Ramblings of a Photographer » Connecticut based photojournalist

Mr. V

Saturday, November 14, 2009 Posted in Portraits

On my way back from a wonderful weekend in Philly I stopped at my friend’s house to take a few photos of her dad. My friend, Elizabeth, now lives in North Carolina but I love any excuse to see her family. They always treat (and feed) me just like family. Mr. V is in the process of starting up his own blog and wanted a few shots to adorn the site. I told him I would help him out and was thrilled when he said he was looking for something other than the typical smiling headshot. Here are just a few of my favorites.

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by Sarah McCoy

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Married: Chris + Kallie

Thursday, November 12, 2009 Posted in Wedding

For me there is always a mix of emotions that go into the end of wedding season. Part of me is thankful to have Saturdays to spend at home while another part of me misses the wonderful celebrations of love and happiness that I have the honor of witnessing. This year in particular is hard for me to let go as I’ve worked with some AMAZING couples and, as a photographer, I feel I have grown enormously. Right from Ali and Matt’s wedding in April through October I’ve worked to develop my eye and execute what I envision in my head. It’s been a thrilling year and I can wait for 2010.

I ended my season with Kallie and Chris. No better way to wrap up the year than with these two. They are wonderful examples of honest, true love. At the beginning of the day (just 1/2 hour before the ceremony) I asked Chris how he was doing and he responded, “I just want to married to her already.” That’s the kind of hunger he has for Kal. I have known Kallie for years and, one thing is for sure, her emotions are right there for everyone to see. None more so than her feelings for Chris.

The two intended on being married down at Harkness Park but when Mother Nature decided to unload buckets the whole wedding was moved to a friend’s house in Hebron. It was a true party celebrating the beginning of Chris and Kallie’s new love together. People ate, drank, danced and paid no mind to the rain outside.

Mrs. Kimball (the party's host) decorated the front porch with festive decorations with Leah from It's So Ranunculus in Marlborough put together some SPECTACULAR bouquets.

Here we go...

Taking it all in.

Making it official.

The rain broke for a couple minutes so we scooted outside for some portraits.

Not your typical wedding portrait but I LOVE the looks on their faces.

Come on, just look at how he looks at his new wife!

Dinner...and dessert.

Kallie's sister Stacey served as her maid of honor and next year Kallie will get to return the favor

Kal's grandmother was too funny. She wanted to go through a practice run of the cake feeding so I would nail it when the bride and groom's turn came :)

Kal's grandmother was too funny. She wanted to go through a practice run of the cake feeding so I would nail it for Chris and Kallie

And the party began...

Kal grabbed the mic for a song

by Sarah McCoy

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Married: Jeff + Jacki

Monday, November 2, 2009 Posted in Wedding

Earlier in the month, check that, it’s November now…last month I traveled down to our national’s capital for Jeff and Jacki’s wedding. Jacki and I were classmates at Temple and studying abroad in Rome the same semester a couple years back. She and Jeff had been planning their wedding for years and, wouldn’t you know, they had one of the rainiest days I can remember. It didn’t phase the happy couple though. They were all smiles, just enjoying the day that would mark a new chapter in their lives.

Thanks to another former Temple classmate Colin for coming down to shoot with me.

Even though they live in D.C. now, Philly is never far from Jeff and Jacki's hearts. They had this replica of the Love sculpture in their apartment and it made the perfect setting for some ring shots.

Almost ready...

Jeff is on his way to see Jacki while she finishes getting ready.

I.LOVE.THIS.MOMENT.

From their apartment we took a limo ride to the train station for some portraits.

The guys looking handsome.

The lovely ladies.

We were limited in terms of the space we had for portraits and I love this shot Colin snagged showing our whole area.

Braving the elements.

You can feel the happiness between them and their obliviousness to the rain around.

Inside the train station for a few more.

Time to get married. Jacki's brother walked her down the aisle where Jeff was eagerly waiting for her.

Married!

Love this one that Colin got.

Jeff's brother gave a touching toast.

With some funny parts...

Some details from the day.

An awesome party all night!

Jeff and Jacki, congratulations and I hope you have a lifetime of wonderful moments together. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day.

by Sarah McCoy

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3 years

Thursday, October 22, 2009 Posted in Personal

I have so much blogging to catch up on so if you’re waiting to see your event, thanks for being patient. I’m plugging along.

I’ll leave you with a series from a wedding three years ago

Happy Anniversary Michael.

by Sarah McCoy

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Bilotta Family

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Posted in Family

Earlier this month I headed down to the CT shore for some photos with the Bilotta family. We had a great time on the beach and, then, the neighboring park. Here are a few of my favorites.

by Sarah McCoy

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Married: Daryl + Heather

Saturday, October 3, 2009 Posted in Wedding

Before I head off to Chris and Kallie’s wedding today I want to share with you the photos from Daryl and Heather’s wedding last weekend. Wow. They had a perfect day to celebrate their love which has been growing for nearly half their lives already. Heather and Daryl met when she was in 8th grade and he in 6th. A lot has changed between then and now but not how they feel about each other. Graham and I had such a great time watching them float through the day- so happy to be with each other.

Leah from It's So Ranunculus did up the flowers.

So pretty.

While I was with the girls, Graham was with the guys. Here's Daryl going over his vows.

Leah's sister and hairdresser extraordinaire Rianne Miner-Garrett did Heather's hair.

Just checking herself out. It's okay to smile, Heather. You looked GREAT!

Heather and Daryl opted for a first look (which I LOVE). We put Daryl on the beach and had Heather walk up to him.

You couldn't wipe that smile off his face.

Taking it all in

By doing a first look Heather and Daryl were able to have more time for portraits before the ceremony and then enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.

These last two are both Graham's.

Here's my view.

The bridal party was so great. Heather and Daryl, you obviously have a TON of friends who really care about you.

Yeah, she's beautiful.

Another one from Graham.

We were walking off the beach to head to the ceremony when Graham and I both turned and saw this fabulous light. I asked Heather + Daryl were up for a few more sitting in the sand. They were all for it

Time to make it official

At the beginning of the ceremony the mic went out so not many people could hear their vows. I really liked that it worked out that way because the promises they made and the love they share is just between them.

Often my favorite moment of an entire wedding day is the split second after the bride and groom kiss. It's this rush of emotion where everything begins to sink in.

Graham got this awesome moment during the first dance.

Here are my takes.

Instead of a guest book Heather and Daryl had a mini-surfboard that everyone signed. It was so fitting.

Towards the end of the night Graham and I took Heather and Daryl out for a few more night beach shots. I love this one that Graham got.

On his way to get the garter

Thank you guys for a wonderful day. Your wedding was beautiful and it was an honor to be a part of it.

by Sarah McCoy

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Married: Craig + Katy

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Posted in Wedding

I had been waiting for this wedding ALL year. When I first met these two I could tell in an instant that they were so in love. And, Craig and I bonded over fantasy baseball Yes, I was really looking forward to this wedding. Well, their wedding was last Saturday and, let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Craig and Katy had a beautiful day celebrating at The Bond (which, might I had, is a simply divine place with a WONDERFUL staff) with their friends and family. Plus, we did their portraits at City Hall in Hartford which was SO cool.

Thanks guys for a wonderful day and to Natalie for joining me on this one.

Leah from It's So Ranunculus in Marlborough ROCKED the flowers!

I just loved Katy's mom and all the emotions running throughout the day. Here she is seeing her daughter in her dress.

Almost ready.

The handoff.

I just loved all the looks Katy kept stealing throughout the ceremony.

There was some awesome light coming in the church on Craig's dad and step-mom.

Come on! Her mom was so cute the whole day.

Right after the ceremony Craig and Katy hid away to soak it all in. I stole this shot from the side door.

Then all their friends came to celebrate properly...with a high five

After the ceremony it was off to City Hall where every inch was pristine and regal.

I don't normally post my formal portraits but I thought I'd share this one. Katy's five bridesmaids were all friends from high school. How great is it they've stayed in touch and now serve in each of their weddings.

While I was on ground level, Natalie headed upstairs for a bird's eye perspective.

Mine is on the left. Natalie's view is on the right.

Craig couldn't be happier

Again, mine on the left, Natalie's on the right.

Craig and Katy both work at Traveler's so we had to walk over and grab a shot by the iconic umbrella.

Natalie was ON FIRE on Saturday. This one is hers too.

The happy couple shared a little kiss just before they were announced into their reception.

Their first dance as husband and wife

Katy and her dad share a hug after his toast.

A few details.

Love the emotion between Katy and her dad as they dance.

Everyone hit the dance floor hard. Including one gentleman who had a whole routine to Livin' on a Prayer (top right).

by Sarah McCoy

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Engaged: Daryl + Heather

Friday, September 18, 2009 Posted in Engagements

Almost all of my business comes from word of mouth. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of my past clients when they tell their friend/sibling/coworker/etc. about me and what I do. In the last few years I’ve had the absolute pleasure of photographing the weddings and engagements of several East Hampton couples. Heather and Daryl are one of these couples and will be married in about a week:) Before their Big Day Graham and I went out to photograph them on their property. We had a beautiful evening and, hello, they live on a Christmas tree farm so the photo opportunities were limitless!

The ring.

There must be something in the water in East Hampton because all of the couples I've photographed have been high school sweethearts. Heather and Daryl take it a little further as this was the rock where they wound go and make out in middle school!!!

I LOVE Graham's take on the scene.

This one is Graham's.

Earlier this year a fire damaged about an acre of the property. This truck was pretty burnt up but the front provided an awesome spot for photos.

Here's Graham's.

The awesome part about doing the shoot on their property was how personal everything was. Here are their initials carved into a tree.

Heather has some KILLER blue eyes. My take is on the left, Graham on the right.

They also have a pond!

I love Heather's expression that Graham's caught.

As the sun went down we took a few of them chilling on the hammock.

And we had to get one family picture before we left. Drake and Roxy are like their children

Thanks for showing us a great time and we can’t wait for your beach wedding next week!

by Sarah McCoy

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Married: Andrew + Elizabeth

Friday, September 18, 2009 Posted in Wedding

These two got married on a perfect day over Labor Day weekend at the Lounsbury House. Their closest friends and family gathered to celebrate in the marriage of college sweethearts. Andrew and Elizabeth met at UConn and, since then, they’ve become inseparable. It was so touching to watch how sweet they are to one another and share in their love.

Thanks for having me.
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The finishing touches.

Andrew and Elizabeth opted to have a first look (which I love!) so we had plenty of time for portraits before the ceremony.

The girls.

The guys looking daper.

One of the two flower girls playing hide and go seek. I could have spent my whole day shooting these cuties!

I loved watching the emotions between Andrew and his dad.

Flower girls!

Elizabeth couldn't wait to marry her best friend.

Time to celebrate!

I call this one "Unwilling Dance Partner."

Andrew's sister, on the right, is getting married next year

A few details.

The cake cutting with Elizabeth's brother-in-law looking on makes me laugh

Andrew and his mom.

No one was safe from the best man on the dance floor!

by Sarah McCoy

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Vacation

Saturday, August 29, 2009 Posted in Personal

Michael and I got back from vacation on Sunday after a great week in Asheville, NC and the surrounding area. We did a little hiking, a little exploring and A LOT of driving. About 13 hours to get there and hours more on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Part of the reason we wanted to see the area was to determine wether or not this is a place we want to live. After spending a week there I can say that it’s still in the running

A deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mom and Dad at the Biltmore Estates.

Biltmore on the left, Greenville, SC on the right.

Mom exploring the cave at Chimney Rock Park.

Now, I'm all for good for but Michael took it to a ridiculous level this trip. He desperately wanted to go to Lexington, NC for barbecue so one day we made the 2.5 hour trip there. Ate at one place. Then basically killed time for a couple hours waiting to get hungry again. We went to Lexington Barbecue for dinner that night. Then drove 2.5 hours home.

Nothing amazing about this photo except have you ever seen a police with a rifle on the side of a highway? He was watching over a crew that was picking up litter.

As went got closer to Great Smokey Mountain National Park the air got a little foggier.

So foggy that this was our view from the highest peak.

On the way out of the park we ran into this guy.

And this guy who was munching on some grass by the side of the road. Thankfully we were in our car when we saw him.

by Sarah McCoy

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