Senior Shoot: Fabulous Anastasia

This girl is a dream.

She's got so much going for her, and I'm sure that the most amazing things that life can only bring are ahead. Being around her awakens a wide range of the most sincere emotions in me, and filling me up with joy from top to bottom :) I love her to pieces.
Well, she's got it all. See?!

My absolute FAVORITE!

p.s. She's got plenty of space under her umbrella, too! :)

Chip+Cristina: Wedding

Last Saturday I had a pleasure of second shooting a gorgeous wedding for our dear friend Brittany Blando of BKB Photography. It was an outdoor event that took place at The Commandants House in the historic Navy Yard in Charlestown. Amazing couple + awesome location + cool guests: what more can we ask for??? :) I love my job!!! Well, without a further adieu, I give you their special day!

The Gang

Handsome, right!

Beautiful Cristina

The couple chose to see each other before the ceremony. So much in love ...

A moment right after the ceremony.
They took their time to absorb what had just happened, it was such an amazing unscripted moment.

These girls were the life of the party!

And last but not least: Yours truly with the awesome Brittany Blando.
Thank you honey for inviting me and I am looking forward to the next one!

Meet Tatiana and Nicole: Our Nieces -The Beauty Queens!

Couple of weeks ago we had this joyous family session with a special agenda - to capture some really cool images for our parents. Guess what - the mission was successfully accomplished. Our wall prints quickly transported to Russia, and found a great home in Moscow, where they will continuously warm our parents’ hearts until the moment we are all, finally, together. Here. Soon... :)

Here is Tatiana

and Nicole

the whole family

As you can see, DiDi didn't surprise - as usual, she managed to find a new friend whom she spent some quality time with :)

Cousins!

Jim+Abigail: Engaged and very ready to get married! :)

This delightful couple drove all the way from Vermont to meet with us, discuss upcoming wedding details and simply enjoy a night out in Beantown. And that's exactly what we did! First, yummy Italian dinner in Bertucci's, and then a nice stroll in Public Garden then the streets of Beacon Hill.
Good times :)

Jim recently got a job as a 911 operator, so I was sitting listening to his stories with my mouth open...talk about that constant doze of adrenalin :)
I can't wait for their wedding! Vermont, get ready for Team Yu :)))

Here are some of our favorites:

The Boston Brooklyn Bridge

A couple of beautiful portraits

Some cool geometry

Sorry, but we just had to ride the duckies ;)

Feeling totally at home (on Beacon Hill that is)

We lost them for a little and look where we found them ;)

Abbi and Jim: Thank you so much, guys, for coming, and we are looking forward to good (no, great) times in Vermont!

p.s. this anticipation of meeting Jim's twin brother and bring my creative ideas into life is killing me :) You know what I mean :) hehehe

Family Shoot!

There is nothing more powerful in life than this strong feeling of unity within a family, a cloud of pure harmony, a strong bond...and oceans of unconditional love. I was drowning in it :)

At least for an afternoon that I spent with Betina and her charming family. These kids...If you know my love for kids, you'll understand.
Truly, if they were my neighbors, I'd have them over all the time. I simply fell in love with this family.
Let me tell you, while I was editing hundreds of images from the session, I couldn't stop smiling.
I was overwhelmed by some kind of new feeling, a new shade (if I may say so) of happiness for Betina.
To have a family like that is the best gift one could only get in life. Precious.
Ok, moving on to the pictures :) Enjoy!

Check out the slideshow:




If you are fun, have little ones, love pictures and want to get together with me for some fun under the sun, call or e-mail me!
I'd love to meet you and be covered up with love and laughter again!

Chirag+Anita: The Big Day!

It is finally here in all of its magnificence!!! :)

I've decided to include little stories with a quick explanation of the rituals in these images for all of you who are getting introduced to the incredible world of Indian culture for the first time (I know I was and many of my friends will be)
*all the info is taken from the booklet that Chirag and Anita prepared for their guests

Baraat, the wedding procession, traditionally begins at the groom's home and ends at the bride's home to symbolize the start of the wedding.

Chirag was thinking he'd arrive on a white horse, but instead he got a much bigger "horse" with a biiiig trunk :))))) Surprise from Anita!!! Can you believe that Anita was able to keep her secret plan from everyone for quite a long time!? Here is Chirag seeing his big ride!

The procession was so loud, joyous and colorful, that I think everyone in the area could hear it (and regular hotel guests kept stopping in admiration) Anita was spying from the 10th floor :)

Moments before the ceremony

Indian culture celebrates marriage as a sacrament, a rite enabling two individuals to start their journey in life together. According to Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred life long commitment between a man and a woman. Throughout the ceremony, the pandit (priest) chants prayers in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language, and the ceremony is performed under a decorated canopy (mandap). The four pillars which support it represent the four parents of the couple, without whose support, love and blessings the marriage would not have come to take place. It is within the mandap that a new life will begin and the families will continue their role as caring guides.

Anita is escorted to the mandap by her brother and her maternal uncle.

Prior to her entering a white cloth (antarpat) was held around Chirag so that he couldn't see her. After the traditional poem was performed, the antarpat was removed and the couple got a chance to see each other for the 1st time!

During the reception

First dance

I know that this wedding will stay in our memories forever, and we wish Chirag&Anita a lifetime of happiness and unforgettable moments together, every step of the way!