Christmas Eve-Eve: A Fortino-Tsahirides Christmas

 

On the eve of Christmas Eve, in the village of Norwalk, in the far off land of Connecticut, lived a butcher, and his detail-oriented partner in crime, the photographer. While the butcher didn't sing many songs full of Christmas cheer, the photographer was sure excited that Christmas was near!

 

They hung lights on their first real Christmas tree with care, as their pit bull beast of a baby napped on the couch which really wasn't fair.

 

 They rose early in the morning to prepare the roast... the butcher seasoned and tied it up good to serve after a Christmas toast.

 

The photographer had requested the butcher bring home a 5.5lb slab of meat, but instead he brought home 13.5lb... their guests were in for quite the treat!

 

The butcher cut the rib-eye bone off and then tied it back together... he assured the photographer that this way it would taste much better.

 

The photographer served spirits such as a 2010 bottle of "Bitch..." a treat anyone can enjoy, you don't have to be rich. 

 

She decked the halls with cheesy Christmas details and cocktail napkins galore... Her decorations were anything but a snore!

 

They cooked potatoes and made desserts with lots of flair... and they made sure they kept that roast medium-rare.

 

The photographer decorated the table with cards, details, and toys... to make sure every aspect of Christmas was truly enjoyed.

 

They lined the doorway to their humble home with lights and wreaths for all to enjoy... even strangers driving by would catch a glimpse of their holiday joy.

 

Their was home-made garland draped along the chandeliers... and whimsical Santas and reindeers thanks to one of the photographer and butcher's much adored peers.

 

The last step of all was wrapping gifts with big bows... a sure fire way to prevent loved ones from having any Christmas "lows."

 

I hope you all enjoyed my extremely poorly written Christmas poem, and that you all are preparing for an amazing, love-filled, joyous Christmas holiday! I wish the best to you and your family, and whether you are celebrating or not, I hope you take the next few days to truly enjoy all that you are grateful for as this year comes to a close!

xoxo

Lillie

A Farm Photo Session In Easton, CT to Celebrate A Very Important Person's Third Birthday!

 

My Boyfriend, George's, god son turned three this past year and we did a great photo session to commemorate his birthday at a private farm in Easton, CT. George came along and acted as my "emergency baby comedian", getting the birthday boy, Talon, to smile and laugh for the camera. 

 

It was a chilly morning, but the sun was perfect, the backdrop was to-die-for... Talon, George, his momma, and myself had a great time exploring the grounds and attempting to make friends with the animals.

I may be impartial to Talon's adorable face, considering I've watched him grow up for the past two years and have formed a great affection for him, but when he looks into the camera I can't help but think that his eyes are hypnotizing!

 

 Not every photograph has to be picture perfect- I love how this candid photo captured a bit of Talon's "rock n' roll" personality (definitely a trait passed down to him by his father)!

 

I personally thought the miniature ponies were the coolest animals on that farm, but when I attempted to make friends we were greeted with some serious horsey hostility! 

Happy Birthday, Talon! You're one awesome kid!

xoxo

Lillie

Swing Sets, Twins, and Big Baby Blues in Norwalk, CT!

When I was a kid, I remember getting off the bus one day after school only to find my parents waiting for me in the driveway with big smiles on their faces. What was the special occasion? The surprise swing set they had installed for my brother and I waiting in the backyard! As a kid, I remember this moment as a true highlight of my childhood, only being topped by the surprise arrival (another after school bus stop surprise) of my childhood dog, Lola. 

Lily and Vito, three and a half year old twins with big personalities, were just as excited as I was when I was introduced to my first swing set, to show me the brand new sing set their grandparents had given them when I arrived for their family portrait session. In adorably coordinated outfits including some killer sweaters (fun sweaters are my favorite!), I had the pleasure of hanging out with the twins, as well as their baby sister, Evelyn, and reliving the awesome excitement of a great childhood gift while capturing some fun family photo memories!

 

 

 

 

Check out the big blue eyes on this beautiful baby!

 

xoxo

Lillie

Engagement Rings And Pit Bulls In Shippan, Stamford, CT

 

 

 So, I love this couple. Now, I am a huge Pit Bull supporter, and the loving mommy to a one and half year old blue nose boy myself, so perhaps I am not being impartial, but what can I say? When Cat mentioned to me that Adam and her wanted to incorporate their dogs in their photo session, I was bubbling up with excitement like a little kid on Christmas morning (P.S. the Holidays are almost here... MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR EVER!)! I had a blast hanging out with Cat and Adam, and I loved that they included their two Pit Bulls in their engagement session in the Shippan section of Stamford, Connecticut. Pets are such a wonderful way to personalize a portrait session and truly bring out the genuine laughs and personalities of the owners. They always add to the story.

Let us take a moment to indulge in some of my favorite dog-ownership quotes:

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
― Charles M. Schulz

“Dogs never bite me. Just humans.”
― Marilyn Monroe 

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
― Josh Billings 

 

It was wonderful planning out this session with Cat, and I loved her enthusiasm and all her creative ideas. There's nothing more inspiring when starting off a session than having a client who is just as energetic and focused on details as you are. Cat had a ton of fun ideas and it truly helped turn this portrait session into a beautiful success.

 

 This private residential location is going down as one of my all time favorites, and the slightly overcast morning haze was a dream to me. While some may have awoken disappointed in the weather forecast, I jumped out of bed thrilled. To me, the weather couldn't have been better for this location and I am loving the moody, purple sky and how it sets the tone for this set of photographs.

 

After I spent some quality time with Cat and Adam on the beach, we brought in their two Pit Bulls, Stella and Brutus. I loved working with these doggies, and Brutus was overwhelmingly similar to my own blue nose, Bronson.

 

Cat is a personal trainer in Stamford, CT, and she must have the most lovely and supportive clients because they put together adorable little signs for Stella and Brutus to wear!

 

Congratulations to Cat and Adam, and a big shout out to Stella and Brutus the Pit Bulls for helping us celebrate this awesome engagement with a photo session!

xoxo

Lillie