I’ve known Charlotte since she was a baby, and I have been fortunate to photograph her a few times as she grew up. Well, I blinked, and now she is a high school senior! It is truly mind blowing to come to the realization that life, as slow as it may seem day to day, actually zips by when looking at it year to year.
Charlotte is an incredibly talented drummer in her high school band, and is interested in applying to colleges in the New England/ Northeast area. We had a spectacular day photographing her senior session at Beechwood Farms, and I am excited to share some of my favorites from that day!
“Putting deodorant on your feet can help them from sliding around in your shoes! I got Katie a deodorant stick to solve this issue!” said Katie’s Matron of Honor as I began taking photos. The things you learn when you photograph a wedding!
As the bridesmaids were flurrying around in their pretty periwinkle dresses, we tucked Katie into a quiet room for her to put on her wedding dress. She was calm, cool and collected, and the second she was buttoned up in her dress, a wave of excitement swept through the room, and her beautiful blue eyes beamed with anticipation of what was to come that day!
The day was flawless for an outdoor ceremony. As Katie descended the patio steps at Southpointe Golf Club during the processional, a smile swept across Zack’s face as he watched his bride float down the aisle. The serene golf course was the backdrop, and as Katie and Zack said their vows, the only other sound that could be heard was a faint bird singing in the distance.
Heading into the reception, these two lovebirds glided and turned around the dancefloor during their first dance, and when the party started post-dinner, Zack laced up his dancing shoes and was the center of the action on the dance floor, with Katie by his side.
It was a beautiful day, and perfectly fitting for a beautiful couple! Take a scroll through these images to see the story of Katie and Zack’s wedding day…
It isn’t often when the weather is forecasted to be an 80% chance of rain the *entire* day of a wedding! And, although this forecast would put a damper on the spirit of many wedding couples, Annie and Nico barely batted an eye at it. They were focused on the true meaning of the day, and also that they would get to share it with all of their loved ones. The rain was merely an afterthought.
I must say, the clouds and rain were actually a blessing that day, because we found some lovely covered places to photograph at, and also because the bright green and pink hues of spring seemed to pop in result of the quenching water!
Speaking of water, there were very few dry eyes in the house when any single person saw Annie in her wedding dress for the first time. Whether it was her mother, her bridesmaids, her father, and especially Nico (who had to bend over and take in a deep breath in preparation of seeing Annie walk down the aisle!)
It was such a joyous day all around, full of love, color, and laughter! Take a look to see what I mean…
Lindsay and Greg; a couple that loves to travel, loves music (they just got home from a trip with their friends to Coachella!), loves wine, and also loves their dog, Waffle. It is pretty cool that I have these same things in common with them (well… I have never been to Coachella, but maybe one day!) And just having met Waffle on the day of their session, I can 100% say that every single person that meets him loves him <3
We had a lovely day for an engagement session, much of the time we talked about wine regions that we have traveled to or want to travel to, and also how their trip to Coachella was (they had some fun outfits to wear there!)
Lindsay and Greg are getting married this September at the Heinz History Center, and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of their big day!
Here are just a few of my faves from their engagement session!
Having read many articles about which islands in Greece experience over tourism, I knew that Mykonos was one on that list. However, our experience on this island was probably one of my favorites in Greece; we found ways to stay away from the crowds, and had a mix of excursions that made our experience feel unique compared to the usual tourist agenda.
I believe that two factors really made a difference when trying to stay away from the tourist crowds: 1.) We rented a car, so we could easily drive to any beach/ restaurant/ location on the entire island. Most people rent ATVs and have to keep their driving to shorter distances. 2.) Our hotel was not within the overcrowded town of Mykonos, where many of the other tourists stay.
Thanks yet again to Travelzoo.com, for leading me to a fantastic deal at a new luxury resort on Mykonos! The Amazon Mykonos Resort and Spa is a short drive from the touristy town of Mykonos. It is a small, quiet resort with top-notch amenities and offers tranquil views of the sea and sunset.
The pool at Amazon Mykonos Resort and Spa, where we stayed in Mykonos.Another view of the pool/ bar/ jacuzzi.The pool glitters at night. Look at that dreamy sunset!Amazon Mykonos hotel lobby.The “Welcome” refreshments and treats at Amazon Mykonos.Have you ever seen such a huge room in Europe?! We certainly lucked out.The view from our bed; we sipped coffee every day on our front porch.This was the view from our room’s porch. It was hands down the most tranquil and heavenly scene that I have ever experienced while traveling.A daytime view from our room’s porch.A friendly resident at our doorstep every day!
Sailing Excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Island, Delos
Delos is an island close to Mykonos, that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Greek Mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Delos is a very important archeological site in the Mediterranean, with excavations still taking place. In order to get there, we took a small yacht tour and sailed about 45 minutes to Delos. Thanks to GetYourGuide.com, where we booked the excursion called “Mykonos: Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Delos.” It was a fantastic experience!
Once at Delos, we walked through what was once a bustling town and trading post between the 1st and 2nd Century BC, and saw parts of houses (including one of Cleopatra’s), a large theater, and what was once a market, still partially intact. It wouldn’t be unusual to see and touch artifacts, such as a vase, in its final resting place from all of those years ago. Even more artifacts can be seen in the Delos Archaeological Museum, which is a short walk through the town’s ruins.
View from the town’s ruins.The Terrace of Lions built in 600BC. These are actually replicas, the actual lions are found in the Delos Archaeological Museum on the island.Above: the Theater ruins on Delos. It was out of this world to sit on the rows of stone seating, the same spot where Cleopatra may have been all those years ago.Mosaic flooring still mostly intact!One of the island’s residents. Humans are prohibited to live on Delos, but cats are not! They are looked after by the people who work on the island.
After our excursion to Delos, our tour guide took us to Rhenia, a crystal clear swim spot. It was heaven!
Beautiful scenes as we sailed.As we sailed back to Mykonos from Delos, I was able to grab a picture of the famous windmills of Mykonos.The end result of my picture above. The famous windmills in Mykonos.
The Town of Mykonos
After our tour of Delos, our tour guide docked near town, and walked the winding streets full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The town of Mykonos, looking at it with the windmills at my back.Seaside restaurants in the town.Walking the streets of Mykonos town.Houses are scattered among the stores in the town of Mykonos.
Mykonos Brewing Co.
Would it be a real trip if we didn’t scout out a microbrewery for Barry to try? Mykonos Brewing Co. was a short drive from our hotel, and was completely worth the trip! We were floored at the large selection of beer, and also how good every single one was. We shared a flight, and it was nearly impossible for me to pick a favorite!
The brewery is actually underground! Upon entering, you have to walk down a flight of stairs.Mykonos Brewing Co. tasting room.Our tasting table, the only one that was placed on a little landing pad prior to going down a second flight of stairs to the tasting room.The labels for Mykonos Brewing Co. pay tribute to the legends of the Giants that live under the rocks of Mykonos, who were defeated by the Olympic Gods during the Gigantomachy.Pouring our beer flight directly from the source.
Agios Sostis Beachand Kiki’s Restaurant Agios Sostis Beach is a very special beach, and was about a 50 minute drive from our resort. It had the clearest water of any beach that we have been to… you could see ripples in the sand 20 feet below and also your shadow on the sand as you swam.
On top of being a phenomenal beach, there is the hidden gem called Kiki’s Restaurant, located in a cove on this beach. Kiki’s doesn’t use electricity to cook the food. It is well known by the locals; there is an hour wait at any time of the day. The best part; there is no “wait list”… upon greeting you, the owner puts a glass of rose wine in your hand and tells you who will be seated directly before you. So, you have to pay attention to when they are seated or you will lose your spot!
Cell snaps of Agios Sostis BeachWatching swimmers in the cove while eating at Kiki’s.Our table was nestled amongst trees overlooking the sea’s cove.
Sunsets in Mykonos
No other sunset that I have witnessed can hold a candle to the ones that we experienced in Mykonos. The colors changed every evening. Some nights, the sunset was painted with hues of pink fading into purple, and other nights, fiery shades of red, orange and yellow were on display.
One last parting shot before leaving Mykonos!
Thanks for following along on our journey to Greece!!!
