This past Tuesday was the last day of the FLASH! program that I've been running for the past month. When Waterford Youth Services Bureau asked if I would be interested in doing a photography program for the middle school kids, I immediately said "YES!"
Over the past few weeks we went over a little bit of everything; portraits, lighting, nature photography, still life, movement. And when I say these kids did an amazing job, I mean they did an AMAZING job! I am so proud of all the photographs they took (all 2,000+ photos!) and I'm so proud to be able to say I taught them a little bit more than how to take a good "facebook profile photo".
Here is a short video of all the great photographs they took... I wish I could share all 2,000 images with you, but we'd be here for hours!
A huge thanks to Waterford Youth Services Bureau, the families, and friends who made this program possible. We couldn't have done this without out... And I hope to do it again!
It's here at last- part two of Michelle and Rick's wedding!
We took a few portraits at the church before heading to Harkness Memorial State Park for portraits and group shots.
I absolutely looove these next three photograph that Katie took!
The beautiful bride, in the "I'm married!!!" bliss.
Michelle's mom watching as we did formal portraits... Another amazing shot by Katie!
And then it was onto Harkness... With some an amazing group, and some amazing light!
"Okay, everyone... JUMP!"
Hellooooooo stunning!
I'm honestly dying, absolutely DYING at how gorgeous this came out.
The rest of the bridal party headed to the cocktail hour, and I had some time to get some great, intimate portraits with just Michelle and Rick just as the sun was starting to set.
I love this set- the location, the light, the perfect couple... Yes, it was just perfect.
I swear, this girl KNOWS how to work the camera.
This is the view we had as we were leaving Harkness... It was amazing, and it totally reminded me of the opening sequence of "The Lion King".
After portraits, we all headed to the Hilton in Mystic for the reception where the party totally rocked all night long.
I have this saying at every wedding I photographing; "It's not a Happenstance wedding till Karen cries."
Yes, I had tears all night long. And no, I'm not ashamed!
Michelle and Rick's first dance was absolutely breath taking...
And it ended with a dip, sealed with a kiss.
I absolutely love Michelle's parents!
The father daughter dance... Again there were tears, both with the duo and myself (and the rest of the guests!).
And let the dancing begin!!!
The one thing Rick requested for the wedding was a cigar bar... So they had the Connecticut Cigar Company come and make hand made cigars. By far one of the coolest things I've seen at a wedding!
And then... The garter toss. It started out just like any other wedding; groom takes off the garter, bride tossed the bouquet, groom tosses the garter...
... but there is only one Jonathan Skalski in this world. And Jonathan performed the BEST garter placement I have EVER seen at a wedding! I don't think anything will ever top this!
(Garters also make for great headbands.)
And at the end of the night... All you need is love.
Michelle and Rick... Thank you SO much for having me at your wedding! I had such a wonderful time, and I wish you two many, many years of love and joy! I know this is a night you two will never forget.
As always... leave these two some (newlywed!) love!
