Heartfelt, sincere, emotional. If I could only pick three words to describe this union, those would be the three. In reality, I can think of a thousand more adjectives to explain just how hard these two tugged at my heartstrings!

I started off this perfect September weekend in Cazenovia, NY at the bride's family's "pond house". It was such a pleasure to spend a few relaxed moments with the bride and groom during the rehearsal dinner, to get to know and work with the couple before the wedding.

Family and friends gathered for months to build the gorgeous gazebo pictured in the wedding section of the post. During the ceremony, one of the best I've ever had the privilege to witness, there was not a dry eye in the vicinity. As they spoke of every day moments, ice cream flavors, trials, tribulations, future plans--the connection between this two was undeniable. More special touches like a song written and performed by the groom's father, and quotes hand-picked from a dozen guests, the emotional touches made the day beyond special. 

So, so honored to have been part of your day Bishop family! Best wishes for a brilliant future.

I was so honored to document this wonderful, growing family. I've worked with Hugo's big sister and parents on a couple of occasions, and it's just heart warming to welcome Hugo to the family. Even the family dog got in on the action, and sweet Hugo is just perfect. Welcome to the world! 

Alex & Ray's wedding was on a gorgeous Saturday at Hotel Ithaca, right in the center of picturesque downtown Ithaca. Their culturally fused wedding was thoughtful from the first moment I arrived, and centered around their families, friends, and most of all their handsome son! These two are so clearly made for each other. Enjoy a lifetime of love & laughter! 

Amber & Dave's wedding was on the PERFECT day in the most gorgeous location. This was my first time shooting at Highland Forest--but I certainly hope not my last. The backdrops were absolutely breathtaking, as were the bride and groom.

From the moment Amber started getting ready under they danced the night away, their love for each other and their beautiful daughter flooded the mood. Best wishes to this most gorgeous family! Thank you for including me in your day!

This gorgeous, glowing mama-to-be is hands down one of the greatest people I know. I had the pleasure of working right across the hall from her for a couple of years when I taught in Binghamton. Seeing her interact with students who no one else knew how to help, change lives by the dozen, and spread absolute cheer everywhere was such a great honor and blessing for me. Cooper (pictured in a few) was a fixture in her classroom as well. He is the most docile and loving dog I have ever met and will surely make a great big brother. Evan and Val are going to make the greatest parents, as the love between the two and for their bundle on the way is just so apparent. Many congratulations, you two! 

This incredible family invited me to one of their picturesque homes with Cortland's rolling hills in the background to get a full, extended family photo for everyone to enjoy. With a lot of little ones, getting the perfect picture wasn't easy (...or possible, the above is a composite!), but I had a blast spending time capturing everyone's personality. Later, I met Brian, Jess and their gorgeous kiddos at Lansing's Myers Park to get a few captures of the individual family. Happy summer! 

I have been so honored to be a part of little Lucy's life since she was still in her mama's belly. This gorgeous family has trusted me with documenting their memories from maternity, to newborn, to five months of pure cuteness. As a photographer, building relationships like I did with this family is at the heart of what I do. It doesn't hurt that they have a serious love for hiking like me! I love families that are up for outdoorsy fun. They are on to bigger and better adventures out west, but my camera is sure going to miss capturing this little peanut! I'm sending wishes of nothing but bliss for this family!

I am so honored to be documenting Alex & Ray's wedding this summer. This engagement session was a great way to spend one of the first nice days in Ithaca, getting to know these two love birds and their adorable son! Our shoot was on the Cornell University campus Plantations, and Beebe Lake.

It's clear by the way they look at each other, there is so much love there. Congratulations Alex & Ray--I can't wait for the big day!

I was delighted to spend one of the first nice spring days in Ithaca with this lovely (and growing!) family. I can't believe how Trixie has grown since our last session, and am looking forward to photographing the "L" family's newest addition late summer. This is one of my favorite locations to shoot in Lansing, the gorgeous Myers Park. Stay tuned for more of this stunning family throughout 2015-16!

First of all, just look at how petite this peanut is at 22 days old?! What a stunning beauty. Miss Layla's mom and I went to graduate school together not long ago and if I learned one thing about her from those three grueling summers together--it's that she wanted nothing more than to be a mama. 

Shortly after grad school, my husband and I attended her gorgeous (and super fun!) wedding. We pulled a lot of pieces from their wedding, obviously the wedding dress, veil and shoes, but also the peacock feathers pictured above. Also, for those of you who don't know, that's a viola below--Mary's primary instrument. I loved using all of the items in this shoot that had a lot of meaning. Props near to the heart always have the most powerful impact.

Miss Layla was simply a doll for this shoot. Layla you are so lucky to have two parents who love you so deeply, and parents--you're even luckier, just look at that sweet girl! :) 

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and glowing first year for Layla. I hope to see her again very soon!