Nick + Cydnee // Engagement

Well I think if you’ve been following me for long enough you know I am not good at blogging! HAHA But my goal before I pop out this second kid is to update the blog the best I can and share all the weddings from 2019, and some of my other favorite sessions I shot through out the year. Maybe I’ll even blog some older weddings and styled shoots! So since I am blogging again (or until I have this kiddo and my world turns into breast feeding and schedules and sleepless nights) I wanted to start with one of my favorite in home sessions EVER!

Meet Nick and Cydnee! We cannot wait to photograph their wedding this summer. When Cyd said she wanted her engagement photos in their home I squealed with delight! I just adore in home sessions. I think they are super romantic and instantly puts your clients at ease. We had music jamming, cuddles on the couch and of course their fur baby- Opie! Lets be honest- he kinda stole the show and I don’t think any of us minded. ;)

How sweet for these two to have images they can cherish forever, with their first pet and in their first home. These are the memories I love to capture. Not to mention their wedding is going to be AMAZING and filled to overflowing with love, pretty details, family and laughter! Thank you so much Nick and Cydnee, for not only welcoming me into your home but choosing EJP to photograph your wedding. We are so honored and thrilled to capture it.

And thanks to you for stopping by and taking a look. Stay tuned to see more sessions and weddings!

Blessings,

Em

Jacob + Abby // Florida love story

When we were down in Central Florida this past March we had an opportunity to photograph two couples, one of them being Jacob and Abby. I was so nervous it would be awkward- meeting up with two people we had never met, who weren’t planning on getting photos done and in an area I had never ever been before. BUT the moment we all started talking it was like we had all known each other for years. I told Davy as we left, “I wish we didn’t live so far apart because I really liked those two.”

That is one of the best things about this job. Connecting with people. You meet as strangers and leave as friends. It really is beautiful. We actually found out Abby lives up here in NY and stays down in Florida during the her school year, where she met Jacob. They fell in love and have been together ever since. They both are so kind and sweet. We did their couple photos (aka- love story session) at the amazingly beautiful Bok Tower Gardens.

Acre upon acre of tropical gardens and large trees covered with Spanish moss. We had no clue but we arrived at the best time of day- where the singing tower plays its carillon concert. For our entire shoot you heard the bells all over the grounds. It not only was super romantic it also was incredibly magical and relaxing. The gardens also have a mansion you can tour so Davy and I (not having the baby) went on a little date after the shoot to enjoy a quiet afternoon together.

It was such a special day and another little dream come true. Thank you Abby and Jacob for being so adventurous and willing to meet to crazy kids from CNY. We loved our time with you guys and when we come visit again we will have to meet up! We pray God’s abundant blessings over you both as you continue your love story together! xoxo Em and Davy

Boss Family

Meet the Boss Family- Andrew, Alex, Abby & Bennett!

These four are the sweetest and one of the cutest little family’s ever. Not going to lie the moment I saw Abby’s curly red locks I was obsessed with her. It only helped me love her more when the moment I pulled in she ran out of the house shouting, “HI” and came right up to me to give me a hug. Before I could even meet her parents she was marching me to her sand box. Seriously, such a sassy and sweet little thing.

Grandpa drove by twice on his tractor and we would make sure we stopped to wave hello. Bennett a.k. Buggie was wrapped up and cuddled with mom. When shooting family photos for little kids, especially with a toddler I let me simply be them. If they want to blow bubbles, play in their sandbox or walk across the street to show me their cow named Ruby- we do it.

I fully believe in documenting the stages each child is in. Buggie just three months old, soft and squishy. Abby active and curious. Since having my daughter I like to think what photos would I want captured and frozen in time for me to look back on and cherish forever. Little fingers, and chats with mom on the back side of the barn. These are the images I just so enjoy capturing. Knowing that I am giving my clients images they can look back on and their kids can laugh at when they are older. AH! I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH!

Green & Gold Contemporary Styled Shoot

This was my first styled shoot EVER! I had this dream, this vision for years. I actually have a whole journal filled with styled shoot ideas, wedding inspiration, and dream locations. But for years I was to scared to even pursue something like this. I didn’t want to fail. Was afraid I would let others down and just end up looking like a complete loser. How sad that I believed those lies for so many years now! I made a promise to myself this year to invest in myself, to be bold and try new things. I am so proud of these images and the styled shoots I’ve coordinated and participated in since then.

I have to say it wouldn’t have been possible with the help of other photographers who answered my questions or gave advice. Including one of the vendors Bri from Pretty Little Vintage Co. She answered all my questions, encouraged me and pushed me. Probably more then she even realized but it was truly an honor to work with here again and this time REALLY see her in action. This woman will make any wedding day magical. She has the eye for detail and is truly so fun to work with. I was so blessed by her! I highly, HIGHLY recommend her and her team to help style and create stunning atmospheres for your wedding day.

I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to every vendor who helped make this styled shoot possible. We had the most stunning cake. Its by far one of the best I have ever photographed. The florals were amazing. You can never ever EVER go wrong with more florals. The handwritten signs were beautiful and took so much time and care. Hair was exactly what I envisioned and our model KILLED IT! I so recommend all these vendors. They all love what they do and it shows in their work. Thank you to everyone who helped make a dream of mine come true. This shoot will always hold a very special place in my heart. <3

Enjoy Everyone!

Vendor Love-

Styling & Rentals- @prettylittlevintageco // www.prettylittlevintageco.com

Hair- @hairdobymarrissawilliams

Florals- @sherwoodflorny // www.mysherwoodflorist.com

Cake- @belleofbuttercream

Venue- @sackettsharborballroom // sacketsharborballroom.com

Dress- @bellabridal_tuxedojunction

Model- @emilyawasheleski

A winter maternity session // Lexus G.

Meet Lexus and her cute little baby bump!

Her love story is something I want to share with you all and although her husband couldn’t make it to the shoot I was so blessed to still capture the connection of Lexus and her growing baby.

Last year they were one of the couples to win my couples giveaway. But due to Beau being stationed away from home, and then them moving nothing we planned worked out. Then they got PREGNANT and we decided to have the shoot be a maternity session. Sadly, Beau was called into work but I was so insanely happy to FINALLY meet this beautiful glowing mama.

Her and Beau are high school sweet hearts. Lexus was new to school and after a time word went around that there was a guy interested and following Lexus around. When they finally met Beau was dressed up and smiling at her. Lexus said this to me in her message when she entered into my couples giveaway, “One day, I get to my cooking class and see the guy walk in and stand right across from me, smiling the biggest smile and dressed up. So I looked at this guy and said, “I’m sorry, are you a substitute teacher or something?” His response “No, I’m Beau Griffin!” Isn’t that just the cutest?! I love hearing peoples love stories. And these two have been through deployments and so much more.

Although Beau couldn’t be at the shoot I was so blessed to meet Lexus and rub her perfect bump. That little boy is so loved already! Little Theodore- you are truly blessed to have parents who have toughed it out and will continue to. Who prayed for you and soon will get to meet you! Theo the lion- I LOVE IT! Thank you, Lexus for driving out to Syracuse to meet us. You have a beautiful heart and already are a fierce and strong mama bear- or lioness. ;) Thank you, for telling me your story, letting me pray with you all those months ago and truly trusting me. It was an honor and I hope I can meet your little guy soon (and you two Beau)! Praying blessings over you Griffin Gang!

Kyle + Jessie // Syracuse Wedding

“She knew she loved him when home went from being a place to being a person.” - E. Leventhal

When I think back on this wedding the word that comes to mind is home. Photographing these two was so beautiful. It was natural, comfortable and easy. And thats because whenever Kyle and Jessie are together they are home. They are soul mates. They fit together so perfectly. We hear a lot of toasts at weddings but the ones they had made us smile from ear to ear and of course I got a little teary eyed. Kyle and Jessie are so loved.

We walked into Jessica’s childhood home where they got ready. Thank God it had AC because it was one of the most humid days of the summer. The home was filled with so much love, pictures of aunts and uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews etc. I saw a home filled with family and that was so visible on their wedding day. It wasn’t just celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. Fahey, it was celebrating family. I love it when weddings are like that. Not just about the party but about creating memories with the ones you love the most in a pure and unhindered way.

Thank you Jessie and Kyle. Thank you for letting us be apart of your families for the day. Thank you for being troopers even in the humid weather and to the bridal party that was one of the best of the season. You all rock. We wish you two all the best and so appreciate all the love, patience and support. You two prove that their are good and truly kind people out there.

Curtin Family

Meet Dave, Kayle, + Mason

This sweet family of three had an in home session last weekend and it was hands down one of my favorites of all time! These are the moments I love to capture for families. The in between moments, the hugs, the giggles and the family cuddles in bed. More in home sessions please! :)

When doing an in home session I just let the kiddos kinda rule the shoot. Mason wanted to do a puzzle. So instead of trying to get another family photo on the couch he went and picked out a farm yard puzzle. He puzzled away and mom and dad had a moment together. No coaxing, all natural- just the curtin’s being the curtin's. Its beautiful and now one of my favorite family photos of all time.

We photographed Dave and Kayle’s engagement photos and their wedding a couple years back now and then I did their maternity photos. It was so nice to officially come and meet Mason earth side. He showed me his rainbow fish, his curious george monkey and his new robot dance. He wanted to wear his Dino costume for when he ate doughnuts and I was all for that. Then after he proceeded to do what he always does. Run around the house on his scooter wearing only in his helmet, underwear and rain boots. Seriously, you guys this kid is my kind of kid. ;)

Thank you Dave and Kayle for welcoming us back into your home again. We loved catching up and having our kiddos play together. You three are so beautiful together and we hope you cherish these memories for years and years to come. Love you guys!