Thanksgiving and black friday

Dear A.M.,

Good morning darling. This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving. We had a bunch of turkey, stuffing, and and all kinds of great food. You'll learn soon enough about the yummy food served on holidays like this. The next day your mom and I went out early in the morning to do some Black Friday shopping.... This is definitely something your mom wants you to get involved in when you are older. We waited in line at Staples and OfficeMax on a mission to find a GPS navigation system. We didn't get what we were looking for at Staples as we had gotten there late and the navigation systems were already sold out... but we did score some really cheap CF cards for Daddy's photography business! We were lucky enough to find arrive at Officemax 30 minutes prior to them opening. It was a cold cold morning but I was a trooper standing in line waiting to get my hands on that navigation system. As soon as the door opened... I made a mad dash to the aisles looking for what we were after... sadly... it was not in the aisles!!!!! But all was not lost since your mom, being so wise, went straight to the customer service counter where they were and got what we needed! We are now the proud owners of a Magellan Maestro 3200 navigation system!!! Woot! Now you and your mom will never get lost! LOL!

Anyhow, You are scheduled to arrive on Wednesday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. We found out that the doctors want to induce labor in your mom so that we can see you sooner. It's getting harder and harder for mom to carry you in her tummy. We are ready for you to arrive. We test fitted your car seat, and washed all your clothes and bedsheets. Sweetie, I can't wait to meet you.

Love always,
Daddy

Letters to my child #1

For some time now, I have wanted to find a way to give my child something that she can have with her the rest of her life, to give her guidance and hope when she's feeling down and out. Although she may not be here with us yet, (she's due to arrive at the end of the month) I feel that there is nothing more valuable in this world that can compare to the loving and encouraging words of a parent, be it written or spoken. From here on out, every "Personal" entry I make on this blog will be letter to my child, telling her of my life experiences, the laughs and the tears, the hardships the we go through with the hopes that one day she can read them and appreciate what life gives her be it good or bad.

So let's get started shall we? Since her name is yet a secret to the rest of the world my first few letters to her will be written to "A.M." Her initials. Guess all you like... the secret is mine and Audrey's to keep. =)

My Dearest A.M.,

We are so excited that in just a few days you'll finally be with us. We can't wait to be a part of your life. It has been a long 9 months for your mother and I. It's been a rollercoaster ride for sure! Between, your mom getting her Ph.D, getting a new job, finding a new home, preparing for your arrival and starting my photography business there were times when I just lost sight of it all. Your mother and I would get frustrated and argue over such menial things... at times like these, I just have to step back, take a deep breath and reflect. There are times in life when people forget how much they mean to each other. I am reminded today of the bible verse that was read to me and your mom on our wedding day.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Be kind to those you love, and when you get angry, do your best to try and understand what you are angry about and communicate those feelings. So many of us make the mistake of not communicating our thoughts, and that miscommunication alone can be the single biggest reason that people lash out at one another.... ask me how I know. =)

So, everything is set for your arrival. Your crib is assembled, we have your stroller and car seat, all your clothes are put away in your own drawer in your mom's beloved dresser. All we need now is you! We both hope to see you soon sweetie!

With Love,
Mom and Dad

Lauren and Keith

Lauren and Keith have been our good friends and neighbors for some years now, we were so excited to invited to their wedding, and even more excited that we werent shooting it. I did manage to get a few shots though and just thought I'd share a few. They were married on November 3rd. I would have posted pics sooner but have been catching up on album designs and fulfilling print orders and holiday cards! Their photographer was Josh Lynn a photographer based in central NJ. So if your getting married in that area and need a photographer... he's your man!

On with the photos!

Our last getaway!

Earlier this month, Audrey, JoJo and I went on a mini-vacation as a last minute getaway before the arrival of our baby. Audrey had wanted to take some maternity shots and I didn't want to disappoint her so I asked Autumn of Autumn Photography, a fellow wedding photographer based out of Fairfield, CT to come and do a shoot for us. We stayed at the Sheraton Stamford. We are big fans of starwood hotels and would highly recommend them! We've never been disappointed.
We arrived at the hotel around noon on Saturday and had some canolli's from Planet Pizza, a local joint we used to frequent quite a bit... by the way... their canolli's are to die for!!!! Autumn arrived at 2 and we began shooting. We had a blast spending time with Autumn and we spent much of the time making fun of Audrey =). (Cananda!)

Anyhow, enough rambling... here are some pics.

By the way... Autumns pics will be up as soon as she gets back from her vacation!

Autumns impersonation of Spiderman!


I took this shot with an off camera flash and it seems that Audrey and JoJo were amazed at how the flash can be triggered wirelessly... ah the joys of technology! =)


Autumn, Audrey, JoJo and Me!


This was taken in the town of Wesport, CT. I love, love, love this little town.


And of course... our family. Thanks to the stranger enjoying his Starbucksfor taking the time to snap this for us!

Kelly and Tamer's wedding album

Kelly and Tamer were such a blast to work with and I was so floored that they requested to add an album to their package after seeing their photo's. Here is the proof of the album they will be recieving. Our albums are made by KISS Wedding Books. They are leather bound flush mount albums that come in 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12 sizes. Talk about classy! These things are amazing! Check them out at KISS Wedding Books To all my past and future clients, I am currently offering these albums at the same price as the coffee table albums we currently offer in our packages. To receive more information, send us an email at jayc@jcastrophotography.com

Enjoy the show!