so, i shot a wedding. in italy.

As most of you know, I am retired from photographing weddings. I did it for a long time, I met some amazing people, I had some good times. But I have not regretted my decision to move on in a different direction once. Not once. It was the right move for me.

That being said, when one of my former workshop attendees wrote me a letter telling me all the reasons why I should come out to Italy to shoot her wedding in the Chianti region of Tuscany, I made an exception. I mean, it's ITALY. In the WINE REGION. C'mon.

Sometimes a girl has to be flexible.

The wedding location was as picturesque as it gets-- old, crumbling buildings, a gorgeous villa, the most awesome little chapel I have ever seen, olive trees, surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and ancient villages. Throw in some lovely and gracious people, lots of good food and wine, and you have a dream wedding.

Thank you, Melissa and Brett, for including us in your adventure. It was an honor.

Branching out to the east

This will probably be the first of many shout-outs to the eastern half of the United States, because I am heading your way!!

In mid May, I will be flying into Vermont where I will spend 4 or 5 days. After that, I am heading south. Aside from the sweet farm wedding I am shooting in Georgia on May 30th, (SO excited for that one!) I am intentionally leaving this trip flexible and have yet to buy my return ticket.
Most likely, I will spend some time in the Baltimore area and the DC area. I could very well stop in North Carolina, as I make my way down the coast. I will definitely be in the western half of Florida in the beginning of June. Who knows? Anything can happen on this trip, which is exactly the point.
The other point is that I am booking work throughout my adventure, and wherever the work shows up is, likely, where I will go.

If you are interested in any photo work or have questions about where I will be and when, please email me!
clare@claremariephotography.com

Kathleen and Ben

Well, this is my LAST wedding post of the year, and I can't think of a better wedding to end on than this one. (Note: there WILL be other posts....lots, in fact....just not about weddings.)

Kathleen and Ben got married at the gorgeous Estancia La Jolla, outside of San Diego on a sunny (!!) day in November. Ben's two daughters were an integral part of the intimate ceremony and the celebration that followed, and it was such a pleasure to witness and capture the playfulness and love between Ben, Kathleen and the girls.

Congratulations to ALL of you! Ben and Kathleen, you guys make an awesome couple. :)