We then headed out to the train station in Westfield, NJ. We are very familiar with this town and have shot there before, but never shot in the walkway under the train. I thought it would be cool to have some fun with lighting and flashes by bouncing it around in this narrow space. As you may have guessed, people were walking through and thought we were super crazy cool. You might be reading this thinking that this part of the evening is work since we were taking pictures, but honestly Paul and I have so much fun doing this. We experiment with different lighting techniques, do crazy fun poses, poke fun at each other and just have a good time.

Once our fingers were feeling frozen, we wrapped up our shooting and closed out the “work” part of the night. Nothing says pure enjoyment like ice cream (I know it was really cold, but its never too cold for ice cream), so Paul and I split a giant sundae at Cold Stone Creamery. It was delish and worth every calorie.

When I first started getting involved with photography and helping Paul on shoots, he would always take me out afterwards. He wanted to make sure that we would also be connecting during our time spent together, besides just working. So we like to keep up with that tradition and take time for foster our friendship and love for each other… over ice cream of course.

*Carolyn

In each of these photos we placed one or two flashes behind the subject (Paul or myself) so we got some nice rim light around each of us, while the light is also spreading over around the walkway and bouncing back to illuminate the front of us.

My kick is better than Paul’s, ha!

Just having some fun with those flashes!

*Carolyn

This is a shot of the model lighting set up we use to get some really dynamic and cool looking images.

Francis doing a fabulous job second shooting in my absence.

The model lighting setup is great for a groom and his groomsmen. When used correctly, it makes them look super tough.

This shows the behind the scenes of one of the winning photos from our photo contest! When this photo was taken it was very windy. And that lighting set up, while it looks big, does not have much more than a light on the inside. That means the whole thing pretty much acts like a sail, so it is really important that there are two of us so that one person can hold it still. I am so impressed with Francis here because he is holding it and shooting at the same time. That ain’t easy. It usually takes me two hands. Nice job, Francis!

Paul chatting with the priest before Julia and Rich‘s ceremony. He always likes to introduce himself and be sure that he knows what kind of regulations there may be to ensure we are being completely respectful throughout the ceremony.

This wedding happened to be for a friend, so I got to wear my fun party dress

Gotta make sure we capture that dress in all its glory.

Paul climbed through that brush you see behind him to stand on the ledge in front of a dam (the bridal party is at the bottom of the dam). Everyone had a lot of fun being there. Thanks, Francis for capturing this moment!

Francis got this awesome silhouette of Paul shooting the bride and groom using the model light at Washington Rock State Park.

These next couple are from some engagement style shoots…. here we are testing out that back lighting.

Carolyn: a.k.a. the oh-so-mobile human flash stand.

Paul often uses me as model to test the light before we bring out the bride, that way the photos go quickly.

As you can see, I’ve gotten used to it. Now I just enjoy it and do different poses as he dials in the light. I think I look cool. Side note: do you like my boots? I bought and returned several pairs of boots before settling on these in my quest for the perfect flat boot. Paul thinks I’m crazy, but I know you ladies out there can relate!

Paul is using a reflector to bounce the light streaming through the window. This results in perfect soft flattering light on the bride.

Showing Jo, a bridesmaid, how to show her sassy side.

Christina and Cole were all for taking pictures outside despite the cold weather. We made sure to move quickly and keep her covered with that beautiful wrap as much as possible.

Check out Cole (the groom)’s face! This is possibly my favorite behind the scenes shot because Paul did not even realize that he captured this moment until afterwards – The groom is attempting to help his bride with her veil, utterly confused, until I jump in to save him. ha!

Every time Paul came near this little boy he would pose and then immediately ask to see the picture. He was too cute. Of course, he reminded us of our little boy who was at home with Grandma and Grandpa.

Every year when I ask Paul what he wants for Christmas he responds “Peace on Earth.” Does that mean as long as we have this ornament hanging on the tree that I’m off the hook? Eh.

This is what Christmas looks like with a one year old: a safety gate around the tree… its that or a toppled over tree.

I love this season! May it be filled with Peace and Joy.

*Carolyn

So we celebrated one year of his life. One year of adjustment, confusion, lack of sleep, snuggles, laughs, wonderment, and joy. Paul looked at me and said We did it, we’re parents. Not that we weren’t on the day of his birth, and even though we did not complete any particular task, there is a sense of accomplishment. We did something together successfully. And that helps bond us and build our marriage. We don’t always agree on the best method in each little area of taking care of our child, but we sort it out together. On a good day, we allow the love we have for each other to keep us calm and open to the others ideas. To fight the urge inside to shout Can’t you see my way is clearly better! My way! Yes, humility is difficult,  which is why I don’t always do it perfectly. But I really believe the times that we have been humble have made us grow so much.  I’ve also realized that as much as I adore that little boy, my husband comes first. And the best thing I can do for my family is to love my husband with all I have in me. When bumps come in the road – we disagree, we’re having trouble with something, we’re exhausted – I try to remember we love each other, we both love our son and want what’s best for him, so we can work together. I try to look at myself honestly and figure out what is going on with me and if there is something I need to do about it. Usually I need to communicate more clearly and lovingly to Paul… or very often I realize I need to compromise or let go. In that one little year of this boy’s life, I have learned so much. Thank you little Leo for helping me be a better wife and a better person, I love you, and happy birthday!

*Carolyn

ps. If you missed it, click here to read about the day Leo was born.

pps. I thought this delicious piece of birthday cake would be Leo’s first taste of sugar, or any processed food for that matter. Paul knew it wouldn’t be. So I was wrong. And I’m OK with that.

It’s not 50/50. But that’s what we always hear, so then what is it? On our wedding day the priest who spoke said (I’m paraphrasing) It’s not 50/50, its 100/100. Each person is called to give 100%, to give their entire self to their spouse. To give all that they have, regardless of how much they get in return. That’s what makes marriage work. We can’t give half and expect the other to give half. When we approach marriage as 50/50 we’re saying I’ll do my part and you’ll do yours, BUT if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain then why should I? That might sound OK until you hear the alternative, because really that’s not very romantic. The alternative is when we approach marriage as 100/100 we’re saying I’ll give you everything I have, I’ll give until I have nothing left, even when you don’t or can’t give in return. We’re saying I’ll love you unconditionally. I’ll love you all the days of my life. That’s romance. And that’s marriage. It’s like in the movie The Notebook when her husband gives up his whole life to help his wife in the hope that one day her amnesia may be cured and he might remember her! Ah! Don’t tell me you didn’t cry! Ok sorry for that girly moment, moving on…

I try to remind myself of this as often as I can: Marriage is not 50/50, its 100/100. Marriage is not 50/50, its 100/100. Because the truth is, as romantic as it is, it can be difficult to implement in the real world. I do something special for Paul and deep down I’m resentful that he doesn’t give something back in return, then I try to remember its not 50/50, its 100/100. When I take care of the baby all day and clean the house but don’t get a hand, not 50/50,  100/100. I have to give 100%, I can’t give only when I’m receiving. If I only give when I receive, what does that make my giving? That makes it a trade. Love is not a trade, its a gift. We trade with people we don’t care for. We give to those we love. Then there are other days where I barely get a shower in and I have to tell Paul there is nothing for dinner, and he isn’t bothered at all (or at least he pretends) and he willingly makes dinner, puts the baby to bed, and lets me pick a movie. And on those days I am so happy that marriage is not 50/50, because I would not be holding up my end of the bargain. I don’t love Paul because he mows the lawn and takes out the garbage, and I sure hope he doesn’t love me because I do laundry. I love Paul because of who he is, because of his heart. And I know he loves me because of all the things that make me me. Marriage is not a trading of services, marriage is a free exchange of love, no strings attached. It’s giving 100%, without counting the cost. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really not so good at this. Notice how I don’t have too many personal stories here? We’re all a work in progress. So I say my mantra and do my best to love unconditionally… and I try to be patient with myself.

*Carolyn

ps – do you have a story to share about you or your significant other giving your relationship 100%? I know people are shy about commenting thinking they look like stalkers or something (which you totally do not) especially about something personal, but I genuinely would love to hear your love stories. It inspires others (me!) to love more.

We got together with his cousin to do some trick-or-treating. Here is Leo as a monkey, and Jake as a Firefighter.

Even though they are a bit young for trick-or-treating, we decided to surprise a friend who lives in the area. Paul and our sister-in-law, Esther, rang the doorbell and tried to hide. As you can see Julia was pleasantly surprised by this little monkey and fireman.

I loved their costumes, and think this was a GREAT Halloween moment. But I do think the best costume award has to go to the random guy we drove past in a giant Elmo costume. That was pretty cool. What was the best costume or Halloween moment you saw or experienced this year?

*Carolyn

This was our son, Leo’s, first plane ride. My first plane ride was to our honeymoon destination. He’s way ahead of me. In this photo he’s enjoying the vents blowing air into his face.

Leo and I had spent a good portion of the night of Meredith and Kevin’s wedding day in our hotel room while Paul was taking pictures at the wedding. So the next day we wanted to do something he would really like, so we took him to the ZooQuarium. He LOVED the animals.

Leo loves to babble, and one of his favorite “words” is OOOO, just like the owl who he said it to.

The next night we headed over to Hyannis and took a sunset boat ride. It was so beautiful and romantic. Our captain pointed out to us the Kennedy Compound, next to the Old Navy-Gap-Banana Republic owner’s mansion.

The following day we watched the sunset in another special place, on the looooooong pier at Gray’s beach. This very long pier went way out over the marshland and water. It was be-au-ti-ful. Probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

I just felt like I was in a painting…

Leo and I saying OOOOOO!

Leo loves kisses.

And poking people in the eye.

I love my guys. But this made me so nervous! I guess its a guy thing.

The next day we ventured over to Plymouth to see the Plymouth Rock. This is me with THE rock, I felt cool.

Right near the rock was the Mayflower II, a replica of the real deal. They used the original plans to build it and actually sailed it across the ocean from England. I’m not a big history buff, but I thought that was really interesting. Though my favorite part was probably the actors they had on board who spoke with accents and dressed the part too.

Thank you Meredith and Kevin for the opportunity to visit this beautiful area and to be a part of your wonderful wedding.

*Carolyn

We had the pleasure of taking maternity and newborn pictures for their family. We haven’t done much maternity and baby photography in a while since we’ve been busy with weddings, but we always like to honor family by squeezing them in, even if its just for a mini photo shoot. We were able to photograph Paul’s sister Jeanine (see the resemblance?), and her baby Caleb in short sessions before and after family gatherings. Congratulations Jeanine & Steve!

Paul climbed the tree for these. I just love the flowers surrounding them.

Jeanine, you are such a beautiful pregnant woman. Paul added that soft warm glow that looks like the sun setting… it’s actually a flash he mounted in the tree with a tinted gel over it, pretty cool, huh?

This little guy loved his baby brother before he was even born.

And just a month or so later Jeanine, Steve and their boys welcomed Caleb John to the world.

He’s silly already…

Mommy-baby love.

Once we finished the pictures, Paul and Leo had a little fun on the swing set. Though, I think Paul is having enough fun for the both of them…

Congratulations Jeanine and Steve, you have a beautiful family! What a gift it is to watch it grow. Leave some love for Jeanine, Steve, Caleb and the boys in the comment box below.

*Carolyn

*Carolyn

*Carolyn