A "small" update Part I

My deepest thanks to Audra Photography for getting me some new head shots and some amazing shots of my children. We have just hit birthday season. All my children's birthdays are within six weeks of each other, Thomas' being July 11 till Izze's that is September 3. We did one huge birthday for all four, it was a Princess/Knights in Shining Armor Party. It was a huge success to have all the kids friends over at once. We had lots of dress up to be princesses and Knights and then had the photo booth for a favor. We also did a pinata! It was a great time had by all. Then on their "true" birthday it is just our close family and the our new tradition: cake for breakfast. So here are some fun photo booth pictures from the party, and their 2009 portraits courtesy of Audra Photography

July 10th~ my baby sister gets married!

It is always an honor to be apart of some one's wedding day. To have someone trust you so completely, and allow you to be apart of one of the most important days of their lives. I am always a little awed and humbled to witness countless vows and see families and friends celebrate the love of two people. I am always asked if I cry at people's weddings, and I do.
So when my baby sister called to say she was engaged, I was overjoyed! One, it's my baby sister and two, I adore her now husband Elliott. When thinking about her vision she wanted an evening wedding and gold and brown color. Very elegant and very simple. We discussed locations and she decided on The Retreat at French's Point. She wanted a dusk ceremony so we did a late evening wedding with cocktail and dancing. Michelle did not want anything really traditional, EXCEPT the first dance with Elliot and our Dad and bouquet toss. It is really hard to mix work and family but Michelle and I made it through with flying colors. It was a challenge because I was IN the wedding along with three of my four children. Jessika, the CEO of the Retreat was great at reminding me I was in the wedding too. I was of course the last to get my hair done and into my dress. I also did the centerpieces and the flowers. It was a long day but such an honor to help my sister. It is rare that you get to help someone with your occupation.
Michelle really wanted to treat her guests, so she did a candy buffet, the photo booth (my wedding gift) and rock blessings. She looked amazing as did our Mom and Dad. If you are wondering if I cried the answer is....OF COURSE!!!
Here are a few sneak peaks courtesy of Audra Photography.

Venue- The Retreat at French's Point
Photography- Audra Photography
Music- Bob Wilson (DJ extraordinaire!!)
Flowers- Sweetest Thing Floral Design
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co.

Christina & Fielder Part II

As the old adage says, "a picture is worth a thousand words" and thanks to Mark McCall that is so true, Thanks Mark for the lovely photos!

Christina & Fielder

There is once in a while that you get to work with a couple that is so much fun and likable that you are sad when the wedding is over. It must be something about my May brides. Last year it was Josh and Jenn and this year Christina and Fielder. This couple was a true joy! Christina and I would often chat only for a few minutes about the wedding and then chit chat about life, work and how we could rule the world! It was important that she and her guests had fun! The Rehearsal was at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor and Catered by Mainely Meats, an incredible BBQ restaurant. So good that I know for a fact one vegetarian gave up their ways for the pulled pork.
Christina's goal was to create a beautiful garden wedding with a fun, preppy feel and with the greens and pinks along with accents of polka dots it was accomplished.
Christina looked amazing. Her dress was fantastic and I had extreme shoe envy with her adorable red bottom Christian Louboutin shoes. In fact, I may have held them for a long time and may have kissed them...(I won't confirm or deny any shoe envy). But, I will say her shoe picture is my screen saver.

Her Cousin from Ireland came over to preform the ceremony and it was by far one of the sweetest and funniest I have ever heard. They danced the night away and I truly enjoyed my time with them. All in all it was a beautifully fun night, just what this couple deserves!

Venue- Asticou Inn, Northeast Harbor
Photographer- Mark McCall
Band- Shane Ellis and the Big D
Florist-Sweet Pea Gardens, Surry Maine
Photo Booth- Maine Photo Booth Co.
Linens- Bbj Linens
Dress- Carolina Herrera
Shoes- Christian Louboutin

Christy Murray is a Momma!!

Christy and I met at my Brother and Sister-in-law's wedding. She was new to the business but I could tell from her presence and her product she had an amazing eye and great business sense. We hit it off and worked together since. I was thrilled when she told me the news of her pregnancy. I looked forward to the message of the baby's arrival. When this arrived via email I must admit I squealed with excitement.

Dan and I would like to introduce you to our new little one - Cale Murray Carmody, born on March 31st at 1:22 AM weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

Here is our little bundle of joy. He is by far the hardest newborn I've ever photographed - perhaps because he would rather be held by me than photographed by me. We are going to have to work on that one! Here is one where he isn't screaming...

Congrats Christy and Dan, welcome to the new world of parenthood. Your life will never be the same.

~Stacey&Dave~ February 21, 2009

Stacey and Dave called me about getting married in June. They were looking to get married on the Mount Desert Island and planning was going well. Then Stacey called about moving the wedding up. Her Father was diagnosed with cancer. We worked on pushing it up to February. Since the Island is pretty much closed till May we looked at new venues. I have been wanting to work at the Retreat at French's Point since it opened. Stacey and Dave loved it and we were a go. Jessika the CEO of the Retreat was amazing and we were able to make the plans go fast and furious under the circumstances. I was sad to say that Stacey's Dad didn't make it to their wedding day. However, he gave his blessing and was excited about everything he was apart of in the planning process. The Day was beautiful and cold. Dave was wanted to have lots of photos outside and so Stacey decided to get some good old LL BEAN boots for the outdoor shots. The Band was, as always, AMAZING. The food was incredible and the atmosphere was fantastic. French's Point is an amazing venue, there staff was incredible. Stacey and Dave really wanted their guests to have a great time. They had a Photo Booth, candy buffet, and a sparkler send-off. The guest were laughing and dancing the night away. It was a blessed day and Stacey and Dave along with their family had an amazing night.

Venue: The Retreat at French's Point
Photographer: Audra Welton of Audra Photography
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Booth: Maine Photo Booth Co.
Band: Bob Charest Band

moments captured by Audra

Kari and Brock

Christy Murray just sent me these images from Kari and Brock's July wedding at the Ducktrap Retreat in Lincolnville, Maine. It was a beautiful day and things came out perfect. Kari looked amazing in her gown from the one and only Madeline's Daughter in New Hampshire. The color scheme was a green and black with a pop of pink from her pink Calla lilies that she held, her bouquet and centerpieces where designed by Chapel Hill in Bangor. Kari really struggled with what she wanted but soon fell in love with the button mum....so we made that the theme of the wedding...it was everywhere: pomander balls, on the candled covered mantle, and cake and even a bundle for each guest as the escort card.
Brock owes a construction company so the table numbers were of buildings numbers to pay homage to him. Kari and Brock wanted a rustic venue where Brock would feel comfortable. He wasn't a ballroom kind of guy, and yet still elegant and modern for Kari, who is a modern woman. Ducktrap brought those things together and was a perfect match. The guest had an amazing evening as did this amazing couple.