Reflections: Samontha + Terence

/
Recently, Samontha & Terence sat down with me to share their story of the last three years of marriage.   To say the least, they've had an amazing journey together thus far and are very lucky to have each other.  They are growing closer at an incredible pace and I wish them nothing but continued success and happiness within their marriage. Here they are, in their own words... [vimeo 15407124] {If the video does not appear, please try clicking on this link} See Beauty... Ariane
Read More

Everybodys Hands Go......UP!! The Wedding of Seon & Aiyisha

/
Happy happy Friday!  It's finally here; the weekend AND Aiyisha & Seon's wedding day photos!  { Check out the wedding slideshow!} It was 11:00 AM and the hallways were empty and the hotel room was quiet and still; all of the details were in place for the wedding day of Aiyisha and Seon.  Soon there would be a burst of activity flurried with friends, family, excitement, and laughter. It's true that the perfect wedding dress is out there for everyone; it's as if this one was made just for Aiyisha :). She was the perfect maid of honor helping her sister on one of the most happiest days of her life. Yep, she's ready :). Meanwhile, on the floor above Aiyisha was her perfect groom prepping moments before seeing his wife; he never stops smiling :). Check out these guys.  Looking preeeettty SHARP! Almost show time! This is what happiness looks like :). Fierce ladies; simply fierce! Let me see your serious face.....ok, gooooood! lol Now let's have a little fun.   On my count.....JUMP!! lol Aiyisha & Seon featuring Princess Aiyanna.  No seriously, that's how it was written on the wedding day pamphlet, "Flower Girl: Princess Aiyanna".  Lol, very cute I must say :). Can I just say...?  I LOOOOOVVVVEEEE this pic.  This was their entrance as husband and wife.  But guess what song they're dancing too?  "All I Do Is Win" and this is the part where "everybodys hands go up".  Check out the song if you're in the mood to jump out of your chair and start dancing, lol. Aiyanna practiced this dance with her dad for weeks.  She did an awesome job! Mr & Mrs. Defritas.....pure bliss Perfect day for a perfect couple.  Aiyisha & Seon, I wish you nothing but joy and happiness in your marriage; your love is beautiful. Be sure to check out the SLIDESHOW for more on Aiyisha & Seon's wedding day :). A special thank you to: Tara Schott, Videographer of Parasol Video Productions.  You were so awesome to work with; hopefully our paths will cross again.  Aaannnd DJ's Mike Bacon & Christopher Smith for keeping the music going allllll niiiigggght loooongg!  :)
Read More

Your Story: VaNessa & Winslow

/
Look at this beautiful couple below...sometimes a picture alone is not enough to tell their story. Photojournalism is one way of using an image to tell a story.  But, for one moment, imagine viewing the photograph above....is their a particular melody or song that comes to mind?  What can you imagine these two saying to each other?  Imagine a fusion of crafted music and words that tell a unique story and add personal dimension. Please join me in experiencing VaNessa & Winslow's engagement to each other.  Enjoy! [vimeo 14578103] Thank you VaNessa & Winslow for letting me in at such an exciting time in your life.  Your story was both touching and inspiring. I'm so happy to see this project come to life in the way I envisioned it!  And from the bottom of my heart I'd like to thank my business partner and sweetie, Rob Thony for his involvement in this project.  The soundtrack you heard throughout the slide show was composed and arranged by him.* I invite you to please leave your comments and feedback on "Your Story" and if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! :) See Beauty... Ariane *Note: "Waltz in D Major" classical piece composed by Frederic Chopin .
Read More

Brenda & Brandon: Let's Go Indiana U!!

/
Do you believe in fate?  Well after hearing Brenda and Brandon's story of how they blossomed as a couple, I am just about convinced that when the stars align, you just can't fight it.  It all happened during a University open house where they first laid eyes on each other.  While at the event, they occasionally exchanged lingering glances but kept it purely professional and stuck to the business at hand.  The open house ended and the two went their separate ways.  But as luck would have it, Brenda and Brandon crossed paths again and after several more encounters, he finally asked her out.  He took her to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on their first date.  They painted the city of Philly red as they dated and got to know one another. Brandon is a proud alumni of Indiana University and Brenda LOVES their college basketball team.  He planned to pop the question to Brenda and after some elaborate scheming on Brandon's part, he brought her back to Indiana University and proposed to her center court of the gymnasium. :) Brenda and Brandon are truly an amazing couple and it was such a great experience to hang out with them in downtown Philadelphia to capture them as a fun down-to-earth couple. He just loves her to pieces :). I just love the way Brenda looks at her husband to be; with such love in her eyes. Taking it back to where it all began at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; first date memories! :) For more of Brenda & Brandon's engagement session, be sure to check them out in the SLIDESHOW!  B & B! You two rock!  Looking forward to your wedding day in October.  Thank you so much! See Beauty, Ariane
Read More

Beautiful Evening At Princeton University with Aiyisha + Seon

/
I'm so happy to bring to you this next post on a recent engagement session.  Aiyisha and I met and spoke on the phone a couple of times prior to their first photo session.  I had yet to meet Seon but I was anxious to meet Aiyisha's other half; the one that brought giddy smiles to her face whenever she mentioned his name.  They share a quiet yet sweet kind of love; the kind that seems like they've been together a lifetime. The shoot took place on the quiet yet charming grounds of Princeton University in New Jersey.  A place that was quite special to them as they had special memories around this small town of Princeton. They are planning their wedding this August and from what I've been told when it comes to the reception, there will be LOTS of dancing, lol. I'll make sure I bring comfortable shoes ;). It wasn't long before Aiyisha and Seon were laughing without a care in the world... My photo shoots are never complete without a little dancing... :) Quiet love moment... We passed by this little walkway here and the sunlight twinkled through the trees... And finally, Miss Aiyanna joined the fun with her parents.  Aiyianna gets straight A's in school and loves Math.  Oh yeah, and don't let that sweet adorable face fool you; she is NOT camera shy.  lol To see more of Aiyisha & Seon's engagement session, check out their SLIDESHOW!!
Read More

Maya & Rod + baby belly

/
We all went to college together and now here we are 7 years later and Maya & Rod are both expecting their first little baby girl.  This session meant a lot to me because it gave me a chance to get reunite with my old college mates and it also gave me the chance to be apart of a  of a special time in their lives as they prepare to grow their family. We started out at a studio in the floral district of Manhattan and then walked over to the nearby Madison Square Park and took some shots there.  The day was perfect and Rod & Maya were great to work with.  Here are my favorite photos of them, 8.5 weeks pregnant and full of energy! To see more of Maya & Rod's maternity session; check out their SLIDESHOW! Maya & Rod, you two were an absolute pleasure to work with.  I wish you all the luck and many blessings for your new family!  Also, a special thank you to my makeup artist VaNessa Cook for Maya's amazing look!
Read More

Guitars & Sunshine - A Closer Look

/
Last week you met Tammie; awesome girl with a passion for music.  Here she is again in this short clip as she expresses what music is to her and how DETERMINATION can be a source of inspiration. [vimeo 12574088] This session was not only a chance for me to capture Tammie doing what she loves, but I learned so much about her and found myself inspired by her passion and energy.  This is an ongoing project for me and I'm always looking to meet new people.  So for those of you who are interested in a session and the chance to share your story, I would love to hear from you! As always, thanks for reading!
Read More