Family Session | The Bennett Family

I love fall. I love adorable babies. I love sweet, loving families. The Bennett Family is no exception. Jacquie and Josh's 1-year old, Connor, was such a fun little one to work with. He was fascinated by the colorful leaves (who isn't) and was a total ham for the camera. We had a blast exploring The Philadelphia Horticultural Center Greenhouse, the surrounding stunning grounds, and enjoyed the view from the 'Pavilion in the Trees.'

Enjoy a few of my favorites from this gorgeous day with the Bennett Family!  

Engagement Session | Robin + Brad

Last month I had the pleasure of photographing lovebirds Brad + Robin at Race Street Pier and at the Rodin + Barnes Museums. We were chased around the city by some scary looking clouds, but that only led to some romantic photos in the rain at the museum. Thank you to Brad and Robin for being troopers and trusting me to stick it out for a bit longer in the rain for some lovely photos!

Brad and Robin met 5 years ago at their local gym in Fairmount. After chatting for a few months, Robin was the one to ask Brad out! (Awesome move Robin!) However, when it came to popping the question, Brad got down on one knee during a hike at the Tyler Arboretum in October of last year and asked Robin to be his wife. (I think they are even now!) ;)

The future Mr and Mrs will be having an intimate ceremony and reception on October 18th, 2016 in the Outer Banks, NC surrounded by close family and friends during a week-long celebration in a large vacation rental estate. They are very much looking forward to some R&R at their romantic beach honeymoon. 

Brad and Robin, thank you for letting me document this special time in your lives. I hope you look back on these photos fondly for years to come! All my love to you on this amazing journey!

Please enjoy some of my favorite images from the day below.

NEWBORN + Family Session: Delaney Paige + The Shute Family

Last week I had the privilege of photographing the 3rd and newest addition of the gorgeous Shute Family. In addition to taking a few newborn images, I loved having the opportunity to work with Delaney's big brother, Caden (6 years old) and big sister, Brynn (3 years old). Caden and Brynn are delighted to be Delaney's older siblings and you can certainly tell by all the kisses and cuddles they give her! This is one baby that will not have any shortage of love or attention! It was so fun to be a part of their day, and seeing how much those three love their beautiful momma, Colleen! Below are a few of my favorites.

DELANEY PAIGE | BORN JUNE 17TH, 2015 | 6 LBS. 12 OZ.

Mini Escape to Colorado

I few weeks ago I headed out west to Colorado for a family wedding. After the wedding we headed up to to explore Red Rocks and do a little hiking. The next day we took a day trip to the lovely Vail Village and Mountain. Even though my head was a bit cloudy from the altitude, I manage to get a few photos that captured the beauty of this amazing state. Historically landscapes aren't my favorite to shoot, but hanging around the Rocky Mountains for the first time may have changed that for me forever. Enjoy a few of my favorite snaps below!

Red Rocks Performing Arts Venue and National Park

Red Rocks Performing Arts Venue and National Park

View from hiking trail, Red Rocks Performing Arts Venue and National Park on right

From the Red Rocks hiking trails

From the Red Rocks hiking trails

A few wildflowers along the trails

From the Red Rocks hiking trails

View from the top of Vail Mountain

View from the top of Vail Mountain

Along Interstate 70, not your typical highway

Lake in Frisco, Colorado

Amrita Yoga | Portrait Session

My day does not feel complete without my daily dose of yoga. I am a huge fan of Amrita Yoga in Fishtown at Frankford & Girard. The variety of classes they offer, combined with the quality of instructors teaching them, all within the most beautiful studio is just PERFECTION! From Iyengar to Infrared... Reformer to Jivamuti... Yinyasa, Hatha Flow, Aerial Yoga and everything in between, Amrita offers classes for just about anyone and everyone interested in yoga and pilates at any level of experience. They also offer really interesting workshops, including a monthly workshop free to members, as well as in-house massage services.

With that being said, when asked to take some headshots of yoga instructors Heather and Meg to promote their awesome teacher training program, I jumped at the opportunity to work with such a great small business, and one I am quite fond of. Below are some of my favorites from our little shoot together, where we had so much fun! I loved working with these gorgeous women! I strongly recommend checking out their Summer/Fall 2015 Teacher Training Program HERE or just checking out one of their many awesome classes HERE! They even have an incredible New Student Package with one month of unlimited yoga and pilates + water bottle for only $40! You have no excuses now! ;)

Peaking through is the ever-so-adorable and well behaved Indie, Amrita's puppy mascot! He just had to be in this photo with Heather and Meg. I love him!

Gorgeous, lovely ladies! Heather Rice (left) and Meg Townsend (right).

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti! 

Newborn Session: Yakiv Gray

A few weeks ago I got to spend some quality time with this little peanut. He was the tiniest baby I've gotten to work with and I was in awe of his cuteness the entire time. Little Yakiv was not a huge fan of having his photo taken, but you can't tell from the photos... He's an angel! And for first-time parents, Kate and Vitold are so laid back, relaxed and had this baby thing down! You can tell they are going to be great parents! So honored I got to capture these moments for them. 

YAKIV GRAY | BORN APRIL 25TH, 2015 | 5 LBS. 14 OZ.

Newborn session: Wilhelmina Emmeline

Recently, I spent some time with the sweet-as-pie López family in their gorgeous home and got to meet the new addition to their family, Wilhelmina Emmeline. She was [no surprise] sweet-as-pie just like her parents! Check out a few images from our day together!

Wilhelmina Emmeline | born January 26th, 2015 | 9 lbs.

Welcome to the world sweet Wilhelmina! I cannot wait to see how you grow and change and make your parents so happy and proud! Thank you to the López family for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to capture these moments for you to look back upon over the years.

Flea Market Fun: Hanukkah Edition | DIY MENORAH

I wanted to create a special and unique menorah for the special little 9 year old in my life and for our home, [already decorated with a gorgeous tree]. It was also important to me that it was duel purpose: a menorah for Hanukkah AND decorative yet useful candle holders for the other 357 days a year.

So I wracked my brain for a creative solution but it wasn't until a few Saturdays ago, while visiting the always charming Franklin Flea Antique + Vintage Market located in the historic Strawbridge's Building on 8th & Market, that I had the winning idea. 

While poking around at one of the vendor's booth's, we stumbled upon a table of old [stinky, oily] machine gears of all shapes and sizes. As soon as I saw them and felt how heavy and solid they were, I thought these would make perfect tapered candle holders for our new family menorah! 

We hand selected the gears we liked best, [all 9 totaling a whopping $25] then took them home for a solid scrubbing and waxing. Once completed, we fitted them with Williams Sonoma's 1/2" diameter "tiny taper candles" and voilà! Behold - a simple and thoughtful menorah / candle holder!

Potential variations for use throughout the year:

So if you are a member of the tribe I wish you and your family a wonderful eight crazy nights and if not, I wish you eight crazy nights as well - I don't discriminate!

Either way, I highly suggest that you head down to the last holiday Franklin Flea of the year on Saturday the 20th and support local businesses, food vendors, and secure some thoughtful last-minute holiday gifts for your loved ones. Don't miss it!

Latke time!

Pressed & Bound: The Print Center Annual Auction

This past [very rainy] Saturday, I shot a very cool event for art lovers in Rittenhouse. The event was put on by The Print Center, a lovely non-profit organization founded in 1915 [amazing] that encourages the growth and understanding of photography and printmaking. It is one of the first venues in the country dedicated to the appreciation and education of prints. Throughout the year The Print Center hosts critically acclaimed exhibitions and educational programs, however this particular annual event is the organization's primary source of fundraising.

This event was entitled "Pressed & Bound" and featured works from over 100 local and international artists. During the event, these works (along with some donated goods and services) were silently auctioned off via iPad with the assistance of Paddle 8, a 21st century auction house that embeds all works online for a streamlined and satisfying viewing + bidding process. With the use of several wall-mounted iPads throughout the event, guests were able to bid for their favorite pieces, and thus auctioned off to the highest bidder.

I encourage you to go here to view the incredible work displayed that night, as I was genuinely impressed and wanted to own every single item. Looks like I'll just have to settle for a case of jealousy instead. Whomp whomp.  

But on the bright side, here are a few photos from the fantastic event:

The Paddle 8 staff assisting guests with entering the auction.

Congratulations to The Print Center for another successful fundraising event and their continued support of the local and international art community! I am so happy I could help document your special evening!

THE PRINT CENTER
1614 Latimer Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215 735.6090
215 735.5511 fax
info@printcenter.org

HOURS:
Free and Open to the Public
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday through Saturday

Like them on Facebook here.

Feby's Fishery | Restaurant + Market

A few weeks ago I had the honor of shooting the lovely FEBY'S FISHERY RESTAURANT AND SEAFOOD MARKET in Wilmington, Delaware. FEBY'S, a honest, family-owned and operated restaurant that has been a Wilmington staple for more than 40 years. 

THE RESTAURANT

FEBY's is a cozy "Maryland Style" seafood restaurant. Come for the all-you-can eat crab legs and stay for the handcrafted soups, and the fresh oysters, and the 15 varieties of fish available daily, and the... well, EVERYTHING! Add a few of their famous Orange or Grapefruit Crush cocktails and your belly is a very happy camper.

Impressively, FEBY's has been doing farm-to-table long before farm-to-table was even a thing. The Difebo Family owns a 185 acre farm in New Jersey, where together they plant, grow and harvest their own produce. Asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, squash, cabbage are just a few of the veggies and herbs that are seasonally grown and used throughout their menu.

Don't believe me? The photo below is from the day I was on site taking photos. A giant flat-bed truck, filled to the brim with hand picked peppers by Phillip Sr. himself drove up and after I sampled the goods, was unloaded into the kitchen.

A proud family restaurant who's priorities are freshness, quality and customer service,  it's clear that FEBY'S will be in business for at least another 40 years strong. 

Here are a few of my favorite photos from that day.

Restaurant owners for 40+ years, Phillip Difebo Sr. and his lovely wife Mary Sue Difebo. Look at these two - just adorable!

THE SEAFOOD MARKET

In the mood to cook instead of dining out? FEBY'S also has a huge selection of fish, crab, shrimp, mussels, oysters, clams, live lobsters and more in their market. Anyone can pop in and grab the catch of the day for dinner.  

If you live in the area, or feel like taking a suburban detour for some amazing seafood, I suggest you scoot on over to Feby's and check out this family restaurant + market done right. Also, take advantage of one of their awesome specials at the restaurant! Some of which include:

• Everyday Clam Bake with 2 1/2 lb lobster for $40 to commemorate Feby's 40th Anniversary
• Monday + Wednesday Lobster Night for 1 1/4 lb. whole Maine lobster and sides for $19.99
• All you can eat Dungeness Crab Tuesday and Thursday for $49.99
• Buck-a-Shuck oysters all day Friday
• Sundays Surf + Turf for $19.99

Feby's is located on 3701 Lancaster Pike in Wilmington, DE.

Like them on facebook here to receive updates on daily specials.

Phone 302.998.9501 for reservations. Phone 302.998.9496 for the market.

Ok, now I'm really hungry. Break out the lobster bibs and draw me some melted butter! Stat!

The Gemgnani-Ruppel Family

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing two close friends and their gorgeous daughter, Ryan, at Merion Botanical Park amongst the gorgeous fall foliage. We had such a fun day! Ryan was a little ham for the camera and such a quick scooter! She would win for fastest baby crawl in the baby olympics. She has clearly gotten her parent's athletic genes! I dare you not to smile when looking at her happy little face. I triple-dog dare you.

Here are some of my favorites from the day!

Heart = Melting. [That's just basic math.]

The Family photo wasn't complete without the puppy!

Happy Halloween!

I am afraid of bugs. Like, really afraid of bugs. Therefore, firing off just a few shots of Mr. Mantis, [who decided to park himself outside our bedroom window for several days] was more scary than exciting. This little guy might be beautiful in his own freakish way but honestly, this is the stuff that nightmares are made of, hence the star of a quick Halloween post.

{Seriously, you should have seen his head slowly swivel in my direction every time I moved.]

"Hi. I'm Manits. What's up."

"Your macro lens won't work very well while you are shaking in fear, Allison."

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween from myself and Mr. Mantis! 

Update: Mantis has left this earthly plane. RIP Mantis. Please don't haunt my nightmares, ok thanks! No - I did not take his life, as much as I hate bugs, I would never kill Mantis.

Ryan the Lion

This darling angel has the honor of being the first and cutest face on the new blog. I am honored to present to you... Ryan the Lion! Nothing is better than a beautiful baby in a Halloween costume that rhymes with her name. Nothing. 

Happy Halloween!

Ryan the lion on the prowl!

Rooaaarrrrrr!!!! 

[I've. Had. Enough...You've all had your fun. Now get this contraption off my head.]