PUG Retreat

Okay, so here's the anticpated expanded explanation for why I haven't been able to answer calls and emails the past couple days. I partook in a retreat hosted by Amanda of Orchard Cove Photography up route 8 and into Massachusetts. Many PUG (Pictage Users Group) members escaped with me. I met a lot of new faces and saw some familiar ones as well.

There was a bit of a green theme for the retreat. In addition to bathing in the lake and recycling all of the many bottles, God's creation was reused as decoration in the rec. room:

Throughout the two days we were reminded that our green decisions help our trees to stay green:

Ooooo.... Here's a fun game. Let's play "name the desert". First stalker to guess the two fruits used in this desert (before it was eaten) will receive a personal email from me.

What reminds me of childhood more than croquet mallets? Right up there with Commodore computers and Mr. Wizard.

The following three I got to know quite a bit better during the retreat.

Jake

Nikki

Fred

I was traveling back towards Milford on the way home and I had to kill a little time. Beatification or futile effort? What do you think?

"I do, I do, I do, I do"

What does a Catholic ceremony, a Hindu ceremony, and a Justice of the Peace ceremony have in common? Answer: I had the opportunity to photograph all three for Melissa and Roshan yesterday. In fact, they were actually married 4 times yesterday, but that's a whole nother story. (I've never seen two people wear so many outfits in one day!) Kathy Nemec-Lucas helped to photograph the day. (If you are looking for a newborn/children's photographer, check out Kathy's site!) The landscape at Jonathan Edwards Winery was gorgeous. Melissa and Roshan are both laid back yet they each had plenty of energy, so it was a joy to photograph their day. Congratulations, Melissa and Roshan!

Wedding with Erik Maziarz

I had the opportunity to 2nd shoot for Erik Maziarz last week. He told me early on that he wanted me to focus mostly on details and candids. While Erik did a great job of capturing all of the high-pressure shots, I was able to waltz around and take a little more time on the details. I love 2nd shooting! BTW, if you have time, check out Erik's blog to see pictures of new baby Caroline-- you won't be disappointed!

Denise and Stephen

Denise and Stephen's wedding at Mount Ridge in Wallingford included two jr. bridesmaids and flower girl Alley-- isn't she a cutie? I'm a big fan of sand ceremonies. It seems that something unexpected usually happens during the alternating pours that creates fun candids. I recommend Mount Ridge for anyone who is looking for a large reception hall. It seems that it is somewhat of a hidden gem; if anyone can find the Mount Ridge website, I'll link it up and you get 8 bonus points. The Best Man made a comment that Stephen was the most level-headed man he has ever known (quote not exact). From my brief time with Denise and Stephen, it seems true. And I haven't encountered a bride more level-headed on her wedding day than Denise, so this seems to be a match made in Heaven. Good luck, Denise and Stephen!

Following photo taken by Mark Stanczak:

Following photo taken by Mark Stanczak:

Following photo taken by Mark Stanczak: