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Month: June 2013

Reinvention: Amanda
I have three very, very good photography girlfriends who started getting together to talk shop a few years ago.  Breakfast once a month quickly became happy hour.  Last year though, one of us left to move to Vermont…which we knew was going to happen eventually since Amanda’s been talking about for years!  When I realized how different her lifestyle is now, I thought she’d be a great Reinvention subject…my project on women who reinvent themselves mid-life.  I asked Amanda a few questions that I’ll let her answer:
–Why Vermont?
Although I was born in Vermont I’ve never lived here full time. For at least the last ten years I’ve known that I wanted to settle in Vermont to raise my family. I love so many things about the state – the feeling and energy of the people who choose to live here, the amazing natural beauty, the wide open spaces, and the fact that so much of my family is here. All of these things were pulling me to move back here and throughout the last few years I’ve kept that desire and intention at the forefront of my mind.
–How life is different now?
Life just feels much more settled. When I lived elsewhere I was always looking ahead to the next thing knowing that Vermont was on the horizon. Now that I’m here I just have this inner peace and this feeling that things are right and as they should be. We bought our first house when we moved and I also think that owning instead of renting has given me a feeling of permanence and roots that I haven’t had in a long time – it feels great.
–Was it was a risk for you and/or did you have any fears and how did you overcame them?

The puzzle for us was always my Husband’s job as the work opportunities up here aren’t quite as diverse and plentiful as in Connecticut.  I wouldn’t take no for an answer and just kept believing it would work out, and eventually when he approached his boss about moving he was offered the opportunity to work from home – perfect! It’s been a bit of a transition for my business to still try and work with clients in Connecticut but it’s worth the extra logistics to be up here without a doubt.

Well we miss you a lot but looking forward to more weekends away together!  You can check out Amanda’s business, Orchard Cove Photography, here.

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We first met Amanda and Phil in NYC last year, meandering through their neighborhood in the Village and Meatpacking District on a photo shoot.

After a long winter,  it’s a remarkably balmy June 1st and they are out of the City, up in the Berkshires for a most stylish country wedding, full of wonderful contrasts.  Such as….a peaceful, reflective outdoor ceremony in a meadow, followed by a (somewhat) raucous Berkshires Barn Bash at Gedney Farm with the dance floor pulsating along with the energetic crowd.  Such as…sweet and loving speeches and later, a rousing singing of “Alma Mater” by the dozens of Cornell alums in attendance.  Full of life and enjoying every minute…a joyous celebration all around!

The day started earlier with Phil and the guys donning Brooks Brothers tan tartan ties at Stockbridge’s classic Red Lion Inn while Amanda (loved her sleek dress from Elizabeth Fillmore!) and the girls got ready down the road from Gedney Farm at the New Englandy Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough MA.  The Hank Lane band was spot-on for the reception–always a great band.  And the lovely flowers in shades of white from the Berkshire’s Crocus Hale florist complemented their wedding’s look and feel.

Amanda and Phil, congratulations and thanks for having us document your day!  Have a wonderful summer!!

To view many more photos from their wedding click here…

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We are officially out of our home…and into our new store in the ‘Center!  West Hartford Center, that is.  After many months of build out and prep Jane and I’ve opened a photography studio & store right down the road from our home (bike to work!) at 10 LaSalle Road in West Hartford, next door to Lululemon across the street from Starbucks.  Love the WeHa Ctr neighborhood…seems like there should be a subway stop just around the corner!

For the store layout, we worked with our friend and amazing designer, Shelley Dodd of West Hartford, who designed the front as a photo gallery that could double as a shooting space for photographing with natural light or strobes.  The mid-section–with couch and flatscreen tv–is for clients to view their images, and we have our office in the back.  A few weeks back we had a preview party with clients and friends and sipped a few Kir Royales to toast our new venture.  Here are some photos from the party–a big thanks to our friend Liz Calvi for photographing the evening!  Next time you’re in the Center stop in and say hi..we’re at 10 LaSalle Road.  You can see more of Liz’s pics here…

IRIS Photography opens photo studio in West Hartford Center CT

IRIS Photography opens photo studio in West Hartford Center CT

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