start a studio, I learned to lay floors, cleaned, spackled and decorated, negotiated with our landlord, fought for our certificate of occupancy and planned an amazing grand opening.  I took workshops and learned more about using flash, finding locations, editing - I bought dresses and backdrops and crowns.  So many crowns!  I worked with AMAZING artists in the photography industry and learned so much. Every single step was scary.  I was afraid every time I went to a workshop, met other artists, ordered equipment, signed paperwork.   Grief and fear go hand in hand.   

My kids kept going.  I did what I could to be there for them but they deserve so much credit themselves.  My two older boys made it through college.  They are amazing.  They graduated with honors and no debt.  To say I'm proud is an understatement.  They moved out.  They got great jobs.  I'm proud.  And sad.  And proud.  Good changes can make you grieve too.  My daughter is growing into a woman and my big teen with autism is getting more and more independent with the help he gets in his group home and at school.  There were weddings and family vacations and celebrations, a new baby in the family - and they all have been amazing. And tinged with grief.  But let me tell you a secret.  You can choose to grow through pain.  And I'm proud of my kids and I'm proud of myself because that's what we've done.

And here we are, it's four years later.  Four years ago today my husband died.  May 7th 2016.  I still miss him. The kids still miss him.  His friends & family still miss him.  I don't feel so alone in my grief though, since here in 2020 I'm surrounded by so many people grieving due to our current situation.  COVID19 is changing life.  Changes we didn't sign up for.  Oddly, I have been less phased than I expected, for the most part, maybe because I'm so used to living on a crazy roller coaster.  Yeah, I know this has been all about me, and that isn't how I usually blog - but as I said, keeping it in is holding me back on other things.  The time has come for this to come out, because there are undoubtedly more changes ahead. Good changes that I want to be excited about, hard changes that I want to learn to handle and changes for all of you that I want to be able to assist with.  Telling the story means it becomes the past.  The time has come.

I heard a quote that says "You can spend your whole life in a story or you can change, and heal and grow and live."  I'm choosing to move forward with my grief and I am here to tell you it can be done.  It doesn't mean it goes away, but it doesn't have to define you.  This story of mine is true, but it is time for it to become a part of my past.  If I can share it, maybe it can help someone else to move forward even if they're scared, grieving or just plain "stuck."  Maybe seeing it all typed out will help me to recognize my own strength.  Don't we all need to do a little more of that?

I did ALL of those things while grieving.  I'm proud of myself.  There, I said it. I'm proud of all the scary things I've accomplished.  I'm always going to have grief, and some fear, but here's another secret: there's a sort of super power that comes with that.  

The title of this blog is "Grief Makes You Brave."  The quote from a class I watched last week with Sue Bryce.  The full quote is, "Grief makes you brave because you realize, no amount of pain will feel worse than this.  USE THAT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE."  As we are collectively grieving, I'm sharing my story to tell you - use this grief to your advantage.  I can tell you, it is true.  Those things up there, all that stuff I did over the last four years?  Grief made me brave.  You might not be ready yet.  It took me a few years.  But one day, you'll be thinking about jumping in and trying something scary and new.  Allow yourself to lean into it and be brave.  I'm going to try to keep doing the same.  We are all waiting for the next steps, and I promise I'll be back to take your photos as soon as we are safe to do so.  And when things get back to a new normal and we all move forward with grief for the things that we missed, things that changed, things that didn't turn out the way we wanted, we can all be brave.  We can support each other, we can learn to navigate our new lives and we can rebuild together.  I have a lot of plans for the studio and yes, some of them scare me.  I need to update my own family photos, which for some reason feels really hard.  But I'm ready to be brave.  For today, I'm going to be brave and share this.  And then hopefully I'll unblock my brain and be able to share the other stories that need to be shared.  The story of the mom who came for photos with her kids after being put on hospice.  The story of the mom who lost one triplet and is raising the other two who have autism.  The story of the family who lost their mom and got together for a portrait in her honor. And all the other stories, the babies, the weddings, the engagements, the families.  They are waiting for me to share them and I'm ready to be brave and get going on that.  

I'll end this with one more quote.  I'm just full of quotes today.  This one from Robert Frost sums it up perfectly and is as applicable today as it was then, maybe even moreso.
 

“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on. In all the confusions of today, with all our troubles . . . with politicians and people slinging the word fear around, all of us become discouraged . . . tempted to say this is the end, the finish. But life — it goes on. It always has. It always will. Don’t forget that."

Hello friends!  There is a lot going on in the world right now, am I right?  Everyone is anxious about the CoronaVirus, people are hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, we're worrying about our friends, family and ourselves while we strive to stay free from germs and keep ourselves in social isolation.  And yes, the KIDS are home from school.  

Our studio is taking a break from in person sessions for a little while as we try to contain this virus, but I still felt drawn to do something for the kids in our circle.  All my models, clients, friends - I can't do very much but I thought of something fun that I CAN do to help.  While we are staying apart, how about a photo challenge / class for the kids? With a prize at the end for everyone who participates?  Would you like to join us??

Here are the details!  We'll start our group on Facebook - I will post simple photo tips and daily challenges - I'm hoping for each day but it may be a few times a week.  I'll post my own photos in the group and will share some of your entries on my main Photography page.  Kids can use a phone or simple digital camera.  Everyone who participates in at least 80% of the challenges will be invited to a special photo challenge "graduation" party when the CoronaVirus drama is over.  Graduates will receive a 10 minute session and one FREE 5x7 from the Graduation party.  I was hoping to keep this a free program, but in order to keep track of everyone, I needed to use our online shopping cart, so there is a minimal $1 fee for each participant.  Here's the link to join:

https://wendyringelphotography.bigcartel.com/product/kid-s-online-photo-challenge

Once you pay for you spot, I will add you to the private Facebook group for challenge members.  I can't wait to see what we create together!  Please invite your friends & family.  If you have friends from out of state, they can also take part - it will be fun even for those who can't attend the "graduation."  The goal is for us to have something to at home right now, and something to look forward to when the CoronaVirus lockdown is over.  I hope to see you all in our group!!  

Stay safe, wash your hands, and I'll see you online!

The conversation wasn't just about history (thank goodness for them!)  I loved hearing  about  how they met and their early dates at the roller rink.  Despite my requests, neither of them would show me their skate dance moves, but we definitely had some laughs about it.  

I love finding cute doorways in town.   Thank you to the neighbor with the nice red door!

After a bit we headed to my favorite coffee shop, Evermore Coffee Roasters, right on Union Street in Burlington City.  We all warmed up with some coffee and these two got a bit of snuggling in between sips.  If you get a chance to visit Evermore, I highly recommend the oat milk latte.  Unless they happen to have Fire and Rice on the menu, in that case, definitely try that one! I don't know exactly what Daniel & Mikayla had in their cups, but whatever it was led to some serious canoodling. 

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Aren't they the cutest?

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I have to mention the one big bonus for coming to Burlington for their engagement session!  We were also able to sneak in a few shots in the studio.  On a cold day, this was a very welcome opportunity.  These guys were troopers but sometimes you just want to stay inside, so  starting or ending your session at the studio is never a bad idea.

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I know these two are going to have a beautiful wedding.  I also know they can't wait, and neither can I!  Congratulations Mikayla & Daniel, I'll see you really soon!

The wedding location was the Smithville Mansion at Historic Smithville Park, Mount Holly, New Jersey.  Their wedding date?  Friday the 13th!  Little known fact, but Smithville Park hosts weddings for FREE on certain days of the year and this was one of those dates.  We were dreaming of some lovely sunset photos before the wedding, but weather had other plans.  As the weather often does in December!  With a rainy forecast, we made sure to have pretty umbrellas and a good backup plan - and yet again, Eric and Samantha pulled off the impossible and got some gorgeous photos on the Smithville grounds before their ceremony.  The many porches, overhangs, and beautiful twinkling lights turned out to be a perfect backdrop, rain or no rain.  There was even room on the mansion porch for the whole family.  Even when the camera occasionally fogged up from the rain (yes, it sure did, lol) it only added to the vintage, retro feeling this wedding gave me.   Aren't they gorgeous?

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After portraits it was time for the ceremony, which was short, sweet and amazing.  Smithville Mansion was decorated for the holidays so they chose a hallway full of trees and said their vows with just their immediate family there to witness the moment.  The night ended with hugs from their moms, fist bumps from dad, some candy canes and photos under the Chinese lanterns.  It was magical. 

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CONGRATULATIONS Samantha & Eric!  I loved being a part of your wedding day!

If you're planning an elopement wedding, courthouse wedding or small intimate wedding and need a photographer, please drop me a line!  Just because your wedding is small, it doesn't mean you should pass on the photos!  Documenting your perfect day is always a great idea.  I'm located in Southern New Jersey, close to Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA.  I love elopements!  

Click HERE to contact me about your wedding day!

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Jenny's beautiful red flowers from Leigh Florist really popped and accentuated her hair and makeup perfectly.  (Hair by Katherine Klint Hair | Makeup by Allison Martz).  What a gorgeous bride!  

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Family photos & bridal party portraits were taken care of quickly, and everyone got cuddly to keep warm.  This crew was so much fun!  You can't even tell they were cold, can you?  

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I cannot tell a lie.  The sky was something of a solid whitish gray during our portraits, so I did work a little photoshop magic to add a sky in this photo.  
 

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After the portraits, it was time to head over to The Marian House in Cherry Hill.  A touching ceremony was followed closely by dinner, dancing, emotional toasts, loving family moments and shenanigans.  Lots of shenanigans.  DJ Steve from Center Stage Events kept the party going right to the end - the only time anyone stopped dancing was for cake & donuts. The gorgeous cake was from Sweet T's Bakery in Haddonfield, NJ.   Did I mention there were donuts?  On fire??  Donuts.  How perfect can you get?

Zach and Jenny are one of the most loving couples I have ever met, and their wedding  was exactly as perfect as they imagined.  Their families & friends brought the tears, laughter, support and fun.  Enjoy the photos from the day, and feel free to comment below and wish them all the best for the future.  

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It was a privilege to be a part of your special day.  Thank you Zach and Jenny, I know you have a beautiful life ahead.

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After a beautiful ceremony at the Kingdom Hall in Moorestown, the bride and groom spent a little time taking family photos that really reflected so much love and all of their fun personalities.  

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Then Carrie and Jeremey joined their family & friends for a celebration at the beautiful Ramblewood Country Club in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

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First up on the schedule?  Riding through the property in golf carts so we could take some portraits.  I'm not gonna lie, I love a good golf cart.  We had so much fun and the grounds of the country club were perfect.

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I especially loved the funky little tunnel that serves as an underpass for the golfers.  It made for some creative photo opportunities with the bridal party - even if we did have to apologize to all the golfers who had to wait until we were done.  Sorry guys!  (Not sorry)

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After the bridal party finished with portraits, it was time to head back to the country club for dinner and dancing.  

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I don't think anyone dances quite like this crew.

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And I don't think anyone takes family photos quite like them either.  Their sibling shots are legendary.

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Thank you Carrie and Jeremy for having me as your photographer.  I know you are going to have the best time together as a married couple.  I can't wait to see what comes next for you and all of your family and I hope I'm invited to every family wedding because you are all so much fun!

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As the family arrived, I could tell this was going to be a fun group.  From the youngest to the oldest, everyone was smiling and excited to be there.  

Melissa arrived with her makeup perfectly done by Christine Swope Makeup.  A few finishing touches, a little clowning around and it was time for the wedding to begin.

While the guys waited with their guests in the courthouse, Melissa made some time for kisses with the cutest flower girl ever.

Here comes the bride, escorted by dad

The ceremony was informal but emotional, with smiles, tears and laughter.  The whole family stood together as the judge pronounced them husband and wife.

After the wedding we had a little bit of time for portraits on the courthouse steps.  

One thing I love about a small wedding - you can get a shot with every single wedding guest!  

And they're usually ready to give a good cheer!  How about Pop Pop with that wave?  Isn't he the cutest?

Historic Mount Holly provides such a perfect backdrop for photos.  

And even though there was snow on the ground, Melissa's radiant smile lit up the day and made everything look like springtime.

How happy do they look?  Those smiles say it all.

And then off to the Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar in Moorestown, where we snuck in a few more pictures and ate some delicious food. 

The night ended with some delicious desserts and a rousing game of "spin the baby toy"

Congratulations Melissa and Andy - your day was beautiful and perfect and I loved being there with you.  We wish you so much joy in your new life together!

I wanted to talk a little bit about quality but I ran out of room, so guess what?  I'm going to talk about it just for a hot second before I move on to show you all the ways we can help you with your memories.

These photos are from my wedding day.  They were taken on the same day, printed at roughly the same time and displayed in the same frame for about 20 years.  The photo on the left is the one I received from my professional photographer.  He undoubtedly printed my photos through a pro lab and he delivered this high quality photo to us after our wedding.  The photo on the right was taken by a friend with a good camera.  We developed the film, probably through a consumer lab and it looked pretty good when it came in.  But look closely.  After 20 years of display, how did they hold up?  Remember, these were in the SAME frame for all those years, displayed side by side.

Here's a quick closeup of the pro photo.  You can see all the details, colors and even my freckles are clearly visible in the actual photo.  I don't know if you can see them in this photo of a photo, but take my word for it.

How about the print from the consumer lab?  Wow.  Our faces are faded out, you'd never know I have freckles, and actually, my nose is almost entirely gone.  It's kind of funny ... since we do have a pro print to remember our day.  But if this was our only photo, how sad would we be?  

Especially now that my husband is no longer with us - how important is it to my children to have that professional photo to remember their dad?  Because this one is just not enough.

Because of this, I always encourage my clients to print at least a few of their family photos through a professional lab.  There's a time and place for those 10 cent print sales at Walgreens, but those should never be the only photos you print.  True pro prints not only look better from the start, but they stand the test of time.  I've been collecting photos from the 1800's and really love seeing how these photos have held up over the decades and centuries.  My dream for my clients is to have photos like these that will outlive them and be a legacy to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  I mean, how cool would it be to have a photo like one of these from your grandparents?

So how can I  help you?  How can we work together to make sure that your photos reflect your family style, will fit into your home and will stand the test of time?  I have  ideas!!!!

I have found that most of my beautiful clients are becoming far too busy to deal with all the hoops involved in getting their photos ordered and up on the wall.  Downloading the digitals, ordering the prints, picking out a frame or going to the framer.  Or what about a canvas?  Can those be framed?  Maybe an album would be better?  So many decisions and so little time. 

The first thing I'll tell you is that we will always start your experience with a consultation.  We'll talk about what you want to do with your photos.  Do you need wall art?  What do you like?  Framed and matted prints?  A gorgeous canvas for over the couch?  Maybe you want that canvas framed?  Or maybe you don't want anything for the wall but you just want some prints for Grandma and an album to display on the coffee table.  Knowing what the photos will be used for ahead of time will help me to take the photos that work best for your needs.

After your photo session, we'll take some time to look at your photos together and choose the ones you want to print, the ones you want in an album, and the ones you want to print out for your cousin Beatrice in Idaho.  If you have digital files from a previous session, we can even incorporate those into a collage wall or frame, as long as you have a print release from your photographer.  If you have a photo of your living space, we can help with design as well.  The goal is to get your items ordered and ready for use, not just waiting for you on a hard drive or USB.  This can usually be done in about an hour, but if you need more time, that's fine too, because once it's done, it's done!  Once your products come in, you can choose to come in to pick them up, we can deliver them or we can mail them directly to you.  Easy Peasy.

We've spent a lot of time researching the quality and beauty of each product, and we have samples for you to look at and touch.  I love every single item we offer. Here's a quick look at some of the options we have available.  

How about a fine art print on wood?  Do you want the wood grain to show through?  Or no?  Round or oval?  How big?  Something small for a cute little nook, or a big one for the living room?

Maybe a framed canvas?  Did you know you can order a canvas unstretched and then we can send it in to our framer to put on the frame of your choice?  These are amazing and so light and easy to hang on the wall!

How about a traditional framed print?  Before you decide on your frame, our framer can mock up your photo with several different frames so you can see how it looks before you make your final choice.  He has a huge variety of styles and colors that will match any decor.  Here are some of the mockups he has done for us in the past:

Maybe you want to incorporate two or three photos into one display.  Our framer can do that too!