Photography Blog

Boston wedding photographer passionate about documenting exquisite celebrations rooted in family and one of a kind experiences. Based on Boston's North Shore.

Product Highlight | Signature Album

It feels like just yesterday RJ & Meredith were preparing for the start of their wedding day at Gibbet Hill and here we are almost a whole year later, quickly approaching their first anniversary!! If I was feeling nostalgic for their big day I'm in good luck!! We recently completed the design and creation of their beautiful wedding album and I photographed a few sneak peeks share with you!

Meredith and RJ chose the Signature Album, our most popular album, for their first family heirloom. Beautifully bound in leather, their album was thoughtfully designed to showcase their charming rustic barn wedding complete with all the beautiful and heartfelt moments I loved about their day!!

Our Signature Album is a leather or linen bound album featuring a lay-flat design and includes custom imprinting on the cover. This 10x10 album includes up to 30 pages with your images thoughtfully curated into a uniquely designed presentation of your wedding day. Add on's include additional pages, a cover image and upgraded size. If interested in creating your own Signature Album please email me at deborah@deborahzoephoto to get started.

To see more examples of our Signature Album and Heirloom Products please visit here.

Rebranding Part 1 : Why The New Look?

When I shared with people that I was in the process of rebranding over the winter often the first question I received was, “Why? I love the look of your current brand!” And I did too! Tara of Stupendous Design had created a beautiful logo and look and feel that had served me well for almost five years. So why change?

A lot can happen to a person in five years. I went from newbie business owner to first time Mom, moved to a new town and entered my thirties. There was a lot of transition within these past five years and simultaneously, growth. I wanted a coherent brand that represented the person I am today and clearly communicated the direction I desire my business to go.

I am a mix of many things : photographer, entrepreneur, Mom, wife. I’m passionate about family, celebrating connection and encouraging woman who are growing their business and their family. I feel that the new brand is a beautiful mix of the things that make me the artist I am today.

One of the best compliments I have received from our launch two weeks ago is : “It’s just DEB.” Hearing that makes my heart swell — we worked hard to choose colors, design elements, images and words that clearly communicated what this business stands for. To receive feedback that we’ve done just that makes me so proud. Really, Kathryn did all the hard work -- I’ll forever be grateful for what she created here.

Next week in Rebranding Part 2 I’ll be sharing some of the details behind the new look, including the very personal and sentimental meaning behind DZP’s new logo!! Thank you again to everyone who has shared their support throughout this process, it's been incredibly encouraging!!

Launch Party Fun & Winner!!

Yesterday was incredibly special. I knew launch day would be something to celebrate but I was not prepared for all the love and support showered on us. I want to share a huge and heartfelt thank you for all the texts, messages and love you shared with us, it means the world to not only me but our family as well.

We ended the day on a high note -- our virtual launch party!! To be honest I was a little afraid no one would show up. But Dave and I popped a bottle of bubbly, opened our computers and hoped for the best. Boy, was I wrong to even worry!! Not only did our friends, family and clients come out to celebrate but everyone was so excited and shared some amazing comments!!

We gave away some great prizes (ex: gift card to Magnolia Market -- what what!!) including our grand prize : An Anniversary Session!! Our mission at Deborah Zoe Photography is to create images that will serve as your family's history, honoring what was and celebrating what is to come. We believe that marriage is worth celebrating -- no matter how long you've been married. We also believe that photography is a powerful tool that helps us honor and remember the beautiful moments of life. And so it only seemed right to give away a session that celebrates the beauty of marriage!!

Drum roll please....

The winner of our Grand Prize Anniversary Session is : EMMA CODY!! Emma send me an email to get set up!! Congratulations!!

Thank you again to everyone who celebrated along with us yesterday!! It feels like to a dream to have this project that we (my designer, my husband, my brainstorming group) poured our hearts into finally out there in the world. I'm excited to see where 2016 takes us and so thankful to have a place that feels like home to share with you. Happy Friday!!

It's Launch Day!!

Design by Creme Brands, Image by Jennifer Blair.

Well, Hello There

It's been a while hasn't it? I didn't intentionally take a break from bloggin, it just kind of happened. My 2014 self would be going crazy knowing that I wasn't blogging my expected three posts weekly. Heck my 2010 self would be irrate I wasn't blogging 5 days a week. I began blogging way back before my business was even a business in 2009. I wanted an outlet to share my work and the journey I was on to become a full fledge full time wedding photographer. Many of you have been on that journey with me since the beginning (raise your hand!!)

Inspire Photo Retreat 2016

Every year I've made a commitment to myself and my business to attend at least one conference or retreat as a way to grow in my craft and knowledge as photographer & business owner. My first ever confernce was WPPI, an eye opening experience in the heart of Las Vegas. WPPI is huge (literally), with thousands of photographers, speakers and sponsers attending every year. It's a great way to get your feet wet so to speak in the photography world and I've met some of my dearest industry friends in Vegas. But being the introverted type that I am, these huge group settings made me feel so uncomfortable and longing for a small, intimate community to connect with. With that in mind the Inspire Photo Retreats was created.

Product Highlight | Signature Album

Remember these two? They celebrated their wedding day on a HOOOOT August afternoon surrounded by their friends, family and...penguins. Yes, you read that right : PENGUINS. Kate & Jeff held their wedding reception at the Boston Aquarium (you can see more of their wedding here), right on the waterfront with epic views of the harbor and city skyline and penguins galore. Kate loves penguins so you can imagine her joy posing for pictures during cocktail hour amongst the flightless birds (who by the way were dresses for the occassion in their black tie best ;)).

North Shore Family Portraits

There are many things that I love about our home, one of them being the amount of natural light our house receives throughout the day. Sitting up on a hill with very few trees, our house receives sunlight all day long. It's as glorious as it sounds, bright and cheery! It also means that it's the perfect location for photography. The big windows and the natural light means that most rooms provide adequate and even light, perfect for shooting conditions.

The Best of Weddings 2015

It's here!! My favorite post, the Best of Weddings for 2015!! Are you ready, it's a LONG one but I couldn't help it!! There was so much beauty to share, so many amazing couples to highlight and so many gorgeous details to drool over. 2015 was a beautiful year and it was a delight reliving these beautiful wedding days and pulling together some of my favorite images!!

The Best of Portraits 2015

Oh what a year it as been! At the beginning of 2015 I set a goal to focus more on portraits in addition to weddings. When I first started DZP I only photographed weddings & engagements. I wanted nothing to do with portraits. But over the years my heart has made quite the change and I love incoporating portrait work into the cadence of my wedding season. The thing I love MOST about shooting portraits is the opportunity it allows me to walk alongside couples long after the wedding day. The majority of my portrait work is filled with past clients, celebrating an annivesrary or expanding their family. It gives me the unique perspective to witness as this couple grows together and enters into new phases of life. To be able to capture those moments, big or small, and encapsulate them forever for a couple or family is an absolute joy.

The Best of Engagements 2015

Today kicks off one of my favorite weeks all year for the blog : The Best of 2015!! Every year I like to take a week to recap the year that was, resharing some of the amazing places and people we had the joy of photographing this past season. It's always a beautiful reminder for me of just how lucky I am to do what I love and how fortunate I am work with kindest, most caring and over all amazing people...EVER.

Happy Holidays from the Deborah Zoe Family

As a family we've made it a priority to spend time together at the end of the year to decompress, relax and truly ENJOY the Holidays! And I'm excited to share that the tradition will continue this year!

Boston Harbor Engagement

Nothing is more fun than having the opportunity to photograph the siblings or family members of past DZP couples. Like Lauren, whose brother RJ is a past DZP groom. I first met Lauren and Marshall on RJ & Meredith's wedding day this past June when I had no voice (read : my voice was competely gone due to the flu), so imagine how fun it was to meet them at their engagement session with a full voice!! I loved spending the morning with this adorable duo, who first met in Boston, began a flirtation over Bruins vs Canadians hockey and have been insperable every since. Fittingly they wanted their engagement session to reflect their love for the city that started it all for them.

The Mentor Sessions

Several times a year I have the joy of connecting with other photograhers and helping to them to walk through goals, solve probelms and answer questions through one on one mentor sessions. This past week I met the beautiful and lovely Dina of Dina Godzik Photography who is a talented New England portrait and wedding photographer!

Tis the season for albums!! I love this time of year when client albums are being packaged up and sent to their homes. It's an incredible way to relive the wedding season and relive the beautiful wedding days that DZP was honored to be a part of, like Sarah & Justin's epic Cape wedding from this past summer!! I loved everything about this wedding from the updated classic touches to Sarah's amazingly gorgeous dress to the sweet families that were a part of the day.

Sarah and Justin decided upon a Signature Wedding Album and I'm so glad they did! This album is HUGE and BEAUTIFUL!! It's such a statement piece and will be an incredible heriloom that they can pass down to their families and loved ones, an heirloom that will be a lovely reminder of where it all began for them.

So take a peek inside with me won't you?! Let's breath in the fresh summer air, listen to the soft ocean breeze and relive Sarah & Justin's beautiful wedding day!

Holiday Cheer with Les Fleurs

Holiday Cheer with Les Fleurs

It has been a pleasure getting to know the the Fleurettes, the team behind the beautiful floral creations at Les Fleurs. I have had the privilege of photographing their beautiful designs for several portrait sessions this past year (don't miss this floral inspired newborn session or Christine's stunner of a bouquet or the glorious cream pastels for Meredith's barn wedding!!). Most recently we collaborated together for our epic Mini Portrait Session Event which the Fleurett's helped to style!!

Last week I was invited to come photograph the gorgeous store front (they have the BEST gifts for the Holidays friends!!) in Andover which we turned into a mini styled shoot incorporating some of their BEAUTIFUL winter florals...I mean these wreaths, gah!! Check out all the pretty below and be sure to stop by Les Fleurs for a gorgeous floral arrangement..or be like me and just tell the Hubby ;) :).

Holiday florals from Les Fleurs in Andover photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

A Pinehills Golf Club Wedding

Wedding dress at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

I can't believe today I'm sharing my last wedding of the 2015 wedding season!! And I couldn't imagine a better couple to share that milestone with than Christine & Anthony!! On a chilly November morning Christine gathered with her Bridesmaids at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa where she and her ladies listen to Christmas music and prepared for the day. Only a short drive away, Anthony got ready with his Groomsmen at the Pinehills Golf Club and even had the chance to take a few drives at the range. It was an incredible relaxed and easy morning, the perfect way to begin a wedding day!!

Christine & Anthony are an incredibly kind and generous couple and throughout the day friends and family took opportunity to share just how much they loved and adored this sweet duo. From the way they incorporated their loved ones into their ceremony, to releasing balloons in honor of Christine's grandmother, to the Bridal Party filled with their closest loved ones, Christine & Anthony made sure to honor those that they loved in meaningful ways throughout their day.

Christine & Anthony, thank you for having us as part of your day (and for the amazing paparazzi t-shirts!!) It was a joy to celebrate with you and I hope these images help you remember all the loved you share, with your loved ones and each other, for years to come!!

Wedding details at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bridal party getting ready at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bride getting ready at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Classic Bridal Portrait at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Plum wedding details at Mirbeau Inn & Spa by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Exchanging of vows by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bride & Groom during ceremony by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Communion photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography

Bride & Groom during recessional by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bridal party at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bride in flowing tulle skirt at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bride & Groom on wedding day Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Pinehills Golf Club at sunset during November wedding photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Gold wedding details at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Bride & Groom share first dance at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Groom & Mother dance at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Apple Cider donut favors at wedding at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Wedding Reception at Pinehills Golf Club photographed by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Venues : Mirbeau Inn and Spa & Pinehills Golf Club

Ceremony : St. Bonaventure Parish

Bridal Gown : Pronovia's from Alexandra's Bridal

Makeup & Hair : Charlotte & Co.

Florist : Flair Floral

Cake : Sweet Cakes by Caruso

Entertainment & Phootbooth : South Shore Entertainment

Stationary : Dulce Press

Celebrate Small!!

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The annual Holiday sale is here (almost)!! Beginning on November 28th Small Business Saturday and ending on December 6th, 2015 print galleries will feature a 30% discount for print orders.

-- In celebration of the Holidays please enjoy 30% off your next print order or 20% off your album order placed by December 6th

-- Use code HOLIDAY30 during check out of your print gallery. Email deborah {at} deborahzoephoto.com to place your album order

-- To find your print gallery click here

-- Don't see your gallery? Email me to get setup. For questions about this promotion email deborah {at} deborahzoephoto.com

Over the years of hosting this sale, past and current clients alike were able to revisit their images, print TANGIBLE memories for their homes, all while enjoying a 30% discount!!

Remember, images are not meant to sit on a computer or a thumb drive. They are meant to be printed and ENJOYED. Get out there and order some prints, for your home and for your families. Enjoy!!

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden Family Session

I first met Kristin oh so many years ago when I was starting my photography business. A total newbie to the world of weddings and small business, everything seemed so intimidating to me. Kristin was one of my first photography friends and together we shared info and grew our businesses. I'll never forget the friendship she graciously extended to me making me feel less alone, making those first few years a lot more enjoyable!!

Flash forward and my how life has changed!! Marriage, kiddos, a big move. Kristin now calls New Jersey home with her wife Maarit and their beautiful kiddos. This past weekend while Dave and I were visiting New York, we had the opportunity to reconnect with this sweet family. We met at the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden and spent the afternoon photographing the kids picking flowers, collecting acorns and snuggling their Moms. The gardens are a spectacular area right in the heart of Brooklyn, bursting with foliage, even this late in fall!

Kristin, thank you for asking me to capture your sweet family and thank you for extending your friendship all those years ago!! We had such a wonderful time reconnecting with you and your family, throwing leaves for the kiddos and generally doing whatever it took to get those cute smiles!! I hope you enjoy the images!!

A family session in the heart of Brooklyn by Deborah Zoe Photography.

A family session in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens by Deborah Zoe Photography.

Family Portraits in the Heart of Austin

It is with a VERY full heart that I get to share with you today one of my best and dearest friends with her brand new addition. It's been quite the journey for Amy & Jon as they have embarked on this adventure of parenthood. Which makes sweet baby girl's arrival even more joyful. At the end of October I had the pleasure of traveling to Austin to photograph this sweet addition along with her glowing and proud parents. As a photographer, having the opportunity to capture a family as it grows is an absolute joy. When it's one of your best friends, well nothing really compares.

We utilized the comforts of home for the first half of this family session and ventured to the Austin Botanic Gardens for the second half. The late fall Austin weather did not disappoint and provided us with beautiful sunny skys and warm weather.

Amy & Jon, I am so proud of you!! It fills my heart to watch you become parents, to see you love your baby girl and to know how proud you are of this little life who has joined your family. Thank you for asking me to document something so special for your family. I hope that these images remind you of the love you share together and how much that sweet baby girl means to you!!