Aloha! Coming to you from Hawaii.

Aloha from the beautiful State of Hawaii. I am here visiting my brother, yeah its a tough life. He has lived here for a few years but will be moving back to the main land later this month so my opportunity to visit was quickly fleeting. I've been here almost a week and the experience has been amazing. I have to recommend taking a vacation in the winter time! Weather down here has been in the 80's and perfect. Right now I sit on my balcony at the Mauna Lanai Bay Hotel on the Big Island in Kona overlooking a glorious pool and the ocean. Sun is shinning, its a glorious day. I will be heading down to do some snorkeling shortly. If you are my friend on facebook then you have most likely seen these images, there are many many more on FB actually, I thought I should share some on the blog for everyone else.

Pineapple fields on Oahu (the Dole plantation)

We caught a the pipeline surfing competition on North Shore. Look closely you can see the dude coming through the barrel here.

I don't know the name of these tree's but I love them.

Fun with self portraits, me and my brother Geoff.

ahhhhhh

Geoff took me on a 5 mile hike through the Honolulu rain forest. These tree's are Strangler Fig's.

View of Honolulu from the rain forest.

I love these tree's.

even the jungle needs some flare.

AMAZING!!!

possibly my favorite portrait of Geoff.

can't go wrong with a sunset.

Some dude jumping off into the ocean.

a little detail of lava rock and texture.

We hiked around the crater and through the lava lake. This volcano erupted in the 1950's, we actually got to see a little video documentary of the eruption before hiking. Its amazing to see life finding a way.

A giant fern unrolling.

Heading down crater rim drive where recent lava flow has gone to the sea.

kind of reminds me of New Mexico

We had a little too much fun jumping and goofing off for photos.

This is the "Hi Mom!" Shot.

Lava flow in 2008 and 2009 closed this road.

more jumping, Geoff gets some good air!

So there's a little peak for you to enjoy, more photos are on facebook if you want to check them out. We head back to Honolulu tonight, I highly recommend a trip to the Big Island if you come to Hawaii. Its an amazing place full of wonder. I can fully understand why some people come to Hawaii for vacation and never return home. Although I do love the change is seasons, I think coming down here in the middle of winter is a nice break from the winter doldrums.

I will come back refreshed that's for sure! Now off to the ocean for some snorkeling. Aloha!

Nikol & George Engagement Shoot

I think Nikol and George's engagement shoot is a testimate to what I do for my clients. They both live in London England, George's parents live here and the wedding will be at the Franklin Institute this spring. They were in town for a quick two days back in December, we scheduled our shoot on the one day which happened to be the biggest snow storm of the season. It was the only day we could do it and since they won't be back in town together for a while we were not going to post pone. So I drove down to Longwood gardens to meet them. The drive there wasn't too bad, roads were not great but not that bad either. The way home was a different story. I think it took me four hours to get home. George's parents don't live too far from Longwood and it took them a while to get home too. It was quite the experience, but no regrets.

We did our shoot, had a great time in the gardens and it was such a juxtaposition to the weather outside. Longwood Gardens during the holidays is a must see.

We had a lot of fun in the children's garden of all places.

I particularly like this one.

A little fun with reflections.

another favorite.

They are too cute.

Of course we had to do some shots outside. I actually brought boots for Nikol, such a short trip she had not expected a snow storm of all things. Luckily we were the same shoe size! ha!

The snow was coming down pretty hard at this point! Love this.

Aww, love this too.

I love the this tree still has the brown leaves. Look at all that snow! Crazy. This area got something like 18 inches of snow and we were out in the height of the accumulation.

I had a lot of fun with you guys! Totally worth it, I would totally do it again. Can't wait to see you this spring.

Kate & Ben, Radnor Hunt

Kate and Ben had a wonderful day! Before I get too far let me mention some of the key players.

Venue: Radnor Hunt
Flowers: Harmony Hill Gardens
Pies: Linvilla
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Second Shooter: David Schrott, David shot a lot with me this year, as usual great stuff David thank you for all you do!

Lets get on to some images.

starting with some bling.

One of the groomsmen warming up for the ceremony.

The flowers were amazing. They were from Harmony Hill Gardens, which is an organic grower in Buck county. Ben's step mom was instrumental in the arrangements.

David got to spend a good bit of time with the boys, I love this little moment.

Kate was very excited about her shoes, who wouldn't be?

One of my favorites

Kate's something old was the veil her mom wore.

Love this.

Ben taking a few moments before the ceremony.

All the center pieces were different.

All of the details at the wedding were made, or arranged by family and friends. I like their interpretation of the program as the chalk board.

I love the look Ben is giving Kate here as they meet at the alter.

They did a self uniting ceremony. Kate's aunt Sara officiated; Kate and Ben wrote their own vows. September 26 is also sentimental because Ben's grandfather was married on the same day in 1941. Pretty cool.

I loved the brides maids dresses. Some gorgeous ladies.

The emotion on both sides of the family was very touching.

The kiss!

I love how Ben is getting the "adaboy" from his dad as they come down the isle!

We really hoped the horses would be out for some photos.

A still from one of my motion sequences, check out the slideshow below for more.

I think this guy may have secretly wanted to eat Kate's bouquet.

Radnor Hunt has this awesome swing. We had to take advantage.

Another favorite.

Instead of a wedding cake, they had pie.

The pie's were delicious. They all came from Linvilla Orchards except the one on top, Kate's mom made that one special.

I love love this little moment!

Pie is good!

What an awesome day. We had such a great time and the weather held for us, the minute we were done with portraits the sky opened up! Thank you for having me out, always a pleasure.

Check out the slideshow for more images.

Little Nuala and Baby Orlaith

If you have been following me for a few years you will know that this family has been with me since the beginning so to say! We first started right before Nuala was born and now she has a sister, Orlaith (or-lah). This was my first meeting with Orlaith since the belly session. She is such a beautiful happy baby! Nuala is such a great big sister too. This has to be one of my all time favorite sessions.

Meet Orlaith

happy baby

She has amazing eyes.

I love this one!

Nuala taking on her big sister roll.

I can't believe how much Nuala has grown!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I am all about fun family pics.

I think if there is any one image to sum up this little girl it would be this one.

Again, LOVE!

hehe, this just makes my heart happy.

How do you know a family really loves you? When they specifically request a photo of you with their children. The feeling is mutual guys, love ya!

The slideshow is pretty fun, I highly recommend checking it out.

Steph & Dan

Stephanie and Dan had one of the most gorgeous days I can remember! We had such a great time with them. Such a fun group. Before getting into images here are some of the vendors that played an important role.

Venue - Old Mill
Flowers provided by - Passion for Petals
Dress designer - Reem Acra
Caterer - Conner Catering
Cake - Swiss Haus Bakery
2nd Shooter - David Schrott, thanks David its always a pleasure.

We will start of with Dan and Thor, Thor was the best man. Love it. Thor was very excited to see Steph.

For most of the portraits we were at the Japanese house and garden in fairmount park.

Dan is so adorable and handsome at the same time.

Steph's dress was gorgeous!

I love this one.

Pam from Passion for Petals did an amazing job with the flowers.

I am in love with this image. I love love love it.

The ring barer, playing with the rings during the ceremony.

Married, woohooo!!

I love Steph's sisters expression during her speech.

A few more from the portraits for ya.

Love this ring shot.

They really are an adorable family.

Many more images in the slideshow, check it out.

Baby Declan, One Year

Billy and Karith are friends of mine from our vintage scooter club and I gave them a moodybaby session at their baby shower last year. It was so fun to get out and spend some time with these guys. Declan was so much fun! He is a really smart, cute adorable little guy.

He enjoys a good book.

Stories are always better with mom and dad.

Good times with mom, dad and "the pig" which is Oberon their dog.

This little guy has no fear. He was up and down that slide so many times.

I love this one.

mmm is that handle good?

This is his farmer John pose.He seems pretty comfortable with the corn stalks in the background hanging out in his John Deere wagon.

Not to mention his flare.

Another favorite. This hat is a staple on this boy.

Fun times as usual. I really can't believe Declan is a year old. Its really crazy. How time flies when your having fun.

Enjoy the slideshow!