Rick recently photographed the second in the Be Engaged: series of conversations with wedding experts hosted by the amazing Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore and the immensely talented Christine Toner of Stonington Design + Paperie in Beth's beautifully renovated upstairs salon space. The panel included experts Michelle Rago - fabulous New York event designer and author, along with Anne Chertoff - senior editor of Brides.com who just came out with a Wedding Planner from Russell+Hazell - a great tool to assist with the planning process. For more info on this event and upcoming ones, visit Chic by the Shore. 
The lovely ladies of the panel: Christine, Michelle, Beth, Allison Salvati of Something Blue Special Events, and Anne.
The cocktail party of industry experts the night before the event featured not only awesomely talented and interesting people, but also these delectable creations provided by Linda Sample of A Thyme to Cook. Don’t miss the radish and artichoke hats!
Book signing and socializing followed and everyone was quickly absorbed by the ideas of Michelle Rago and Anne Chertoff. Michelle, signing her book Signature Weddings, was named by Modern Bride as one of the industry's top twenty-five trendsetters.
Anne Chertoff created the informative wedding blog "from-i-will-to-i-do". It's filled with greating wedding planning tips, vendor recommendations, and much more!
Left to right: The ultra sweet and talented photographer Maggie Conley with her good friend, Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral Design, and Ann Nyberg who moderated the previous panel at The White Dress by the Shore. Maggie is one of those people you've felt that you've known for a long time. The stylish bouquets seen throughout these photographs were created by Yumiko. 
Rick and I have met so many nice and incredibly talented people at The White Dress events. For the brides out there who are about to look for their ideal wedding dress, The White Dress by the Shore is a very SPECIAL boutique in Clinton, featuring chic couture for brides, mothers, and maids. Beth Chapman has a created an intimate setting with a relaxed atmosphere, and she and her knowledgeable staff are so informative and nice that you just wish that you could spend the day and chat with them!
Linnea Rufo (center) of Bee and Thistle Inn wearing one of her stunning vintage dresses.
Right: Josie (center) of Beneath the Gown also located at The White Dress by the Shore.
These amazingly delicious and beautiful cakes were sponsered by Ana Parzych Custom Cakes.
Wow...this is it. We're finally starting a blog! To get it off to a good start we’re first posting events that we photographed in March. This first series of photographs is of Hawaiian native, Jake Shimabukuro, a ukulele virtuoso who played at Andrews Memorial Town Hall in Clinton, CT, for the George Flynn Classical Concerts. Our good friends Jim and Liz Beloff introduced us to Jake’s work last year, but this was our first time seeing him live. He is simply mind-blowing on his instrument and an awesome performer!!!
Jake after the concert in front of Andrews Memorial Town Hall. After 1 1/2 hours of autograph signing and meeting fans, he was still up for additional photos. He has an incredibly kind and generous spirit and we are so looking forward to seeing him perform again!
For uke enthusiasts, Clinton’s very own Jim and Liz Beloff (center, with family) have been involved in “all things ukulele” for seventeen years! Check out Fleamarket Music for Jim’s songbooks, CDs, DVDs and amazing Flea and Fluke ukes!
This video of Jake's version of George Harrison's While My Guitar Gently Weeps, filmed in Central Park four years ago started it all for him!
