One of the many things I love about having this job is getting a glimpse into other people’s lives–the way they do things, the traditions they have, the different cultures they celebrate.  You get to see a piece of other worlds that you never would have the opportunity to be part of before.  One of my favorite experiences was the Greek wedding I photographed in Cambridge last year.  While taking pictures of the bride getting ready, about twenty female relatives crammed in the room tearfully watching her step into her gown and straighten her veil while they sang music in Greek.  Coming from a big huge Italian family, half of me felt completely comfortable with the situation, and the other half was completely in awe–especially when the 21st person entered the room–a cousin who played the clarinet to accompany the women singing.  It was overwhelming, and absolutely amazing.

So when Voula and Terry contacted me to photograph their baby girl’s baptism, I had some idea what to expect: big family, lots of emotion, and tons of traditions.  And attending many Catholic baptisms, I understood the basic flow of the mass.  However, if you’ve never been to a Greek baptism, the one thing that really stood out was the focus on the Godparents.  They weren’t just there to support, the mass really did seem centered around them and their commitment to help spiritually guide little Anastatia (who is so stinking adorable I wanted to steal her).    I absolutely loved it.

Following the ceremony, Voula and Terry planned a party at Legal Seafood Harborside.  When I talked to Terry over the phone, he asked that I get pictures of the decorations because Voula was really good at party planning and they wanted to document the details.  I sort of brushed  this comment off because honestly, everyone who has ever planned a wedding considers themselves an event planner (self included).  But Terry totally downplayed his wife’s talent.  Voula, the MASTER event planner, hit this one out of the ballpark.  The girl not only thought of everything–EVERYthing–the execution was extraordinary.  And the fact that she planned this party from Chicago completely blows my mind.  Voula, you need to quit your day job and plan events.  You are amazing.

Here’s the little peanut.  Isn’t she such a doll?

Dunk a baby!

I think cousin George enjoyed the dunking more than baby girl did.


Baby’s first haircut.  (Don’t worry baby girl, I hate getting myha

Baptized!

I almost died when I walked in and saw this table.  Sweet Annie Floral, you outdid yourself with those buds!

Sooooo she even thought of how to entertain the kids table and decked it out with my most favorite candy.  You don’t know how hard it was for me not to dive into those peach gummies and eat the whole jar.  I didn’t even slip any in my pocket to eat for later.  Darn professionalism is really getting in the way of my sugar intake 😉

And then the guest of honor arrived in all her adorableness.


Aren’t they the prettiest little family?  Can you move back to Boston so I can photograph you all the time?  Love!

See?  EVERYTHING went with the theme.
Baby A and her cousins.

Voula and Terry, THANK YOU for including me in this special day for your little girl.  I loved the traditions and your entire family.  She is so loved and I hope will feel it through these pictures.  Congrats and God bless!