Love Recaptured: Amy and Jonathan's Worcester Portraits

As I mentioned in my last post, this past weekend I photographed one of my best friends, Amy and her husband, Jon, while they were in New England for the holidays.

I've known Amy since our freshman year at college. Over the years our friendship grew and grew. We bounded over our love for Sex and The City, late night homework sessions, the best Thai food ever from Brown Sugar, Coach hand bags, pedicures, manicures, Top Gun and more. We only get to see each other a few times a year, as they live in the D.C area, but each time we just pick up where we left off. We just click. And it's awesome!

A few weeks ago Amy timidly approached me asking if I could shoot a mini session of her and Jon while they were up here for the Holidays. I couldn't have been happier that she asked! I have been dying to get these two in front of my camera and I am so pleased with the results. These two love birds are such a sweet, funny and all around great couple! I'm so happy to have had the chance to photograph their love! Enjoy!

Amy laughs with all she has and it always makes you laugh!

How fun are they?!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

I love you guys, thank you for getting in front of my camera!!

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Love Recaptured: A Preview of Amy and Jonathan's Worcester Portraits

Folks, I am sorry. I am a negligent blog poster. And I have to admit, I've somewhat enjoyed it. I've taken these past few days without posting to rest, visit with family, and enjoy the Holidays. I've also been busy at work, creating a project on homelessness in Danvers, but more on that later.

For now, I'll leave you with something to wet your whistle: Amy and Jon!

Amy is one of my very best friends and I couldn't have been happier to document the love between Jon and his beautiful wife over the holidays.

Check back soon for more on this awesome couple:)

View my portfolio | deborahzparker@mac.com

O Holy Night

Christmas Eve is my favorite day/night of the year. Ever since I was a little kid I have anticipated this day all year. In the beginning it was about the fact that Christmas was the next day and that mean't presents. Now, while I still enjoy the presents part of Christmas, Christmas in general has such a greater meaning to me now as an adult:

Luke 2:8-14

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men"

I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and find time to be with family and friends and all those that are close to you.

I'll leave you with my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night and my favorite version ever:

Life Captured: Nia

On Saturday afternoon I got a phone call. It was my very good friend Anna asking if they could spend the evening at our house. "Sure thing!" was my thought in my head, but since she called while I was taking a nap, I  muttered a very groggy sure instead. Boy am I glad that they decided to visit! We don't get to see these folks all that often (these folks being Anna, her husband, Dave and their little girl Nia.) Since we had our first big snow storm on Saturday evening,  Sunday morning, while the girls stayed warm inside, the boys went out and shoveled out our house. It was a neighborhood event and was very fun to watch from the comfort and warmth of my living room!

Nia was fascinated with two things, watching daddy shovel outside and our Christmas Tree. So I took advantage of her sitting  by the window  and photographed away. Warning: Your hear my just burst with the adorableness of this awesome little girl!

She has more and more teeth coming in all the time!

She was so happy to watch daddy outside!

Nia has this thing about pointing. She was fascinated with the camera. It always amazes me to watch kids explore and think.

I just about died when I saw these next too!

We love you guys!!!

View my portfolio | deborahzparker@mac.com

Deck The Halls!

A week or so ago I wrote about an important family tradition to our family, cutting down the Christmas Tree. Well, the tree is up and decorated and I spent some time the other night taking photos of our beautiful tree! I know, I know, it looks like it was smooshed into the corner. Well, I'm not going to lie, we did. Hey we have LIMITED space in our living room people! Oh well, it seems happy to be there and makes our living room VERY festive. I love our tree! We also took some time to decorate our mantle because we have a FIREPLACE! We are so excited to start having warm and cozy fires in our dining room!

View my portfolio | deborahzparker@mac.com

Sunset Over Beverly

There are days at work (the Salem News) where you could find yourself running all over the Northshore from schools, to sporting events to town meetings and more. There are days when you are so busy, your attention is directed in a million directions and you wonder how you could possibly achieve all you need to in an eight hour period. Today was not one of those days.

The holiday season, good or bad, can be a very slow time at a newspaper. The school events start to slow down, there are less and less sporting events. There just is not that much going on. I found myself in that very situation today. I came in to work, logged on to find that there were NO assignments for me.

What does that mean for a news photographer? That means you go out and find things to take pictures of. These days take quite a bit of initiative and self motivation. Sometimes it is easy to come by, sometimes not. On this day I found that what inspired me the most wasn't a photograph of someone doing something but rather what the sun was doing. I happened to be on my way back to the office at the end of the afternoon when I saw this and just had to stop. I know it's not your typical newspaper shot, but sometimes it's good to branch out a bit! Let me know what you think

View my portfolio | deborahzparker@mac.com

Facebook Me!

Are we Facebook friends? No? Well we should be!

Are you a past, present or future client of Deborah Zoe? If so I'd love to meet you on Facebook! Here I upload sessions, chat about life, answer questions and get connected with people like you! So what are you waiting for click this link and become a fan today!

Let's Connect!

To view my portfolio click here | deborahzparker@mac.com

Family Traditions

Every year on the first weekend of the December my family wakes up at the crack of dawn to head to a local Christmas Tree farm. We then search the farm for the most perfect, most beautiful looking tree. We've never missed a year except for one when all three of us were sick and it was cold and raining. But even then my dad trudged through the weather, with a cold, to find that perfect tree for our home. For the past four years, as a married couple, Dave and I have traveled to Nutter's Tree Farm in Topsfield with my family to continue this tradition to pick out our tree.

2006

2007

2008

Traditions are an important component to our family, and I am thankful to my family for starting traditions like cutting down the Christmas Tree. I cherish the time that I can spend with them, celebrate the season, and create memories together. It's something that, someday, I hope to share with my own children. What kind of holiday traditions do you share with your family?

Here are some images from this year's cutting of the Christmas Tree, enjoy!

Our Trip to the Big Apple

What a great last few days in New York City. I've been to New York more times than I can remember, but never with Dave AND he's only been there once. He had mixed feelings about taking a small vacation here but I think this trip changed his mind. He says he didn't actually hate it! (score ;) ) We visited several different neighborhoods, caught up with a good friend, did a few touristy things, but mostly just tried to explore. My feet are still recovering from all the walking (how do New Yorkers do it?) I don't have much more to say than that, so I'll let the photos do the talking!

Here's under Bethesda Terrace  in Central Park. The tile work is amazing.

Trees in Central Park

More Central Park

My friend Courtney who lives in Brooklyn suggested that Dave and I check out the Highline which is in the Meat Packing/Chelsea area. It's this old elevated train track that they turned into a pedestrian mall. It is SO cool!

Ellis Island

St. Patrick's on Fifth Avenue

The Highline had this great view of parts of the skyline

This great door was in West Village near Magnolia's Bakery. They make AMAZING cupcakes

View from the Top of the Rock

Well I hope that you enjoyed these as much as I enjoy reliving our trip through them! New York is a great city, and if you have never been there you should plan a trip there NOW! (*I do have to say though Boston is my FAVORITE city and I think it is one of the best cities in the world. Sorry New Yorkers, I just couldn't end this post without this little side note ;) )

New, York, New York

We're back! From an awesome trip to NYC! We spent four relaxing and fun filled days in the Big Apple. I have a lot of catching up to do, so today's post will just be a sneak peek but come back for more!

New York State of Mind

Hi Folks! I hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving! I've relished the last few days I've been able to spend with family, good friends, and of course with Dave. I'm even more excited that it doesn't end this weekend as Dave and I will be headed to NYC for the next several days. I looked forward to leisurely walks up and down Manhattan, doing a few touristy things, and hopefully a little bit of shopping on 5th Avenue? Ok maybe window shopping  :) I'll post photos of our trip as soon as we are back. In the mean time if you need to reach me you can contact me at deborahzparker@mac.com

Have a great week everyone!

My Top 10 Suggestions on how to host Thanksgiving... (even if you're not a Suzie Home Maker)

For the past three years, tomorrow will make four, Dave and I have hosted Thanksgiving for both sides of our family. This year will be smaller with only eight guests, but typically we've been averaging around 12 guests each year. We love it, and this year we are even more excited because we'll be hosting in our NEW HOME :) ! Every year there is always WAY to much food, lots of chatter, and lots of football to go around. While our guest list is fairly large, we never seem to be overwhelmed, anxious, or hurried. We are blessed because we have wonderful families, but we also just love the holiday, a day where we get together with those that we love and give thanks for all the blessing in our life. What could be better?

I thought in prep for Thanksgiving, I'd offer ten suggestions for hosting your own Thanksgiving feast. Keep in mind, this is what works for me. And I hope you'll get at least a little chuckle out of this :)

1. Use the excuse that you have to go to work from 8-12 in the morning and there's just no way for you to have time to cook the turkey... Then bat your eyelashes several times at your husband ;) . JUST KIDDING, 'cept for the working bit. Since I work for a newspaper during the morning I am off shooting football games so Dave becomes our Master Chef. Dave LOVES  to cook and relishes in being the Man of the Kitchen for the morning, cooking up stuffing, the turkey, mashed potatoes and more. He just impresses me so much with his knowledge in a kitchen.

2. Use the excuse again that you have to work so that both sides of the family have to come to you, instead of the other way around. Both of our families, mine in Massachusetts and Dave's in New Hampshire live really close. We are blessed that they can both celebrate with us on the actual day instead of us having to split the time between the two. We are also really blessed to just have a great family that loves us and loves each other. What more can you ask for?

3. Make someone bring as least one side dish. I hardly have to lift a finger when people bring stuffing, or cranberry sauce, or green been casserole, or squash; the list goes on and on. It makes it SO much easier on me and my anxiety level when people help out. Instead of trying to everything myself we all work as a team and it really is awesome.

4. Eat in the middle of the afternoon. With having so many people coming from different parts of the region, having dinner in the middle of the afternoon seems to make the most sense for us. People can do what they want in the morning, or use that time to travel, have a relaxing, non-rushed meal, and then have plenty of time to head back to where ever they came from. And then sleep for five days after eating all that food!

*this was our VERY first Thanksgiving together:)*

5. Give up control. Ok, this might be similar to number 3, but it bears repeating. As a host or hostess you might feel the need to do EVERYTHING, to cook everything, to clean everything, to decorate everything, to basically control everything. Well, unfortunately, or fortunately you can't. And even if you don't it too something will go wrong. But don't worry! It is ok and all will work out in the end. Your job isn't to make sure everything is perfect, but to enjoy your friends and family who have come to enjoy you and NOT your Martha Stewart skills. I learned this after our second Thanksgiving together. As soon as I started to let go, I could relax and really enjoy myself. So go ahead and forget about that painting that is hanging astray and asked for another piece of pie!

6. Make sure that you get a turkey that is appropriately sized for the crowd you are serving. You can find the measurements, online I believe, for how big a turkey you need to have to feed the amount of people you have. Dave and my dad take on this task of the very intricate and complicated calculations ;) We always go over, but it sure does make for really good leftovers for days after!

7. Make sure that you take the time to call those loved ones you can't see on Thanksgiving to let them know that you are thinking of them. My grandmother is unable to come to Thanksgiving this year and my Aunt and Uncle live all the way out in Chicago. But we always make sure to give them a ring, or they ring us to tell them that we love them. Even if you can't be together physically, you really are never that far apart. Ok cheesy, but hey it's true.

8. Make sure that you have all of your ingredients and supplies the day BEFORE Turkey Day. Going to the grocery shop the day of Thanksgiving = no fun.

9. In the break between eating and more eating, ie dinner and dessert, try to get a few of the dishes cleaned or in the dishwasher. It sure makes your life a heck of a lot easier to do it little by little than doing a whole slew of dishes at the end of the night (when your passed out anyways!)

10. Make sure that you give thanks (especially to you family that helps you pull off this thing called Thanksgiving) Reflecting on all that we have been blessed with. For Dave and I, we do not want to take anything for granted. We are most thankful this year for our family and their health, along with our marriage and living in our very first home. What more could you ask for?!

Well even if you didn't learn anything new, or were not helped by this little list, I at least hope that you got a chuckle out of it. I hope that you all have a great day tomorrow!

Stay tuned for some posts coming up in the near future, including our trip to NYC in a few days!

Getting A Face Lift

It seems that the last two months of the year, November and December, have been and are going to be extremely busy. Between work, the holidays, shoots, editing, traveling, a baby shower, and trying to find time to spend with my hubby, I am struggling to keep my head above water. Fortunately, all of the things that keep me so busy, are also things that make my heart smile.

One of the things I am really excited about currently is the face lift we are giving to our church's website. The choice has been made to create a blog site. It's not live yet so I can't link to it here yet, but I'll make sure to post a link once it does.

Blogging has really peaked my interest of late, especially after starting this here blog earlier this fall. I love the idea of sharing images, ideas, thoughts, all of that, with others.  I follow several photographer's blogs, ya know the staples, Jasmine Star, Jamie Delaine, Melissa Jill, Jessica Claire, Becker, Justin and Mary and the list goes on and on. I appreciate all of the information they give and how personal they are. All of these photographers are willing to share their lives with those of us who read. I hope to be able to follow that model as this blog continues to grow. I want to share with you what I know, but not only that, I want to share with you a little bit of who I am. I thank those of you who follow my blog currently. I appreciate all of your support!

So while a blog is always better with an image. Here is what I've been working on for Gateway's new blog site!

Our good friends Luke and Mandy are newlyweds... and super cute.

Should my friend Alyssa be a hand model?

** To view my portfolio click HERE | To contact me please email me at: deborahzparker@mac.com **

Muppet Christmas Carol: Best Version Ever

Yesterday after two sold out shows and three movie theatres later we saw the new Christmas Carol movie with Jim Carrey. The technology of movies like these just keep getting better and better. It's really unbelievable to watch. The detail on Scrooge's face is unreal! I liked it, my husband and friends, not so much. Bah humbug. But we did agree on one thing, the Muppet's Christmas Carol is the best version of the Christmas Carol out there. Ok, well I mostly agreed, they mostly laughed.   

On a completely unrelated note, my friend posted this on Facebook and I just had to share. I hope it brings a smile to your face. Me, I was doubled over in laughter. I guess I really am a four-year-old ;)

Is there such a thing as a Christmas addict?

Folks, I'm going to admit it right here on the world wide web (do people call it that any more?), that I love Christmas. Last night, after I watched a Christmas commercial, I started to sing along and go off on my own little version of a White Christmas. Dave told me he married a four-year-old, a very cute four-year-old.

I just can't help myself. Ever since I was a kid I loved everything about Christmas. The cookies, the candy, the presents, the decorations, the music, and as I got older the meaning of Christmas.

So in that spirit, and yes I do realize that it is not even Thanksgiving yet, I'd post some of my favorite images from Christmases past

We host a party every year, this is one of my favorite pictures from one of our parties.  Stephanie, my sister-in-law also gave me a present in this awesome bag one year. (*it says  "So many men, so little mistletoe" Loved it, not sure if Dave did ;)

Our friends TJ and Tricia are Cheese Heads, (cut 'em a little slack, they are from Wisconsin ;) ) were kind enough to bring back a little Cheese Head for our kitty, Jasmine, just in time for the holidays.  Can't you tell how excited she is?

And how can I forget this little gem! Last year, instead of having a traditional type party, we had a Crappy Yankee Swap, where people brought any "junk" they received for presents, re-wrapped them and brought them to be a part of the swap. Well this is what I opened. A scary brown elephant cookie jar. Some one seriously got this for Christmas! Well, this thing "traveled" from one house to another over the next few months. I have no idea who current lucky owner is now. Wow :)

So I do promise to not overload this blog with all things Christmas, but I just couldn't help but share my love, ahem, addiction, to this wonderful time of the year.

First Peppermint Mocha of the Season

Hi folks! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as I did. It doesn't hurt that it was the first weekend of the month where it didn't rain and was above 50 degrees. It was filled with great friends, laughter, smiles and time with the hubs. I can't think of a better way for spending my spare time than that.

I've been sitting here in Starbucks drinking my first peppermint mocha of the season for the last two hours. Trying to savor my favorite drink little sips at a time. Probably cancels out my time at the gym this morning. Oh well, it's my little treat. What am I doing at Starbucks for two hours? I am trying to create new marketing products like thank you notes, postcards, stickers, etc. It takes a lot of work trying to figure out the small things of this business.

I've created several different options for my first postcards, each with a different image and style. I need help. I need you to help me pick them. After two hours plus over looking these little card designs, I think I'm about to loose my mind. So I decided to share them with you to get HONEST feedback. Clients, photographers, designers, lemme have it. I ain't afraid!

No seriously, I could use the help, advice, comments, likes dislikes. What would you be looking for in a post card. There will be info on the back, but do you want more info on the front or less? Do you like the images picked? Do you like black and white or color better? As a client of mine, what would you be looking for and what would set these postcards apart from the rest?

As I continue to design more products like thank you notes etc, I'll be posting them here. The more feedback I get, the better I can serve you, my clients, so don't be afraid to post a comment below. Maybe I'll take YOU out for a peppermint mocha for all your help!

Marty & Vanessa's Engagement at the Boston Public Garden & Downtown Boston

We met Marty and Vanessa at near the Swan Boats in the Garden on Sunday. Vanessa greeted Spring and I with a huge smile as Marty introduced himself as "Maaahty". This easy going and laid back couple were truly a pleasure to shoot. Not only are they super adorable and beautiful but kind and lovely people as well. Marty protectively and lovingly kept an arm around his future bride almost the entire time as Vanessa looked deeply into his eyes for just as long.

What  pleasure and joy it was to document the love between this sweet couple. I am very much looking forward to their wedding in Portland, Maine next year!

We started out underneath this AWESOME tree in the Gardens. I've use this tree in four sessions now. There's just something I love about it. The light, the texture, yes please!

Spring hard at work.

A Preview of Marty & Vanessa's Engagement at the Boston Public Garden & Downtown Boston

Once again Concept Spring Studio invited me along to shoot the engagement session of Marty and Vanessa. This ADORABLE couple will be getting married next August and could not have been any cuter or more in love. Here's a sneak peek of their session starting in the Public Gardens and ending in Beacon Hill.  More from their session to come later! How beautiful is she??!

Frank & Sarah's Wedding at Great Bay Gallery

Jasmine the Huntress

In the last month we've had two animals running around in our house! And that is not including our cat Jasmine. The other night she brought up a mole, ALIVE, in her mouth as a prize for Dave and I. She decided to drop it in the middle of the living room for us. Needless to say the mole was squealing and I was screaming. And then just this weekend she cornered a bird that flew into the house while the sliding class door was open. I mean I'm glad she's all hunter - like, but I would much rather her play with her toys than the real live thing!

So In honor of this little bundle of fur, I thought I'd share some images I've taken over the few years she's been a part of our family!

We first met Jasmine almost two years ago.  Dave surprised me with a trip to the MSPCA just after Christmas. We were just going to look. I was across the room looking at that was bouncing off all the walls, but Dave was smitten with a small, tiny, gray cat poking her hand outside of her cage. He called me over, "We have to get her!" he exclaimed. I wasn't so sure, but Dave loved her and a few days later we took her home.

Well, Jasmine sure played her cards right and we completely fell for that "I am so sweet, pleeeeeease take me home" act! Don't let her cute demeanor fool you, she's a HANDFUL! Here are some of the best photos we've taken over the past two years.

This little fish was lost for almost a year. It was her absolute favorite toy. Do you know where she hid it? Under the stove.

Napping is her FAVORITE thing to do.

Unfortunately, Jasmine Sola, which was this awesome store around here, closed... So I decided to make good use of their bags.

Jasmine loves when the UPS man comes with presents from B&HLast year was her first experience with a real Christmas tree. One day I couldn't find her ANYWHERE. I walked past the Christmas tree and heard a gingle. All of a sudden Jasmine flew through the air, from the middle of the tree. During the holidays, it's her favorite place to be.

She's a little gullible...

I'll leave you with this gem from when we were living in the apartment...