We are very happy to share another awesome entry from guest blogger, Darcy Lucas of Mission Fitness in Glastonbury, CT.  We hope you enjoy (and take to heart) her advice for putting some positive focus on your health during this crazy season!  If you are fortunate to live within a reasonable distance to try a bootcamp at Mission Fitness, I highly recommend!   In fact, most of us at the studio go – so call us up and we’ll go with you!!!  It is a tough season….. and you are only one workout away from a good mood!  (I think I read that on Darcy’s Facebook page once).

From Darcy….

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” ~Buddha

It is very easy to let yourself go over the holidays.  However, if you have a wedding coming up you have NO TIME to go backwards with your goals!  However, we all know the challenges of the Holiday Season.  Your schedule starts to fill up, you may have family or money stresses, there are temptations everywhere you turn, and the holiday spirit fills the air.  So many of us already have it in our heads, “I always put on a few pounds this time of year”.  What if we started to think differently?  What if we challenged ourselves to get through the holidays healthier and stronger than ever?  And we know with that we would also be stronger MENTALLY!  If you can get through this time of the year, you can most likely get through anytime.  Change your way of thinking and your mindset.  PICTURE yourself coming out of this season looking and feeling better than ever!  When you want to skip that workout or OVER indulge in the Holiday “cheer”, picture yourself walking down the aisle.  What do you want to feel like?  Look like?

So why not make it your challenge this season?  That does not mean you are not going to be able to ENJOY the season, or even indulge in the season.  Everything in moderation, and stay consistent with your workouts.  Here are some tips to stay healthy this season:

*FIND A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO GET ON BOARD WITH YOU.  HOLD EACHOTHER ACCOUNTABLE & SHARE TIPS, SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES  WITH ONE ANOTHER. HOW ABOUT A CONTEST WITH A NICE PRIZE AT THE END?  DO IT WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, OR MAKE EVERYONE AWARE OF YOUR GOALS. THAT WAY YOU WILL BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE ON THE SAME PAGE & WATCHING YOU!

*COMMIT TO A SCHEDULED FITNESS CLASS, PERSONAL TRAINING OR SPORTS TEAM.  JUST SIGNING UP FOR A GYM MEMBERSHIP DOES GURANTEE YOU WILL GO. 

*DRINK LOTS OF WATER.  OFTEN TIMES THE FEELING OF BEING “HUNGRY” IS MISTAKEN FOR BEING THIRSTY.  STAY HYDRATED FOR THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS, ALONG WITH STAYING FULL.

*DO NOT DENY YOURSELF OF THE FOOD YOU LOVE.  EAT IT IN MODERATION & TAKE TIME TO ENJOY IT.  INSTEAD OF A BIG PIECE OF CAKE, HAVE A FEW BITES!

*PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH PARTIES TO ATTEND.  YOU MAY GET A LOT OF INVITES THROUGH WORK AND FRIENDS.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND EVERY ONE.  CHOOSE WHICH ONES MEAN THE MOST TO YOU.

At mission FITNESS we have a family of clients who hold each other accountable to workouts.  If you miss your usual class, you will be sure to get a few inquiries, “where were you Sunday?”.  We also have a Weight Loss Contest coming soon.  This is a great way to be held accountable, and to gain support from the many others who surround you.

I love having a chance to shoot at some of the amazing farms in my area.  And, every once in a great while, we luck into a truck!    Today was one of those lucky days.  Yes, sometimes we make arrangements for these sorts of awesome props weeks ahead of time; but, today we had not.  This was just pure luck!  I could not have parked it in a better spot for lighting, etc.  Really, this was one of those shoots that just sort of felt like the whole universe was in harmony in making it perfect.  Mom didn’t want “posey” pics and these boys wanted to horse around a bit.  And, yes, there just HAPPENED to be a tire swing.  I came back a little dirty (as is common when I do a farm session) and happy.  Thanks to their Mom for wanting something a little more fun and laid back.  Your boys were amazing – and I LOVE the images.  They make me want to go hang a tire swing!!!!  Well, maybe in the Spring! 

It really can’t be said enough, how much I love my job!  Yes, I love everything about being inspired to pick up a camera and create an image.  Yes, I love weddings.  Yes, I love shooting families and babies.  BUT, beyond that, what I really love about my job is that as a photographer, I often become a family historian. And, in the case of Baby Lily, this is true as it was just a couple of years ago when I photographed her mother and father’s wedding.  Then, the most precious newborn session….. some sessions in between, and now,  unbelievably, it is already time for her first birthday!

Lily is a beautiful little girl – very mellow and sweet.  One must be a pretty mellow little person to allow their tiny bottom into a wicker bicycle basket!  Love how her feet stick out!  Thanks to my friend and neighboring business owner, Karen at So G Coffee (insert – BEST COFFEE EVER!!!!!) for letting us stop her in the middle of her bike ride to use this bike!!! 

Congratulations Lily and happy birthday!
 

WOW! Time flies. I feel like I just spent a wonderful time with Lauren and Jos on their wedding day and now I get to see their first born turn one!. I truly feel privileged to have had the opportunity to photograph Luke’s first year.

Happy Birthday Luke!!  You are one of the happiest babies we know!

LOVE this hat!

Nicole and Jeremy have an international love story.  It is story that really makes evident how we are all interconnected in some way.  Nicole’s high school friend went to Syracuse to study while Nicole went to Fordham.  Her friend decided to study abroad and was randomly placed with Jeremy as a roommate overseas.  Little did Nicole know that when she went to visit, she would meet her soul mate.  They started dating long distance and traveling back and forth every couple of weeks.  Then, after college, he got a job in Norwalk, CT while she went to nursing school in Fairfield, CT….. their circumstances gradually drawing them closer to the same geographic locale which brings us to their beautiful wedding day.

Nicole and Jeremy had a beautiful wedding day.  Their ceremony at St. James Church in Manchester incorporated some traditional Filipino customs which made their celebration unique.  We left St. James to go to The State Capital in downtown Hartford for formal photos.  Then, off to The Hartford Marriott Downtown for a rockin’ reception, courtesy of DJ Sam of Atmosphere Productions.  Between Sam, Michelle and her amazing team at the Marriott, the unobtrusive video style of Fran Gagnon of Fran Gagnon Films, and guests who loved to get their groove on, the reception was perfect!

And can you believe that family friends are responsible for these amazing flowers!!!  They did them themselves and they were amazing! 

Jeremy, you may hate me for this, but I HAD to put this photo in!!!! 

 Thanks again for having Helen and I be a part of your day.  We had a blast.  You guys are full of energy, life and love!

 Cake - Modern Pastry – Hartford

 Dress Allure Bridal from Stylish Impressions of Farmington 

 Hair and Makeup by Beauty Entourage of Newington  

I LOVE that “X-man” is so crazy and that Emma is so sweet and mild-mannered…. always makes shooting this family fun! Sheri and Kris, thank you for sharing your beautiful kiddos with me again!

There are lots of reasons to love my job…. really, LOTS!  Now, trust me, it has its fair share of downs and bad days….. ask my husband as he can tell you about my long and random hours and being alone with the girls a lot on weekends.  But, every career choice has its pros and its cons.  Overall, the fact that I can love what I do when I am working is such a HUGE blessing.

I am thinking about how much I love my job today because it was a very special day.  Jenn and Luke got married.  And, eventually, I will blog all about their special day.  But, for now, I will sit in my post-wedding glow (letting my caffeine buzz and adrenaline high drain before I can sleep) and reflect on my day…

Today, when I arrived at the hotel where the girls were getting ready, I could walk in and hug half of the room.  I love these girls… and their parents and sisters and cousins and friends!  Jenn would be the fifth girl in the hotel room whose wedding I had photographed.  Today when I met the boys before the ceremony, not only did I know most of the groomsmen, but there were two special little boys in the bridal party, too.   I have been blessed to be a part of the two ring bearer’s life since I photographed them in their mommy’s bellies.  I took their newborn photos, I took their one year photos and now I got to photograph them spinning, dancing and hugging their way across the Society Room dance floor in their little tuxedos.

Today I got to hang out with friends…. and I still get to call it work!   Now, THAT is a reason to love my job!  

Congrats Luke and Jenn!  Thank you for making me a part of your family.

Helen grabbed a quick shot of me with the girls….. 

How adorable is this little guy?!?!  I LOVE his dark, thick hair – just like his mommy and daddy’s.  I also love the hat and blanket – made by local artisan and Baby Nicholas’ proud Auntie, Dana, of  Hats by Dana.

You know it is going to be a fun engagement session when you start at an awesome Irish Pub in downtown New Haven.  Liz and James really began their relationship at Anna Liffey’s, so it was only suiting to start their engagement session there, too!  I learned all about Liz’s favorite drink, root beer vodka and club soda with some firsthand exposure (thanks for the cocktails, my friends!).  Anyway, I have known Liz for a really loooooooong time so this was an extra special engagement session for me. 

Liz was a part of what I call my old life – when up until around 2002, I was working in a very corporate job in which I performed well, but never enjoyed.  She is a creative spirit herself and I think she really understood my suffering – though we never discussed it in so many words.  She knew that I needed a break from the grind and we would regularly enjoy conversations that had NOTHING to do with our work.  We each weathered through some difficult breakups, life changes and frustrations as we really grew into the people we are today.  It was one of my greatest joys to leave that job and re-gain my creative soul, but it saddened me not to have my daily office visits from my friend Liz.  And, as life got busier and busier, I found we hadn’t seen each other in years.

So, when I got a call from Liz about photographing her wedding, it was exciting in a lot of ways.  Firstly, I couldn’t be more excited for my friend to have finally found “the one.”  I could tell from her description of James that he is the perfect partner for her.  Secondly, it meant a chance to re-connect with someone whose friendship I truly valued and missed.  It was so incredible to watch Liz and James interact together.  James really loves my friend.  And, for that, I really love James!  Of course, James has other qualities (besides merely loving Liz) that make him wonderful, too!  But, that IS my favorite quality!

I can not wait for your wedding!  It is right around the corner!  So, until we convene again for another root beer vodka and club (yes, thanks Liz, for I am now hooked, too), enjoy your engagement photos.  I hope that I was able to really capture the laughter and the joy between you two.  

Sometimes mother knows best…. well, now that I am a mom, I know that VERY OFTEN, mother knows best!!!  :)  And, in the case of Andrea and Brad, Mom WAS right…. mom and an aunt that is!  Brad’s mom and Andrea’s aunt taught together, and did a little matchmaking in the teacher’s lounge!

Congratulations to you Andrea and Brad.  You are such a sweet and fun-loving couple.  Your families are beautiful.  All in all, you guys made this day so much fun for us, too.  Thanks for having us be a part of your wedding! 

 We caught mom a little teary…..  

I love the story behind the jewelry that Andrea wore.  Her grandmother, before she had passed many years earlier, left this note inside of this necklace box, “Elaine for Andy.”  I love that even the ink has bled over the years – but that Grandma just knew what to leave her Granddaughter for her wedding day.  It looked perfect with Andrea’s dress.  And, I bet her Grandmother was smiling from above as she watched her walk down the aisle.  

We grabbed a cool shot of Brad waiting for the wedding.  The church had new wood flooring.  And, though it was a little slick with the rain on our shoes, it was a perfect reflective surface to play with! 

Lovin’ those new floors! 

The transportation ROCKED for Andrea and Brad’s wedding!  Dattco has an “Executive Bus” that the couple used to transport the bridal party while they traveled via a stunning Bentley – also from Dattco.  Love this shot in the backseat of the Bentley! 

And off to City Hall – when it JUST stopped raining!  Ran into another photographer friend, Miss Carla, who (after I scared the pants off of her!) warned me about how hot and Shhhhhweaty it was inside of City Hall so we opted to take our formal photos outside – and rushing rushing rushing because we were SURE it was going to rain again.  And, it DIDN’T!  Yay Mother Nature!   But, because the couple loved the inside of City Hall, we snuck in for a few quick shots….. and it was REALLY SHHHHHHWEATY! Thanks for the heads up dear friend!

 LOVE the blue shoes and the groom’s socks! 

But it was worth the shhhhhhweat! 

And then off to the Pond House……

Brad’s mom came up with the idea of a groom’s cake made of Oreo cookies since that was Brad’s favorite treat as a kid!  It was served with glasses of milk at the end of the evening.  This is a shot of it that Colleen nabbed while Andrea and Brad were introduced.

And I love these shots from their toasts…. 

 ESPECIALLY this one.  There is something so loving about his hand on her back with the softness of the lighting.

 They had a friend DJ… note the Big Money bling and striped hat!!!  We shall call him 007 – and say, he helped put on quite a party!  Way to go 007!

 And, then we HAD to head outside at the end of the night with some of the sparklers that Andrea and Brad had for their guests.  The pics came out awesome with the heavy and moist air hanging around to leave a mist in the air.  Did I mention that it was still shhhhhhweaty outside?!??!  :)  

 And we HAD to finish with a heart, of course.  Yes, cheesy, but, in this case, I am ok with it!  This is the kind of cheese that I love! 

Flowers by Flowers ‘N Such in Granby

Reception at The Pond House in West Hartford, CT