Farm Life & Country Life Have Positive Effects in my Wedding Photography
Ducks in muddy pens
If you told me a few years ago that I would be living in Ireland today I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m a sunshine girl from California who had lived in Hawaii for a few years in my life. I love the beach and the sun combined. New York was tough enough to stick, but at least you are guaranteed an actual summer there. Oof! Who knew that ducks & hens in muddy pens, watching cows calf, and lighting a fire each night would be my cuppa tea?
But here I am and I truly love it! Life can take you by beautiful surprises and when it does I try to run with it. Ireland is a breath of fresh air for me, my family and my nervous system. We live on a hill, on a farm, and near the beach. We live near so many loved ones it is wonderfully overwhelming in the best way.
How does this translate to photography? Well, it gives me the mental clarity and freedom that I’ve been craving for so long. A simple life on the farm and in the country suits me to my core. It has shaken the cobwebs from my brain and has made more room for creative freedom. I am in love with where we live. And it’s not just about the scenery and the fresh air. I am blessed to have landed in one of the most special & creative communities I’ve ever known. I could be biased, but all I know is I’m gonna run with this one for sure.
Couples Are Choosing Intimate Ceremonies
A quiet, sunlit baptism turned into unexpected vows. After the final amen, surrounded by family, two people said yes. Smiles, laughter, and happy tears; the service became blessing and celebration. We captured the newborn’s sacrament, guests’ surprise, and the couple’s private vows.
Last month I had the pleasure of photographing a couple named Sarah and Kevin. They have 3 little boys and their family life has already bloomed. It made sense when Sarah let me know that on the same day that she would be christening her son, her and Kevin would also be surprising their friends & family with a wedding ceremony. It was a special secret to be privy to. Only a few of us knew, including the lovely Fr. Sean. Their nearest and dearest were there, they only had a few wedding portraits taken together, and then they headed back to spend the time with their family & friends at JD’s in Ballybunion. Thank you Sarah and Kevin for being my first, and hopefully the first of many weddings, in Kerry!
Thoughts on the start of Spring
There is still a chill in the air, but the Sun she is warm. Skies tend to be more blue. The first touches of green. The budding of red. The blossoms of white & pink, and the pops of color in between the branches bare. Springtime is here. It reminds me that after death is more life. This is a time where I feel refreshed and ready. The cycle continues with or without us, and time she moves on. The days are ready too. They stretch for us. The rest of the year will fly by, but in this moment I take a deep breath and feel alive.
These red buds are my absolute favorite each year :)
These sweet and crazy kiddos bring me life too <3
Do we need to match for family photos?
Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
This is a question I get asked all the time. Getting outfits together for yourself can be daunting enough, not to mention, picking out outfits for the entire fam. Don’t stress! Choose whichever outfit you have in mind: you may have an outfit picked out for your baby that you definitely want to be photographed or an outfit for yourself that you've been hoping to show off. Choose ‘that’ outfit and dress everyone else based on that outfit. Colors don’t have to match exactly, but keep them in the same color mode. Deep greens mix well with mustards and deep blues. Mauve pink goes well with a dusty blue or denim. Browns match beautifully with creams and sage. And don’t be afraid of patterns, but do remember that less is more. Simple outfits will bring more attention to your beautiful faces!
An intimate elopement
10/5/2020
Geraldine & Ciaran decided to say their vows at the Brooklyn Bridge with a very intimate elopement. I was lucky to be part of their whole day. From their first moments at the hotel, to sitting in NYC traffic on the way to the Brooklyn Bridge while they FaceTimed home (Ireland), and eventually sharing a glass of wine with them after the ceremony. This was such a special day filled with love and happiness. I will forever gravitate toward these types of weddings. Like many couples this year, they met their challenges in planning this small, yet big, event. But at the end of the day all that mattered was that the two of them were there, their vows were shared, and their love was sealed. May each and every couple know this kind of love and tenderness on their wedding days. It was so perfect in so many ways!
