WPJA

Exciting news!! Just this week I was accepted into the Wedding Photojournalists Association (WPJA), a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers who represent “the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively, and visually.” I am totally thrilled and honored because “less than 5% of wedding photographers out there qualify for membership.” (all quotes from the WPJA site).
How cool is that?!?

Soccer Camp

Our son, Baxter, just finished up a week of soccer camp at the University of Vermont. The awesome coaches, all UVM players, had those kids practicing drills and playing “World Cup” matches for 5 hours a day. Baxter was so enthusiastic all week long despite a couple of nasty blisters on his little feet. He made some friends and had tons of fun. On Friday the families were invited to cheer on the teams for the “World Cup” finals and, of course, I snapped some photos.

Baxter and his new Buddies...
Summer's hidden talent...
When Baxter saw this photo he said, "Wow mom, look at my muscles!"

Some "World Cup" action...

Recap

I would like to share a few of my favorite photographs from recent photo assignments from the Burlington Free Press. I have documented the joy of graduating high school seniors, the excitement of a big youth soccer tournament and head shots for each player on the Vermont Monsters baseball team. But by far the most inspiring assignment I covered were the Vermont National Guard soldiers returning from Iraq on Father’s Day. They had been away for 18 months from their families and friends living in the harshest and most stressful conditions. One of the most touching moments I captured was a father playing with his 10-month-old son that he had met only once since his birth. I love my job!!










Some of you may be wondering what happened with Elissa Roberts, the senior who wasn’t going to be able to graduate with her class…a bit of good news

We'll Miss You!

Our dear neighbors, the Gaspari family, are packing up and moving to Park City, Utah this week. Of course, we had to have some fun before they left! Swimming, fishing, and laughing were the main events, but we had a few Kumbaya moments too. Sniff sniff... The highlight of the evening was when each of us had to read a limerick that we had written in honor of our departing friends. Who knew how many words rhymed with Gaspari?? Thanks for the laughs everyone!! We will all really miss you, Gaspari clan!!

Let Her Walk

Yesterday I photographed the Division I high school baseball finals for the Burlington Free Press, the newspaper I freelance for on a regular basis. When I finished up with baseball, I sped off to a last minute assignment. The focus of my assignment was a high school senior, Elissa Roberts, who was upset that her school wasn’t going to let her graduate with her class because she was a few credits shy due to an extended illness. Her school was 40 minutes away and it was almost dark when I pulled up. I was very surprised to see a mass of kids standing out front with signs they had created in support of Elissa. Without wasting the precious few moments left of light, I snapped away. As I gathered caption information from her friends and family, I discovered Elissa’s amazing story. (click on the purple words for the story & photo)

So, keep your fingers crossed that Elissa will get to walk with her class this weekend!

Photographs & Politics

On Saturday I had the privilege of photographing St. Michael’s College reunion activities. I was particularly excited about the first event…U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (a ’61 St. Mike’s graduate) was presenting his exhibit of photographs at the college’s McCarthy Arts Center. The exhibit was entitled “World Leaders” and featured his insider perspective of famous faces, from presidents and politicians to rock stars. It was so intriguing to hear the stories behind the photographs. You can visit the exhibit until the 18th of June.

I have photographed the senator on numerous occasions for the newspaper and he is one of the most personable of all politicians I have met. But more than that, he is like a real-life super hero, sans the cape, fighting for justice everyday in Washington. To top it off he is a photographer! Oh, and his wife, Marcelle, is awesome too!

“Historians will write the chronicle of this century, but photography will help bring that chronicle to life for eons to come. No matter how many words are written about the Hindenberg, or the landing at Iwo Jima, or John Kennedy Jr., we remember the photographs.”

--Senator Patrick Leahy


Marcelle Leahy

Senator Leahy shows off a picture of him taking a picture(!) of President Clinton's inauguration.

Love in Technicolor

On Monday I met Nicole and Luke at their home in East Fairfield, which is way up north in the country. The first attempt at their engagement session last week was postponed due to torrential downpours. Amazingly enough, the sun was shining this time! Hooray! One positive aspect of all of this rain is that everything is so green. It almost looks fake because the greens are so vivid.

So, Luke asked if I wouldn’t mind driving on a 4-wheeler to get to the spot they had in mind for photos. Of course, I’m always up for an adventure! I rode behind Nicole and we climbed to the top of a big hill behind the family’s farm house and the view was amazing! Turns out, this was the place that Luke proposed to Nicole. So romantic!!

Happily Ever After

It was raining on the morning of Monica and Greg’s wedding last Saturday, and I was disappointed that their special day should begin that way. Despite the miserable weather, everyone had a great time during the getting ready process at Basin Harbor Club. Monica had decided to get dressed at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, so her dress wouldn’t get wet. All of the bridesmaids were helping Monica dress and we were all giggling with delight and anticipation…

A tragic turn of events immediately put the rainy day in perspective. Greg’s father, Barry, who had been suffering from an illness, had just arrived at the church. Minutes before the ceremony, Barry succumbed to his illness, despite the heroic efforts of a few doctors in attendance.

Many of the wedding guests left to the hospital in Middlebury while the rest stayed to listen to a prayer given by Father Roland Rivard. Everyone eventually met up again at the Basin Harbor Club. It was an afternoon filled with grief and mourning, though it was a blessing that friends and family were together to provide each other with solace and strength.

Fortunately, the day had a fairytale ending….In the early evening, I was thrilled to hear that Father Rivard would be arriving at Basin Harbor Club to perform Monica and Greg’s ceremony! Following a fabulous meal and some very touching toasts, Monica and Greg were united in marriage! It was one of the most heartfelt unions I shall ever experience! I have no doubt that Greg’s father would have wanted such a happy ending to the day! It was absolutely beautiful!!





As promised, this one's for you Monica! I love you guys!!

A Day in Woodstock

On Memorial Day, our family drove down to Woodstock, Vermont to meet up with Lena and Micah (and her parents) from NYC for an engagement session. Woodstock is the quintessential Vermont town complete with covered bridges, historic homes and quaint little shops, so there was no shortage of great backdrops. Lena and Micah are an adorable couple and it is so obvious how crazy they are about each other! I am really looking forward to photographing their wedding later this summer in Southern Vermont at the Inn at Weathersfield!

Love Speaks Volumes

I was honored to document Rebecca and Gregg’s very sunny New York City wedding at the Library Hotel last Sunday.

The hotel was a block from the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, so we had plenty of opportunities for some fun and romantic photos. It was a spectacular day!!