The Goodmon Family | Durham, NC Family Photographer

As soon as I walked through the Goodmon's door, I was welcomed by a tremendous energy.  Whether it was the small cousins running around playing with each other showing me their cool games, or the adults in the kitchen sharing some laughs, it made for an amazing morning of photos!  I had such a wonderful time hanging out with everyone and capturing some fun moments along the way.  The true spirit of the family really came out though at the end of the shoot when the cans of silly string were passed around to reveal the gender of the newest addition to the clan.  There's nothing more genuine than grandparents and grandkids pelting each other with gooey globs and I had so much fun being a part of it all.

Congrats to the Goodmons on the new little guy on the way and thank you so much for letting me partake in the fun!

Durham, NC Lifestyle Family Photographer

BBQ & Bluegrass | Triangle Family Services

Triangle Family Services is a long-standing organization with a big mission: to help families overcome life’s challenges by offering a variety of services that guide them out of crisis situations and get them back on their feet.  The services they span from mental health care, to anger management, to offering a safe haven for those in abusive situations, to financial services that assist those in economic hardship.  Their reach is vast and they have assisted families in the community for over 75 years.

I had the opportunity to work with Family Triangle Services photographing their BBQ and Bluegrass Fundraiser at the Ritz Raleigh.   Not only was I able to give to such a great cause, but I also had the chance to see some incredibly talented bluegrass bands do their thing!  The pulled pork sandwich made by Ladyfingers was also a huge bonus and one of the best BBQ sandwiches I’ve had yet (though I am from the north so don’t take my word for it – check them out for yourself).

Old Habits kicked off the music for the night, and headliner Chatham County Line brought it home.  There were many toes tapping in the full house audience, and it seemed to me to be an overall great success.  Below are some highlights from the event!

Raleigh Events Photographer

Molly & Al | Camp Wing, Duxbury Wedding Photographer

The groomsmen stood with the newlyweds on the dock at Camp Wing looking out toward the lake, each with a small cup of blue Four Loco in hand from the last can of its kind.  It had been sitting in a fridge for the last 6 or so years, waiting for an event worth celebrating.  Today was the day.  “Her name is Molly Solomon!” was the chant that echoed over the water before everyone took it down, cringing slightly: I guess it didn’t age so well…

In the summer, Camp Wing in Duxbury is an immersive camp for youth ages 7 to 18.  In the offseason, it makes for an amazingly fun and unique wedding venue that lends itself well to an outdoor lawn party.  Molly and Al’s wedding celebration was a perfect emulation of their easy-going personalities and love for outdoor adventures.  Guests spoke of how compassionate and selfless these two are as individuals and as a couple.  You could see the love and excitement in the barn as they exchanged their vows for the joining of a perfect pair. 

Outside, the lawn was equipped with a bounce house for the kids and giant Jenga, corn hole, arm wrestling and other lawn games for the adults.  Guests drank from mason jars and grabbed a bite or two or three at the food trucks out front.  When the dancing was through, the party moved (in a UHaul) from the mess hall to the bunks for a bonfire after-party.  

The vibe of Molly and Al’s wedding was so relaxed and the weather was beautiful - it made it easy to celebrate such an amazingly awesome couple.  Matt and I are so grateful to have met Molly and Al and are happy to share these photos from their celebration with you! 

Duxbury, Massachusetts Wedding Photographer

---

Laura Bradford Photography is based out of Durham, North Carolina and specializes in lifestyle wedding, portrait and family storytelling.  Click below if you like what you see and want to work together.  We'll travel wherever your story takes us!

Caitlin & Mikey | Boston Public Garden Engagement Photographer

The weather forecast was looking pretty gloomy and the UHaul was scheduled to leave for Durham just a few days later, but the stars aligned and we were granted an absolutely gorgeous day for Caitlin and Mikey’s engagement shoot.  We spent the afternoon in the Boston Public Gardens where Mikey had popped the question months earlier.  Their doggies Tuukka and Sadie made a celebrity appearance, and Kim was a rockstar production assistant keeping the dogs in line, trying not to get tangled in the leashes while holding the props and wardrobe changes.  The wardrobes were almost spot on, except for the forgotten shoes for outfit #2 (sorry Mikey, a couple shoe shots slipped in here – they were too cute to cut out!).  Caitlin and Mikey are a beautiful couple that really know how to have fun with each other.  I can’t wait to celebrate you both next August!

Boston Engagement & Wedding Photographer

Kristen & Dustin | Arnold Arboretum Engagement Photographer

I can tell that I’ve been in the presence of a perfect couple when I can’t stop smiling editing their photos, remembering the energy and fun I had capturing their love for each other.  Kristen and Dustin are that kind of couple.  Throughout the entire session I was filled with so much happiness for them and their choice to spend the rest of their lives together, because it seems they are meant to be.

They met the first weekend of UNH at band camp.  After six and a half years together, Dustin, now working as an elementary music teacher and Kristen working as a nurse at MGH decided to tie the knot.  As a fellow band geek, this story totally struck a chord with me.  Kristen and I actually used to play together in the Hanover High School band, so to hear from her again nearly 10 years later that she was marrying a musician and they wanted me to take their photos was thrilling.  I hope you all enjoy looking through these again and again as much as I do!

Boston Engagement & Wedding Photographer

The Gallagher Family | Scituate Light Family Photographer

Andy and Suzanne literally have their hands full these days…but with such amazing kiddos that had me smiling and laughing the whole time we were shooting.  I hadn’t seen Lucy and Connor since they were tiny Christmas elves, so I had no idea what to expect.  When I got to the house, Connor coyly walked in from the other room with a smile glued to his face.  I bent down to say hi and he showed me his new kicks.  A minute later, he and Lucy proceeded to lift up their shirts and show me their belly buttons, and I knew at that moment I’d been let into the friend circle.

We headed to Scituate Light and the twins had me running around the beach trying to capture any moment that I could.  It was clear that these two love the beach, so when the shoes were kicked off and they were set free to go in the water, there was no getting them out…except Andy scooping them out.

The newest addition to the family, Ellie, is such a content and happy baby.  She didn’t make a sound the entire time, and totally lit up when it was time for her close up back at home.

I’m so glad happy to have been able to catch some photos of this truly amazing and genuine family.  I hope the pictures show how much fun I had with these guys!

South Shore Family Photographer

Dan & Amanda | Four Points, Norwood Wedding Photographer

Dan and Amanda’s engagement lasted for 14 days. On New Year’s Eve in 2010 they exchanged vows surrounded by close relatives in Amanda’s family’s living room.  Five years later, they decided to make a bigger production of their celebration and exchanged vows once again, this time in the Catholic Church, followed by an amazing celebration at the Four Points in Norwood, MA.

The reception room was full of energy and you could tell the couple was surrounded by a great support group of people who love them.  And what’s not to love? These two are of the most genuine, good-hearted people I know.  Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your (second) wedding celebration!

Boston Wedding Photographer

Nicole & Andrew | Chelmsford Wedding Photographer

When I met with Andrew and Nicole last August, I could tell they were going to be such an easy couple to work with.  They were relaxed, excited and laid back as we talked about their wedding details and other random life connections over a cold beer.  Their attitudes were no different on their wedding day and everything seemed to fit their personalities perfectly.  Nicole was a calm and beautiful bride, the guests definitely brought a party, and the bridal party, the most flexible of all, put up no fight when asked to straddled a muddy marsh area to get to an old picture-perfect wooden bridge (thanks guys – hopefully the photos are worth the work!).  Throughout the day, it became more and more clear that these two are a perfect match.  I’m glad I could be there to capture such a fun celebration!

MA Wedding Photographer

Hugo | North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Meet Hugo: Born October 21, 2014.  I spent a week with him at the beach for Thanksgiving and I only heard him cry maybe once – and it was probably by accident.  He’s such a relaxed and awesome little guy and I had a great time getting him used to the camera (because with me as his new aunt, there will obviously be plenty more shoots to come).  He was so excited for his debut photo session that he could barely sleep or sit still!  Here are the results:

North Carolina Newborn Photographer

The Minnie Chronicles | North Carolina Lifestyle Photographer

Matt and I travelled to North Carolina over Thanksgiving and the New Year to spend some time with his family.  The mornings would often start with Matt walking downstairs early in the morning, me still groggy in bed waking up slowly, but hearing a tiny voice from the kitchen asking him “where’s Lala?”  My guilty conscience and eagerness to see what adventures our two-year-old niece would bring got me out of bed pretty fast.  I have so many photos of my buddy, Minnie, that I needed a separate post to feature them all.  She’s quite a character and I always have so much fun following her around and hanging out, with a perfectly reasonable excuse to act anything but my age.  These photos are a small collection of the Minnie adventures during a couple of weeks over the 2014/2015 holiday season.

Raleigh Lifestyle Family Photographer

A Weekend with James | North Carolina Family Photographer

“I’m in my crib with my Bubbah after a nice long snooze and the door creeks open.  ‘Hey James!’ she says softly, and then out of nowhere, there it is – that big strange black box she always seems to be carrying.  She brings it up to her face and sticks it right in mine.  I just stare back blankly at her.  ‘Seriously?’ I think to myself, ‘I just woke up!'”

I’m sure that’s a fairly accurate depiction of James’ stream of conscience when I greeted him after his nap with my camera in hand.  It didn’t take long for him to warm up to it though and over the course of the weekend he eventually forgot it was there.  The adventures to ensue were many: driving the cars in the driveway, playing with cousin Minnie, running up and down the driveway, collecting leaves, swinging in the park, you name it.  Luckily, my camera was always close by.  Here are a few of the highlights of my weekend with James.

North Carolina Lifestyle Family Photographer

The Cecil Family | Raleigh Family Photographer

When you’re almost 2 years old, getting a little brother out of nowhere can be tough.  Everyone’s attention suddenly becomes divided as they ooh and ahh over the new little man.  Hugo arrived in October, and since then Minnie has been figuring out how to share the spotlight.  As expected, some days are easier than others, but overall she’s been embracing the new Cecil family addition (sometimes a little too tightly – see photo 1: exhibit A!) and little by little you can see that Hugo might have his work cut out for him as he grows up with Minnie in charge!  I spent a sunny afternoon capturing these new siblings and though Minnie was more interested in running around in the (amazingly golden-lit) field than sitting on a blanket with her little bro, I did manage to catch a few moments of her sisterly love.  Enjoy!

Raleigh Family Photographer

Molly & Al | Lowell, MA Engagement Photographer

Molly and Al are such a great couple.  They met their freshman year at UMass and the rest is history.  Now they have an awesome dog named Hawk and an awesome house in Lowell where I met them for our shoot.  We ventured to a small little park by the river, which made for a perfect fit given their love for white water rafting and the outdoors.  There’s still 11 months until their wedding, but I’m super pumped for the celebration!  Until then, I hope you enjoy their engagement session photos.

Lowell, MA Lifestyle Engagement Photographer

The Cook Family | World's End, Hingham Family Photographer

I now present you with the Cook family: one of the most laid back and genuine families around.  We spent an unusually warm fall afternoon wandering through World’s End in Hingham and they sure made my job easy!  I truly enjoyed my time with them – there aren’t enough kind words that I can say about them so I’ll just stop writing and just show you the photos.  Enjoy the Cooks!

Boston Family Photographer

South Shore Massachusetts Family Photographer

The Tavans | Boston Family Photographer

When Mia asked me to take the Tavan family photos I was honored and excited to capture her and her boys.  We spent a beautiful afternoon in the Boston Public Garden where Zach met a horse for the first time, watched some swan boats, and got to sit with his parents on the bench where Ethan proposed to Mia a few years back.  When Zach snapped out of his post-nap haze, he was an absolute natural for the camera.  Enjoy some of these beautiful Tavan family moments!

Boston Public Garden Family Photographer

Ryland Flaherty | Brookline Maternity & Family Photographer

It was about 2pm when I got a text from my good friend Jes.  She was pregnant with her second baby boy and was hoping to have a family photo shoot before he came into the world.  We tried to set one up throughout her pregnancy, but it looked as though Ryland might beat us.  However, if you know Jes, you know she would not let that happen!  The text went something like this: “So I’m having some cramps – some may say they’re contractions…ha!  I’m wondering if you’re free after work to take our photos.   I know this is crazy but I’d really love to get a shoot in before he comes.”  So 4 hours later, when I finished work I hurried to meet Jes, Steve and Coleman for a nice walk in the park and a family maternity shoot.  Despite the brief contraction breaks, Jes endured and Ryland waited to make his debut until much later that night.  It turned out to be a great last-minute chance to catch some great moments with soon-to-be-big brother Coleman and his parents.

Two weeks later, I met Ryland and instantly fell in love.  Apparently he was as excited to hang out with me as I was with him because he refused to sleep for most of the shoot, but he’s a pretty good model regardless.

Now, without further adieu, enjoy the Flaherty family/maternity shoot and Ryland’s photo debut!

Brookline Maternity & Family Photographer

Boston Maternity & Family Photographer

Mike & Kim | Boston Engagement Photographer

To sum up Mike and Kim in a nutshell: two of the most honest, genuine people who aren’t afraid of an adventure or making a fool of themselves, so long as they’re laughing together through it all.  I’ve never really met two people who are so excited and appreciative about the little things in life.

We putzed around Boston for a full afternoon, dancing with Keytar bear, eating cannolis and soaking in the beautiful day.  I’m so happy for the two of them and excited to share photos from our shoot together:

Boston Engagement Photographer

Wilhelmina Cecil | Seattle Newborn Photographer

You know, I may be biased because she’s now my niece, but I must say Wilhelmina (pronounced Will-ah-meen-ah), aka Minnie, is pretty darn cute.  Matt (my trusted second shooter/now husband) and I went out to visit his sister Katie, her husband Sean and their new baby girl in Seattle and as expected, my camera was out the whole time.  I couldn’t stop snapping the faces she’d make, the interactions between her and their dog, Lucille and cat, Boo, and the pure joy in everyone’s smile when they got their turn to hold their neatly swaddled little package.

Enjoy Minnie’s first photoshoot!

Seattle Newborn Photographer

A Raleigh Christmas | NC Lifestyle Family Photographer

This Christmas was a special one for the Raleigh Hunters.  With the addition of three new family members in 2013, everyone made it down south, and the house was at capacity.  Matt and I flew in on Christmas evening and were greeted with the smell of baked goods and by Minnie, the first addition to the family, now 9 months old and crawling everywhere.  The cameras were drawn immediately.  James, addition number 2, joined us the next day.  Now almost 5 months old, he’s about triple the size he was when Minnie saw him last in September at Matt and my wedding (yup, I’m addition number 3).  After exchanging a few slaps on the head and a handshake, Minnie and James became quick buddies.  They ate together, pooped together and fought crime together as Superman and Wonderwoman, thanks to Aunt Laura and Uncle Matt.  Believe me, they kept things exciting!  With a total of 10 adults, 2 babies, 4 dogs and a cat, there was never a dull moment!  Here are a few goodies from the trip.  I’ll start with Matt, the dog whisperer:

Raleigh Lifestyle Family Photographer

Connor & Lucy | Scituate, MA Newborn Photographer

I think the best way to celebrate a birthday is to spend it with these two cuties: Connor and Lucy.  Andy and Suzanne definitely have their hands full, but with faces like these who needs sleep anyway??  There’s not much to say to explain how awesome these guys are, so I’ll just let the photos speak for themselves.

Scituate Newborn Photographer

South Shore Massachusetts Newborn Photographer