Lovely Girls Events!

As as wedding photographer I get to know lots of great people out in the wedding "arena," so to speak. I had the privilege yesterday to guest blog for the Lovely Girls. Check out the post here!

Are you local to DE and need an event or wedding planner? Liza and Nicole are your girls! Nicole attended the University of Delaware while majoring in Fashion Merchandising and recently received her Wedding Planning Certification from the Wedding Planning Institute in the Spring of '09. Liza found her passion in event planning, so she decided to minor in event planning while earning her bachelors degree from Temple University in public relations and journalism. The girls both have a passion for design, fashion, organization, and food! These are good qualities for event planners if you ask me. They also each have their own sense of style that play into their planning process.

The Lovely Girls offer many different planning services,  specializing in full service wedding planning in the Tri-State area. They also offer partial wedding planning as well as month-of wedding planning for those brides and grooms that are further along with their plans.

Here's a snapshot of Nicole hard at work!

 

Happy Friday friends! I hope to have some fun things up my sleeve for next week. I realize that Max is now four months old and that requires a photo session for sure! Hoping that I can get to it this weekend!

Suzi & Charlie Engaged!

  They met when he started frequenting where she worked as a server, just goes to show you never really know when your "forever" might walk through the door! Suzi and Charlie are happily engaged to be married next September. We had a blast out in Fair Hill, MD for this engagement session.

  We also had fun figuring out that we actually all knew each other already. I thought that this was just a simple "internet hookup" but we realized that Charlie and I knew each other for a brief time in college when he wrestled for UD. Suzi and I figured out that she was serving at a country club the same day I was working one of my very "memorable" weddings that included a bar fight! Yes...you read that right, bar fight between grown men... good times :) Enjoy!

Hydrangea Wreath

So once in a while I get to feeling crafty! I saw my beautiful hydrangeas in our front yard changing into their pretty fall greens and reds and it inspired me to do a wreath. It is very simple and homemade! It also only cost me $2, because the foam ring was $1 and the spool of wire was $1 at, you guessed it, the dollar store! I cut the blooms and let them dry for a few days first before creating the wreath. I have to say though that between further drying and gravity it has a little bit of a lumpy shape going on after a week of hanging...oh well, ocassionally it's good to celebrate the imperfect :)

All the goods...

The wreath after a week of hanging on my back door...

Happy Tuesday friends!

Monday Confessions

1. Little man still doesn't sleep through the night and likes to wake up early...I confess I am tired :) But he's cute! I have been slacking on his pictures, you would think once a week would be easy...not so much.

2. Dean can escape his crib very efficiently now and scared me to death at 5am yesterday when he came running into my room saying "blanket on, blanket on" - he needed me to take him back to bed and you guessed it, put his blanket on! Toddler bed here we come...

3. Gas prices apparently dropped wickedly overnight, don't you know we filled the tank yesterday afternoon?!

4. Macy's princess sneakers went missing last Sunday evening and we searched high and low for them all week. We even thought they might be in the diaper pail trash so we took out the bag...jiggled the bag of stinky diapers in a dark room to see if the light-up princess shoes were in there... we finally found them saturday when it was laundry time in the bottom of OUR hamper! Just glad we found them while they still fit her feet :)

5. The hubs came home with Dunkin' Donuts K-Cups this weekend and I totally looked forward to making one this morning. It didn't dissapoint, YUM!

6. We are in the middle of trying to sell off one of my dad's houses, if you are looking for a cute starter house north of Wilmington in DE, check it out!

7. I made a cute wreath from our drying Hydrangeas, will post pics later!

8. REALLY ready for fall weather to come and stay! SO TIRED of sweat!

9. I am reading one of Lauren Conrad's L.A. Candy Novels, it's a huge departure from the amazing true story of Louis Zamperini that I just finished in Laura Hillenbrands Unbroken. Highly recommend reading Unbroken,  it was an amazing story of WWII. There were parts that were hard to get through but I stuck it out and it was worth it! As for LC's novel...I will let you know how it turns out... I haven't read anything of hers yet. The story so far is about as deep as The Hills, so you know it's actuallly pretty shallow. What was I expecting?! :)

10. I put out some fun fall decorations and the kids love to run around and point out "new pumpkins." I am going to attempt to take the kids to an orchard this morning with a friend, we will see how it goes. I hope I come home with my sanity and all 3 kids!

Have a great week friends! Keep an eye on the blog for more posts of photos later this week..

Delaware Bride, Fall/Winter Edition

Once again another great edition of Delaware Bride is out today! In the latest Fall/Winter edition you will find all the usual great wedding ideas and vendors. You will also find a photo from one of my recent weddings. This one is actually special because if you recall this is Matt's Grandmother and her husband who were married earlier this year. For all of you more mature brides out there, there is certainly a place for you too!

Here's the picture that made it in,

emilytroutmanphoto.com

Head over to Delaware Bride online to check it out!

Bobby & Julie

Here's a recent engagement session with a fun couple at Rockwood Mansion in Wilmington! Thanks Bobby & Julie for a fun afternoon! 

A UD Wedding

They met during grad classes at UD. She said hi to him and then he went home to analyze what kind of "hi" was this. They eventually went on a study date to Brew Ha Ha for coffee...the rest was history! I have known Meghan for a long time and absolutely adore her. It was a privelege to capture her wedding day as she joined her life to Eric. I always wondered who would deserve her and Eric definitely does! Their wedding had a very appropriate UD color scheme and even had a surprise guest during the reception. Congrats to you Meghan & Eric and....GO HENS!

Monday Confessions

1. I am sorry that my blog is me neglected child! I am holding myself to posting some photo sessions this week - you can yell at me if I don't. Like I said before, it's not for lack of work, I actually have so much I am having a hard time getting it all posted!

2. Had a great shoot yesterday afternoon out at Fair Hill, MD. Fabulous weather and light...look what a little off roading did to the swagger wagon!

Never say I don't go that extra mile because I will, even in mud :)

3. I fed the twins fluffernutter sandwiches for lunch and was SHOCKED when they didn't really care. It was the first time I was ever going to let them try it and I felt like the coolest mom ever. They didn't really eat them so I guess my kids are telling me they want to be healthy...that or the chants for jello were their main concern. Don't judge me - every day is a survival game with them! haha!

4. Max went for his 4 month appointment today, although it was a little over a week early. He is 18lbs 2 ozs and 25 1/4 inches already! He's the 95 percentile for weight, can we say linkebacker?! He was not a fan of the shots but who would be?! Can't wait to see what he thinks of real baby food.

5. I am dog tired. I run around like I have it all together but really I am pretty worn out today. We are trying to get into the swing of our new Fall schedule and I think that we are getting there. I am like every other working mom that is trying to make it all work! It's a definitely balancing act! I am so thankful for all the friends and family that help me all the time to make it work!

6. Did you hear that they fired a few of the NYC housewives or make that like all of them from the Bravo show?! Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Alex McCord and the "new girl" Cindy didn't even make it past a season. What the heck kind of show can they have with Ramona and the Countess?! Confess readers - what fall TV shows are you looking forward to?!

7. I attempted to put out all my cute pumpkins and fall stuff this weekend but it didn't happen...maybe this week!

Have a great week everyone!

Monday Confessions.. early edition

1. We are getting less sleep with a 14 week old than when we had a 6 week old! Something is up with this kid and he's keeping us up at night...Matt is my hero though, he took Max last night so that I could get a good stretch of sleep! I think lack of sleep can sometimes be the hardest thing about parenting little ones!

2. I bought my kids the light up sneakers with characters on them...never thought I would be "that mom" but hey, they love them and happily wear them! Never underestimate things that make a 2 yr old compliant!

3. I know my photo blogging has been a little sparce but it's not that I don't have work to blog - it's the opposite! I have been so busy that I need to get to it! Hope to share some wedding work with you this week!

4. My mom got me Pumpkin Spice K cups and they have been a source of morning joy for me over the last week! It really is the small things...

5. Yesterday on my way to a photo shoot I listened to Boston, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Katy Perry...I like to mix it up :) Got there with a smile on my face ready to work!

6. I want the humidity to go away and I see the forecast is calling for some nice fall weather later this week. I am really ready to be done with sweating! Every time I get somewhere with my kids, I am sweating by the time I get them there. Never understimate the workout it is to get 3 kids in and out of the car, car seats, getting the stroller out, etc... I sometimes think about it and change my mind on even going anywhere!

7. I don't get the whole "Dancing with the Stars" thing...never have gotten into it...basically D list celebrities shaking their bon bons for approval!

8. Yesterday (9/11) had me thinking about where I was during the attacks..in college, walking to my classes  and had no idea that the world was falling apart and changing forever. I walked through the student center and learned of the attacks. It was eerily quiet in the student center that day....

9. My son is learning tons of new words and he proudly yelled "shut up" to his baby brother during a crying fit over the weekend. My jaw dropped and I fought the urge to laugh. I asked him where he learned such not nice words but of course I knew it was one of his saintly parents! Humility...

10. I live in fear of potty training our twins..how do you know when they are really ready?! How do you know that you are ready as a mom? Well for now, I live in fear of pee pee in the potty and will still be changing 3 booties all day!

Happy Monday friends!

Bucks County Engagement

This past Labor Day, it felt like a thousand degrees in the shade and kept looking like a storm any minute! What's that you say? A perfect day for an photoshoot?! Exactly! Tyler and Barabara Jo recently got engaged after meeting at Penn State and dating for a few years (sorry for the oversimplication of your relationship :). Tyler got a sweet bulldog girl puppy named Lenni to use as a part of the engagement plan! Barbara Jo had wanted a puppy for some time and really what is cuter than a bulldog?! Tyler is a lifetime friend of my husband so as we hung out on our Labor Day picnic, I surprised them with a visit to the nearby train station for a short engagement session. Tyler, Barbara Jo and Lenni were all good sports even in the heat! Can't wait for fall weather personally... Tyler and Barbara Jo, you are a beautiful couple and we can't wait to celebrate with you on your wedding day next fall!

Max & Confessions!

So I know it's Tuesday but it FEELS like Monday! It definitely helped to wake up to some cool fall weather...

1. We had a long night and I was up a lot. When I am this tired I need to remind myself that it's a privelege to  be a mother!

2. I am reading Organized Simplicity, great concepts for running a home and a good philosophy for living a life free of clutter - both literally and metaphorically. 

3. I am also reading a WWII tale, Unbroken, which is a true story. Sometimes the true story is the hardest part...and maybe I shouldn't reading about Japanese military attacks in the middle of the night, leads to scary dreams - but that is exactly it - the generation of men that lived through is a dying breed and i am sure their dreams were a lot worse. It makes me think often of my Grandfather Frey, who was a WWII veteran and passed away almost a year ago already. So thankful for all those who have served our great country!

4. I got up and baked pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, was in the mood for a yummy treat that the kids might actually eat! 

5. We failed with Max for week 12 so here's week 13...love this sweet kid, even when he doesn't sleep.... he was feeling the animal print and bulldog theme :) And yes, he's wearing 6 to 12 mos clothes at 3 mos old!

 

Happy Tuesday that feels like Monday!

Catastrophic Confessions....

I am only calling the the catastrophic confessions because if you live in my part of the country it's been a crazy weather week! So here goes..

1. Endured my first earthquake while staring at my 2 yr old son, as we both stood frozen and trying to figure out why our house was shaking! Macy cried from her crib, I was in the middle of putting them down for nap. It was a super weird feeling and I am glad it wasn't worse because I didn't react in the right way at all. It was like my feet were stuck to the floor trying to figure out what was going on.

2. We had a little Hurricane this past weekend that resulted in a few things...

• sleeping in our basement for an evening, thank goodness it's a finished basement!
• bailing out a sump-pump manually when the power went out
• praying that trees wouldn't fall on our house
• being stuck in the house for days at a time...all in all not much to complain about!
• dean singing "raining, pouring" for hours on end while begging to go to the pool?!

3. My 2yr twins think that the ice cream man is really the "music truck" :) This is a little mama white lie that saves me from them begging for ice cream everytime we hear him coming. Eventually the cat will be out of the bag and we will have to start saving our quarters for those firecracker ice pops but until then I will enjoy Dean's little song where he sings "music truck, music truck."

4. Matt (the hubs) decided to try to fly our kite in the hurricane winds yesterday...hilarious ending when he lost control and the kite flew away hitting a shed, a playhouse and a few other things before landing about 3 football fields away in someone's tree...how embarassing and hilarious!

5. Max weighs 17lbs at 3 months, NFL anyone?! I will try to post his pics later or tomorrow!

Ta-ta for now friends!

Lazzopina Family

We didn't like each other when we met in high school, I swear. After a few different incidents, we became best friends and the rest, as they say, is history! Fast forward a lot of years, we both have families now and she lives far away. Of course we had to do a family session when she was here for a visit! Obviously, her family is beautiful!

Max Week 11

SO I just realized this afternoon that I forgot to post Max's picture from last week! It was sitting on my computer just waiting to show off his cute little self in his model pose :) Sorry for the delay friends...he's almost 3 months old already!

Monday Confessions

1. It's official, I am insane. I accepted an offer to teach Photo 1 at Delaware Tech, class starts today and I cannot wait! I am insane only because I decided to take on another resposibility....but if you know me at all, this is the kind of thing I could giggle and squeal about I am so excited to teach!

2. There are still lots of mini-session spots so grab yours today! Don't miss this opportunity to update those family photos or grab that Christmas card shot for a fraction of the price!

3. I have had two weddings in the last two weekends -both gorgeous events but lots of editing to do! Hopefully will be blogging them soon for your viewing pleasure! One wedding even had a surprise appearance by YOUDee, the awesome blue hen mascot from UD! Go hens! Fun times!

4. Made it through walmart with all 3 kids again today...only lasted about 20 minutes but that's all I needed!

5. Did i tell you all that I totally went through with it? Cut off the hair! I have a "robert" - a long bob....haha get it? If you didn't get it...don't worry, I didn't get the joke right away either but now I can't stop laughing about it! 

Happy Monday! Gotta' go get ready for class!

Announcing Autumn Mini-Sessions

Mini Session Fee $100

Includes 20 minute session at location & at least 10 – 15 hi res images on disc 
- Up to 4 people, $10 each additional person 

- This is just a short session to get that family or kids shot for the fall & holidays

-No admission fees but I am pretty sure your kids will want ice cream :)

Use Contact Page above or email Emily directly to schedule your shoot! emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

Alexis & Mike, 'Til Death Do Us Part!

"I was too in love with the strawberries to notice the ring, but then I did! I gasped. I cried. Mike proposed! I cried. I said yes! Neighbors clapped! We’re engaged! We’re gettting mmaarrrrrriieedd! And THAT, tumblr, is our engagement in 34 words."  I love my little cousin :) This was her description of her recent engagement.

I could not be happier for her and Mike! They are planning on tying the knot next May and of course, I love me a good excuse for a photo shoot! Although this photo shoot seemed a little doomed...the first day we had it scheduled, the heat index was up over 110 degrees and no one is going for a "greasy, sweaty" look in their engagement photos. We rescheduled it for the next week and within the time we planned the photo shoot - the weather channel called for "high winds and deadly lightning in this zip code." Um...postpone again?! 

Well another week later we got a gorgeous Friday evening with a cool breeze and low humidity - thank you Jesus! I believe all that waiting was definitely worth it and yes...our location was an amazing old church with a cool grave yard. Lex and Mike are the perfect pair to just go along with my crazy ideas and were game for the engagement shoot in a graveyard. Combine the cool aesthetics, the pretty weather, yummy sunset light, and this great couple ..match made in heaven! We joked that the graveyard thing was a good set up for "'til death do us part..."

 

Can't wait for May 2012!

Monday Confessions, Early Edition

First thanks to my wonderful designer hubby who gave my homepage a MUCH needed facelift over the weekend! Hopefully you enjoy the look of the new slideshow! Now time to confess..

1. I  came to the realization at a wedding this weekend that I am super bad at eating chicken off the bone. I just don't exactly know what to do with it. I think of guys like my Grandpa who could eat a peice of fried chicken down to a bare bone...just don't have that talent!

2. My mom & stepdad went to a Journey concert this past Saturday in Jersey. Everything about that makes me smile...told my mom on her way out the door that her hair just wasn't big enough for that venue :) Don't Stop Believin'!

3. "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." - I got to see "The Help" last week on opening night thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law. It was such a great movie in my opinion, not just because it stuck fairly close to the book, but because it made me consider so many things about human life. It's a great story of love, loss, injustice and American history!

4. Our fifth wedding anniversary was on Friday. My sweet hubby surprised me with a wonderful gift of a spa day in the near future! I really can't wait! We also went to a lovely dinner at Cafe Gelato. It was such a nice night we even dined outside! Not only was it delicious, but we enjoyed the luxury of eating a hot meal and not having to get up once to help a little person! We also drove around with the Jeep top down like the old days when we were dating...good times

5. I am getting a haircut on Thursday and I really cannot wait. I am thinking about changing it up a little! My hair has gotten so long and I have no time to do anything to it...need a change!

6. I am ready for fall weather! Will be working on setting up a mini-session schedule so keep an eye out!

7. I hate trying to lose weight and have been struggling with it. It feels impossible to get any time to myself to even attempt working out and I am not sure that I can run with a triple stroller...need to figure this out and keep moving forward.

8. My mini-van is just flat out scary inside. To all the other moms out there who swore you would never have a scary mini-van...I am with ya!

9. I need to start seeing my chiropractor again - I feel all out of alignment!

10. Here's a sneak peek from a session this past week...my best friend and her family were in town this week all the way from Texas...so of course we had to squeeze in a session!

 Have a great week everyone!

Max Week 10

Well week 9 was a fail in the weekly photo department, life is hectic but we didn't want to dissapoint this week! 

Good morning from Maxwell!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Don't hear what I am not saying...

I feel the need to do a little clarifying after what I wrote earlier. Do I know everything about photography? Certainly not. Do I have lots to learn? Absolutely. Are there areas I can improve? Always.

Am I trying to discourage budding photographers? Not at all!! We all do need to start somewhere and I am sure you would die laughing if you saw even some of my college projects. If you have a creative desire and enjoy photography - by all means enjoy it! I was speaking more in terms of people who like to call themselves professional and then fail to provide a product. For example, I have a friend who just celebrated her third wedding anniversary without ever receiving the photos or albums she paid for on her wedding day. That's a crime right?! I have another friend who a similar thing happened where the "fauxtographer" just sent them the disc of untouched images and never did the album that they paid for. I don't think that this is acceptable from someone calling themselves a professional! 

An actual favorite story of mine is the guy who licked my friends wedding cake...I will tell this story in full detail someday but I made a huge mental note never to be a "professional" like him.

To all you readers out there who love to take pictures...keep shooting! There's room for everyone!

Have a good night...