Castle Point Photography

Coming Soon... Baby O

Happy Monday! 

It went something like this...

 

Hello, Mr. Fisherman.

A couple of weeks ago, I was driving to my parents house to pick up Bodhi after a session and I had a moment.  You know, one of those moments where life sort of grabs you by the sleeve and says.. "Hey, wait a minute, look right here.  Pay attention."

Driving in my car, I passed this little spot I've passed a zillion times, but something made me turn my car around and go back.  I climbed out of my car to listen to life, to pay attention, to look around a minute. 

This is where I live.  Not at this exact spot, you understand, but I mean I live here.  Amongst this absolute beauty.  Hello amazing fall colors, hello beautiful still water.  Hello peace and quiet, if only for a moment.  Hello, Mr. Fisherman.  Nice to see you.

Jenn, John and Baby H : Family Portraits in Hudson Valley, NY

I'd have to say that one my favorite things about being a photographer is watching my littlest clients grow up in front of my camera.  I was so happy to meet with Baby H and his parents last weekend for their third family session.  The first time I photographed them was exactly a year ago, Baby H was a smiley six month old with electric blue eyes and a downy tuft of hair. 

It's always amazing to me how quickly time passes and the babies grow up into these little bundles of energy, ever exploring and interested, keeping their parents in constant motion and wonder.  I suppose Baby H really isn't a baby anymore, but a little boy with a headful of curls and two fast feet that keep Mom and Dad on their toes!

We met at beautiful Fishkill Farms in upstate New York, definitely take a trip up and explore their orchards!  Thank you Jenn and John and H for a lovely visit and for allowing me the honor to freeze time for your family one more time.

I love this image, it looks like he's tap dancing, he's so joyful!

And he's off! 

Jenn and John, I LOVE this shot of you!!! 

And I LOVE this one of Baby H... I get all the heartbreakers!

This moment is so special, so quiet and thoughtful... One of my favorites.

I hope you enjoy them!

9 things for 09/09/09

I have a thing for numbers.  I love numerical puzzles and patterns and so today is right up my alley.  I love the fact that today is Wednesday (9 letters), and the month is September (9 letters), and today is the 252nd day of the year (2 + 5 + 2 = 9).  I could go on with all of the interesting little numerical factoids about today... but I don't want you all to think I've turned into a full blown numerology nut.  Truly, I'm just a little bit of a numerology nut.  As a little celebration of 09/09/09, I've put together a list of 9 special things happening today.  If you know of some more fun events or sales, leave them in the comments!

 

1.  Threadless Tees are celebrating this numerical holiday with $9 tees.  Normally priced $15-18, it's quite a nice sale! 

Threadless Tees

2.  The Beatles remastered albums release today on CD.  The entire catalog has been completely digitally remastered for your listening pleasure.  I think most Beatles fans still have their fingers crossed that the tracks will release to iTunes as well, but so far... no dice.

 3.  "9" by Tim Burton is out in theaters today.  Tim Burton.  Need I say more?

9 - Trailer (Tim Burton)
by hawkbcn

 

 4.  Restaurant.com RULES.  They are having a 90% off sale today.  If you're not good at math, that means that if you buy a $25 gift certificate, you will only pay $1.  (!!!!!!! WOW !!!!!!!)  Use coupon code NINETY to redeem your savings. 

5.  090909 UpStage Festival

A 20 hour long, online, live music fest joining artists from 9 differnt time zones. 

090909 UpStage Festival Previewfrom UpStageon Vimeo.

6.  One of my favorite places to shop, ETSY, has a running forum thread of all the promotions ETSY shops are running today.  Too many to list, but surely something for everyone.

ETSY 09/09/09 Promotions

7.  Wet Seal is running a bunch of $9 sales today as well as 99¢ shipping on all orders over $9. 

Wet Seal

 

8.  URLesque has declared today "A Day Without Cats on the Internet".  If you don't know what I'm talking about, well then... nevermind.  Weird.Sense.Of Humor.

9.  Number 9 of my 9 things for 09/09/09.  Hmm.  Well, I know I should tell you to go buy a lottery ticket, but the odds are against you today since lots of people will have the same notion.  Instead, I challenge you to choose a classroom on DonorsChoose.org and donate $9.  Or choose 9 classrooms and donate $9 each.  Make your own mark on 09/09/09.

Not on the Menu.

Katie & Ben : Engagement : Hudson Valley, NY

Christmas Eve as a child has got to be one of my favorite memories.  The anticipation of Christmas morning and Santa and presents under the tree, the family tradition of opening one gift each on that wonderful evening.  But truly, the best part was The Archer's Holiday party.  Why am I talking about Christmas Eve in September?  Well, that is how I know Katie after all.  Her parents were our graceful hosts on those cold holiday evenings.  While the adults were upstairs catching up on a year's worth of going-on's and chatting and laughing, us kids were downstairs playing hide-and-go-seek, trying our best to be pool players, and probably occasionally running around and being too loud.  Years and years of these parties became our family tradition, our neighborhood tradition. 

When Katie and I reconnected after so many years via Facebook(gotta love Facebook!) I was absolutely honored when she asked me to photograph her wedding.  And after meeting Ben, I am so very happy for them both, that they found one another to share their lives with.  I had such a blast with them at their engagement session.  Can I tell you, dear blog readers, how absolutely EXCITING it was to see them dressed in pure vintage loveliness when I met them for their engagement session?  SO EXCITED.  These two are classic and stunning and absolutely glowing in love. 

I can't wait for their wedding next month at Camp Kiwiin Carmel, NY- another childhood memory all in itself.  Now for the pure vintage loveliness...

Had to include one of the famous Ms. Billy Jean ;)

Happy September : Love, Bodhi

Saying goodbye to the heat of August and long summer nights, easing our way into crisp fall weather and sweaters and apple picking... I know, I know, it's not even Labor Day Weekend yet!  I just adore the Fall and excuse me while I kiss the humidity and heat goodbye :)  Anyway, the cool weather inspired me to take Bodhi out into the back yard for some quick pictures in his fabulous sweater hand knit by his Aunt Mary. 

I just LOVE my little boy's laugh, his entire body folds from his belly laughs, it's so great.  I'm obviously quite hysterical as you can see by his expression.  ;)

 

Lounging in the grass...

 

 

Again... the laugh... I am SO FUNNY. 

 

 

 

 

 

Such a heartbreaker, I mean really... :)

 

 

Bodhi says Happy September, and so do I. 

Amy & Richard Wedding

It was in graduate school that their mutual friend, Jason, introduced Amy and Richard.  It turned out to be quite an important introduction, so they thought it fitting to invite Jason to their wedding.  And when I say invite, I mean perform the ceremony!  I think it speaks volumes to how loved Amy and Richard are that Jason agreed and was ordained in order to wed his dear friends. 

I met many of Amy and Richard’s friends on Sunday, and each was so proud to declare their friendship.  Family flew in from Italy and from Brazil to share in this beautiful day.  The laughter and pure joy that filled their reception at The Water’s Edge was reflected in everyone’s faces as they watched Amy and Richard celebrate their wedding day. 

Amy and Richard, I am honored and ever grateful that you chose me to capture this most magical and special of days.  You two have truly made me feel like a friend, and I’ve had an absolute blast along the way!  May the love that surrounded you on your wedding day follow you into your new life together.  Meredith

Isn't Amy the most stunning beauty ever?

The day was overcast, but it didn't matter in the least... Richard and Amy were just perfectly beautiful in the light...

The decor was so beautiful, small little touches all throughout the restaurant kept catching my eye.  Water's Edge did a wonderful job...

       

 

 

Amy & Richard Engagement

"Meredith meet Amy and Richard, Amy and Richard, meet Meredith..." so went the email from our mutual friend and all around awesome guy, Josh.  We planned to meet for an engagement session in Long Island City, and I have to admit, I had no idea what sort of location it was going to be.  As we drove up to the piers, my heart jumped all around in my chest.  OH MY GOODNESS, perfeeeeeeectioon.

Amy and Richard made my job so easy, first by choosing an amazing location, and then secondly, by being wildly in love with each other.  You hear about love feeling like you're the only people on the planet... Watching Amy and Richard, I totally understand that.  The way Richard makes Amy laugh one second and then melt into her stunning smile the second, and the way Amy's eyes lock into Richard's and hold his undivided attention is absolutely mesmerizing.  Of course, that is until Mr. Softie drives by... at that point, all bets are off. ;)

The wedding is happening in less than two weeks(!) at the Water's Edge and I am so honored that Amy and Richard chose me to be their photographer.  I know it's going to be such a beautiful day and I'm so looking forward to capturing their love again. 

Here are the favorites...

If you want more... click here for the slideshow.. be warned... Richard was being goofy!