Hello Yellow! Michelle & Chris’s Lovely Backyard Wedding Bash!
November 2, 2011 by admin
Filed under Blog Categories, Weddings
Hello Yellow! I can’t get enough of the details and choices for today’s post. I have to give Michelle credit as she put everything together herself; from the personal details to her rocking vendors, she did an amazing job! Michelle and Chris chose to have an intimate wedding with family and friends in a lovely backyard bash
complete with their treasured 4 legged friends Lilly and Tanner!
Michelle made such a beautiful bride, and what makes it more special is that her fantastic stylist sister did the hair and makeup of all the lovely ladies. I love these next images below of her big sister making her perfect and the expression of her father just watching over!
I also love the pre-wedding family excitement with love, hugs and warm affection before the ceremony!
Right after the ceremony there was a special gift for Michelle and Chris from the ladies.
Everyone was distributed an envelope for a beautiful butterfly release right after their first kiss!
Nothing quite like a Tequila toast in lieu of Champagne!
A little bit of a time out below for the beautiful couple. We just had to utilize this amazing draping apple tree!
Michelle and Chris, congratulations to you both! I wish for you a life of love, happiness and adventure!
Also a big Kudos to the rocking Vendors who helped Michelle put everything together so beautifully!
DJ: Kevin Dusseault
Florist: Anne’s Country Florals
Cake Designer: Kelly Cakes
Caterer: Celebrations Catering, Derry NH
Hair Stylist: The fabulous Wandee Ducharme of Hair We Are Face and Body Spa
Make up Artist: Wandee Ducharme of Hair We Are Face and Body Spa
IN IT TO END IT ~ Windham High School & Team BellaDonna’s Styles & S.M.I.L.E.S Charity Fashion Show
April 23, 2011 by admin
Filed under Blog Categories, Misc
“In it to End it!” was the chorus that rang off the walls of the Windham High School Auditorium.
Every May, the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer fills the streets of Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods. Women (and men!) of all ages, races and creeds join together in memory, friendship, love and celebration to raise funds in support of cancer research; helping to ensure adequate care and support for those affected by Breast Cancer.
Our lives are filled with so many different experiences from one day to the next. Experiences that call for rejoicing and some that lead to tears. Some where new friends are made, and others that only the love of an old friend can make complete. Sometimes, we experience challenges or support others as they fight to win a battle that is daunting at its best and seemingly impossible at its worst. It is during these experiences that we begin to see ourselves for who we are, what it means to not only BE STRONG but to be OF STRENGTH.
Last Sunday, Team BellaDonna, a dynamic and beautiful group of women, made up of both survivors and friends, hosted a charity fashion show that supports and honors those affected by Breast Cancer. They were joined in their efforts by many local Windham, NH Businesses, featuring local business sponsorship and “celebrity” models, and the Windham High School S.M.I.L.E.S (Spreading Meaningful Irreplaceable Life Experiences Selflessly) Community Service Club. All of which were fundamental in putting together this fantastic event!
Overwhelming barely begins to describe the experience of what happens when a community shares in the support of a cause. It was an honor to witness, participate and document this tremendous effort from an incredible group of local area businesses, amazing teenagers and an EXTRAORDINARY team of brave women!
The show began with many of the students, children, local celebrities, and the BellaDonna Team Members getting their hair, and make-up done by the fantastic stylists and makeup artists from Artistic Creations of Windham, NH and Salon Bogar of Londonderry, NH.
In the lobby, live entertainment was provided by the Windham High School Jazz Ensemble.
These are some seriously talented musicians!
Inside the theater, the show began with the girls of the Windham High School Dance Club bounding down the aisles and across the sides of the theater, setting the stage with a high energy mix for the upcoming main event!
The next series of images showcase models of all ages featuring the styles and fashions by:
Delia’s
Marshalls in Salem, NH
Deb Store
Men’s Wearhouse
The Gap & Gap Kids
and, Fringe Boutique
Flowers were provided by Ford Flower Company.
It was so much fun watching every one bring a little bit of themselves into their walk.
What an amazing group of strong, courageous personalities from the little ones to the adults!
After the youngest models introduced the spring and summer fashions, the Londonderry Dance Academy performed “Pure Spirit”, a moving contemporary dance filled with elegance and grace.
Intermission provided the perfect opportunity to snap some images of the excited crowd and the rocking women running the raffle by some fantastic area businesses. Check out some of the awesome prizes below from:
Beijo Bags
Shabby Chic – A Sweets Boutique (believe me, these are some of the most amazing cup cakes ever!)
Bella Vino – A Wine Cellar featuring Specialty Wines and Gourmet Delights
Here is where I have to pause. Every single one of my raffles tickets went into the Bella Vino basket. As a friend watched, she decided to match every ticket I entered with one of her own! Lucky for her, she won the basket! Lucky for me, she shared in the delights!
The Windham Women’s Business Connection
The Village Bean
And here is where I had to get a few more raffle tickets! Did you know that the Village Bean is more than happy to mix your favorite bean flavors together? Um, YUM!
The New Hampshire Children’s Museum
Artistic Creations
Salon Bogar
Belle’s Closet and many many more!
There were some wonderful women selling products where the proceeds went directly to Team BellaDonna’s fundraising efforts to benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. These women were from:
Culinary Capers & Tomboy Tools
Don’t forget your Pink Bling! These charming Chamilia bracelets can be purchased from Crown Jewelers!
Finally, my personal favorite clothing boutique, Fringe. For the record it is not my favorite just because of the leopard wrap! Although fabulous, you will have to go and see for yourself. I mean, where else locally can you find so many fabulous designer jeans?!?!
I love that wrap! Look how it flows!
At the show many of the women could be seen sporting these Fields of Hope T-shirts. Fields of Hope Art Wear is designed to symbolize Hope , Support, and Recovery for those impacted by breast cancer.
Below is one of my favorite moments from the fashion show! Showcased along with more traditional prom fashions, these two stunning ladies owned the runway in their creations. Known as the “Duct Tape Divas”, these ladies sashayed in dresses created entirely out of… you guessed it… Duct Tape! Absolutely Fabulous, ladies!
There is some serious talent in the Windham High School Art Club!
If you are as inspired as I am by these women, there are several ways to lend your support.
To sponsor Team BellaDonna’s Avon Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising,
visit www.avonwalk.org, and enter Team BellaDonna.
To lend your support during the walk, don’t be afraid to dress up in your favorite pink outfit, boa or Tu-Tu, carrying a banner or loudest noise maker to cheer these ladies on! Trust me, as you are encroaching on 20 miles, 5 hours of constant walking, heavy legs and blistered feet, every roar of support is music sent from the heavens!
To learn more about the walk and the route, visit the Boston AVON Walk for Breast Cancer event page.
All images from the Styles & S.M.I.L.E.S event are posted in an online gallery for all to visit. To view the gallery follow this link, Styles & S.M.I.L.E.S Charity Fashion Show. All proceeds from the purchase of event prints or image downloads will go directly to Team BellaDonna and their fundraising efforts!
Or, you could leave a comment below to show your love and support for these amazing women!
A very special Thank You to Donna Bramante InDelicato for all her work in coordinating this event!
And to Joe Mancinelli and Matt Bryant for the guidance and powerful space they create for the lives of the students in S.M.I.L.E.S!
These women are In It to End IT!!
To the women who ARE Team BellaDonna:
Bobbi Bramante
Donna Bramante InDelicato
Maire Folan
Jamie White
Ildiko Ludman
Melanie Cullinane
Dee Janulewicz
Kaitlin Gallagher
Lizzie Collacchio
Peggy Nolan
and, Donna O’Dell
No words can express the gratitude and honor it is to support you in your efforts to find the cure!
Fotique will be with you every step of the way!!
Little Maggie’s Big Day: A Winter Christening
March 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Blog Categories, Families, Misc, Portraits
This past summer I had the distinct pleasure of sharing in the joy of Erin & Mike’s gorgeous July wedding. It was not long after that I received word from Erin & Mike expressing their elation at welcoming the beautiful Miss Maggie into their world! I was overwhelmed with excitement not only for the opportunity to meet this precious little lady but to also photograph her first BIG event!
Miss Maggie’s special day began with a post-morning nap portrait session. The only thing, other than Daddy and Grandpa, that could make her smile was the mixing bowl… worn upon my head! Mixing bowl or not… this precious little lady became a treasured subject in a matter of moments!
Look at those eyes! Just like Mommy’s!
These are my favorite images from the portrait session!
Daddy had had enough of his beautiful girls playing dress up so he stole Miss Maggie away for some much needed cuddle time before her big event.
Is there anything sweeter than a Daddy and his precious, little girl?
In no time we had to say adieu to our portrait session and make our way over to St. Mary Magdalene’s in Tyngsboro, MA where Father Ron was preparing for Maggie’s Christening.
I loved that all the children present were invited up to the front of the ceremony to help Fr. Ron bless the water. All those little fingers were just too sweet!
It was such a pleasure and honor to be able to share this blessed occasion with such a welcoming, loving and warm family! No family event would be complete without a generations photo (Maggie, Mom, Aunt and Grammy) and my personal favorite from the day!
Congratulations to you all!
