Went to see the Lion King on at the Minskoff Theatre. Well I didn’t start off going to see the Lion King I was actually headed to see The History Boys with my English mates, who by the way had to threaten my life to actually make me commit to closing up shop for the day to go to the theatre, but unfortunately my babysitter bailed on me.

But no fear! I had a backup plan! I would drive to Queens and drop my daughter off with my Mom! YAY!!!

The only part of that plan that didn’t work was the traffic. I couldn’t get out of Manhattan into Queens. After trying for two hours I finally pulled the car over to use my cell phone when I realized I was sitting directly under this huge sign for the Lion King.

I jumped out, got tickets and the night was saved, sort of. I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t be seeing the History Boys and not exactly thrilled to see the Lion King, but I had promised and it was so much better than sitting in traffic on the LIE.

We sat dead center in the eighth row from the stage, I think I was more excited than my daughter! I was in awe when the curtain went up. So colorful. The air seemed filled with joy & happiness. I was hooked.

It was nothing short of spectacular. At first I wasn’t too sure whose jaw was dropped further – hers or mine!

We saw Kissy Simmons as Nala and Josh Tower as Simba. WOW! What chemistry! They were a joy to watch.

Throughout the show, I felt that rush of excitement you feel when you are eight and going to the circus for the first time. I think a lot had to do with the fact that I was sitting next to my very favorite person in the whole world.

If you get the chance go see The Lion King it truly will bring back the kid in you.

Just a note, the images are not mine. They do not allow photography in the theatre and I respect that.

She sang the whole way home, and I smiled, proudly at every note whether it was in or out of tune.

Yesterday I spent the day with Dan & Cara photographing their wedding. Cara’s Mom, Valerie served as Matron of honor. Cara was calm, cool and collected while Valerie was quite nervous and a bit frazzled. A warm close knit family who made me feel comfortable as soon as I walked in the door.

By the reception all the nerves had calmed and Valerie & Tom were kicking up the dance floor right along with Cara & Dan.

July 28, 2006 Edited to add:

I received this today and was truly touched:

Dear Catherine,

We just want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you and Al for your assistance and support at Cara and Dan’s wedding. We haven’t seen the photographs yet, but we know they’ll be a reflection of your genuine warmth, professionalism, creativity and attention to detail. Your business card should not just say wedding photographer, because you are so much more than that. You’re a surrogate mother of the bride, an instant seamstress, a psychologist, a locator of lost corsages, a calming influence on everyone, and a wedding planner who keeps events flowing efficiently but unobtrusively. While you’re doing all that you somehow manage to keep your lens wide open for opportunities and we can’t wait to see your artistry. We thank you for making yourself an intimate friend for a day while giving us memories for a lifetime. We always expected a wedding photographer would provide us with a way to enjoy the wedding after it was over, but never anticipated the unique way you added to it while it was going on. You made a special day even more special by being who you are, and we thank you for that. The photographs will be a bonus.

Thank you
Valerie

GO ARMY!!! Did I just say that?? I have always been a bit partial to the Navy. Maybe it’s the uniform or the water, there is something to be said about a man & the sea. But, one can always be swayed. I just got back from West Point. It is truly a glorious oasis in New York State. It seems as if it is it’s own little world. A peaceful place on the Hudson River with endless history and gorgeous vistas.

I was lucky enough to do an engagement session for Lisa & Kevin. Kevin is a Captian in the Army, and I cannot thank him enough for his selflessness.

Lisa, is a gorgeous person through and through. Lisa & Kevin strike the perfect balance. I am truly looking forward to photographing their wedding day.

Go ARMY??!!! Well just until December ;o)

It has been a busy weekend. Father’s day has come and gone , school is coming to an end and summer is under way! I can remember barbequing with my family and begging them to open the pool on Father’s day, with my Dad laughing instead of a firm yes or no.

I don’t think he ever truly said no. He smiled a lot. Laughed a bit. And always let you know that he was there, never too far away. He was always proud, even at the littlest things. I would spend hours watching him paint or build something.

I will never forget the day he built me a dollhouse. I think he was tired of barbie taking out the living room. I would get lost in that house for hours, my mom would actually have to come looking for me.

He hummed when he worked, when he was happy. He would dance in the kitchen with my Mom, she would laugh like a school girl. He has filled my life with wonderful warm memories and has shared his knowledge with me. I am blessed and very lucky.

So, to all of you fathers out there, whether you are brand new or an old hand at it, may every day be an adventure and may your child put a smile on your face each day, even if you are the one who has to clean up the mess.

For my Dad, I hope you are smiling, happy father’s day!

I normally do not single out my brides and write about them, because every single one is just as important to me as the other BUT I have to talk about Erin.

I first heard from her yesterday morning. The morning of her wedding. Seems she was in a bind, her original photographer had an unfortunate run of bad luck and wouldn’t be able to shoot her wedding that day. At the time the phone rang I was in jeans and a ratty t shirt, mopping my floors and actually enjoying it for a change. I decided to go get myself in gear and out the door as soon as humanly possible to see if I could help.

Erin and I met because of her friend Tammy, who works for Dr. Rossi, my optometrist who did my annual (even though I was 2 years late) checkup. Tammy and I were talking about weddings and I gave her my card.

Erin is a gorgeous individual inside & out and what was supposed to be a well planned day went south on her in so many ways. First her hotel overbooked, then it was her photographer & the videographer. What next, you ask! I have learned, from yesterday, not to ask that question.

We met about 6 hours before her ceremony. In my rush to get to Erin I had forgotten to eat or pack my extra cards. I had20 gigs and figured that would be more than enough. After we started shooting, it was a breeze from there! I figured all her worries were over. Well at least I thought it would be.

We decided to photograph part of her prewedding at the reception site – the Beckwith Pointe. Beckwith Pointe has a wonderful jetty that goes out into the Long Island Sound. I was excited since the day seemed prefect, cloudy with blue shies, even though rain had been forecasted.

I met the new video guy, who was an absolute sweetheart when I arrived. Together we waited for Erin, her bridesmaids and her parents to make the 5 mintue ride from the hotel. We waited. And waited. Thirty or so minutes later Erin & company pulled up in her limo. The limo had tremdous car trouble and was leaking oil! The limo made it to the venue but it pretty much died there BUT she held it all together.

It seems funny now, even though that wasn’t the last of it and I applaud Erin & Gary for hanging in there and going on happily with the day even though it did seem like there was a dark cloud looming at times.

So for all of her woes, her troubles, keeping her spirits up and especially for placing her trust in me the way she did, she deserves special accolades.

So cheers to Erin and to Gary – may your lives together always be an adventure, good or bad, as long as you have each other you will ALWAYS come out winners.

Ok, ok I will now take the time to write about all my brides from now on.

Ahhhh June!!! June has always been equated with brides for me. When I was little I would sit for hours and stare at the cover of this LP album my parents owned. Ok, stop laughing. On the cover were twelve boxes, each box was dedicated to a month and in each box was the a picture of a woman dressed in some outfit to represent the month.

Well June had a bride. So for me June will always bring about pictures of women in wonderful white dresses carrying flowers.

So I dedicate this post to all of my “June” brides, whether you were married in June or not! May all your days be as happy as your wedding day!