Gail + Michael's wedding, part 1

We had the pleasure of attending Gail and Michael's wedding last month at the Danversport Yacht Club. Gail is one of Jessica's step-sisters, and we were there only as guests. (Jessica's cousin, Phillip, who photographed our wedding, was on duty again.) Of course, I couldn't not be photographing. I didn't take much, but here are some of the results.







Aidan and Owen

Their mom, Chrissy, and I were almost co-workers, but she left about the time I started. She still visits a few times a year, so we've come to know each other a bit. I happened to have my full kit with me when she visited over the summer, so I offered to have a mini-session. Aidan was a great subject and was excited by everything, while Owen was content with just being... anywhere.






the Hills

In late summer of 2007, I traveled to Houston for some graduate school things. I had the opportunity to visit with some friends, including the Hills, who were some of our first friends when Jessica and I arrived in Houston in 1999. (Sarah and I both worked at UST's library.) We miss them terribly and wish our kids (who seem to be on some weird parallel temperament/character birth order thing) could grow up together. Anyway, these are some of the candids from our afternoon gathering.













an engagement

Congratulations to my sister Marissa and her now fiancé Daniel, who became engaged on Saturday night. The entire family (especially Cecilia, my eldest daughter, who instantly claimed her birthright as flower girl) is excited for this development. I'll be posting some photos from a session we had over the summer (we did visit them in Albany in May); in the meantime, I spent a few minutes with them today to photograph the ring:

my wedding season, finished

Yesterday was my last wedding of 2008 (lots of fun--it was a friend from Saint Anselm, so I saw many other close friends). This year was a lot of work and a lot of fun. Being witness to and celebrating the wedding day is always an honor. I met many wonderful people: brides and grooms, their wedding parties, parents, family, and friends. Thanks to everyone, but especially to my family and wife, who, when she wasn't by my side with a camera or assisting, was tending to our growing family.

While I look forward to next year's weddings (which start in January), the break will be good. I have plenty of small photo projects to finish, which I'll feature here. Thanks for watching.

Shannon + Dave's wedding, part 1

Shannon and Dave had a small, quiet wedding ceremony at Straw Point of the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Malden, Massachusetts. The weather was stunning, and family and friends gathered under the shade of tall pine trees overlooking Spot Pond. The bride and groom read their vows from scrolls.

After the ceremony, we stayed there for formals and a quick session with just Shannon and Dave. The reception was held at Point of Pines Yacht Club in Revere. We snuck out for another session at sunset: like our first meeting, we had incredible light. Those to come soon.








Shannon + Dave

Shannon and Dave celebrated their wedding last month, but I wanted to post these photos and tell the story of how we met first. In April 2007, Jessica and I were at The Cliff House in Maine for a weekend conference. We had just sat down at the restaurant overlooking the coast at sunset, and I noticed Shannon and Dave sitting next to us. They're about our age and were dressed up, and I was compelled to ask them if I could photograph them (which did not come easily to me). They were there celebrating their engagement and scoping out the place as a wedding location. Shannon was understandably hesitant (and even thought that Dave had planned this), but Dave was willing--primarily because his camera battery had died, and they really wanted some photos of themselves there.

He was able to convince her, and we agreed to meet in 30 minutes. I ran back to my room to grab my Canon 10D and 50mm 1.8 (my sharpest lens at the time), and then tried to calm my nerves. We had unbelievable light as we climbed the rocks for 20-30 minutes and simply had a great session. I don't know that I've ever met anyone who were as comfortable in front of the camera.

Among other things that resulted from this meeting (besides asking me to photograph their wedding), the first photo below is one of my all-time favorites. Thanks again to Shannon and Dave, whose trust and willingness to help had a tremendous effect on what I'm doing today.






The Crucible

The Abbey Players of Saint Anselm College are performing Arthur Miller's Crucible this weekend. I photographed Tuesday's dress rehearsal. I highly recommend attending: the Players give a great performance of challenging material (with a great set, of course).






Christina + Sean's wedding, part 1

I had a such a great time photographing Christina and Sean's wedding--not only are they good friends, but their family and friends were very welcoming towards Jessica (who assisted) and me. The wedding, of course, was at Saint Anselm College's Abbey Church, and the reception was held at Fratello's in Manchester (a great location in the mills).

Here are the first photos from Christina's preparations; check back soon for more.









graduation and Mass

I've been meaning to post this. I was asked a few weeks ago to cover an event at Saint Anselm College for the Diocese of Manchester: the first class of their three year "Called to Servant Leadership" lay ministry formation program was graduating. It was a great fall day with mid-afternoon light streaming into the church.

The final photo was published in The Union Leader with an accompanying article (no web access to it, though); the diocese's press releaseis similar.







my photo

Just a quick note to thank Carly Rose for my portrait (which can be seen to the right). I've been procrastinating to have it done, but I had no excuse when we had a family session with her a few weeks ago. Our families have a long and great history of friendship, and this just adds to the madness. Carly's work is something many of us are watching with great interest, and I'm glad we got in early.