It's all in the details...

Ok...

Where do I start? I keep finding images I love when I look through my photos of Linnea and Kyle's wedding this past weekend.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding. I showed up at the church to meet Kyle and his "people." I love the fact that there was a groom's woman in the mix. This group had some good energy going...

and some super fun shoes, I might add. I wish I would have known, I would have worn my slip on Chuck Taylors, to match the wedding!

The ceremony was lovely and personal. I caught Linnea and her bridesmaids in a quick prayer minutes before the ceremony, which was something I have never seen happen. Many times brides and maids are tearful, but I found it quite beautiful that Linnea and her maids included God in the moment.
We headed out to Pratt's Falls where the reception was held in the lodge in the woods. Linnea did a superb job of including so many fun details at the reception. She made wooden signs directing guests to the various spots at the location. The tables were named after mountains she and Kyle had hiked and there were stories and photos all over the reception describing their adventures.

There were games of croquet, horseshoes and cornhole. There was an Italian Soda bar. The sweetheart table had signs on the chair that designated "Mr" and "Mrs." A menu found in the napkin was titled, "Eat Drink and Be Married" and described the course of the evening in such a clever and witty way. For example, people wishing for the bride and groom to kiss were not allowed to simply clink a glass. No, they had to gather their friends at the table and sing part of a song that included words such as "love, marriage, marry, etc."
And, there was some really wonderful music during cocktails.
The flowers were beautiful (I actually made the bouquets at my other job at Backyard Garden!!!!)

Seriously cool! (loved that I could get my shoe/foot fettish fix during this wedding!!)


Seriously in love!

Simply beautiful!!
I'm so glad I was able to witness your love and your wedding day! Wow - just beautiful!!

Big and Smart

Two years old and talking so much! Repeating EVERY word that is said. I asked his mom if he was an older 2 year old... no, just had his second birthday a month or so ago. Wow! This kid is smart -- and check out how he can blow bubbles already.

Very proud of himself (is he cute or what?!)...

Little "big" brother. Five months old, a chunk-a-monkey... love it! He will have to work hard to keep up with his older brother, but I'm sure he wont have any problems with that. Already sitting, I'm sure he'll be taking off in no time.

Great smile!
Thank you, thank you! Such energy and such cute boys!

Cat and Tony's Wedding

I'm a few weeks late in posting the lovely Cat and Tony's wedding blog! What a day!! The beginning of May brought an extremely warm day. The rain held off (until late-night) and it was a perfect evening for an outdoor cocktail hour at the Shenendoah Clubhouse at Turning Stone Casino. Cat looked absolutely stunning and Tony was quite dapper himself.

Without further adieu:

I love little moments/details during the day... I caught Cat fiddling with her ring at one point. Love the rosary, too.

They exited the church to a sea of silver sparkly streamers! What fun!!

Off to the reception for some fun! Twin flower girls - double the cuteness!




Gorgeous wedding! Thanks for allowing me to share in your day. Best wishes!

Another wedding this coming weekend for me and Genevieve. Another warm day on tap, too! Stay tuned for more photos soon.

A perfect night.

Love this little red-head. I have enjoyed photographing her for a couple of years now and each time I see her she gets a.) smarter and b.) more beautiful! Seriously.. check out her hair. I'm pretty sure women pay tons of money to get that length and that color. Tons of money. And for T, it is all natural! Lucky, lucky girl!
I think we rescheduled our session three times... there were sundresses and sandals to be worn - cool temps and rain were not going to do! I'm happy to say, I'm so glad we were able to find the perfect night. The light was gorgeous! Here is T with her adorable pigtails and second dress of the evening.

This was an extra fun session because T's friends joined us! I think their mom was afraid we didn't get any smiles... but alas... here they are!




Love this one...

Thanks again! Enjoyed seeing you!

Riley, her cute mom and dad, and her sweet labs

What better way to start a day then meeting this little cutie pie! Six months old and not a stitch of hair on her adorable head. I loved it! Our weather was perfect for traipsing around outside in the yard, which meant we got to spend some quality time with the two labs. The black lab was much more interested in retrieving than getting his photo taken but they were both such nice dogs.

Here is a sample of some of the pictures that caught my eye...

Not only is R adorable, she is quite the book worm, too... or at least it looks so in this image! She really lit up when Daddy got out a book. Love this one!

What a nice family! Thank you very much for having me over... I really enjoyed our session and am looking forward to getting the gallery ready!

First Communion - Again!

Loving many of the pictures from today's First Communion photo session. Is this kid dapper or what???
We tried really hard to keep his white suit clean until next week... and I think we did a great job... even with Brooke giving lots of love! Love, LOVE the series with the pup... (there are many more!).


Congratulations, Matthew. You are such a sweet little man!

First Communion

Just a few detail shots of a cousins First Communion photos from this week.

The Bible belonged to G's great (maybe another great) grandfather. Very special.


Love the shoes!

Recent...

We've been busy enjoying spring out our house... blessed with many, many days of beautiful spring weather has spoiled us! Easter was great - sunny and warm. In the 7 or so years we have been here I don't remember a nicer Easter weekend, weather-wise.

Jack was so excited to dress up for Easter and he sported some really cool penny loafers.Addie looking WAY too old! Oh my.


She loves, loves dogs and especially enjoys taking care of and playing with our neighbor's dog, Lily and Spencer. I think this is a telling photo of Addie and the dogs --- she is quite the leader!

More later -- we just love being outside when the weather is nice. The light is getting so lovely in the evenings and the trees are starting to bud. A great time for photos!

A big ol' family!

The weather was perfect (well, a bit sunny actually) on Saturday afternoon for a large family photo - 16 grandkids, 7 siblings, 7 spouses to those siblings and one VERY HAPPY Mimi who was celebrating a big birthday. What a fun surprise!!

We put Mimi in the center of all the grandkids - took several serious/nice shots and then I asked them to get silly. My favorites are Mimi -so glad she got into it- and the guy on the left standing in the front - love his expression! Once we were done with the large group I spotted some of the kids piled up on the picnic table. The older guys were chillin' and so all the grandkids got together again for one last casual group shot. I'll save the 30+ person group shots for the family - thank goodness you guys were easy-going and fun! Thanks so much.

12 weeks old

Sweet little Miss C had her debut in front of the camera today and tried really, really hard to enjoy her session. She has a bad case of reflux and it has been a bit challenging according to mom and dad. She was happy for a bit - her favorite spot to make her happy... the changing table! Then, she was mad, mad. Dad claims she has a temper and blames it on her beautiful red hair!! She will outgrow it -- you guys are doing such a great job. Being a new parent is NOT easy!!

Cool tidbit --- Miss C shares the same birthday as her triplet cousins! Her grandparent's 4 grandkids share the same birthday -- I bet that doesn't happen very often!

I think we captured some great shots... here are some happy ones!
Hanging out on her changing table:

She did some great talking to Mama:
Smiles outside:

Kisses outside:


Same shot, one in black and white, one in color... a bit different cropping... I like them both!

Thanks so much for having me over. I hope I am lucky enough to see Miss C grow over the next few years!

Happy Easter!

Spring!

I just updated the slideshow on my website, www.stephanieantshel.com, and here are a few of the images I used.

I love spring. I love when the earth starts to wake up and people emerge from their homes to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. We have been blessed with a couple of weeks of beautiful early spring (actually it was late winter to be precise) weather -mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Bulbs are blooming, plants are growing, the kids are getting plenty of exercise and quality outdoor play time with friends and neighbors. Bike tires and basketballs have been pumped with fresh air and many masterpieces have been chalked on the driveway. Life is good!

Spring has prompted people to inquire about photo sessions... it's getting busy! If you are interested in a spring session be sure to email soon. Weekends, especially, are getting full.

Enjoy these early spring days!