In to the woods….for an engagement session – Cleopatra Photography {you & me} Boston Massachusetts Engagement Photography, Central Mass and Worcester Engagement Photography by Ashley Nardello

Hi Everyone!

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to meet an adorable couple named Renee and Clint. When Renee contacted me she was ecstatic about her engagement and wanted to get amazing pictures to commemorate their love! They had a super cute idea too so I was excited to meet them as well….. Since their wedding was being held outdoors, they wanted to incorporate that into the session. Not only that but the trails we walked were one of the places their love began to take shape.

We also hit up their Gym to take some pictures. Also one of the places where they spent nights after work developing an amazing friendship, that clearly led to love!

I laughed so hard with Renee about the fact that, she first met Clint at work… but after learning he went to the “OLD Iron Gym” SHE used the old…

I would love to work out, I just need someone to show me what I am doing…(in so many words) wink wink….

Fast Forward to 6 or 7 years later and they have developed an amazing relationship….. These two are so excited to be getting married …

They came to their session prepared!!! Renee had two blankets and props all ready to go in her bag! ( I loved this because they were ready to go and had what they needed to be comfy and what matched their outfits right at their fingertips) Way to be prepared Renee!

So anyways, we went to this area behind the water treatment plant in the town of Wareham… Actually South of Boston closer to Plymouth Mass… but to all the out-of- town-ers… “Outside of Boston”

I had a great time with You guys Renee and Clint! We got some awesome shots!  I Can’t wait to do it again at the wedding next year you guys!

to see more engagement sessions like this,

check out My website www.cleopatraphotography.com

to book me for your event or engagement session

email me at Ashley@cleopatraphotography.com

and be sure to

like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cleophoto

OK everyone, Enjoy their “woods inspired” engagement shoot…

now on to the gym!

funny the way it is… in love… Cleopatra Photography – Boston Mass Wedding Photography by Ashley Nardello

ok… ok… If you know me, you know I love Dave Matthews. I love the whole band of course but I love Dave for his crafty way of intertwining words. His ability to turn a phrase into an emotion….. and to wrap my heart in his expression.

Lets just start by saying this day was a washout… totally raining.. and yes, this was originally scheduled to be an outdoor event.. not anymore….

some people think rain on your wedding day is the worst thing possible…. and that’s absolutely fine.. but not these two… it didn’t even phase them… it was an afterthought… it wasnt about the weather. it was about them… if an earthquake hit on their wedding day, this Bride and Groom would still be smiling.

The song “Funny the way it is” isn’t exactly one of those songs where the words are cryptic or hard to decipher true meaning… it’s not even a love song, but I relate it to this couple because it parallels the true meaning behind the “statement” of lyrics… and the reality of their true love.

People could learn a thing or two from a couple like this…. learn that we should all love each other more… be closer to our lovers, hold them while we can, enjoy their touch, make each kiss last just that much longer and never waste a moment. We are funny creatures, us humans…. Love can be a problem for you or it can be the best thing that ever happened to you…

so no, I am not talking about ” one kid walking ten miles to school when another is dropping out”

I’m talking about stopping complaining about your love not being xyz… and starting taking advantage of the fact that you have someone to love…. like A and P

this couple… *sigh* they oozed love… they are the epitome of this type love I am talking about…

they are a couple that no matter what was standing in their way, they knew they wanted each other, and nothing was going to stop them from being together.. not even distance…

lets just begin with how adorable miss A is! ahhhh!  If I can say one thing for sure it’s that she has an addictive laugh.  I laughed and smiled the entire time we were together… and Every time she had a second to think about what was about to happen in just a few moments, she clasped her hands together and shook them saying EEEEEEeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! it was a super cute little habit she picked up in anticipation of the upcoming vows. She looked stunning…. who knew the rain was an amazing backdrop… here she is… followed by the rest of their short and sweet time with me…

enjoy xoxo -A

This is one of the cutest exchanges I have ever seen with a MOH and Bride… brings back memories for me…

they were all laughs…

This lucky bride was surprised by her brother …  he came home unexpectedly to make her wedding day!….

this was fun…

A and P decided to do a first look!!!! P was so nervous and A was outright shaking… They showed how nervous they were, both asking so many questions trying to make sure they were doing the right thing, standing in the right spot and ready for their turn around…..

looked at each other and became overwhelmed with giggles and A with tears… she was laughing and crying at the same time… this was one of the tightest hugs I have ever seen… so pure. look at P’s hand on her back… *sigh* again!

and we were off to the ceremony! some of the most adoreable vows! she spoke of being there for him no matter how far, and he spoke of knowing he never wanted to leave, as not her husband again….

ok so you know me… outside we went… raining or not! and they were totally all for it….

We ditched the umbrella for a couple… and THIS happened….

one last shot of the bride for now…

The S family at Lakes Park! Cleopatra Photography {Connected} Fort Myers and Naples Family Photography

Hi Everyone!

The day of the super bowl,

(with my husband nagging about time!!!!)

I ran out and met the S family at Lakes Park for a mini session! What a great time! Little Miss E is growing so quickly.

I was really happy when her mommy contacted me for this family session…

Miss E is already 19 months! Hard to believe that the last time I saw her, she was just 7 days old! WOW

Anyhow… enjoy a few pics from their day!

This “Modern Family” Photography at Lakes Park In Fort Myers – Cleopatra Photography {Families} Fort Myers Family Photography

Hello everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and is relaxing! The holidays are draining! BUT! I must say I love the memories they create… moments…. pieces of our history..

So the day after x-mas I headed out bright and early to get these shots taken for the B family at Lakes Park!

What an awesome group… full of laughs, and knew how to make a joke and take one! Some of this group was from the Boston area WOOT WOOT!!! Either way they made me feel like old friends 10 minutes into the session…

Enjoy their day at Lakes Park…

An awesome affair at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates… M and A, said “i do”… Cleopatra Photography {i do} Boston Mass and destination wedding Photographer Ashley Nardello

Hi Everyone!!!! Ok so catching up on Blogs these days isn’t an easy task! ahhh can you say busy!…. We have been editing like crazy, designing like crazy, and shooting like crazy….

Oh not to mention, we are learning the ins and outs of CS5 (amazing product btw…)

any who… I met M at the Indigo Hotel in Downtown Fort Myers to get some shots of her getting ready and hanging with her girls before the big event!  after getting ready the Bride and her Dad got into the model T and headed toward the location.

A location I was super excited to photograph!

The Edison-Ford Winter Estates!!! A really cool historic place. I got there and got right to work! Shooting the little things as well as the interaction!

The guys were great and the girls were pro’s! Check them out! you’ll see.

Everyone had a blast. I shed a tear during M’s vows and laughed during A’s. The emotion was so clear… everyone with their smiling faces, children laughing and it didn’t hurt the sun shining and it was a gorgeous day.

After the ceremony we rocked out some amazing photos on the fig tree and the model T ….and headed over to the Royal Palm Yacht Club where the reception brought the house down!

This crew danced and danced and danced some more! I loved it!!!!!! absolutely adorable! The music was great, drinks were flowing and the food.. oh the food… Love how italians do it!

One or a couple of my favorite parts of the day were obviously the model T…. The location… and the food as you know… but I loved the moments on the dance floor! the jumping the getting down! the moon-walking… and the laughter

everywhere you look people were laughing and having a good time… NO coaching here folks.. this group did so much of this on their own… they made the day fun and refreshing… one more perk of the “job”

Enjoy their pics!

Lets start with the details

and this view… oh my… best rooms at The Indigo Hotel for Bridal Photography!

Right after I shot this image… this happened outside on the courthouse steps!

now a different take on a ring shot… no more on wood, or on the flowers, or twigs or leaves and stuff for a while! Because where DON’T you see that?

and a little ring shot collage…

now… back to the ladies…

M Looked Beautiful in her dress from Maggie Sottero…

Mom, Dad, and Grandma thought so too….

a fun view…

and one last spritz…

a few more of the boys …. while we waited for the brides ride to take her to “the show”

and then the model T showed up!!!

 I loved the drivers attires! So appropriate for the wedding! Ralph at Model T chauffeur Services was great!

as I was taking this picture, M’s dad said I don’t know if I can look at her without crying!  It really touched my heart… *sigh*

on to the Estates…

where… the boys, and girls were waiting for me =)

The ladies were so casual until they realized I was snapping away…. lol

 and the guys… had fun posing for me too…

boys will be boys… correction, men will be men!

now onto the cermony…

Here comes the Bride!! I love the look on M’s face as she took a deep breath before looking down the isle… it was a great moment…

 NOW…..on to the bride and grooms portraits…

This group was soo much fun!!!!! PURE and GENUINE! I love catching off the cuff moments like this…. M in the background was just a bonus!

remember I said they brought the house down…. here’s why…

and last but not least…. I feel like this shot sums up the reception… they had an amazing time…

Thank you M and A for asking me to be a part of it all!!!! xx-A

Indian wedding ceremony by Cleopatra Photography…uniting M and T – Cleopatra Photography – Destination Indian Wedding photography-Boston Mass Indian wedding photographer- Ashley Nardello

Wow.. Where to begin… So if you’re a follower I’m sure you know but for everyone else this is our first Indian wedding! We were so excited to be a part of the day the apprehension was killing us! That morning we headed out the door at 5:30 for a very long day! bright and early things were going on.. we headed in separate directions and the ceremonies began! When the bride and I first spoke about the wedding and she was trying to explain all the little intricacies of the day I tried  so hard to visualize what it would be like…. I looked online to get an idea… but nothing could compare to the color I was about to capture!

The self-proclaimed… non-traditional bride told me she wasn’t wearing red but in fact ivory and pink! I LOVED IT from the very beginning!  From the floral arrangements,  to the jewelery.. everything was bursting with detail… and bright flamboyant colors… The day couldn’t have been more beautiful! It was a teeny bit chilly in the early morning hours, but as the sun rose so did the temp!

The other photographer i had with me that day went off with the groom and I stayed with the bride… I got a chance to see a whole array of emotions… from laughing, to crying…. to the realization today was the day…

In the indian culture there is a large part of the ceremony at a wedding dedicated to the moving on of the daughter. The good-byes… I had no idea just how emotional this would be but you’ll see that for yourself later!

So back to T’s attire for the day… Wow. Lots of bengals, big heavy earrings, large diamond studded patterns and fine fabrics… Beautiful but simple make-up that shimmered in the right light helped make her smile that much more bright and large flowing curls hung from her head not one out of place….she looked beautiful!

Nerves got to her a little bit, as she shed a few tears and I’m sure there was a point in time when she wanted to pass out! (not from just the nerves but from the ritual of fasting!)

Watching her best friend help get her ready,  and the little laughs and tears was just adorable! AWWWWW BFF’s

Anyways…. Lets get the show on the road with a preview of the Gorgeous T…. in preparation and waiting… for the biggest moment in her life… enjoy

both the Bride and Groom wore these bracelets…

now on to the guys…..

On to the next part of the day! The bride and grooms parents and families “received” each other, men first then women and the men presented gifts for the bride. Afterward, a small ceremony that involved throwing things, lighting stuff on fire and smashing an object after standing on a small alter…..

but first….behind the scenes the brides family was amazed seeing her in her attire for the first time…

ok now on to more of the action outside…I love everyone’s hapiness and great expressions here! So happy to unite as one family!

As the ceremony outside was going on… the bride was surrounded in women all putting the finishing touches on the her. Not missing a detail.. making sure everything was perfectly in its place….

As the moment approached tears started welling up in T’s eyes…

You could tell she was nervous….

Not even a minute after the above pic was taken… T looked at me, and almost in tears myself….I did my best “funny face” and boom… she cracked this small smile for me!

As they walked toward the ceremony site you could see and feel the serious nature of the things to come…

and here she is….

The ceremony included a whole erray of different rituals and sayings… We figured we’d give you guys a look at some of the stuff we loved.. and that really stood out…

The groom seeing his bride for the first time!

The color again was amazing….

After the ceremony was finished we took family photos before the goodbyes began…. Here is the proud family… and I quote ” missing the two sleeping beauties”

But here they are!

…..

The next part of the ceremonies had me in tears… full-on shades down… bawling… when I see stuff like this going on, I am swept away to a time when I will have these moments with my daughter…

So emotional…

T was consoling her mother here… I was a wreck!

T… I know you said you didnt wan’t too many of these pics taken…. but I had to put this one on the blog! I was bawlllling! so heartwrenching…

Best Friends…

Off we went to the next part of the day LUNCH!

After a break and an outfit change by the bride and groom we headed back out onto the beach… Thank you so much T and M for making the time for these images! WE LOVE THEM!!!

and off to the next stop! THE RECEPTION!!!!!!!!!

……..but not before a quick stop at the fish tank!

and here they are!!!!!

Mr. and Mrs….

D and A… tie the knot!! – Cleopatra Photography – Fort Myers and Naples wedding photography

Well I hope everyone remembers this cute couple!!!! they tied the knot on 11-5-11 and had an amazing day!

The wedding had the cutest details from bircages to hand flags… and oh not to mention individual place setting with actual china and tea cups!!!!

Not one person wasn’t dancing and having a great time…. I love weddings and I love LOVE!…. I cried 3 times during this wedding! waaay too many if you ask me! lol… during the ceremony when A professed her love to her new step daughter, I. When D’s dad spoke to A and told her in a “speech” he had no note cards for…. how much he loved her and wanted her to be a part of their family and was proud to have a daughter… her as a daughter… and when D had his first dance with his little girl I.

What an amazing day and some amazing colors…  enjoy their gorgeous wedding day…

Orange Grove Engagement Session – Cleopatra Photography {You & Me} Fort Myers and Naples Themed Engagement Photography

Hi Peeps,

Ok so ready for some fun! This shoot involves a little bit of everything! Well, everything I haven’t done anyways…

For today’s shoot we went out to a friend of a friend’s orange grove, and got some amazing shots!

A little history on these two…..

they love to travel, they love photography and all things shabby chic, and not to mention… They’re getting their majors at the same time!

When planning for this shoot, my mind just went wild with all the options… but as usual, I threw the book out as soon as we got there, and went right to “work”

The first stop included hopping a fence and listening to someone pop off a few rounds in the distance… of course after ducking for cover…we went further into the property… kidding…

no bullets came our way ! Thank goodness…

So at the first location we shot at, we found a really cool John Deere tractor that looked it’s age.. and an antique old overgrown bush-filled produce truck…SO COOL.

then we ducked into the greenhouse, Loved this spot too… so many lines!

okay, now on to the fun stuff… we got to the grove not a soul in sight.. and went to work, I spent “no time” decorating and staging and we were shooting…. I had a blast and love all the range in light… it was perfect…. golden and soft

P and B, I hope you had a great time too!!

Enjoy their day….. Our day, at the grove…

Can’t wait to see you guys again! Enjoy

xx-A

LOVE this next image…. these two know how to laugh!!! and loud… ❤

what an awesome lighting situation… Can you say “stupid golden light?”

FIN.