Yesterday we got to do a very special "Meet the Marantz's" with Ms. Missy Smith all the way from southern Virginia! A while back around Christmastime, you might remember us signing up to be a part of the "Giving is Awesome" movement that took this country by storm. The idea was for photographers all across the country (and world!) to donate one session to a family in need because, well... Giving IS awesome!
The way we set up our giveaway was that both the nominee and the nominator would win something. So Missy, being the awesome person that she is, nominated her cousin & her family for our shoot. Her words say it all:
I'd like to nominate my cousin, Renee. I love this girl… and not just because we are related! Her husband, Steve, is in the navy. They are stationed in Groton, Ct. They are expecting a baby girl in January. They already have a little boy, Wyatt, who I am thrilled to call my godson. Renee works in a daycare right now. Once Renee and Steve realized they were expecting Baby #2 they realized that things were going to have to change. This is a hard time in our economy. It would not
make sense financially for Renee to continue to work and have 2 children in daycare. She'd probably pay more in daycare than what she'd bring home in her paycheck. So after realizing that Renee was going to have to quit her job they also realized other things would have to change. With only 1 paycheck coming in they would no longer be able to afford their house. The house is on the market right now while Renee and Steve prepare to move into base housing. A couple of months ago they had to sell a bunch of their stuff (TV's, couches, dining room table) because where they will be moving into is a smaller space. They are adding another member to their family and moving into a smaller home. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense does it? But what can you do when that is what your finances demand? Renee and I have never lived near each other. I live in Hampton, Va. Renee grew up in upstate New York but now is living in CT. The miles between us have never made a difference in our relationship. Renee is such a giving person. If it is in her power to do something she is going to do it. She has done so much for me over the years. She goes out of her way to make people feel special. I would love to bless her with a photography package.
So you can see how we would easily pick these guys to win the giveaway! But here's the thing, we needed a prize for Missy too for being so awesome in nominating these guys in the first place. Well as it turns out, Missy is an up and coming photographer herself and decided to use her prize money to do a mentoring session with us. I told her the world's largest box of chocolates would probably be the better way to go, but what can I say... her mind was made up! :) So she flew into town this week and we met up yesterday for some major goal setting over thai food. Because really, how else does anybody ever set goals than over a hot plate of thai dumplings??
Missy, I know we talked about a LOT of stuff yesterday...and I know it feels overwhelming. But like I told you yesterday....overwhelmed is good. We like overwhelmed. Because overwhelmed is just a sign that you're growing. That you're pushing yourself to higher things and reaching new levels. And I expect nothing but the highest things from you. So go on....set this world of ours on fire.
Because the world needs more people like you. Giving people. Awesome people. People who think of others first. Thank you so much for coming up to CT to hang out with us. And more importantly, thank you for reminding us that....
Giving IS Awesome!!
Now enjoy some shots of the cutest children on the PLANET. You've earned it!! (Sheesh, you guys must have one heck of a gene pool going there!)
I'm not sure if Justin was shooting or playing here, but truth be told I think they're one in the same for him !
After the ceremony, we headed back to the Intercontinental Hotel for a quick outfit change, portrait shoot, and of course, the reception!!
Kartik had a custom suit made for the wedding, which is really cool because they sew your initials on the cuffs.
Tina's outfit for the reception was INCREDIBLE!!!
C'mon, seriously with these two?? I KNOW!! Beautiful!!
All of the flowers for the reception were white and they were GORGEOUS!! Special thanks to Yvette at Charlotte Designs for rockin' them out!
The Intercontinental did an incredible job with K&T's cake....look at those flowers!!
The view from the Intercontinental is INSANE!
First dance!
Kartik's parents gave an awesome toast! I love how proud they both look of him!
Our main man and original client turned friend, Mr. Dan Kroeber, workin the best man speech like a PRO!!!
DJ Yogz kept the party hoppin and the dance floor packed until the wee hours of the morning!!!
Kartik & Tina, you guys are AMAZING and it was an honor to be there with you for those three awesome days!! We will never forget how much you treated us like family and rest assured you are officially clients turned friends for life!
Justin, Julia & I are up burning the midnight oil (ok, ok it's only 8:26pm... but you get the idea!) to crank out all of these awesome shoots we've been doing lately. Justin is busy working away on the much awaited Tina & Kartik Part III which will be up very shortly, but in the mean time allow us to submit for your viewing pleasure this lovely lil' shoot!
Meet: Kristin & Chad
We met up with these two in Waveney Park in New Canaan on a day with light so buttery it belonged in a giant tub of movie theatre popcorn. Yea, it was THAT good. And then add in the fact that these two could easily win the cutest couple award in every high school across America (don't worry, they're not actually in high school...I'm just sayin' that if they WERE in high school, they would easily win. Hands down) and you've got yourself one schweet shoot. Observe.
See? Cuteness at its finest.
Don't you just want to pinch them. Y'know....if that wasn't completely inappropriate and all.
LOVE them!!
Kristin's eyes are stunning. Just stunning. And also cute. Because cute is the theme of the day.
Love this super epic one that J grabbed!
I think this was when we were doing our "boops"....that's Mary code for strike a pose. And Kristin ROCKED it!
Gold AND Buttery!
There was laughing...
and more laughing.
But there was quiet comfort too.
And COOKING!! Did I mention there was cooking? After the shoot Kristin & Chad invited us over for the best meal we've had in a LONG time!
chop chop chop
Kristin & Chad, we had the BEST time with you guys and can't wait to see you in just a few weeks for the BIG day! If it's not too much trouble, could you bring some more of that spinach artichoke dip with you....you know if you're not too busy doing anything else?? :)
And speaking of rainy days this summer....check out what we're driving through RIGHT NOW!!! This is being updated in real time from our new mobile command unit (more on that to come!) as we head up the NJ Turnpike. Yikes!
We got together with them on a very rainy day indeed....I know, SHOCKER for this summer, right?? First, we hung out under this very cool old covered bridge for shelter....and then we got more adventurous. And then we just said let's go for it and got totally soaked!! Here are some of our faves!!
Pay it Forward
