Sunday, May 6, 2012

Matt and Ashley's Engagement Photo Session


Tony and I met Matt and Ashley through medical school.  Matt happened to sit just a few seats over from Tony and I in the lecture hall.  Of course, Matt and Tony became fast friends with their shared enjoyment of Star Wars, soccer, and all things superhero.  When I finally had a chance to meet his girlfriend, Ashley, I had a feeling that we would quickly become friends.  It has been great having a close friend to share chick flicks and girls’ lunches with during med school.  As couples, we have enjoyed many movie nights, football games, couples’ dinners, and other get-togethers over the last four years.  When Matt proposed to Ashley, we could not have been happier for these wonderful friends.  And, I felt incredibly honored when they asked me to shoot their engagement photos!


Matt and Ashley make a beautiful couple on so many levels.  They have supported and helped one another through their schooling, both as undergraduate and graduate students at UB. They only have kind words for those around them and share laughter that is contagious. Matt is the first to compliment Ashley on her cooking (talk about delicious Buffalo chicken dip and the tastiest cakes).  And, Ashley gets right in there with Matt during the football games.  You can find her wearing her Buffalo Bills jersey and giving her feedback on the game right along with her fiance.  Seeing them together, I can understand why they are completely in love.  And, as made clear by the photos, they look amazing together!


For the photos, we went to the place where Matt and Ashley first met and fell in love: UB North Campus.  It was perfect weather, and these two made it incredibly easy to shoot.  They are just naturals!

This bridge holds special memories for them... it is where Matt asked Ashley to marry him!  




This was one of my favorite series... a completely spontaneous set of shots.  The leaves cascading around them were so romantic.


While shooting, we saw that there were Canadian geese and ducklings on campus.  Ashley pointed out that the goslings were still in the cute stage... unlike when they are adolescents and get their scraggly feathers.  I would have to agree.


They must have thought Matt and Ashley were ok, though, because none of the geese tried any attack moves.


We explored the Marble Columns at Baird Point.  It was a fun and unique place to shoot.





These columns are right across the lake from Matt and Ashley's old dormitory... the place they first met!



 There were many flowering trees in full bloom.  I thought it might be pretty to have some petals gracefully falling onto Matt and Ashley.  Tony was the best assistant ever, and went along with my idea by shaking the tree a bit.  Well, the whole scene did not play out exactly how I had imagined...


... but, Matt and Ashley did have some fun with the whole production...


... and some great shots came out of it!



We visited several other areas on campus including the Center for the Arts and the Commons






And, of course no trip across UB's campus would complete without a visit to the buffalo.


Thank you so much, Matt and Ashley, for asking me to take your photos.  Tony and I had a blast, and we hope you love them for many years to come!

Friday, May 4, 2012

THE AVENGERS!!!


Seriously… words cannot express how anxiously Tony and I have been awaiting this movie.  As long-time fans of everything superhero, we have been counting down the days to this (sure to be) awesome movie!  Tonight, we will be going to see it in 3D with two other superhero movie fans: Matt and Ashley

Of course, in the haze of our Avenger’s enthusiasm, we had to include Butters too.  We were pretty excited when we saw these on sale:








Marvel/Avengers Dog clothes!


I think he modeled them pretty well… of course through much encouragement with treats.









“Yup, I will happily wear anything if you give me tasty treats!!”







The only bandanas left were made for large doggies.  However, I think he made it work... 



...especially as a cape.


Of course I am a tiny bit biased, but I think he would make the perfect Underdog (even if he isn't a beagle)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Butters and the Bunny


Recently, one of the neighborhood rabbits has become more daring and decided to frequent our backyard again.  Luckily for the bunny, Butters is...

(1) a little too slow to catch him...


... and (2) a bit too large to fit through the bunny escape hole in the fence. 


It has been fun to watch those two run around the yard… and I always give the bunny a little head start.

When we went to pick up some dog supplies earlier this week, Tony and I bought a bunny toy left over from Easter.  Butters has been enjoying this new toy almost as much as chasing the real bunny… 



... except this one he can actually catch!











Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Celebrations!


Following the graduation ceremony, Tony and I had a family party back at our house.  It was a great way to close out the day, surrounded by great company and good food.


My mom offered the suggestion of having beef on weck (excellent alternative to Tony and my idea--- pizza).  It was a huge hit, and went well with the variety of salads and sides that other people brought.  It was a huge group effort!

The celebratory toast was well-fueled by champagne and my father-in-law’s favorite… Red Cat.  Not a single drop was left in the several bottles finished by the end of the night.  Luckily, people had many hours over which to finish it.


I really enjoyed seeing my mom and mother-in-law together.  They had no problem entertaining one another!  Kit joined in too :)


The guys of course didn't have any trouble keeping each other entertained.  


Tony and I really enjoyed seeing Matt, Sarah, Lindsey, and James.  Tony and Matt at one point brought in some live music, as they went upstairs to play a little bit of bass.  Sarah, Lindsey, and I agreed that we need a girl’s day soon!  I am looking forward to visiting at Sarah and Matt’s house with Tony (and Butters) next week!


Kit and I used the opportunity to get some pictures together.  She educated me on the importance of “skinny arm,” to prevent this: Laura Gross Arm


The retake with “skinny arm” came out much better.  We will have to add Liz in also the next time we all are together.


Since my Grandmom passed away, I know it has been very hard for Granddad.  They were married for more than 60 years, and really were the loves of each others’ lives.  This weekend was the first time I really saw my Granddad enjoy himself since she passed in January.  He enjoyed talking with Pete and Paul, and I am sure entertained them with a few of his great stories. 


Lori and Mitch brought the cake, which was a huge hit!  The design was awesome, and not a single piece left by the end of the night.  


Butters desperately hoped for just a single piece (or maybe two).  He eyed the cake in between distributing puppy kisses to the guests.  He also accidentally got a few sips of champagne that someone had left too close to his level.  Luckily he didn't appear tipsy at the end of the night.


Paul, Jess, and Margie also stayed for the weekend.  Jess and Butters finally got a picture of their matching Tootsie-Roll shirts.   We had a very low-key time together after the eventful Friday.  We played Cranium (first time for Jess) and enjoyed one of Tony and my favorite local restaurants, Militello’s.  


What a great end a weekend of celebrations!