DANIEL BOONE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR : DANIELLE

It was an early Tennessee morning.  So early in fact that the fog had not yet lifted from the lake in Warriors Path State Park.  Danielle and her family arrived at 7:30 a.m., right as the sun made it's way over the horizon.  Out of the car piled Danielle, her boyfriend Ethan, Danielle's sister, her boyfriend Jeremy, and Danielle's mom.  Did you follow that?!  After a big round of welcome hugs we made our way up the Tennessee hills to begin our amazing shoot!

With such a big group of people, I had to remember the main reason we were there.  Danielle's senior graduation.  Four long years of high school were finally coming to an end!  In May, Danielle will walk across the stage with a diploma from Daniel Boone High School.  What better way to celebrate than with a collection of beautiful photos to document this special time in her life?  Congratulations Danielle!  Enjoy your senior portraits!

We started on the dock of the Patrick Henry Reservoir.  The white fog made everything look magical. 

Danielle was a natural in front of the camera!

Danielle brought along a few of her biggest supporters, her boyfriend Ethan, sister Michelle, and Michelle's boyfriend Jeremy.  I am loving their reflections on the still lake.

You guys totally look like you belong on Dawson's Creek!

Danielle and Ethan have been dating for FIVE YEARS!  Their relationship is inspiring.  

I couldn't resist snapping a few shots of Danielle's mom, Lisa, with her two beautiful girls.  You all look AMAZING!  

Love makes the sun shine a little brighter.  

Michelle is studying at the University of Tennessee.  She and Jeremy met in high school and have been together for over two years.   

STOP IT Danielle!  You are just too gorgeous!  

"Sisters by birth, friends by choice."

Views like this make me miss living in Tennessee!  Danielle and Ethan look so happy together on the gentle rolling hills. 

So FIERCE!  

I couldn't have been more obsessed with this leaf covered location in Warriors Path State Park. 

Ethan gave this delicately engraved heart necklace to Danielle.  It is the gift from him that she treasures the most.

Lisa could not be more proud of her sweet and successful daughter Danielle.

LOVE.

Danielle loves Hello Kitty ALMOST as much as she loves Ethan!

After a morning filled with photos, we headed to the playground to have a little fun!  

Danielle, you are truly as beautiful on the inside as you are out.  It was a pleasure capturing you and your  beautiful family.  Best of luck as you embark on the next chapter of your life!

COLLEGE GRADUATE : JASMINE JONES

Jasmine Jones really does have it all.  A loving boyfriend, an apartment in New York City, and now, a college degree!  Graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a BS in Child Development and Family Studies, Jasmine is looking forward to making her mark on the world.  Looking forward to making it a better place.  

I was so excited when Jasmine contacted me to shoot her senior portraits!  We met right outside her apartment on the Upper East Side and walked over to the Conservatory in Central Park.   Her long time boyfriend Lucas came along for support and we were able to get some great photos of them together!  Jasmine, congratulations on your graduation!  I am so proud of you!

Jasmine, you are incredibly gorgeous!  

Jasmine's bracelet was adorned with the letters of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Sophisticated city girl.  

2011 College Graduate!!! Smart. Successful. Stunning.

My second shooter Mekina captured this great shot of Lucas.

Jasmine LOVES Hello Kitty.  How precious is this iPhone case?!

Hand in hand, Jasmine and Lucas made their way through Central Park and towards the Reservoir.   

Young, carefree, and in love.  

As our photo shoot came to an end at The Met, Jasmine and Lucas shared one last kiss.  It was such a pleasure meeting you both.  Best of luck as you move in the direction of your dreams.

THE WEBSITE : WWW.AMYRIZZUTOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

My iPhone buzzed in my pocket and let out a loud da da ding.  Could this be the email I had been waiting for?  I quickly opened it up, my heart thumping in my chest.  There, in black and white, were six little words that made me want to jump up and down and cry with joy all at the same time.  SUCCESS.  YOUR SITE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.  It finally felt official as my dreams became a reality.   I smiled in disbelief, thanking God for how far I have come and praying for his continual guidance as I enter the next part of this amazing journey.  

I am so excited to invite you to the official website of Amy Rizzuto Photography!  Have fun exploring and make sure to leave a comment on it and let me know what you think.  As always, thank you for your constant love and support.  I couldn't do it with out you!

THE WEBSITE

www.amyrizzutophotography.com

CITY LOVE : ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE

There is nothing more magical than New York City at Christmas.  The snow covered rooftops, the lights on Fifth, and my favorite, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.  Ice-skating under the hundreds of lights twinkling above is something I look forward to every year.  Visit the rink yourself.  I guarantee you will leave filled to the brim with Christmas spirit :)

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NEXT BIG STAR : SUZANNE ALEXANDER

You never know when you are going to make a new friend, or meet the next big star.  I met Suzanne Alexander at a Welcome to the Life event last spring for my church.  I was immediately drawn in by her warm smile and contagious laugh.  After a little investigating, I noticed she was sitting with her husband Michael (I simply checked to see if they were wearing rings...I'm WEIRD I KNOW!)  Since Matt and I were looking to connect with other young couples at our church, we went over to say hi.  Turns out, Suzanne and Michael are also 24 and had just gotten married on October 17, 2010, one day after Matt and I were married.  Well in my mind, this meant instant BFFness!  Suzanne must have felt the same way because we quickly joined the same life group and have basically seen each other every week since.  

Besides our almost shared wedding day, Suzanne and I both have a mutual love for Broadway .  I knew Suzanne had a passion and a gift for music but I didn't find out just how amazingly talented she was until this past Monday.  I received an email from Suzanne with her song attached and instructions to listen to it and provide honest feedback.  I immediately opened it up and started jamming out in my car to Suzanne's new song "Hold Love".  I also might have hit the replay button and listened to it again and again...seven times in a row.  I've posted her song below so you can listen for yourself!  WARNING: This song can be addicting.  

In the past few weeks, Suzanne has made it into some big name offices in New York.  Music has always been her true passion and she is trying to decide whether to take a leap and follow her dream.  You can help Suzanne by clicking on the YouTube button on the video above and leaving your honest feedback on her video there.  I hope Suzanne's song will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart, just as it has done for me :)