It’s the sign of changes being made. Habits being formed. And – dare I even say it? – resolutions being met. Will someone pat me on the back over here, BECAUSE I AM PROUD.

But, was it just me, or did January completely and totally fly by? I feel like we were just ringing in the new year and then suddenly it’s almost Valentine’s (thanks to Rite Aid, by the way, for already selling Cadbury Creme Eggs – way to break my healthy eating!). So, in case you missed it and January flew right past you, here’s the recap of just some of the most exciting posts:

• On the new year: how I spent my Christmas, my first Mummer’s parade experience, and my advice on goal setting
• One awesome 2011 wedding: Brittany & Shawn’s wedding in Florida
• Two lovely 2011 engagement sessions: Jessica & David in Florida and Gayle & Sam on UPenn’s campus
• Personal: I chopped off all my hair, my friend had an adorable baby, I convinced myself to try something new, and how this year I am facing my fear of being in front of the camera (though I still haven’t posted January’s self-portrait yet, whoops).

Tomorrow… I’ll have a wedding for you. Or a self-portrait. Or both, depending on how ambitious I get. In the meantime, happy February… and let’s take this month a little slower, yes?

But this year I promised myself that no matter what I had going on on the first of January that I’d make it over there for at least a few minutes. And that I did. Actually, I made it over once to realize I forgot a memory card…. went back home to get it and then forgot my jacket. So, I ended up staying for about an hour which, considering it was 40 degrees and I was jacket-less with the winds blowing down Broad Street, is pretty impressive. And shows how amazing it must have been for me to have stayed. And my resolve at the end of it? Next year I’ll be even better prepared and stay the whole day. Seriously, it was amazing, and the best part? Totally free.

And, I just have to give mad props to the participants…. they apparently spend the entire year designing the costumes, themes, props, dances etc. and it totally shows. Some of these performances were really unreal. Unfortunately, since I was only there for an hour or so, I only caught a handful of the string bands [there are other types of performances as well], but they definitely didn’t disappoint. I’m just disappointed I only had one camera, one lens, and one hour. I could have had so much fun there all day. Here are a few of my favorites….

The giant crowd corralled at Spruce and Broad Streets. Normally, I’m not into giant throngs of drunk people. But this crowd was so different – everyone was having so much fun and really into it. Smiling, dancing, singing, cheering…. what’s not to love?

I’ve never seen the street so packed. Seriously…. I wish I had a wider lens for this!

So, the first string band was one that I missed. But, I managed to snag a couple shots as they walked by [shooting over someone else's head, mind you].

They were the Ferko String Band and their theme was titled “The Carnival Comes To Town.”
I’m bummed I missed the show because people on the street were whispering it was one of the best.

Next up was the Quaker City String Band with “A Toys Night Out.”
It definitely felt like Nutcracker + Old Nintendo + Toy Story to me, which I totally loved.

Oh and those teddy bears [below]? Totally playing the cellos. How? I have no idea.

Then, there was the Avalon String Band with “Avalon in Wonderland.”

I’m trying not to show too much bias here, but anything with an Alice in Wonderland theme tugs at my heartstrings. [Remember, book nerd over here.] The cheshire cats, the giant caterpillar, the rabbits with the giant pocketwatches, the cards. It was incredible. I almost wish I could have watched it a few times just to catch all the little details!

My favorite shot of the day [below].

Then there was the Greater Kensington String Band with “Haunted Harmonies.” It was super creepy, but their costumes were awesome.

Then, there was the Greater Overbrook String Band with “Fire Fightin’ Follies.” Apparently, several of them really are firefighters, which is pretty awesome.

Lastly, there was the Original Trilby String Band with “Hoodoo Voodoo….We Do.”
Sadly, I only snagged a couple of these before I ducked out, but thought their show was great too.

So, what about you? Did you do anything fun for New Years Day? Have you ever been to the Mummers Parade? I can’t be the only one now obsessed with this tradition…

Now, with the storm behind us, many are saying how it wasn’t nearly as bad as expected. How too many precautions were taken. I beg to differ. Here’s my proof. There is really no such thing as being over-prepared for these things.

And, I must admit, when I woke up on Sunday morning to birds chirping and the sun rays shining through my window, I was oh-so-thankful to be moving forward. So thankful that I almost felt guilty. But also oh-so-thankful to have been among the lucky ones. If you were in the seat of saying “Irene wasn’t so bad” then you too were one of the lucky ones. Trust me.

Here’s to a weekend full of party cloudy skies and beautiful sunsets.

How’d you fair with Mean Irene? Were you as completely surprised by the whole thing as I was?

So, then I wasn’t really surprised when she showed up in an incredible gray and yellow dress from BHLDN and some adorable saddle shoes. Complete awe. I have no other way to put it. For her incredible model skills, her impeccable style, and her immense creativity. Michael, you are one lucky man. Behold the beauty that is their relationship:

We then swung back by their house for a quick outfit change and a couple shots with their furbaby. Tell me she isn’t the cutest. Love that sweet face.

And here’s where the post title came from…. yes, I came up with a whoooole post title based on two images.
What? That’s totally normal and you totally should have figured that out.

Love her boots with his New Balances. Seriously. Perfection.

And then, even though it’s totally out of order, we’ll end with one of my favorite shots ever. Just because it doesn’t feel right otherwise.
I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about this one that just really moves me.

So, what do you think? Does she not have the best fashion sense ever in the history of ever? I mean, c’mon. She has more fashion know-how in her left pinky than I’ve ever had in my life. I only wish I were kidding.

Psst – I know I’ve been featuring a ton of engagements recently, but you know what that means? I have a ton of weddings coming up next. Stay tuned.

Nicole and Colin had both their ceremony and reception at The Warwick in downtown Philly. We had fun wandering around Rittenhouse Square for their portraits. And, we shot one of my favorite first looks of all time. Seriously, if you need any convincing about doing a “first look” just scroll down a bit and check out theirs.

I know I said I was only going to post a few images from every session to catch back up, but, well, apparently I can’t help myself.

Thank you, Nicole and Colin, for letting me be a part of such a beautiful day and special moment in your lives.

There’s nothing quite like a reaction like this while your girls help tie you into your dress. Let’s just say, she was not the only one crying. So sweet.

…or a reaction like this from your bridesmaids. Love that!

I love how I always feel like I spend all morning with the girls and about 10 seconds with the guys. These gentlemen were no different.
When I showed up, they were already looking dapper, and just hanging out drinking some beers. Man, guys have it so eaaaaasy.

With all the ties tied and the buttons buttoned, we were on to the first look. Also known as one of my favorite first looks ever.

And, you’ll probably remember this shot from ye ole post of yore. If you don’t, seriously…. go read this. You won’t regret it, I promise.

There’s nothing quite like shoes next to the dance floor to document a good party.

Something about the way the light fell on the leaves. The way the sun rays completely burst through the thick branches of the trees. The way the garden was still. Silent. I stopped and stared. All the while the world around it bustled past. It was in that moment that I instantly realized that my life was a little like this moment. Wonderful, but unappreciated. It was in that moment that I knew what I needed to do.

Over the past year, I have written this post a million times in my head. I knew this day would come…. eventually. I just didn’t know how or when. Truthfully, I never imagined it would be so soon. And now, now that it’s here, rather than having so many words to say – as I had suspected – instead I find myself at a complete loss for words.

Mostly, I’m just thankful. Thankful to have found a city that I love so much. Thankful to have found a group of colleagues that I respect and can count on for anything. Thankful to have found so many amazing clients that I truly view as friends. Thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given over the last couple years to grow both personally and professionally. I’m thankful for life.

So, it is with a heavy heart and many mixed emotions that I write this post. Over the last year, photography has not been my only pursuit. You see, I have many other passions. And, when we moved to Philadelphia just one short year ago, I quite naturally assumed that it would take many many years to try to network and build a business here. Thus, it is with great excitement that I announce that today I enter into the world of JUST PHOTOGRAPHY. I’m not going to say “full-time” photography, because to say that would be to imply that I wasn’t doing it full-time before and - I can quite assure you - I most definitely was, just not as my only job.

Perhaps unlike those before me, I do not look on today as me sticking it to the man, or cursing the 9 to 5.Or anything of the like. I loved my old job. But, I love photography too. And, what excites me most is the extra time I will have to dedicate to myself, my clients, and growing my business. Oh yeah, and did I say myself? I am really looking forward to learning about this thing called sleep that I have heard so much about. And, perhaps most of all, appreciating life.

Here’s just one for now [my absolute favorite]. Tell me they aren’t gorgeous!

Love them.

Come back tomorrow for more. Promise.

And, that was the case with Scott & Jenn. One quiet evening they were enjoying each other’s company downtown and looking at Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE sign. As he worked up the courage and finally reached for the ring in his pocket, a group of foreign tourists approached him and asked if he would take their picture. Welcome to Philadelphia! It was only natural then that we began at this symbolic place for them. Unfortunately, there were no tourists in sight; we were really hoping to get some in… you know, for old time’s sake.

So, explore is exactly what we did. We started at Rittenhouse Square and traveled the area testing any fabulous locations we found along the way. And the results? I think we ended up with a few great options to build on her portfolio. And, of course, I couldn’t have asked for a prettier subject. She’s gorgeous, no?

…and, hands down, my absolute favorite from the day…