studio smc photography | Sandra Costello

Feeding your brain

2012-01-30T18:58:00.000-05:00

The winter is a perfect time for me to catch up on all sorts of tasks, tighten systems and making time to improve my craft. It's also a perfect time to connect with local photographers who are just as pumped about making beautiful photographs and moving their business forward. In March I will be attending Inspire Photo Seminars in Sturbridge to learn, connect and be inspired:) This is the first time I will be attending this event and I am totally psyched.

The lovely folks at Inspire have created a blog to connect attendees and highlight topics. Today I discovered I was the featured attendee! It was so excited to see it and I can't wait until March. Check out my profile here. Enjoy!

Baby Gram

2012-01-08T19:17:00.001-05:00

Whenever couples tell me about the name of their child I am always excited to know why they chose that name and does it have any significance. Gram, spelled just like that, is named after his great grandmother, otherwise known as Gram. This woman is amazing. In her early 90s I remember hearing stories about her working out at Curves despite some significant challenges. She is a woman of great character and what better way to continue that spirit than to share her name with this tender new soul.

Gram, the baby, is such a sweet little guy and has the best parents on the planet (and a very protective dog:) I had a chance to visit with the family right before Christmas and it was so wonderful to capture a few precious moments together. Enjoy!

Style Me Pretty

2012-01-04T11:37:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! I am thrilled to share with you a collaborative photo shoot that took place this past summer, all in the name of love! An extraordinary group of the Valley's best wedding professionals came together to create this magical shoot. Today Style Me Pretty, a style savvy wedding resource devoted to the modern bride, has featured oodles of amazing images from the day. I hope you'll check it out and leave a little love. Enjoy!

A quick note of thanks to all of the amazing folks who made the day a dream come true:)

Hair: Andrea Clifford, Salon 241, Northampton
Makeup: Liz Washer, Makeup Artistry by Liz, Northampton
Bridal shop: Bridal Heirlooms, South Hadley
Hat and bow tie: Jackson and Connor, Northampton
Jewelry: Rebekah Brooks, Northampton
Flowers: Forget Me Not Florist, Northampton
Bakery: Bakery Normand, Northampton
Paper goods: Essentials, Northampton
Venue: Mount Holyoke College and a private residence, South Hadley

Special thanks to Lynn Saunders for her help and creativity; Sarah and Jeremy for their inspirational love; and to Christa and Dawn for allowing us to create a bit of romance in their back yard, you are the best!

xoxo,
Sandra

Sharing the love...hello 2012!

2012-01-02T20:08:00.001-05:00

Today when I got dressed I decided it was a double pink day:) One layer of pink to say goodbye to a great 2011 and one layer to welcome 2012. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do what I do and to share my passion for photography with people who not only let me into their lives but become a part of mine. Here are just a few reasons why 2011 was so great:

1. Fabulous clients! So many beautiful couples, and adorable families.
2. I met lots of new and talented folks whom I collaborated with and was inspired by. Thank you!
3. An awesome community of photographers. I feel so fortunate to have connected with so many creative folks.
4. My cheering squad! Friends and family, old and new, who have supported me and cheered me on.
5. The moments I captured through my viewfinder. Wow. The emotions, the love, the beauty; it was pretty spectacular.

In thinking about 2012 there are a lot of things I hope to accomplish. Here are a few goals I feel most connected to and know will guide me toward greater success:)

1. Sharing the love
How do we open our hearts to achieving great things? We must have faith and know despite fear or uncertainty life is about taking chances, being true to oneself and trusting that there will always be a net. There is this line from the movie Elf in which Will Ferrell says, "Smiling is my favorite." It's a silly line but the joy and love I receive from this life is something I want to share with each person and hope they will pass it on. It is a small gesture that I think will create greater love in the world. Yesterday while out walking at Mt. Holyoke College I came across this bench with the following inscription that really spoke to me and my hope for the new year.

"The more on earth there is of loving hearts the more worth loving, and the more the love, which, like a mirror, each to each imparts." Dante's Divine Comedy

2. Celebrate community, build new partnerships
Being a photographer can often times mean working alone. It was one of the things I was most nervous about when I launched my business as I like to collaborate and socialize:) In the last year I've developed some amazing relationships with fellow photographers, wedding professionals, and other small business owners. These friendships have helped me to grow my business, see things differently, and have offered new ways of connecting to a larger community. I look forward to seeking out new partnerships and establishing greater community both locally and beyond.

3. Find a new perspective during times of challenge
This is a tough one. Do you ever find yourself in a moment when what you're doing isn't working but you're not sure what to do next? Maybe it's out of fear or a sense of perfection (who me?) that you can't move forward. Either way you feel stuck. I have big plans for 2012 and some of those plans will require a new way of thinking. I know if I am able to trust in myself and others that movement toward greater success will find its way.

I am so grateful to be able to share my world with you and can't wait to document all of the amazing things to come in the new year! Here are a few of my favorite photos from this past year. Enjoy!

Diane + Heather: Married

2011-12-21T21:47:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been on an amusement park ride and the thrill was so great that you just couldn't wait to get back on and do it again? Well, Diane and Heather's wedding day was just like that, in the best way possible:) These ladies thought of everything from what they wore to how they transported their guests to custom designed shoes and invitations to celebrate their date: 11.11.11.

Their guests stayed at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, where Diane and Heather got ready, and their ceremony and reception was held at the Dream Away Lodge in Becket, the most unique venue I have ever photographed. It is filled with all sorts of kitschy goodness, and has the best bar in the west (western Massachusetts that is:). The proprietor of the Dream Away is entertaining and has the sweetest beagle, who made a guest appearance later in the evening.

To say the day was a blur with eye candy is an understatement, and then to add an unexpected snow fall made it quite magical. Which brings us back to Diane and Heather: two really amazing ladies in love who so thoughtfully prepared for their one special day that launched a lifetime of days together. It was magic to see their family and friends rejoice and shake their booty to familiar music, and the snow that fell that night only seemed to warm the heart further.

Thank you Diane and Heather for such a dreamy day, it was the best! And thank you to the amazing Steph Kreite for helping me to capture all the awesomeness of the day. Kick back and enjoy!

And be sure to check out Diane and Heather's dreamy slide show at the end of this post:)

Day 12 - Celebrate it all

2011-12-18T22:06:00.002-05:00

Sorry for posting this a little late in the day. Enjoy!

Day 11 - A Day in Your Life

2011-12-17T11:25:00.002-05:00

Day 10 - Receive $300 off Foto-Fun Booth

2011-12-16T11:42:00.000-05:00

Day 9 - Portrait Session on CD and a BONUS!

2011-12-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

Today's special gift comes with a bonus: the movie Elf!!! For those of you who love the movie this is big news, and for all of you who have never seen it this could be the best Christmas ever:) Enjoy!

Day 8 - 20% off Gift Certificates

2011-12-14T15:20:00.000-05:00

Fearless Award...#2

2011-12-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

I am delighted to announce that I have won another Fearless Photographer award! This photograph was taken last summer on Cape Cod at Sherrie and Eric's wedding. I'm not entirely sure what all the gesturing was about but I think Sherrie's aunt was trying to fix her hair and Sherrie wasn't having it. Every time I see this photo I laugh!

What is a Fearless Award?

"Fearless Awards are given to photographs that excel in redefining wedding photography or are just darn amazing! Less than one out of ten images – 10% – are selected by our curators. Our photographers submit many, many great images but we only want to show the very best work from this keenly talented group of photographers." -- Fearless Photographers web site

Over 2,500 images were submitted for this latest round and 183 photographs were selected. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this amazing group.

If you'd like to see all of the winning images you can view them here: Fearless Photographers.

Day 7 - CD of Digital Files for $399

2011-12-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

Day 6 - 30-50% off Canvas Gallery Wraps

2011-12-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

Day 5 - 25% off Framed Prints

2011-12-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

Day 4 - 20% off Albums

2011-12-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Day 3 - Wedding Collections

2011-12-09T15:34:00.002-05:00

Day 2 - 25% off Prints

2011-12-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

Day 1 - $99 Local Portrait Sessions

2011-12-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-05T11:41:00.000-05:00

Carolyn + Dave: Married

2011-12-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

Looking for a burst of happy? Well, you've come to the right place at the right time! Carolyn and Dave's wedding is filled with such great color, handcrafted details, and so much love you're bound to smile. I remember when Carolyn and I first met we discussed her mad knitting skills and our shared love for crafty stuff. When I found out I would be photographing her wedding I think I squealed!

So many beautiful things were made for Carolyn and Dave's wedding. And with so much color in every detail it totally reflected the happiness they shared. A few things to note as you make your way through their wedding day: the shawl and parasol cozy were both knitted by Carolyn. Amazing! Carolyn's necklace was made with pearls her grandparents bought for her over the years. Their invitation was created locally but inspired by Carolyn. All the flowers were arranged by a super talented friend; love the yarn wrapped around the bouquets:) With such crafty goodness in the house I had to list the many talents who made this day so bright, including the talented Lynne Graves who helped me photograph the day!

Big love to Carolyn and Dave and their beautiful families! Thank you for letting me practice the craft I know the best on your awesome day. To you I raise a glass and wish you much love and happiness on your mahwedge!

Ceremony: Mount Holyoke College - Abbey Chapel
Reception: The Carriage House at the Barney Estate
Cupcakes: Gregory's Pastry Shop
Flowers: Edge Floral Design
JP: Dale Desmarias
Bride's dress: Sophia Tolli from Pearl Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Sung
Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Liz
Bride's jewelry: Roxy's

Cufflinks: SquishySushi on Etsy
Invitations: Paradise Copies

Don't miss the smashing slide show of Carolyn + Dave's wedding at the end of this post!

This photo, taken by Lynne, is perfect because Dave had essentially lost his voice that day. Big love!

Danielle + Konstantin: Married

2011-11-19T00:52:00.000-05:00

It has been a wonderful wedding season and I have worked with so many lovely couples alongside their amazing families, and Danielle and Konstantin are one of those incredible couples. Danielle is like a breath of fresh air and so beautiful. Konstantin is super easy going and clearly in love with Danielle. Together they make such a wonderful pair.

Their wedding day was beautiful. I don't think there was a cloud in the sky and it was in the low 80s, the kind of day you dream of when you plan an October wedding. I spent the morning with the ladies which included lots of laughter, beauties abound (you too dad!), and these sweet purple hoodies the girls received as gifts.

Danielle was a stunning bride. Her mom and sister were so good at keeping Danielle relaxed and helping her into her dress. There is this sweet moment of Danielle's dad passing by the doorway and seeing her for the first time in her dress: priceless. So many gorgeous moments it was hard to choose which ones to share:)

Thank you to Danielle and Kon for letting me be a part of your incredible day. A big hug to Karen and Alan for welcoming me into your home, and to all the amazing people who made this day so special for two really great people:)

A big shout out to my home girl Susan Kowalski for photographing the day with me! Anne Renaud for being so awesome and for making the connection. And thanks to Annie and Rob of Grace Episcopal Church, Salon 241, Paris Productions, and to Hotel Northampton.

At the end of this post be sure to click on Danielle and Konstantin's wedding slide show!

Missy + Kara: Married

2011-11-10T05:59:00.000-05:00

Missy and Kara are so filled with light and love that when their wedding day arrived and instead of rain, as forecasted, they received gorgeous sunshine, I was not surprised. They share a love so true and so blissful you just want to bottle it up and hope just a whisper of it will seep into your own life.

These two ladies brought friends and family together from many different places and while they hoped their guests would get along and rejoice in their day, I'm not sure they anticipated the amazing and immediate bonds folks formed. One friend said during her toast, "At this point in the weekend its hard to tell friends from family and family from friends."

There are so many things I could say about Missy and Kara but instead I'd like to share their words. Throughout this post I have shared their thoughts on love and getting married. I hope their open hearts touch you as much as they touched me.

I would like to thank Jessica Kaczenski for helping me photograph this beautiful day. She captured so many wonderful, emotional moments and was a joy to work with. I'd also like to give a shout out to the following vendors:

Venue: Garden House at Look Park, Northampton
Florist: Forget Me Not Florist, Northampton
Cupcakes: 2nd Street Bakery, Turner Falls
DJ and musician: Gary Jones, Agawam

Lastly, don't miss out on Missy and Kara's slide show at the end of this post. In peace and love:)

Let the day reflect who you are as a couple. Think about what it will look, taste, feel, smell, and sound like. Most of all follow your heart and stay focused on your commitment to each other. On the day of your wedding, take time to look every guest in the eyes, hug them, and tell them you are so grateful for their presence and support on your big day.

We loved our First Look. It was so special and intimate....it provided us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our commitment to each other without any other distractions.

There are so many awesome moments....getting introduced for the first time, the toast, the serenade, the father/daughter dances,....but the one moment that sticks out in both of our minds is when we made eye contact as Kara walked down the aisle to begin our ceremony....and our married life together.

The group photo taken after the ceremony was silly and lighthearted....it captured the spirit of our celebration and the unique personalities of friends and family in attendance.

Adina + Rami: Married

2011-10-27T20:10:00.001-04:00

Where to begin? The story of Adina and Rami is effervescent and beautiful, just as they are to each other and to everyone they encounter. Last year I was contacted by Rami's mom in search of a photographer for her son's wedding; her last son to get married. I had met the family once before when I helped Kelly Prizel photograph Jared's wedding, one of Karyn's other sons. We had a great conversation and I looked forward to meeting Rami and Adina.

I met up with Adina and Rami in NYC at Magnolia bakery in February and after little time knew "these kids," as Karyn referred to them, were going to be so much fun to work with. We scheduled their LovE-Session in April at Elizabeth Park and despite the sometimes breezy weather (okay, it was cold), they laughed and smiled and made anyone who saw them want to fall in love all over again.

Spring forward to September 18, 2011: their wedding day. My good friend and exceptional photographer Seth Kaye joined me to photograph one of the most exuberant Jewish weddings I have ever photographed. To say that Adina and Rami and their guests like to dance is an understatement:) And they danced until they could dance no more, all with huge smiles on their faces. And while the day was also filled with many beautiful traditions, prayers, toasts, touching sentiments and more dancing, the significance of these two souls coming together was never lost.

Adina and Rami, mazel tov! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. And for all of the goodness you put forth in this world, may you also receive the same gift of love. Enjoy!

*** Don't miss the slide show of Adina and Rami's day at the end of this post:) ***

I love this shot Seth got of me directing the wedding party to get comfy in the back of a pickup. Awesome!

One of my all time favorite wedding party shots.

Fearless Award

2011-10-25T08:54:00.000-04:00

Today I found out some exciting news: one of my photographs received a Fearless Award! This winning photograph was taken last year at the Garden House in Northampton, MA. Chee-Seng and Eric were an amazing couple. They shared so much joy and laughter on their wedding day and I was honored to be a part of their celebration.

What is a Fearless Award?

"Fearless Awards are given to photographs that excel in redefining wedding photography or are just darn amazing! Less than one out of ten images – 10% – are selected by our curators. Our photographers submit many, many great images but we only want to show the very best work from this keenly talented group of photographers." -- Fearless Photographers web site

Over 2,000 images were submitted for this latest round and 126 photographs were selected by an amazing group of curators. I am honored to be a part of that group.

If you'd like to see all of the winning images you can view them on Facebook. There are some really amazing photographs captured.

Fearless Awards

Enjoy!

Andrea + Jon: Married

2011-10-13T14:46:00.000-04:00

Not long ago I shared a very special engagement session of Andrea and Jon taken in historic Quincy Marketplace in Boston. We had lots of fun and it was just a taste of the fabulousness I got to experience on their wedding day, the very popular 09.10.11.

Their ceremony took place at St. Catherine of Genoa church in Somerville on one of the most beautiful days of the year. Afterwards we made our way to Post Office Square for some portraits of a very stylish group:) And then our final destination was the State Room, which not only has one of the best views of Boston but the interior is equally stunning.

A couple of shout outs to some pretty awesome people: Andrea and Jon, you guys are the best! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day and capturing your love. Wish we could do it all over again! My pal Sue for passing my name along, and having faith in my work. Erica Kate Philips at the State Room for all of her help. Courtney Kerr for her help with detail duty. And lastly, my second shooter and amazing assistant, Ian Pouliot. Ian, you rock!

I hope you enjoy these few images from the day. And don't forget to play the slide show at the end of this post to see more photographs. Enjoy!