1.05.2010

At Last. Kelly = Mike

Some of you may remember Kelly and Mike from the engagement session I did with them last summer at the Jersey Shore. You may also recall that I was hoping for no snow on their wedding day, New Year's Eve. Yeah well, it did and it actually turned out to be quite nice, I must say.

This last event of the season for me was the first time I've ever been asked by a couple to shoot the engagement, the rehearsal and the wedding. Each time I'd go down there I'd be greeted with so much warmth and gratitude. Each time as I'm packing my gear to leave they'd ask me to stay longer and hang out. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" was what Kelly's mom asked the first time we met. I couldn't help but feel connected to these people, even though I was there to do my job.

When I found out that Mike's father had passed away a month ago, I had never met him, but I was sad for Mike and his family who were missing him every day. I was preparing for a very emotional wedding day, but instead there was a lot of laughs, high-fives and an excitement about the coming new year.

What? Is there something on my face?






The bride and groom's first meeting before the ceremony--cute!



Did I mention it was FREEZING? The water was icy slush behind them.
















Dances with the moms...


Tears all around during the blessing as Mike and Kelly's fathers were remembered. God, rest them both.
Thank goodness the best man's toast brought back the laughs. :-)



No, thank you, Kelly and Mike, for letting me be a part of this wonderful time in your new life together. I look forward to photographing your little ones. But no pressure. ;-)

And special thanks to all the brides, grooms, families, kids, pets, young people and the not-as-young who made 2009 an AMAZING year for melissa blemur photographer. It was an honor and pleasure to serve you all. May God bless you this new year with health, prosperity and great people with which to share life's experiences.

I said, bring it, 2010!
*

12.17.2009

Thank you, Chicago!

And a big thanks to all the BEAUTIFUL people who had their portraits done by yours truly and helped make my trip an overall success. I had so much fun in Chicago that I'm thinking of taking this show on the road so look out, Miami, New Orleans and DC. You might see me (and my camera) very, very soon. In the meantime, you all keep warm and safe in the Windy City!













***HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BE FULL OF BLESSINGS***

11.30.2009

Family Portrait: The Forbes

I met Sherene at a local restaurant where she was selling scented candle products, of which I had to try a couple of free samples. The two of us struck up a conversation that led to her telling me she didn't have a single family portrait with her husband Dean and two little girls. So we arranged for me to come to their daughters' joint birthday party (they have birthdays just ten days apart) and photograph before the festivities began.

When I arrived the littlest one was still asleep, but her big sister, wide awake, greeted me with the sweetest hug and was ready for her close-up. Literally.
Cute pigtails.

Daddy with his little girl.

Finally the princess makes her appearance.
My first attempt at getting a shot of Sherene and Dean by themselves.

Take two.
All together now.

Thanks, you guys, for allowing me to photograph your gorgeous family. Happy holidays!

11.18.2009

A Sweet November Wedding

Paul and Amy were married on a sunny (but cold!) afternoon at the beautiful Bonnet Island Estate.











Saxophone detail.

11.03.2009

October Portraits

Designer and TV show host, Taniya Nayak.


Budding actor, Estéban.

10.23.2009

Wedding, Theresa = Nick

If a man and a woman on different sides of the armed forces--Navy and Air Force, respectively--can fall in love and get married at West Point, an Army academy, then surely there's a chance for world peace, right? ;-) Seriously, it's no wonder this couple got together because they're both individually very distinguished and accomplished. I feel honored to have been with them on their wedding day and very much appreciate their service to this country.





Sabers. I wanted to grab one and pretend I was She-Ra.




Cutting the cake with swords! Is that fresh or what?
This wedding cake right here? Chocolate cake AND chocolate mousse AND angel food cake AND strawberries?!?! Best I've ever had, hands down.

A lovely moment.
My favorite.

Keep safe, you two, and thanks again for keeping us safe!

10.14.2009

Wedding, Nichole = Mike

I admit, I'm way more nervous about delivering a good job to people I know than I am for clients I don't know previously. Being asked to photograph Mike and Nichole's wedding in Cape Cod was extra nerve-racking; not only are they also wedding and portrait photographers, but the three of us received the same training at the Hallmark Institute of Photography five years ago. Plus, Mike and Nichole assisted me on my very first wedding gig so, needless to say, there was plenty of self-inflicted pressure to get some great images for their special day.

Luckily, it didn't take long for the nerves to take a back seat and for me to get down to business.

Flower girl and Mike and Nichole's too cute daughter:

Congratulating Mom and Dad.

I love this family portrait.

NF, the bride's new initials in rhinestones.









Special thanks to fellow Hallmark '05 alum, Nicole (without an 'h'), for her invaluable assistance and support throughout the day.

Congratulations again, my friends, and all the best to you!