Wow...where did 2009 go? It seems like just yesterday I was enjoying the sunshine of the summer and now I'm packing up Christmas decorations and getting ready for bridal shows! Looking back at the year, I decided to count my blessings and reflect.
[I started writing this blog post on the morning of December 30, 2009 - after I had written about 2/3 of the post, I received a Facebook message from a friend of mine. She told me of a former classmate who had lost his home to a fire the day before. I immediately started pulling things together for a goodie bag and dropped off some toiletries and other necessities for the family...and yes, I included some Hersey Kisses as necessities! :) Please keep the Potter family in your thoughts and prayers this New Years and we all must be grateful for the roof over our houses]
1. On a personal level - I am blessed with my family. I have an amazing understanding husband who just gets this crazy business I work in! Thank you, Dave! I also am blessed to have two fantastic kids who think it's perfectly normal for couples to come to their house and talk about weddings! Thank you, Alexandra and Evanthea for embracing the wedding business and enjoying the learning process of taking over Mommy's business eventually! I am also blessed to have awesome parents who taught me business, how to stand up for myself, and the fact that yes, girls can do anything (I'll give Mom more props in that department;) )! My parents have always encouraged and challenged me my entire life and at age 37, I'm grateful for it! thank you!
2. I have been thinking about my grandfather a lot this year - he passed away about 10 years ago but he always encouraged my art. He, himself, was a very talented artist but as every other Greek immigrant did, he owned a restaurant! :) Euxapistw Papou para poli (Thank you Grandfather very much) for the talent and the encouragement to be an artist.
3. We are blessed to have wonderful doctors. With all of the bashing of heathcare of late, I think props need to go out to the best doctors who get paid well - without them, we never would have noticed the health issues of my youngest daughter. This year was a roller coaster ride for my 4 year old, Evanthea. she was diagnosed with LVAS and treated with a hearing aid, all within three months. It has been a daily challenge adapting to her new restrictions, but we are blessed to have the knowledge with how to handle it.
4. I am blessed with my clients - this past year has brought to me not just wonderful couples but amazing friends through weddings. I have remained friends with many of my clients and their friendship is a blessing - thank you!
5. On the professional side - I was voted Best of Weddings by the knot brides for the 3rd year in a row. For that, I am truly blessed and humbled. Thank you everyone for that honor!
6. 2009 has brought to my door some new photographers - Jessica McBee, Liss Flint, Dave Field & JR Burrows. This is definitely the staff to beat! Thanks for your help and hard work this past year and I am really looking forward to growing with you guys in the upcoming year!
7. As silly as this may sound, it's not - I am thankful for Facebook. Without it, I would not have reconnected with so many faces of the past, met new friends, reconnected with family, and greeted new clients. I am able to share my photos, update my crazy life, vent a little, listen to others, learn from others, and help. Through Facebook, I met my neighbors who (oddly enough) have the same last name, and I had the opportunity to photograph them before Tyler was deployed with the National Guard. Through Facebook, I learned of the recent tragedy of a former classmate losing their home to a fire right after Christmas and found out right away how we could help. Through Facebook, I see the strength of many of my family members as they fight their way through cancer. Through Facebook, I am able to "talk" to clients and other photographers so that I can grow. Thank you, Facebook, and everyone I have come across in my journey!
I can go on and on as there is so much for me to be grateful for. 2009 has been a blessed year and I hope we all continue to count our blessings in 2010.
Happy New Year to all from Parsons Photography!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Published!
Congratulations to one of our photographers, Liss Flint, for having one of her nature photos chosen to be this month's cover of Coventry Monthly! It's a fantastic honor and we are all proud!!
Susan and John's wedding proofs released!
To view a slideshow of the highlights of Susan & John's Wedding Day, please click the video below.
To view all photos of the day, please click on the badge below. You will be redirected to another site where you can view and order all prints.
Susan & John's Wedding Day from Diane Parsons on Vimeo.
To view all photos of the day, please click on the badge below. You will be redirected to another site where you can view and order all prints.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
My kids, the rock stars!
I love my kids - they are lovable, cuddly, silly, thoughtful, sassy, smart, witty, and the one true way to test my patience! They are 4 and 5 1/2 - sometimes I think they're teenagers ("mo-om! Puh-lease!!"), sometimes I remember they're my babies ("Mommy, I had a bad dream. Can I snuggle you?"), sometimes I think they're stand up comics ("why did the Peanut butter cross the road? To get to the Chicken's house!")...ok, so they think they're stand up comics! But I love them just the same!
Some of you may know that my husband is a guitar player (that is actually how we met - at a bar where he played and I ran!!); he is, in fact, a very talented musician (makes me mad because he can pick up any instrument in the AM and know songs by dinner time...that's the truth, I saw him do it with my alto sax!). Thankfully he passed that talent on to our kids! That coupled with my passion for the arts (music included...I used to play piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, and alto sax) has given us two wonderfully passionate talented little girls!
This past weekend was a big deal for the girls. Friday, they had their school Christmas Concert where they both got up on stage and sang songs with their respective classes. Alexandra sang with the kindergarten like a pro! Never stage fright for this girl - she was only upset she wasn't asked to line up with Aidan (he boyfriend)! Evanthea had a little stage fright immediately before going on stage, but once she was up there she sang her little heart out and worked the crowd! Her preschool class sang two songs and then performed "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" in sign language - with everything that she has been going through with her ear difficulties, this brought tears to my eyes.
Alexandra with her class singing
Evanthea coming out with her class
Signing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
On Saturday, the girls had their very first piano recital. They have been taking music classes with Miss Paula Penna at Music Makers Academy in Manchester for years and this year was their first year for private piano lessons. Once again, they stole the show! Alexandra forgot one of her books for her pieces but decided to sightread an older piece - very proud of her!
And a courtesy worthy of the Queen!
Then Evanthea had a little bout of stage fright, which, too quickly passed. She surprised us with two pieces when she was only planning on one!
Here they are with Miss Paula, their instructor!
Congrats to all of the kids who performed!!
I love my kids! :)
Some of you may know that my husband is a guitar player (that is actually how we met - at a bar where he played and I ran!!); he is, in fact, a very talented musician (makes me mad because he can pick up any instrument in the AM and know songs by dinner time...that's the truth, I saw him do it with my alto sax!). Thankfully he passed that talent on to our kids! That coupled with my passion for the arts (music included...I used to play piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, and alto sax) has given us two wonderfully passionate talented little girls!
This past weekend was a big deal for the girls. Friday, they had their school Christmas Concert where they both got up on stage and sang songs with their respective classes. Alexandra sang with the kindergarten like a pro! Never stage fright for this girl - she was only upset she wasn't asked to line up with Aidan (he boyfriend)! Evanthea had a little stage fright immediately before going on stage, but once she was up there she sang her little heart out and worked the crowd! Her preschool class sang two songs and then performed "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" in sign language - with everything that she has been going through with her ear difficulties, this brought tears to my eyes.
Alexandra with her class singing
Evanthea coming out with her class
Signing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
On Saturday, the girls had their very first piano recital. They have been taking music classes with Miss Paula Penna at Music Makers Academy in Manchester for years and this year was their first year for private piano lessons. Once again, they stole the show! Alexandra forgot one of her books for her pieces but decided to sightread an older piece - very proud of her!
And a courtesy worthy of the Queen!
Then Evanthea had a little bout of stage fright, which, too quickly passed. She surprised us with two pieces when she was only planning on one!
Here they are with Miss Paula, their instructor!
Congrats to all of the kids who performed!!
I love my kids! :)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Noyes Family Photos a la Christmas in Coventry Village!
click the badge below to see the Noyes Family photo shoot!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Vespa Family Session
What a fun morning I had this morning with the Vespa family! We challenged a New England storm head on this morning and won! Our shoot was originally scheduled for 1:00 and we switched it to 11:30...good thing we did as at 12:45 it started sprinkling (luckily we just finished up!) and right at 1:00 - downpours!!
What a fun time!
Everyone was trying out the snowboard, so Mom hopped on!
There was so much laughter and fun - it was infectious! I love this next shot because it is pure fun!!
Even Dad got in on the fun!
I love this next one because it just shows the personalities of the boys!
LOVE IT!!
Dad's first time on the snowboard! Not bad! Wait to see the rest of the series! ;)
Thanks for sharing your passions with me this morning! I had a lot of fun with everyone!!
It's not too late to vote for photo of the year! Was your favorite here?
What a fun time!
Everyone was trying out the snowboard, so Mom hopped on!
There was so much laughter and fun - it was infectious! I love this next shot because it is pure fun!!
Even Dad got in on the fun!
I love this next one because it just shows the personalities of the boys!
LOVE IT!!
Dad's first time on the snowboard! Not bad! Wait to see the rest of the series! ;)
Thanks for sharing your passions with me this morning! I had a lot of fun with everyone!!It's not too late to vote for photo of the year! Was your favorite here?
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics - Coventry Style!
The first annual Penguin Plunge was held at Patriot's Park in Coventry today and I was thrilled! I think it was my first shoot that was 4 minutes away...and I got stuck in traffic!
Congratulations! $9,000 was raised by the plungers for Special Olympics! Great job everyone!
Congratulations! $9,000 was raised by the plungers for Special Olympics! Great job everyone!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Brian & Katie's photo booth
Click here for Brian & Katie's photo booth pics. They are password protected, if you need the password, please contact the couple as we do not give out the password.
Katie & Brian's wedding Day
What a spectacular day today! The weather was fantastic and Katie & Brian got married! :) We had such a fun time today with everyone!
Here is Katie saying she's getting married in ONE HOUR!
I love how animated Katie is - especially during the ceremony! LOVE it!!
Brian was done...he had enough of the paparazzi! :)
I gave Dave F full shooting rights at Brian's uncle's farm. I love what he can do with a bunch of flashes!
My favorite centerpieces - EDIBLE centerpieces! How great are these cupcakes??
Again, Brian had enough! :)
It was a photo booth wedding...we had to turn people away at closing!! What a fun night!
Brian sent over a gift to Katie while she was getting ready...do you think she loved her diamond earrings?
My favorite bustle...Katie's gown was a French bustle with a twist. Each tie had a beautiful thought attached.
One of my favorite shots
Another favs
Brian's brother sang "I want to grow old with you" to the couple! How sweet!!
Congratulations, Brian & Katie!! It's not too late to cote for photo of the year! Let's hear your comments!!
Here is Katie saying she's getting married in ONE HOUR!
I love how animated Katie is - especially during the ceremony! LOVE it!!
Brian was done...he had enough of the paparazzi! :)
I gave Dave F full shooting rights at Brian's uncle's farm. I love what he can do with a bunch of flashes!
My favorite centerpieces - EDIBLE centerpieces! How great are these cupcakes??
Again, Brian had enough! :)
It was a photo booth wedding...we had to turn people away at closing!! What a fun night!
Brian sent over a gift to Katie while she was getting ready...do you think she loved her diamond earrings?
My favorite bustle...Katie's gown was a French bustle with a twist. Each tie had a beautiful thought attached.
One of my favorite shots
Another favs
Brian's brother sang "I want to grow old with you" to the couple! How sweet!!
Congratulations, Brian & Katie!! It's not too late to cote for photo of the year! Let's hear your comments!!
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