Congratulations to Meredith and Matt who were married yesterday in New Milford.  The ceremony took place at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in New Milford.  We then moved on to Lover’s Leap to do some fun stuff with the bridal party.  Reception followed at Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield.  Here are a few of my favorites from the day…Enjoy!

Last night my daughter Taylor went to her senior prom.  Here are a few photos from the ‘before party’ at my house.  Wow, I can’t believe she’s graduating!!

Yesterday Mary and Matt Saunders were married - an informal wedding but an absolute blast.  I’ve never met a more welcoming family that treated me like one of their own.  And yes, they’re expecting a baby in December, hence the shotgun  I couldn’t have been happier to be a part of it!

High school is coming to a close for these two buddies; Taylor is my daughter and Dan is the son I never had.  Dan is off to Florida Southern and Taylor will be right down the road at Iona College in New Rochelle.  Here they are (sniffle sniffle)..

Here she is … almost 2 years old.  Having a little fun with her easter bucket…

Meet my cousin’s stunning daughter Casey Kole.  She’s graduating from Staples High School in Westport, CT in June.  In the fall, she’ll be off to Southern Methodist in Texas.  Good luck Casey!!

Well, it’s my daughter’s last high school play - she graduates in June.  So, I decided to record as much of this even as I could without getting all teary-eyed.  The kids did a FANTASTIC job.  I really can’t get over the amount of hours the kids put in along with the producer, director, costume designer, etc.  There were a bunch of people on that stage that had no prior dance experience and had to learn how to tap dance … and you never would have known it.  Good luck seniors!

On Saturday, the Moose Lodge of Danbury held their annual Moose Dip - Dip for Charity event.  Huge turnout this year … including a bunch of WestConn students.  The water was 33 degrees and I heard from a lot of the dippers that it was warmer when they got out of the water.  Thank God it was 44 degrees - last year I think it was a balmy 20’something.  I froze my fingertips off!

You have to have a big heart to jump into this water each year … but it’s for a very good cause, or should I say causes.  The proceeds from this event are divided among several local charities like Ann’s Place and the local women’s shelter to name just two.  This was my second year photographing this event, and I’ll be there again next year to watch these giving souls jump in the water to give back to the community.  Check ‘em out!

The preparation..

Have to be ready ... just in case

God bless the fire department!

The event's entertainment ... he was good too!!

Some of the jumpers getting all fired up

The gentleman in Orange is Jack Knapp (Jr, I think)... his father started this tradition

WestConn students

The gentleman on the left is Jack Knapp's son

More cold Westconn students

If that isn't pain, I don't know what is

Gotta love the hat

The gentleman with the patriotic short is my cousin Paul ... he's very instrumental in organizing this event each year

More brave souls

You rock Search and Rescue team!

He was walking fast ... believe me

I wonder what you have to do to psych yourself up for this..

Just a few of the brave ladies

On Friday night, my daughter Taylor and her friend Margaret threw themselves a Lady Gaga-inspired 18th birthday party.  They all dressed up and really looked great.  Two of their friends DJ’d … they had a great time.  This is the last of the birthday parties I assume because Taylor is off to Iona College in the fall … so, I enjoyed every bit of it.  Here are a few photos..

As I’ve mentioned to my clients, I continually attend photography classes.  Continuing education is essential in this industry.  This week I attended a class called Illuminations hosted by my friend Aurora (www.aurora-photography.net).  She’s very well versed in lighting … and as we all know, lighting is EVERYTHING in photography.  So, I got to have some fun.  Check out some of the images below..