Melissa Surprise Photography Blog » 2009

Monthly Archives: October 2009

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Save The Tatas…

October 13, 2009 – 8:43 pm

This weekend I have the honor of meeting Danielle, Chris and their two boys.?? Danielle, a young mom, loving wife and a dedicated teacher, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.? One of her oldest friends emailed me and asked if I would be willing to gift Danielle and her family with a portrait session.?? Some of you know, I lost a brother 3 years ago to colon cancer, a cancer he was “too young” to have.? Being that cancer is a sensitive subject to my family and myself, I was more than willing to help this family out.

Danielle has been going under chemotherapy treatments which has caused her to lose her hair.? Her wonderful husband, shaved his head to match hers.? I really had a joyful afternoon with this family, pumpkin picking, chasing the boys and watching dad admire the woodwork around the farm.? Danielle and I did have a conversation how she discovered her cancer, it was by pure accident. So ladies, this post is? a reminder for that this is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, be sure? you check yourself out. No woman is invincible and you are never too young.

For Danielle, I admire your bravery and I can’t wait to come to your farm next summer to photograph your family again.

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit these sites:

By Melissa | Posted in Children | Comments (2)

Meet Me At Teddy’s House…

October 12, 2009 – 8:35 am

The holiday season has official began for Surprise Photography.? Like many of the families I will be meeting over the next couple of weeks,? they know what a busy time of year this is for me and book me anywhere from 4-12 months in advance.? Like this momma, who I originally met back in April at the Hot Mammas Fundraiser at Elizabeth Boutique, when I photographer her daughter and herself.? Today the whole family joined in and we met at a great spot that was once owned by the Roosevelt family.? Old fences, brick, stone, and an overcast day, it is a photographer’s dream.

By Melissa | Posted in Children | Comments (3)

A Photographers Playdate…

October 8, 2009 – 11:31 pm

3 kids, 2 photographers and a small town=take over.? Today, an online photography friend and I FINALLY met after a year or so of online chatting and months of trying to figure out a compatible date to meet and talk shop.? Of course with 3 kids, there is very little time to do that. ? So what happens when kids and photogs meet, the 5Ds come out to play!? Today I had the pleasure of having a playdate with Cristina Coco of? Cristina Coco Photography.? We had a little coffee then headed out to the streets of down town Cold Spring.? I have to admit, we kind of stalked the opening of Born Lucky and waited about 30 minutes for the arival of a choo choo train to appease the boys. However, we had a great time taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings and great shop owners. As much fun as we had, next time the kids will stay at home .

By Melissa | Posted in Children, My Family, Special Projects | Comments (8)

Highland HudsonFest, Walkway Over the Hudson…

October 7, 2009 – 8:17 pm

Where you one of the 40,000 people to enjoy the Walkway Over the Hudson this weekend??? Saturday marked the Official Grand Opening Ceremonies for the Walkway opening.? I had my ticket, but unfortunately couldn’t make it, which I am kicking myself over. I did however, get to sneak over there later in the afternoon to enjoy the opening to the general public.? On my walk, I took the time to watch everyone enjoying the bridge.? Whether they were walking, jogging, biking, or even taking pictures, you could see how special this bridge is to the people of the Hudson Valley.? It is not everyday? that you see hundreds of people enjoying a good ole walk on the largest walking bridge in the world.

Saturday also marked Highland’s HudsonFest celebration.? The day long affair featured food and wine tasting, local farms, book signings, art (including myself), my new friends over at Big Gay Magazine and Highlands own Voices of Glory from “Americas Got Talent.”? The weather was calling for thunderstorms, but the Highland Gods were watching and the sun actually came out.? The night ended with an old fashion block party.? It was a good day and plans are in the works for next years celebration.

By Melissa | Posted in Special Projects | Comments (1)

Kevin and Ling, Mohonk Moutain House…

October 5, 2009 – 1:41 pm

You have to love a wedding, especially when it is a wedding of a dear friend.? The combination of Mohonk Mountain House, 70 degree weather, as well as a beautiful bride, only helped make the day even more wonderful.? Sunday was a very special day for my friend Kevin and his new lovely bride Ling. We were treated to a traditional American ceremony as well as an Asian tea ceremony. For my friend Kevin, I am so thrilled you found the love of your life and for Ling,? I am so happy to welcome? a new House Wife of Ulster County ?? Have a great honeymoon to Hawaii!? For now, I continue to stalk the blog of Come Together Studio, to see your fabulous pics.

By Melissa | Posted in My Family, Weddings | Comments (1)

The Grand Illumination of the Walkway Over the Hudson…

October 4, 2009 – 9:04 am

My family and I were among about 1,000 lucky people to be apart of the Grand Illumination event on the Walkway this past Friday.? It was truly an amazing site and I am glad to say we were apart of it.? ? Although the weather called for late night rain, there was not a drop to be seen.? It was? bit windy, as to be expected, in the center of the bridge.? I will admit, I was a bit nervous walking across the bridge at first, however I quickly came over my fears.

The night started with just enjoying the walkway, taking in the views and running into friends and neighbors.? Around 7pm, was the releasing of the lanterns.? If you looked in the sky that night and saw 70 lights in the sky, they were not UFOs.?? At 8pm, we were entertained with a wonderful fireworks display.? Those who were not on the bridge, enjoyed other celebrations in the river parks lining Poughkeespsie and Highland.

It was a very special evening, and I congratulate those who have been working on this project for the past 17 years.? And I encourage all of you to go and enjoy it!