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December, 2010:

Gerry and Beth’s winter wedding

Dec 30th, 2010
by kpikephoto.
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On their way out of town, Gerry and Beth sent an email to their family: “We’re going to Vermont to get married!” And they did.. directly to the Mountain Top Inn and Resort to exchange their wedding vows on December 11th. Thankfully, they called me a few weeks earlier and I was there to document their little elopement.

And, on a crisp (code for chilly!) winter day, Gerry and Beth became husband and wife, complete with a mitten for two, a tobbogan ride in gown and tuxedo and a nice romantic horse and sleigh ride around the property.

I wish I could have had this blogged by Christmas for them, but at least I’m squeezing it into 2010. This is a fun little slide show to Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone’s version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. I hope you enjoy it. Congratulations, Gerry and Beth!!

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Puppy Adoptions

Dec 12th, 2010
by kpikephoto.
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Once or twice a month at Animal Crackers in South Burlington, a van load of puppies arrive for Throwaway Pups Puppy Adoption Day. I stopped by yesterday’s event and wanted to leave with every single puppy. Throwaway Pups is an Upstate New York based organization that rescues dogs from all over the country, with the majority coming from North and South Carolina. They will be back at Animal Crackers with another load of puppies next Saturday, December 18. If you’re thinking about adopting a pup, come on by and say hello. For more information, visit their great website!

The Proposal

Dec 12th, 2010
by kpikephoto.
7 comments

Love was SO in the air Saturday for Steve and Jenn, who I met in City Hall Park for what Jenn thought was a little couples portrait session arranged by her boyfriend.

In reality, Steve had called me last week and said that he planned to propose marriage during this portrait session, on their favorite bench where they often sit. That was the real reason for me to be there.

SO, after our hellos and and a few pictures, I pulled back with a long lens and told them to just be themselves. Steve knew I was giving him the opportunity to do his thing! Within a couple of minutes, he reached into his jacket pocket, went down on one knee and presented Jenn with the ring. She looked stunned. I think she was so overwhelmed, that she wasn’t sure what was happening. But then came the smiles and the hugs and kisses and the all important word… Yes!

After the big event, we did a few more portraits and then I followed them as they walked up Church Street to their favorite spot for a latte-Starbucks! (no, folks, I did not orchestrate that, but I do know that Jenn is a Starbucks enthusiast and I had a feeling they might head there!) I asked Jenn if I should pitch the photos to Starbucks.com and she said that would be like her dream! I’ll try! At least I might be able to get them some free coffee!

Congratulations, Jenn and Steve!!! Enjoy this slideshow (to “When You Know” by Shawn Colvin) I hope I get to photograph the wedding!!! :)

Lorenzo and Jonathan’s North Hero wedding

Dec 6th, 2010
by kpikephoto.
2 comments

Lorenzo and Jonathan traveled to Vermont from Atlanta, Georgia this fall, to get married at the North Hero House. It was just them and their two dear friends, Sara and Paul. Sara was the witness and Paul officiated.

As we worked out the logistics, I spoke several times to Lorenzo on the phone (loving his rich Italian accent) and twice to Jonathan (loving his thick Southern accent) but I looked forward to meeting them when they arrived in Vermont.
My jaw dropped when these two gorgeous men walked into my studio. They are both well over six feet and all legs. It was like Tommy Tune and his brother had come to visit me!

They planned to each wear a full tux with tails and I couldn’t wait to do portraits of them in North Hero, set against the gorgeous Vermont foliage. The day was pure New England magic: the sun was shining, the October color was peaking and Lake Champlain created the perfect backdrop for this lovely late afternoon celebration.

After the ceremony, short and SO sweet, we chased the sun, now setting on the west side of the Island, to take some more portraits and drink champagne.

I adore these men, so beautiful inside and out, and am happy to have them here as my last wedding post of the season.

Bald and Beautiful

Dec 6th, 2010
by kpikephoto.
3 comments

An old acquaintance called me recently to have some new family portraits taken. I hadn’t heard from her in a while, so I asked what she’d been up to and the answer was the one you hate to hear: Breast Cancer.

Suzanne has spent the last year dealing with Chemo and radiation and holding it together for her family. And the portraits were to celebrate her completion of treatment, her clean bill of health and her Sinead O’Connor hair style!

We had a great afternoon in the studio and I just have to show a few of them here because she’s so beautiful. Congratulations, Suzanne. I hope these pictures always remind you of how strong and courageous you are.