This past Friday night I went salsa dancing for the first time in what felt like forever.  MIT offers free beginner salsa classes each week and I used to be very good about going regularly.  Months ago I stopped though, for no particular reason–just the thought of going kept slipping my mind, and eventually the routine slipped from my schedule altogether.  But this weekend I was reminded of how much I loved learning it and surprised myself by actually remembering the steps.  It would be great to start up those classes again, but sadly this is the last season that MIT will be offering its free salsa lessons as the instructor is leaving Boston at the end of this summer.  Perhaps I’ll sign up for another class, but I’ll be visiting the clubs more often for sure.  Luckily, Boston and the area of Cambridge that I live in are hot spots for salsa lessons, clubs, and socials!

Back when I was in the still-fresh, I-love-dancing phase I signed up to help photograph MIT’s Ballroom Dancing Team’s 2009 Open Competition.  It wasn’t quite the type of event that I prefer shooting, but I definitely found it to be challenging and extremely helpful in practicing my timing.  The trick is to follow the music and release the shutter on the beats as opposed to in between, when the dancers are transitioning.  This is much harder than it sounds!!  Those dancers moved FAST!

It was definitely a cool experience, to see so many dancers from all over compete in one room.  It was also fun to check out all of the gorgeous dresses the ladies were sporting.

Let’s see if any of these fancy moves appear at any of my future weddings…!

Finally, the last few images from the wedding I second shot for Mark Keene at the Charlestown Navy Yard several weeks ago! 

Cute reactions to Abby’s father’s toast.

The father-daughter dance.  I love how happy her dad is!

The wedding guests really knew how to party.  Seriously, it was probably the most energetic crowd I’ve seen in a while!  My favorites though are the shots I captured of Abby on the dance floor. She was having SO much fun hugging everyone and singing and dancing the night away!

My nephew B turned 1 year old this weekend so I thought I’d quickly share some shots from that day.  We threw a backyard barbecue and it was fun to see friends and family together again. B’s “dad-dee” (B likes to enunciate when he addresses his daddy!) whipped up a yummy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting from scratch.  I think B had a great time despite the many new faces and confusion about what exactly was going on. :)  And I love that, even for an unfamiliar face, he will give a kiss on the cheek if asked nicely.  My favorite parts of the day were watching him open his presents, seeing him sweetly kiss his guests, and, of course, eating the homemade cake! 

Here is Part 2 of Abby and Istvan’s wedding, which I second shot for Mark Keene. 

A few bridal party shots before the ceremony:

This flower girl was SO adorable.  She couldn’t wait to get down that aisle! ;)

<3

And some details from the reception:

Stay tuned for more from the reception!

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to second shoot for the wonderful Mark Keene of Keene Foto Design at Abby and Istvan’s wedding at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.  I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a relaxed couple, especially on their wedding day!  Despite the forecast, the rain held off for most of the afternoon and only briefly delayed their sweet outdoor ceremony.    

There are so many images I want to share from that day so I’m going to need to split this event into a couple of blog posts! For now, here are some shots I got while the bridal party prepped at the Commandant’s House, where everything took place.

It’s always funny to see the men get ready, since it doesn’t tend to involve too much. ;)  One of the groomsmen bought all of the guys flasks to celebrate the big day.  You might not be able to see, but they read “ISTVAN’S LAST DROP OF FREEDOM.”

And now onto the bride!

The bridesmaids got so excited when the florist came in with their bouquets.  I don’t blame them–they were gorgeous!

Abby looked stunning!

More to come, soon! :)