Sarah + Denis's wedding, part 1

I met Sarah and Denis through his mother, who works at Saint Anselm College. It seems like forever since their engagement session, perhaps because Jasmine has grown so much (she wasn't walking the first time I met her).

They had miraculous weather--like most of July (and now August) in NH, it had been raining all week. Congratulations again to both of you; here are a few teasers with more to be posted very soon.

Serena and Leila

These two little ones are neighbors; I don't see them and their parents as often as I'd like, so I usually have my camera with me when I do. They make wonderful subjects.

Mirage Band

I really enjoy photographing live musical performances (especially jazz), so I was pleasantly surprised and very excited to see Mirage Band playing at the reception of a recent wedding. An even better surprise was seeing saxophonist Bill Doss, who had just joined the band. Our families met through mutual friends, and the kids were close while growing up: I knew his sister well, and he and my brother played a lot of music together. (Bill was just married last weekend--congrats!)

Some of my favorites:

Melissa + Matt's wedding, part 3

Melissa + Matt's wedding, part 2

Melissa + Matt's wedding, part 1

A week of rain finally cleared by Friday, and Melissa and Matt were married at St. Joseph's in Quincy on a warm, clear Saturday. Melissa got ready (with 6 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls) at her parents' house, which was just a few blocks away from the church (always convenient).

Congratulations to you both and your families. More photos to be posted soon.

life as a wedding photographer

While I begin to wade through the results of the two weddings I photographed this weekend, I thought I'd share a few moments I've had as a photographer recently, doing things I never expected:

• Giving my handkerchief to the mother of the flower girl, who had just exploded with a sneeze during formals. (Having three children, this doesn't really phase me--much to everyone's surprise.)
  
• My Swiss Army knife has seen some action, usually cutting off stray string from the bride's dress.
  
• Straightening men's ties--multiple times during the day. (You know they were sequestered from the women.)
  
• Re-lighting the unity candle. I was just staring at it and feared bad karma (at least for the bride and groom). The candle was on the side of the altar toward the front, so I hoped that I could be somewhat inconspicuous--except that it wouldn't light, due to a short wick. After what seemed like an eternity (and knowing that all the entire congregation was watching), it ignited; however, I failed to turn my head while blowing out the stick and promptly blew out the candle. Repeat first part; turn head to extinguish; walk away quickly. (I did get at least one thumb's up and many grateful looks from the bridesmaids, though.)
  

I'm sure there are thousands of tales like these. I'll post more as they occur (I hope not too often). Check back soon for photos.