Monthly Archives: August 2008

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Ryan – Senior Session

August 26, 2008 – 7:59 pm

I recently met up with Ryan to do his Senior Session. He attends Cedar Crest High School and doesn’t really know the Harrisburg area all that well but was gracious enough to let me take him around to a few spots. I rarely get the chance to do a session with a male senior and I worried what we would talk about. But Ryan was so awesome!! We chatted about everything.

Here are some of my favorites:

This one is MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan’s Dad was giving him grief for wearing a pink shirt…

…but Ryan ROCKED IT!

Dressing up for the last couple of shots.

Thanks Ryan. I had a great time!

By Cyndi | Posted in Portraits | Comments (0)

My Family and Paying it Forward

August 23, 2008 – 9:06 am

Here’s a funny fact about my family. We have NEVER had our pictures taken together by another photographer. NEVER. In fact, most of our pictures are either separate shots or include my two daughters and husband but never me as I’m always the one taking the picture. So when I heard about the Pay It Forward program started by John and Dalisa Cooper of AltF Photography, I knew I wanted to be part of it. The program is simple. John started the program by traveling across the country, stopping along the way to have roadside sessions with photographers and their families. His only stipulation was that those photographers pay it forward by photographing another family within 30 days. We were completely honored to have the fabulous Carisa Kozicki of CK Photography do our session last week at Messiah. I’ve borrowed one of the images from her blog to post here but if you’d like to see more of them CLICK HERE.

So now it’s my turn. I’m looking for a photographer’s family to photograph in the next 30 days. Interested?? Send me an email if you are or know of someone who might be. The only payment that I require is that you be prepared to Pay It Forward to another photographer.

By Cyndi | Posted in Personal, Portraits | Comments (0)

Lindsay and Geoff – 08.16.08

August 21, 2008 – 4:45 pm

Our WONDERFUL August weather continues with no complaints from me. On Saturday, Lindsey and I spent the day with Lindsay and Geoff and their families. I knew when I first met with Lindsay and Geoff that their wedding would be a great one and it didn’t disappoint. We started with the normal getting ready shots except we had the rare treat of having a small bridal party. There were just 2 attendants for each of them and it was awesome. (Not that I mind larger bridal parties. ;) ) The girls got ready at the Milestone Inn while the boys got ready at the Harrisburg Hilton. Everyone met up at St. Lawrence on State Street for the ceremony. This was my first time in St. Lawrence and it’s beautiful. I just love all of the old churches in Harrisburg. After the ceremony, we headed out on to State Street (dodging another bridal party in a limo) and Riverfront for some creative portraits. It was then that we got the bad news that the limo was not working. We took a few more portraits before being rescued and arriving at the reception at the Milestone. The tent looked fabulous with all of the details that Lindsay came up with. After introductions, Lindsey and Geoff danced their first dance to a song sung by her sister which made everyone a little teary eyed. After some AMAZING food from Stock’s on 2nd, the reception really got going and the dance floor was PACKED the entire time. I did manage to steal away the happy couple for a sunset shot or two. ;)

Here are just a few of my favorites from the day and click HERE for your slideshow.

I had to include this shot because it seriously makes me laugh every time I see it.

Thanks guys. Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon and Happy Birthday Geoff. ;)

Ceremony: St. Lawrence Cathedral Chapel
Reception: Milestone Inn
Caterer: Stock’s on 2nd
Baker: Dingeldein’s
Florist: Pealer’s
DJ: Mark Hoover

By Cyndi | Posted in Weddings | Comments (0)

Krysti and Anthony – 08.15.08

August 21, 2008 – 9:16 am

On Friday night, Lindsey and I had the pleasure of being at Cameron Estate Inn for the ceremony and reception of Krysti and Anthony. Although the weather appeared to be a little questionable, Krysti decided that she was sticking with her plan for a creekside ceremony. I’m sure she’s glad she did because the sun broke through during the ceremony and it was beautiful. The reception was hosted by the incomparable Mike Miller and it was great party.

The lovely bride.

Thanks for having us guys.

Ceremony and Reception: Cameron Estate Inn
Flowers: Blooms by Vickrey
Cake: Bella Manse
DJ: Mike Miller – Mixed Up Productions

By Cyndi | Posted in Weddings | Comments (1)

Kade – 8 months

August 20, 2008 – 4:40 pm

I got together last week with Kade for his monthly session. He has become the absolute cutest little boy (not that he wasn’t to begin with). We went completely natural (with the light that is) for this session and I LOVE the results.

There’s always one of these in every session. The “Serious” Kade.

As always, can’t wait until next month.

By Cyndi | Posted in Portraits | Comments (0)

Leslie and Matt – Esession

August 19, 2008 – 2:43 pm

Keeping with the theme of engagements, I wanted to post my recent engagement session with the awesome Leslie and Matt. Matt is one of my husband’s B.K. friends (Before Kids) but we didn’t even know he was engaged until he and Leslie showed up for their consultation. Anyhow, we decided to meet at City Island for the session and spent some time walking around, enjoying the awesome August weather. I’m looking forward to their wedding next month. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for continued good weather.

By Cyndi | Posted in Engagements | Comments (0)

Adam and Chelsea – ENGAGED!!!!!!!

August 17, 2008 – 9:31 pm

OK – I can’t wait to post this any longer. I’ve been so excited about this session for over a month. (Don’t worry. There will be a new post every day this week). Adam had contacted me regarding his plan to propose to his girlfriend, Chelsea, while on vacation at the beach and he wanted to have it captured by me. After my initial gushing over how romantic this whole idea was, we hatched a plan to have Adam “surprise” Chelsea with a portrait session which of course would eventually end in the proposal. Also helping Adam with the surprise was his family, especially his dad who secretly set up a picnic on the beach while we walked in the other direction.

So on Thursday I drove to Lewes, DE to meet Adam and Chelsea for their session. I’m not sure if Adam was nervous or not but he definitely didn’t let it show. These two are so completely in love with each other that capturing them was easy. We walked on the beach towards the lighthouse then turned around and walked back to about where we had started. The picnic was all set, complete with music and champagne. After they shared some food, it was time and Adam did not disappoint. But rather than have me explain, let’s let the images speak for themselves in my first ever blog slideshow. ;)

Click HERE for the show.

We found this shell and thought it looked like a heart.

The exquisite ring.

By Cyndi | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (9)

Stephanie & Jason 08.09.08

August 15, 2008 – 6:00 pm

Hi everyone! This is Lindsey, last Saturday Andy and I were at the Milestone for the wedding of Stephanie and Jason. The weather was absolutely perfect and, minus the destruction of Stephanie’s favorite t-shirt, the wedding was as well. Everyone was getting ready at the Milestone and Stephanie and the girls couldn’t help but peek out the window every few minutes to see the guests arriving. Jason was blown away when he saw Stephanie walking down the aisle. I love being close enough that I heard him say “WOW!” The speeches before dinner where hilarious and I’m sure Jason will never forget them!! After dinner we were able to sneak away with the bride and groom (though we couldn’t fool Jason’s Mom!!) and head out to the river to get some great portraits of the two of them. The day was all about family and having fun and I have to say that Stephanie and Jason have GREAT taste in music.

The dress.

Stephanie had to get cut out of her shirt so her hair wouldn’t get messed up.

I love this shot of Stephanie’s shoes. She was hiding behind the bridesmaid’s dresses waiting for help to put her dress on.

A simple portrait before the ceremony.

Stephanie and her sister, rockin’ out having their pictures taken.

The fans were beautiful but with the perfect weather they didn’t get used much.

The cake topper made me laugh.

They didn’t mess around when choosing a cake knife, it was custom made by a blacksmith and was very stunning.

The boys were so handsome.

The kiss.

The first dance.

There were a ton of kids and they all had a great time between chasing down candy and then running off to play Guitar Hero.

This little girl was so cute, she was amazed by the disco ball.

Ceremony: Milestone Inn
Reception: Milestone Inn
Caterer: Stock’s on 2nd
Cake: Dingeldein’s
DJ: Bill Runkle

By Cyndi | Posted in Weddings | Comments (0)

Jennifer and Jared – 08.09.08

August 13, 2008 – 8:51 am

I really can’t believe the weather we’ve been having lately. It honestly feels more like fall than it does August. But we weren’t complaining when Saturday dawned absolutely beautiful for the wedding of Jennifer and Jared. We were fortunate enough to have our friend Erik Matey shooting with us. Erik met up with the boys at St. Theresa’s while Allison and I headed over to Jennifer’s parent’s home for getting ready shots. Despite a tiny little mishap with the dress (yes, you CAN remove blood from a wedding gown), everything went smoothly with getting ready. I loved that Jennifer’s dad was so emotional when he saw her in her gown for the first time. When they were ready, the girls hopped on to the trolley (affectionately called the “Barney” trolley) and headed to the church. The ceremony was a wonderful interfaith one incorporating aspects of both the Catholic and Jewish faiths. After a bubble exit and a few quick shots in the church, we headed to Chocolate Avenue where Jennifer had requested we get a shot of her and Jared in front of the Kissing Tower. Erik and I arrived ahead of the trolley and immediately saw the mini carnival that a local church was hosting to benefit kids with cancer. The centerpiece of the fair was a Moon Bounce. Erik and I looked at each other and said “wouldn’t it be cool…”. ;) As soon as Jennifer saw it she said let’s get in there. I could have kissed her!! She and Jared jumped to their hearts content and were even interviewed by the Hershey Chronicle!! After the fun at the fair, we headed to the Hershey Country Club for more portraits and the reception. The reception spanned pretty much the entire Club with guests moving from room to room and building to building. It was an awesome, fun reception that capped off the perfect day.

Now for the images…

Tiffany boxes just make my day!

Crossing Chocolate Avenue…

THE MOON BOUNCE!!!

My favorite of the day.

I love this shot from Erik.

The cake was HUGE (and yummy too).

Jennifer’s excitement was SO infectious.

The guests moved from the ballroom to the pavilion for the dancing part of the reception.

It was such a beautiful evening.

Thanks Jennifer and Jared for making us feel so welcome. And I am so jealous that you are where you are right now!!

Ceremony: St. Theresa’s Catholic Church – New Cumberland
Reception: Hershey Country Club
DJ: Fred Behney with Soundwave DJs
Florist: Blooms by Vickrey
Cake: Dingeldeins

By Cyndi | Posted in Weddings | Comments (1)

Monica and Scott – Esession

August 8, 2008 – 12:13 am

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Lewisburg to meet up with Monica and Scott for their engagement session. They picked this location because they met at Bucknell and are getting married there next year. We had not met before the session. Actually we hadn’t even spoken on the phone with each other as all of our communication had been via email. So I was very glad to put faces with names and get to know these two a little better. They are such an awesome, fun couple. We walked around downtown Lewisburg and then headed off to the campus of Bucknell where we walked ALL OVER. We totally got our exercise! But apart from the hole incident ( :) , I think we all enjoyed spending such a beautiful evening outside.

These two are so cute together.

By Cyndi | Posted in Engagements | Comments (2)