Daria's Day

Farewell Daria’s Day…Hellooooo Daria + Andy Blog!!

2009-07-24T19:14:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the final post at Daria's Day...(sniff sniff!)...

Andy and I have a BRAND NEW BLOG and WEBSITE and it is going to be home to all things fun and new. Since Andy came on board two years ago to join Daria Bishop Photography things have changed so much for the better. We wanted to reflect Andy and I as a team with a new look and a slight name change…Daria Bishop Photographers. Andy just never felt right about posting to “Daria’s Day” for obvious reasons, so now we will both be able to contribute fun and fresh content to keep things exciting.

Don’t you worry though, if you miss the posts at Daria’s Day, it will always be easy to get to through the new blog, under “Links”.

We can’t wait to start fresh, so come on over and CHECK IT OUT!! Can't wait to see you there. And be sure to let us know what you think of the new look.

with love,
Daria

p.s. Don't forget to update your RSS feed on the new blog!!

We're Changing Things Up!!

2009-07-19T08:59:00.011-05:00

Andy has been working like crazy on our new website and blog and in the next few days we will be launching our completely fun, fresh, new look!!

Here is a sneak peak at our new logo and color scheme....

Be sure to check back soon!!

xoxo

E-Session: Amanda + Jude

2009-07-16T12:40:00.007-05:00

Amanda + Jude couldn't have picked a more gorgeous day to meet up for their engagement session. As you will soon see, the cloud formations were amazing. But more amazing than the sky was the incredible bond these two have for each other. Amanda + Jude are crazy in love and so sweet to each other. It was a joy to capture!
Andy and I will be a part of their wedding day magic at the Echo Center in Burlington next month. It promises to be an extra special day and we are really looking forward to it!!
Oh, and I can't forget to thank Amanda's spunky-as-all-get-out mom, Pat, for being the dog sitter extraordinaire for Bella during the session!! Thanks Pat! :)

See you all soon!!
xo

The Silver Lining

2009-07-13T18:13:00.009-05:00

Here in New England we've had an unusually cool and rainy summer so far. I'm pretty sure it's rained almost every day since summer started. Since we have about 6 months of cold winter and flannel sheets, I live for the summer months when it's warm and sunny. The upside to this weather is the dramatic cloudy skies that we've had each day. They've been nothing short of amazing! The cloudscapes remind me of Maxfield Parrish paintings. He lived a few miles from Vermont in Plainfield, New Hampshire for most of his life. Now I can see where he got his inspiration.
I've been driving around for the last week with my camera and captured some of the beauty to share with you. I even found a poem to include with the post, that you'll find at the end.
Enjoy!

On Shelburne Pond
Hinesburg
The next few are in Williston

Here's one taken through the car windshield looking toward Mount Mansfield. Don't worry, I was the only one on the bridge.Hinesburg
Our home would be right in the middle of this one.
Williston

TO A SUMMER CLOUD

I sail with you
The heavens blue, Transported into regions new.
On lightest wing
I soar and sing,
And quaff the cool elysian spring.
Without a care
To drift in air; Oh! who would not such rapture share?
Thus glad and free
Our course shall be O'er verdant land and shimmering sea.
Your fleeces white
With silvery light,
So shining fair, so softly bright,
E'en now they fail;
Yet why bewail
The change to yonder lucent veil
That floateth by
To faint and lie,
A fading speck in azure sky?
A moment's grace,
A film of lace,
That too has gone, nor left a trace.
Yet still I seem,
As in a dream,
To sail the swift aerial stream;
And still on high
My soul doth fly on joyful wing through ample sky.

--Emily Tolman, 1914

Karen + Alex Get Married!

2009-07-09T21:42:00.024-05:00

Hair: Indigo, Burlington
Make-up: Mirror Mirror, Burlington
Ceremony: Shelburne United Methodist Church
Reception/Catering: The Old Lantern, Charlotte
Flower Bouquets: Claussen's Florists
Flower Arrangements and Decor at The Old Lantern: Michael Valente, A dear friend of the family
Dessert: Ben + Jerry's Ice Cream Cart
Band: The Phil Abair Band

You may recall Karen + Alex from their fabulous e-session last autumn. It was a perfect autumn day and they lucked out with the weather on their wedding day as well. They scheduled plenty of time for photos, so it was very relaxed and fun day!
Karen + Alex are so completely crazy in love and their friends and family are some of the nicest people imaginable, so it was a true honor to be a part of their celebration!
And now for the photos....

Andy met up with Karen and her girls in Burlington to capture some of the getting ready moments.
Andy grabbed this great shot of Alex and his brother getting ready at the Heart of the Village Inn in Shelburne.
The dress.
I started the day at Karen's parents' home. Karen looked absolutely stunning in her dress!
The handsome guys.
Adorning the bouquet with a beautiful brooch.
Karen + Alex chose to see each other before the ceremony. So we made a plan to meet up at the Shelburne Museum for some photos. Karen's sister was so sweet as she made sure the dress didn't drag as we walked around the grounds in search of fun backdrops.
The first look....

There was no shortage of gorgeous spots for some relaxed portraits.

Andy caught this one. I love it!

We met the family and wedding party back at the Heart of the Village Inn to photograph the groups. We had some extra time for some fun ones too!
It was finally time for the ceremony. Here, Alex waits for the his cue to go inside.
A couple of my favorite ceremony moments...

This is my favorite image of the day...it melts my heart.
Karen had her heart set on a photo of the wedding party in front of the covered bridge. We like making wishes come true. :)
Karen was inspired to do these cute little drink tags from a wedding she saw here on the blog last summer. So fun!!
I loved Karen's colors! Here are a handful of details from the day....

I've never seen the Old Lantern look more beautiful than at Karen + Alex's wedding!!

A very romantic first dance.
The toasts were full of emotion!
I love this!
Wheeee!

xoxo

America's Birthday---Vermont Style (part three)

2009-07-05T12:56:00.008-05:00

We finished off our 4th celebration with Williston's annual frog jumping contest and a fun evening with some of our favorite friends.

prizes!
The competition was fierce. This impressive collection was from just one family!
Kelly and her darling tadpole.
Some competitors...
Charlotte and her frog.
Summer and Emma.
The beast of the east!
Look at all the frogarazzi!
Holding a future prince perhaps?
Judge Skiff measures the frog.
Yeti thinks he's a frog.
Summer and Baxter start the competition. Summer's frog played dead and Baxter's was right up there with the winners.
Baxter's awesome frog and prize.
A neighbor document's Baxter's frog's awesomeness.
And Ben Sarle a Free Press freelancer gets in on it too.
Beautiful Summer!
Andy made these AMAZING fruit tarts for the BBQ. He's so talented!

Sparkler fun!
Adelle, Emma and Emily
Cooper and Baxter.

xo

America's Birthday---Vermont Style (part one)

2009-07-05T12:54:00.016-05:00

Each year our cute little town of Williston hosts a series of fun events to celebrate America's birthday. It's a chance to hang out with friends and neighbors and we always enjoy it. This year it has been pretty much raining every day since summer arrived, but the weather hardly ever dampens people's spirits in Vermont. It's one of the reasons that I love living here!

We started July 3rd at the town's ice cream social and ended up at our friend's Burlington home on Lake Champlain to watch the fireworks...in the rain.
Here are some of my favorite images from the day....

I love that our town is going green!!
My friend Mariana was the recycling police and made sure that folks were putting their bowls and spoons in the recycling bin. Don't you love her necklace?
The sign says it all.
Getting ice cream is serious business apparently.
Yummy!!
Here are a few fun pairs....

The scene.
Before...
After...
Making s'mores on the rocks.

So I know this isn't the best fireworks shot, but it beat out the others because the sky was so pretty!

America's Birthday---Vermont Style (part two)

2009-07-05T12:54:00.015-05:00

It just wouldn't be a proper July 4th without our beloved town parade! We were so lucky too because the rain held off until the parade ended. Yay!!

Steve Mease and I have a yearly tradition of photographing each other taking photos. We're dorks, I know.
The Williston Fire Chief, Ken Morton.
There are all kinds at the parade. Including the kind that puts their dog in a stroller.
A Williston Town Band member.

Some of our group dives for the candy.

My people...including Andy and his awesome 4th of July shorts! :)
Look mom no hands! It's Ali and her amazing talent!
There were lots of dogs in the parade, but not many in baseball uniforms.
Baxter waits for the next float with candy.

Jackie from Salon Pure, on the left, is my lovely hair stylist.
Our dog Yeti would have liked this car the best!
This pair of dogs was intense. It's alot of work pulling a giant pumpkin...
...especially one with a princess and little doggie in it!
cute!!
Here is proof that the sun was out for a spell!
You may recognize Kerry...she was a bride from last year.
We've been cheering for Mary and her tractor for years.
The fabulous Williston Armchair Brigade, led by Ben Rose.
Another shot of my peeps.
The Williston Wheezers.
Sadly all good things must come to an end.
Parade loot.
Jen and her fab hat.
This family came all the way from Scotland for our parade.
Summer and Laura try to sell ice cream sandwiches to the post parade crowd.
Sadly, the McCahills are moving out of Williston. But a finer parade they will never find.

E-Session: Katie + McKew

2009-07-02T20:24:00.006-05:00

Once upon a time... two strangers were doing their laundry and passing the time with a little reading. Katie: Great Expectations and McKew: The NY Times. At some point between the washing, drying and folding the magic happened. They exchanged phone numbers, went on a date and they lived happily ever after. Well, there is a lot more to it than that...but you get the idea.
We thought it would be really fun to meet up at the same laundromat where they first met to start off their session. Next it was off to Church Street in Burlington where the Discover Jazz Festival was underway. We ended up roaming around downtown and had SO MUCH FUN!!!
Andy and I are really looking forward to their wedding this summer at Shelburne Farms.
Enjoy a few of my favorite photos and then be sure to watch their slideshow at the end of the post!!

Here is their super fun slideshow!!

xoxo

Courtney + Ryan's Woodstock Wedding!

2009-06-22T10:03:00.016-05:00

Hair + Make-up: First Impressions
Ceremony: Our Lady of The Snows Roman Catholic Church
Horse + Carriage: Friesians of Majesty
Reception/Catering/Cake: The Woodstock Inn
Flowers: Snapdragons Floral and Event Design
D.J.: Peak Entertainment

You may remember the completely adorable and animated Courtney + Ryan from their fun e-session in Barre last fall. Their wedding date finally rolled around recently and it was everything we had anticipated and more! We were SO lucky as it rained in the morning and during the ceremony, but it was perfectly lovely the rest of the day. Good thing because we took full advantage of the amazing Woodstock backdrops for their photos.
Without further ado...my favorite photos....

I must start with the dress...
This was no ordinary dress. It was so big and impressive that Courtney told me the dress shop wanted her to transport it by truck to the wedding. I'm not sure how they actually got it to Woodstock, but it was indeed that impressive. I think it weighed like 40 pounds. I was a little obsessed with it, as you will soon discover by the number of walking away images I posted. In case you are curious...it was designed by Austin Scarlett for Kenneth Poole.
Andy caught this moment of Ryan reading a love note from his bride-to-be.
The handsome groom gets ready...
Meet the ...
Getting Courtney zipped into her dress was a process, but sooo worth the effort!
Andy took this sweet ring shot....
Courtney is quite sassy!
I loved the vibrant pinks in Court's color scheme.
This little guy won my heart immediately.
The carriage awaits.
This moment with Court and her dad before the ceremony chokes me up! I wish I could take credit for it...but that goes to Andy.
Time to get married. Andy took this fun image with the fish-eye lens.
Sealed with a kiss!
I grabbed this one as they were leaving the church.
We followed the horse and buggy to Billings Farm to capture some fabulous Court + Ry moments.

I adore this one!
Cute!!
What is going on here? :)
When in Woodstock you must take advantage of the covered bridge.

The dapper groom.
More fabulousness of Court + Ry...

I warned you that I was obsessed with her dress.
I have to chalk up this first dance as one of the most creative of all times...It started off like any other and then suddenly the music changed and Ryan did this crazy head spin, break dance move. It was hilarious!!

Ta da!!
Courtney and her Dad danced (and whistled) to "Always Look at the Bright Side of Life". It was the cutest!!
I love it when couples incorporate images from their e-session into their wedding day.
Fun party moments...

A handful of fun reception details....
We snuck out for a few minutes at sunset for a few more...

xoxo

E-Session: Laura + Miles

2009-06-15T09:22:00.008-05:00

I met up with lovebirds Laura + Miles in Middlebury recently for their e-session. We had so much fun bebopping around town and found some whimsical backdrops...as you will soon see. They'll be getting married this fall at the beautiful Hildene in Manchester and I know it will be a fabulous day!!
Here is a small selection of my very favorites...

Do you think Laura looks a bit like Kate Winslet?

In case you didn't get enough...click on their beautiful slideshow !!

Fun School Trip to D.C.

2009-06-10T13:15:00.014-05:00

A group of about 100 students and their parents and teachers from Summer's 5th through 8th grade class at school took a trip to Washington D.C. last week. In order for the students to take part they had to pick a topic related to D.C. and do a project on it. The students then finished up their project by visiting the place related to the subject they focused on. Summer chose to study the Holocaust, so we visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum the day before we left for home. The teachers arranged for the students who focused on this topic to listen to a Holocaust survivor at the museum. We were so fortunate to have this powerful and unforgettable experience!
Obviously, Summer's topic was very intense, but we had plenty of fun while there as well. We walked for miles and miles, visited a couple of the Smithsonian Museums, the Spy Museum, the National Zoo, saw Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian at the IMAX theater, and loved hanging out with our amazing group of people from school. I must admit that spending so much time with Summer was my very favorite part of the trip!!
Enjoy some of the highlights from our 5 days in D.C.

We left at the crack of dawn and traveled all day in style in a couple of Mercedes busses. We arrived at the George Washington University dorms with plenty of time to unpack, dine on pizzas and take a big walking tour of the monuments in the evening.
Our little suite.
This poster for the H1N1 virus at the Pan American Health Organization building was like 10 stories tall.
Our fun little group in front of the Lincoln Memorial at sun down.We found Vermont at the World War II Memorial.
Having some shadow fun at the Washington Memorial.
I can't decide which photo I liked better between the next two.Any preference?
We were fortunate to be able to take a tour of our wonderful President's home on Wednesday. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip! No cameras allowed inside, unfortunately.
Summer and I spent a lot of time at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. There is simply too much to see at the museums. They are incredible!! We loved the live butterfly exhibit and hit this first, before the lines formed.
Summer monkeys around. : )

Did you know that koalas have 2 thumbs??
This one cracks me up!
Summer in the jaws of a great white...
I don't even know what to say about this...
Wake-up Sleepy...Snow White is looking for you!
On our way to the Capitol for a school group photo with Senator Patrick Leahy.
Double Dutch
This is about the spot that Andy and I stood to watch the Inauguration in January.
Some musical entertainment while we waited for the Senator.
Waiting...
My friend Marcy and me.
Someone volunteered to take a photo with Summer and me in it and they did a nice job!
still waiting...
Finally, the man of the hour, and one of my heroes, Senator Patrick Leahy. The student pictured with him rushed up to give him a big hug...it was adorable!
Julie Longchamp, a teacher, our extraordinary and fearless leader and chief organizer for the trip, listens to the Senator.
Some parents listen in too.
Summer and I enjoyed the National Museum of American History too. Do you recognize these slippers?
My favorite frog.
We happen to have a famous relative on my mother's side, George Armstrong Custer. This is the jacket he wore during his last stand...complete with blood stains.
The Old Post Office was our daily lunch/meeting spot.
Wild things at the zoo!
Funny otters.
Sometimes I thought our group needed a rope too. ; )
Panda's breakfast.
This baby elephant took a dirt bath...so cute!
The Cheetahs put on an amazing show for us!

Holocaust survivor Marcel Drimer. You can read his amazing story of survival HERE!
Seeing this pile of shoes that belonged to Holocaust victims was very impactful.
This is our group that visited the Holocaust Museum. Summer's new teacher, Miss Johnson, is on the far right.
Finally home again!!

Becky + Greg's Wedding in Woodstock + Quechee!

2009-05-28T22:22:00.012-05:00

Girl's Getting Ready Location: Apple Hill Inn, Woodstock
Guy's Getting Ready Location: The Woodstock Inn
Flowers: Pepperberries in Woodstock
Cermony: St. James Episcopal Church, Woodstock
Reception/Catering: The Quechee Club, Quechee
Cake: Irene's Cakes by Design
D.J.: Peak Entertainment
Fire Department: Town of Hartford, Vermont : )

Once in a while we have a couple that we don't have an opportunity to meet before their big day. This was the case with Becky and Greg. But from the moment I met Becky at the Apple Hill Inn I adored her!! The morning of a wedding can be a bit stressful, but she was so calm and gracious and full of smiles and enthusiasm for her marriage to Greg. I was so excited to meet Greg for their first look and he was completely wonderful too! Combined with their awesome wedding party, loving families, fun guests and gorgeous weather it was a spectacular day. I am thrilled to share photos from their day!!

Becky had the most beautiful smile!!
A few things blue. (the garter was Becky's mom's!)

Becky's dad loves photography and was told by the family to just relax and not worry about taking photos, but I caught him in action several times. I can completely relate!
Almost ready.
The dashing groom gets ready to meet his bride-to-be.
The first look.
Next it was time for some photos with the B+G and their wedding party.
This one is so sassy!!
Pure bliss!
Simply stunning!
Greg and his dudes.
Fun with the girls.

A peaceful moment before heading for the church.
Beautiful Becky.
Almost to the church.
Greg looked nice and relaxed just before the ceremony.

The ceremony was lovely.
Andy captured this sweet moment.
There are so many great spots for photos in Woodstock. We found this one next to the church.
And of course we had to take some fun shots by the covered bridge.
We finally made our way to the reception for some more fun photos. I love this moment of the kids signing the guest book.
Awwwwww...
The toasts were touching and sometimes very funny!
Some fun wedding details...
Seriously yummy! The cake is a Scandinavian tradition and the AH-MAZING caramel apples were hand-made by Greg's mom.
During the reception there a couple little quirky interuptions...the fire alarms went off and everyone had to evacuate the building. We had to document it with this fun photo....

xoxo

E-Session: Erin + Lee

2009-05-26T08:57:00.011-05:00

I met up with Erin + Lee at the Shelburne Orchards recently for their engagement session. Erin + Lee were so fun and giggly and the blossoms were so pretty it made for a wonderful session.
They will be tying the knot at the Grand Isle Lake House this summer and we'll be looking forward to it!!

I had too many favorites to choose for the blog, so you might just want to watch their slideshow....*CLICK HERE*

Vermont Life Magazine

2009-05-21T21:31:00.020-05:00

Last year I was given a dream assignment from the editors of Vermont Life Magazine. I got to choose 4 or 5 agricultural fairs around the state and tell the story of each one with my camera. The first challenge was in deciding which fairs to cover because there were so many to choose from. To finalize my list I went online to the state's official website and found the fairs with the most unique activities/traditions (i.e. a pie eating contest, arm wrestling matches, and sawing competition) and then asked a few photojournalist friends for their suggestions as well. I also had to find fairs that fit around my crazy summer wedding schedule.
The fairs that I ended up visiting were: The Addison County Fair & Field Days, the Orleans County Fair in Barton (the family came with me on this one!), The Champlain Valley Fair, The Deerfield Valley Fair and The Tunbridge World's Fair. I loved each and every one of them and easily took a couple thousand images. The biggest challenge was narrowing them down!!
Below are small versions of the pages within the magazine. To see the cover and see them larger, go to the Vermont Life website. On the site under "view web extras" you will find a slideshow with even more photos.
And while you are out + about...GO BUY THE MAGAZINE!! It's even better in real life. : ) You can find it pretty much anywhere in Vermont and in some major booksellers, like Barnes + Noble, around the states.

The second feature I worked on in this issue was a blast too. The writer, Michelle Edelbaum, and I discovered this darling little shop, Red Sky Trading, while we were touring aroung the Northeast Kingdom for a Burlington Free Press story called "Kingdom Gems" a couple falls ago. The owners are some of the most delightful people imaginable and the shop is adorable!! Definitely worth visiting while in Vermont.

Michelle + Greg's Stowe Mountain Lodge Wedding

2009-05-18T16:56:00.013-05:00

Hair + Make-up: The Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge
Cermony: Blessed Sacrament Church
Ceremony Music: The Classic Consort
Reception/Catering: Stowe Mountain Lodge
cupcakes: The Harvest Market
Flowers: Wildflower Designs
D.J.: Greg Capozzi of C-Zone Music in Boston

I recently posted a fun e-session with the fabulous Michelle + Greg and I am very excited to share some of my favorite photos from their beautiful Stowe wedding!!

Their wedding day COULD NOT have been any more perfect!!
I met up with Michelle and her wedding party at the Lodge's spa.
Andy found Greg pumping iron at the Lodge's gym. I only wish I could be that dedicated to staying healthy! : )
Michelle didn't need much help to look completely stunning.
The gown was so elegant.
Michelle is so stylish!! I couldn't decide which shoes I loved more...the furry wedding boots or the Jimmy Choo shoes.
Michelle + Greg wanted a "first look" before the ceremony. Here she is peeking over the railing to see her soon-to-be hubby and the wedding party waiting for her.
The first kiss.

There is something about this image I really like. I took it just before the wedding party walked down the aisle.
A kiss from Dad.
Michelle and her parents walk down the aisle.
Sweet ceremony moments....

The newlyweds!!
Could the sky be any bluer?
I love shadows.
We found a beautiful spot for some fun/casual portraits. Michelle and Greg are naturals in front of the camera.

We met the wedding party back at The Lodge for the group portraits. We started with these beauties!

Andy rocked this ring shot.
Lovely details....
cute.
the boys.
This one is so romantic!
And how adorable is this one?

xoxo

Tulum, Mexico--part tres

2009-05-15T11:30:00.002-05:00

We had planned to spend part of our last full day on vacation in Tulum, but after learning, the night before, the shocking news that Summer's teacher had died, we didn't really know what to do. We all decided to honor Mr. Al Myers by going to the ancient Mayan ruins because he was a big history buff. It was such an emotional day, but we were so happy that we went because it was so interesting and so beautiful! We don't have photos of it, but we finished our visit with a swim in the warm, sparkling, turquoise ocean just below the ruins.

As we were touring around the ruins, Andy suddenly said, "Look up!" and so we all did and saw this amazing sight! We're pretty sure it was a gift from Mr. Myers.

Andy snapped this photo out the bus window on our way back to the resort. The highway had a very strong military presence with several check points along the route.

Next up: Michelle + Greg's fabulous wedding at the Stowe Mountain Lodge!

Xcaret in Mexico--part dos

2009-05-15T11:00:00.008-05:00

Before traveling to Mexico everyone warned us not to get sucked into a timeshare sales pitch and so we were totally prepared to say no if approached. It happened so quickly we didn't even see it coming...right after we collected our luggage in the Cancun airport!! We were headed out the airport door and this very official tourist guide was so generously helping us with where to go and what to do and the next thing we knew we had signed up for a timeshare presentation. Can you believe it?!? But the prize for sitting through it was too good of an offer to refuse....4 tickets to Xcaret for the family including transportation, valued at over $400. So we sat through the 2 hour presentation with an uber friendly woman named June. Interestingly, our daughter observed that her eyes were as cold as steel and we all noticed that she suddenly wasn't so friendly after we declined the timeshare offer. However, we did get our tickets and we were all thrilled to spend the day at Xcaret!! Here are some of my favorite images from the day...

How could you not smile when looking at this logo? I shot it through the window of the van on the way to the park.
The wildlife at the park was beautiful!!
Andy + Summer.

There were 2 cave swimming opportunities at the park. Our family did one, which was very fun, but a little chilly.

The park had a wonderful butterfly enclosure, but we had to rush through it to get to my extra special date!!
Swimming with dolphins was A DREAM COME TRUE!! Andy was able to take some photos through the fence, but I ended up buying a cd of photos, so I'll have to do a separate post from that magical experience.
Baxter makes friends every where he goes.
The next several photos are from a building I was a little obsessed with. It housed the check-in area for our cave swim and bathrooms/showers.
Such a cool way to wash hands!!
The showers were outside and the bathroom stalls were above.
Here's the building from farther away....oh, and Baxter too! : )

We ate dinner at a buffet with an abundance of delicious Mexican food and suddenly had front row seats to a big colorful show. Such a treat!

This guy had some serious talent with the lasso!

We finished off our evening with a spectacular show that ended with live parrots flying overhead and party streamers cascading down from the ceilings.

Riviera Maya, Mexico-part uno

2009-05-14T11:40:00.015-05:00

Buenos Dias! I have had a very rough couple of weeks, with the death of my daughter's teacher and then the passing of my Grandfather Otto on Sunday. But the losses have been a great reminder to embrace life and enjoy it to the fullest!

And speaking of enjoying life...I thought it would be the perfect time to blog about our very fun family vacation. We traveled to the Riviera Maya in Mexico and stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Beach during spring break. It was the perfect family-friendly resort and we loved that it was all-inclusive, so we could eat way too much food and Summer and Baxter could order as many banana daquiris and pina coladas "with no alcohol, please" as their little hearts desired.
This first round of photos were all taken at our resort and were taken by Andy and me.
Enjoy!

The resort grounds were filled with colorful plants and flowers.
My beautiful Summer girl.
And Baxter my cheeky monkey!
Vacation is tiring.
We loved the colors at our place!
Pass the sunscreen, will you? I think this bird is a Great Curassow.
Our resort had crazy pool games each day. Here's Baxter showing off his stuff.
The pools went on forever!
Here's our favorite resort friend, Josh. Or shall I say, Josh's twin sister?
Baxter grew some new freckles on our trip.

Happy kids...

This amazing bar was in the Iberostar hotel next to ours.
I couldn't resist snapping this one...I just love weddings!

Our beach was beautiful and the waves were fun, but a swimmer got caught up in a rip tide one day and the lifeguard pulled him to safety.
Another spot news moment. This wasn't at our resort, but one nearby...
This last sequence of photos cracks me up! Fortunately I had my camera ready to capture it...

Andy caught this sunrise on the last morning.
I apologize in advance for this photo (skip it if you are easily offended). The shirt on the left has got to be THE TACKIEST I've ever seen! Of course I had to share it with you. Don't you love the spelling too?

E-session: Michelle + Greg

2009-05-05T21:24:00.007-05:00

Andy + I met up with Michelle + Greg in Stowe at the beginning of March for a super fun wintery e-session! We started out in the lodge's beautiful sitting area and ended up at the top of Mount Mansfield! These two are so adorable and fun-loving and it was such a blast to capture their laughter and love for one another.
They had a gorgeous wedding in Stowe in Mid-March and I will be sure to blog about that soon!
Enjoy a handful of my favorites....

A brief update

2009-05-02T08:48:00.005-05:00

Dear friends,
We're safely home from Mexico!! We had a fabulous time, but received some terrible news on Sunday night that our daughter's beloved teacher died while preparing for the school's big performance of the Wizard of Oz. Nothing in life prepares you to deal with a tragedy like this, but the community has been tremendous at supporting each other through this and Summer is doing very well.
This morning's front page story of the Burlington Free Press shows some of the outpouring of love and community spirit behind the man and the production he had worked so hard on. *CLICK HERE* to read it.
I would like to do a proper post on this, but it will have to wait, as we are off to photograph a wedding on this sunny and beautiful day!
I have SO MUCH blogging goodness coming your way, so check back soon!!
xo

The wonderful Al Myers in the school talent show in March.

We will all miss you!!

Hasta la Vista!

2009-04-21T00:45:00.004-05:00

Our family is off to the Riviera Maya in Mexico until April 29th. We will have very limited internet and no phone service while we are away. Isn't that the way a good vacation should be? : )
I will have so much to blog about when we return.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!!
Adios!
Daria + Andy
xo

Welcome Home Captain Richard Phillips!!

2009-04-18T22:25:00.017-05:00

On Wednesday, April 8th, I received a call from the New York Post asking me to photograph the local news regarding Vermont's own Captain Richard Phillips. So I cleared the schedule and rushed off to Underhill, which is about 20 minutes away. Each day I joined up with a swarm of media in anticipation of news about the captain, but the news didn't come. By Saturday I had decided that I needed to get back to my life and told the reporter with the NY Post not to call on Sunday unless a miracle happened. Well two mimosas into brunch at our home with friends, the reporter called with the news the world was waiting for!! My friend Kim threw me into her car and we raced off to the family's home.
It was such a thrill and honor to cover this story from beginning to the happy outcome!! I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the photos like you probably saw everywhere, and a collection of behind the scenes photos that you probably didn't see anywhere.

Oh, and for all of you People magazine fans out there...be sure to look on the cover of this week's issue for the photo of the captain's wife and that same photo inside as well. The photo credit is very teeny tiny, but if you look close enough you will see my name. : )

On Thursday, the local CBS and Ryan Mercer, photo editor of the Burlington Free Press, interview a neighbor.
Ryan Mercer, left, and Toby Talbot with the Associated Press
A family member talks with the press.
A Fox camera guy naps.
Outside the family's home.
The media sets up for an official statement from the family.
My new friend Rebecca Rosenberg, a journalist with the NY Post, sets up her mike and gets caught on international news....a proud moment. ; )
Rick Leventhal with Fox News, New York
By Friday, the media had to move off the family's property and move into town. (The family was so gracious to let the media stay as long as they did!!) We had to find things to tell the story and didn't have to look too far...
The local priest is interviewed by CNN.
Rebecca and I decided to take a break and see some baby lambs near by.
Rebecca!

The farmer introduced us to some newborn goats in the barn and these tiny premature cashmere goats inside the home.

Reporters were all over town. Here CBS national is interviewing a neighbor who was tying yellow ribbon around posts.
The media's new spot was the church parking lot.
Super friendly Craig Boswell with Fox News
These little bunnies made the most of the media circus in town and sold lots of lemonade!!

Sunday morning. Holly with the AP.
My brunch guests and designated drivers, Kim + Melissa. Kim ended up being interviewed on the national NBC news when she and Melissa drove up to the corner store while waiting for me. So funny!!
Emily Nelson from the Free Press is all business.
Rebecca waits for the family's official statement.
Glenn Russell from the Free Press.
A Maersk representative gave the family's statement.
Craig Boswell and me.
Homecoming day!! Mike Taibbi reports.
Mr. Taibbi kept us all entertained before he was on the air.
The media mosh pit.
Our hero!! Be sure to look at his wrists...
Back at the captain's home...
I held it together really well until I saw this sign...
The community signed this one...so cool!!

Bunnies + Eggs + Snow...oh my!!

2009-04-13T23:35:00.006-05:00

I hope you all had a fun Easter celebration! We had kind of a crazy week and weekend, as I had been assigned by the New York Post last Wednesday to photograph the town of Underhill, Vermont, where Captain Richard Phillips and his family live. Each day I drove to Underhill to cover the story and await good news about the Captain, but decided on Sunday to stay home with the family unless a miracle happened and he was freed. Well a miracle did happen...during brunch at our place (and a couple mimosas in) I received a call with the wonderful news! So another post will cover more on that, but this post is the fun times with my family and friends that we celebrated with, before that excitement...

Our Paas Boom or Easter Tree

Ooops, busted...Summer caught me taking a photo (from Saturday)...

this one kills me...
Sunday morning Easter hunt with the family...

I'm pretty sure it's a law that it snows on Easter in Vermont. I love these photos Andy took of Summer...

Yeti scored a nice stick from the hunt.
The bunny hid the big baskets really well this year. Everyone was frozen solid by the time the kids found them.

The kids had some help sorting their loot. : )
Friends came over for brunch and brought these amazing scones....
and Champagne and fresh squeezed O.J. for Mimosas.

My cute husband
Kim + Tom
Mark + Melissa
We ran out of Contreau for the Mimosas, but I had some stashed in the cupboard. Phew!!

My friend Kim planned an egg hunt for the kids which involved eggs with clues and a prize at the end...Ready, set...
Go!!
surprise...yummy cupcakes!!

I caught this cute little piggy...

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T08:33:00.006-05:00

Here comes Yeti Cottontail....

We're looking forward to having some friends over for brunch this morning so I'll post some more photos later....

Have a lovely Easter and a happy spring!!
xo