I'VE MOVED!

I'VE MOVED!  You can find me at:

www.amyrizzutoblog.com

www.amyrizzutophotography.com

Looking forward to seeing you there :)

A NEW HOME : WWW.AMYRIZZUTOBLOG.COM

Six months ago, I set up a blogger account, opened up a new post, and started typing.   As I tried to find the words to explain the journey I was about to embark on, I couldn't help but wonder, what would people think?  Would they care about what I had to say?   I was scared!  I will never forget hitting the post to Facebook button and then immediately pulling up the stats page.  I watched the visitors start to come in, wondering who was viewing my post.  My heart swelled with joy and appreciation as a few likes and encouraging comments popped up on the notifications tab.  People were being supportive!  For that, I was so grateful.

For the last six months, my blog has been my voice, a way to share my photographs, my daily ramblings, and my small triumphs.  I am so excited to introduce you to my new home: www.amyrizzutoblog.com.  I have wanted to find a way to better integrate my website and my blog for a long time now.  Thanks to a recently booked wedding, I was finally able to make the jump!  Click here to check it out!  I look forward to seeing you there!

Much love,

Amy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Twenty-five.  How you view this age really depends on where you are on your life journey.  As a senior in college you might be ready to reach 25, itching to have a job and live on your own, fully independent.  As a soon to be retiree, you might look back on 25 with fondness, remembering how the whole world sat in front of you, just waiting for you to choose your path.  To a kid on the playground, 25 might make you want to crinkle up your nose and exclaim, “Ewwwww…that’s old!”  No matter what your age, we can all agree that 25 is a noteworthy age.  It is a quarter of a century old…OLD being the key word in that sentence!

Last Saturday, January 14, I turned 25 years old.  (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!)  To tell you the truth, this age brings on mixed feelings.  On one hand I feel like I am leaving my younger years behind.  I have hit my mid twenties and I am on a train rushing full speed towards 30!  At this point, I am looking back and wishing I had asked God what he had in store for my life earlier.  Imagine if I had started my photography business three years ago.  Where would I be now?  On the other hand, I am thankful to be where I am.   At 25, I know what I want to do with the rest of my life.  I have a loving husband and family, a roof over my head, and friends that care about me.  For all of these things, I am truly grateful.  

Every year introduces a whole new set of adventures and challenges.  I am sure this one will be no different. Whether you think I am an old fart or a young chicklet, I can honestly say I am happy at 25!  2012...BRING IT ON! 

A HUNGRY CATERPILLAR BIRTHDAY : DEVAN

One year ago, Kim and Jeff were ready.  The paintings were hung in the nursery and the diapers were stacked high. These soon to be parents had even practiced buckling their build a bear into a brand new car seat.  Kim and Jeff were ready.  Ready for the arrival of their first son.  

Devan was born on January 25, 2010, one day after his mother's birthday.  Kim said she couldn't have ask for a better gift.  With ten little fingers and ten tiny toes, Devan was a healthy boy, with parents who loved him very much.  When I asked Kim what surprised her the most about having a child, she said it was the fact that she could go with so little sleep and actually be okay!  "Devan was waking up every two hours those first few months.  I would get up and feed him.  When he started sleeping through the night, I was a little sad!  I missed that extra time with my son!"  Jeff has big plans for Devan.  He dreams of throwing the baseball with his little man one day.  "Devan's got long fingers.  He would make a great pitcher!"  One thing is for sure, Devan is truly loved.

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Devan for his 1st birthday!  Smiling every time he saw his favorite book, he was clearly excited for his hungry caterpillar themed party next weekend.  Enjoy a peek into this beautiful family's life below. 

   

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is Devan's favorite book.  Kim and Jeff have done a great job preparing the cutest touches for Devan's themed party next Saturday, thanks to Etsy.

With those big eyes and a beautiful smile, Devan is already a little ladies man!

Kim and Jeff's eyes light up every time they look at their son.  It is incredibly sweet to watch.

Devan's favorite toys are cars and planes.  Only 15 more years until Devan will be driving a car of his own!

Devan had the propeller spinning on this vintage yellow plane.  He was ready for it to take off and fly!

LOVE LOVE LOVE these little curls.

What an adorable family, all smiles and brimming with love.

Devan didn't know what to think of his birthday balloon!  Should he eat it, pop it, or let it fly?!

He settled for letting it go, reaching for his "Very Hungry Caterpillar" book instead.  

As the photo shoot came to an end, Devan laid down to close his eyes.  Looking this cute was hard work!!  Kim and Jeff, it was wonderful getting to know your family.  I wish you a lifetime full of happy birthdays and plenty of delicious cake for each one!

ELEGANT CARINWOOD ESTATE WEDDING : JENNY + KI JOON

They met in church and became fast friends.  Don't all great relationships start out that way, with a strong foundation of friendship?  Jenny was attracted to Ki Joon's warmth, instantly recognizing his generous heart.  Ki Joon fell in love with Jenny's charisma and ambition.  He could tell she had a passion for life and was excited by the joy she brought to every situation.   Together, they made the perfect pair, each bringing different strengths to their relationship.

After two wonderful years together, Jenny and Ki Joon's wedding day arrived.  Pulling up to the Carinwood Estate in Byrn Athyn, PA, I was blown away by the regal stature of the mansion. Small snowflakes gently falling all around quickly gave way to blue skies.  Entering Carinwood, I couldn't help but smile.  Beautiful light flooded in large windows and sparkling Christmas lights were hung all around.    Jenny was in her bridal suite getting ready with her closest girlfriends. She was calm, confident, and absolutely glowing.  Ki Joon was all smiles, as always.  Surrounded by his groomsmen, he anxiously awaited the moment when he could call Jenny his wife.  When the time came to say "I do", tears of joy could be seen in both of their eyes.  Under the magical lights of the Christmas tree, Jenny and Ki Joon pledged to spend forever loving one another.   Everything was perfect, just as it should be.

Jenny and Ki Joon, thank you for allowing me to share one of the most important days in your life with you.  It was a true pleasure documenting your love story.  I wish you much love and happiness as you embark on this new journey together.

The Carinwood Estate is massive...and Jenny and Ki Joon had it all to themselves!

Jenny's dress was elegant with a fun flair, just like her. 

Zipping up the dress made everyone feel like the day had begun.

Jenny, you are simply stunning.

Jenny's bridesmaids were completely supportive of their beautiful friend on her wedding day.

Ki Joon and his groomsmen lounged around on leather chairs as they got ready in a study set aside just for them.

Jenny and Ki Joon opted for a first look at the top of the stairs.  Seeing their reactions was my favorite part of the whole day.

After the first look, we headed out to the balcony for a few pictures before the ceremony.

This is one of my favorites.  You both look FABULOUS.  

The ceremony was held in the foyer of the mansion, under a large Christmas tree.

Jenny made her grand entrance by ascending down the stairs, escorted by her father.   

The ceremony was intimate, with guests watching from the floor, the stairs, and the balcony.

After the ceremony, Jenny's mother and father embraced her.  They are so happy for their daughter.  

A large spread of delicious looking sushi awaited guests at cocktail hour.  Thanks to my second shooter Mekina for capturing these precious shots.  

A red velvet wedding cake was the perfect treat after an amazing dinner by Stephen Starr.

At Jenny and Ki Joon's wedding, the dance floor was the place to be!  It was completely packed ALL NIGHT! 

Tiny lights glowed all around this sweet couple as they shared their first dance.

Jenny and Ki Joon, thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day.  I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon in Disney World and are settling in to your new lives together.  

To see more photos from Jenny and Ki Joon's wedding, visit their personal wedding website at http://jennyandkijoon.amyrizzutophotography.com/#/homeplus/