I'm not going to clutter this post with my thoughts (which I have many) and words (which I can easily type many more of).... Instead, I will let the images and slideshows unfold. From the engagement session to the Hindu Ceremony to their Wedding Day.....
So the other day I asked a question on my "personal" facebook page and wanted to have the answer to that question come in the form of one word.......
The question: "If you could describe your life, right now, right here, in one word what would it be.... (and be honest).............."
Not an easy question to answer, but a good handful of people out there stepped up and shared their answers. For the most part, in one word. The answers make it quite obvious that most of us aren't in the place we want to be. Be that physical or mental, there may be "things" which we would want to change in order to make that one word answer a bit more........ positive?
From life being complicated and overwhelmed to frustrated and constantly struggling. All we can do is look forward and know that there will be days that are also sweet and blessed. Or maybe, while I don't prefer to use the past in order to decide the future, we need to look back and remember those days that were fabulous and held many moments that were breathtaking. And in looking back, we need to do so knowing that our lives will hold more days and moments like that in the future.
When I asked that question, I didn't have an answer. Yup, you heard that right, I didn't have an answer to my very own question. Then the answers started to roll in and I realized that just about every single answer was my answer. From confused to thankful. I could relate to each and every answer. I honestly felt every answer. From being blessed to lacking, I was able to relate. Maybe too easily???
And with some answers, began to think of how I could take myself out of that word and instead turn myself into another.
And I guess that's the thing. What can each and every one of us do to take us out of our current situation (if it's not the best place to be) and have ourselves, our souls, and in turn those around us, be in a better place.
Maybe that's not what we need right at this moment. Maybe right at this moment we're in a great place and need not be anywhere else. Well, that's awesome!!! Just keep those moments close, hold them there, because maybe, actually almost for sure, there will be a day in the future when you will need those thoughts to carry you through a day that isn't so spectacular. It's not what I would wish on you, but there's a good chance that a day will come when you just need those happy thoughts.....
Not being so sure where I'm really heading with this, I think it's pretty clear by all these one word answers that make one thing clear, life is surely a roller coaster. I like roller coasters, I like life. Do we like life as a roller coaster? Does it keep things interesting? Does hitting the lows make those highs that much better or would you prefer a flat right??? I guess that's the answer I don't have right now.
The only answer I do have is that I will continue to try my best. Not get overwhelmed or stressed out so often (because I think saying not getting overwhelmed or stressed at all wouldn't be realistic) and to do things that will only make positive changes each and every day......
So I guess, since I still haven't answered the question, it's time and my answer:
This isn't going to be a crazy long post, instead, I will share a commencement speech from 2005 at Stamford where his words ring so true. Obviously, much like each and every one of us, he didn't know what the future would hold, but if you listen to his words and take them in... Maybe you will feel the need to change something or go for something that you now know you should.
I would recommend taking the 15 minutes out of your day to take this in....
Following your dreams. Easier said than done right??? Here's the thing, you can do it.
At times, our lives have set backs. We can become an addict of just about anything. Substances can try to keep us down. Live can try to keep us down. Our own minds can try to keep us down. Getting beyond all of that is the important step.
Below is not only a remarkable artist, but someone who got another chance. And from my point of view, is making the most of it. Sometimes another chance is what someone needs. That chance to give it your everything. No excuses. No other thoughts. Just going for it with your all......
Where does this come from, just the video below. Watching this go down, a single audition on a show that some turn their heads at. I won't lie, I'm not much of a X-Factor viewer, but if the show has anything good that comes out of it, it will be for individuals like this....
Especially for this little one! She's so sweet, and the mother to daughter love is sooooo stinkin' obvious!!!!
So from the maternity session, to the newborn session, now the 6 month session..... AHHH! Can't wait for that one year mark! Surely going to be the sweetest to see that entire first year all lined up!!!!
A beautiful day for a great wedding! That's what it was for Lauren and Brad. Sure, Brad may have been kicked out of his room and wandering the parking lot for an hour, the nerves possibly getting the best of him. However at the same time, his bride to be was taking the day by storm and rockin' it out with her energy unlike any other!
Another NYC couple means another fun day! From start to finish, these two can and WILL crack you up! And we can't forget about their adopted "child".... But that's for only the special to know about.
As the day goes on, the heat builds and so does the love. The ability that Lauren and Brad have to crack each other up is what love is all about! And the ability they also have to throw down a party is what this day was all about!!! (you can see just how it goes down in the video below!)
Brad and Lauren picked the Inn At Mystic and I don't think they could have made a better choice for the venue! The food was awesome, the indoor, out door and patio settings were perfect and the staff, laid back and fun, yet attentive and professional!
The rest of their party, OH MY GOSH! Lauren, as she is in a band herself, knows how to pick them! And she sure picked 'em right when she picked the Felix Brown Band! If you're looking for a band to throw down your party or carry your wedding on like no other, CHECK THEM OUT! And if you check out their website you can see other locations they play and if you're in the area, I would say GO! Grab a drink and party it down with Felix Brown!
So yea, in a nutshell, it was another awesome wedding day, with an awesome couple, their awesome friends and family, and of course an awesome photographer. hahah!
And now, as I mentioned in a previous post, the song that brings me back to their night is below.... Why? Well, for this instance, it was because the bride busted it out with the mic. and sang to her new husband this exact song. So now, I can guarantee I will forever be brought back to that night when this song finds it's way into my days.
Living in New England, and really the country as a whole, can hold such beautiful days. The sun can ride up in the morning with a pleasant fog and set in the evening lighting up the sky with such beautiful colours. All of which can make for some spectacular images!
But here's the thing. You don't need those "beautiful" days to make images rock! Really, even rainy days can be so beautiful!!!! But there's a key to it all.........
And that key is as simple as embracing it! Embrace the rain, the food that feeds so much of everything on this planet. Embrace the darker sky, the reflections that can be thrown from the ground and everything else that comes with it.
Sure, maybe you weren't planning on it, or hoping for it. But if you simply embrace it. The beauty is endless!
Where does this all come from, well I've done many shoots in the rain. And here in New England, we've also had our share lately. Much like other parts of the country. And this past weekend, one of the weddings I was invited into, well, it rained on them. Not hard, but hard enough to just bring on a cringe. But no cringe was had. (second image in this post)... Instead, the bride embraced it. Sure, maybe she was prepared because it also rained when we took on their engagement session. But she embraced it enough that she had purchased umbrellas for the bridal party and told them as well to simple "embrace it".....
So what I'm getting at is really quite simple. When something is simply out of your control. All you can do is embrace it. Take what's being thrown at you and make the best of it. And when all is said and done.....
If you embraced it, and did your best, there's nothing anyone can say about the outcome........
