I have a passion for finding beauty in others and helping them see it too... well, with Tara and Mitch I didn't have to look very far! This gorgeous couple recently got engaged (congratulations!!!) and seized the opportunity to create a collection of romantic pictures during their trip to the Turks and Caicos. We had an amazing time during the shoot... perhaps I should fly to Canada for their autumn wedding next year :-)
Last night I was having dinner with a few friends and one of them pointed out that I'm truly lucky as the kids I photograph are always smiling... really?!? I invited her to a join me on the next session for a reality check - it's certainly fun, exciting, surprising to take pictures of children but not always easy. Sam and Chris are the parents of 4 adorable kids and they certainly have their hands full: 2, 4, 6 an 8 years old with unique personalities and a lot of energy. We aimed for a traditional family shot (and actually succeeded a couple of times), but running and screaming on the beach was so much more fun!
No dark sky , rainstorm or furious wind could stop the Baker family's fun. They love life, to discover the world and its wonders, to cultivate fresh vegetables and herbs, to enjoy a good bottle of wine and live, love and laugh. As Abraham Lincold siad: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years". I'm quote-inspired today :-)
It was a pleasure meeting Felipe, Rahab and Iyass: a beautiful woman, a kind man and a fun kid. The world is a better place thanks to people like them: they dedicate their lives to cure and help kids, from the tiny little baby to the boy or girl with special needs. A few hours on the beach?!? So deserved!
From Kahlen imaginary diary: "Hi, my name is Kahlen and I'm 5 years old. The first and second time Ileana took my pictures I was still in my mommy's belly. When I was very, very small we met again and I remember her smiling every time my big glue eyes looked at her camera. Life plans change unexpectedly so we had to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands and head home to the UK. Luckily vacation's time exists and, 4 years after our departure, we crossed the ocean to see our friends in Provo and have fun! Ileana spent an afternoon with us: we took a lot of pictures, played games, eat fresh croissants, got all wet and laugh, laugh, laugh. Maybe if my brother Cohen and I are very, very good, mom and dad will take us to the island again...".
One of the things I LOVE about being a wedding photographer is getting involved in the lives of my brides and grooms! Â Not much makes me happier than when I get a call from a past couple to ask me if I would photograph another unforgettable moment in their life. Â I met Hanh and Kevin when they first came to the Turks & Caicos Islands looking for the perfect location for their wedding... first it was the engagement shoot (2009), then the wedding (2010 - gorgeous!!!), followed by Tanner (2011) and now little Holden (2013). I truly feel part of the family !
I loved Dee's first excited email: "We live in Chicago and knowing the beauty of these islands first hand (my family is from the Turks and Caicos), I am looking to use this opportunity to take some  pictures to freeze these memories in time.  My excitement: I just got our airline tickets last night, so the reality of the trip is setting in for me and the kids (Dimi 17 and Sammy 12). I found you via facebook last night with help from my god daughter and took the time to like Attimi Photography and look through your galleries which I absolutely love... Truly we are interested in and open to any background that screams Provo!'.
Visiting family can sometimes be an obligation... but it's always a great pleasure when your parents, brother, sister or oncle live in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Lou and Doug welcomed back Eric, Angela and Allison for a week of fun, relax, ocean loving and family bounding. The little one is adorable and she know it... how can you resist such a pretty face?
Debbie opened the car door and 4 pairs of amazing eyes were staring at me... seriously, is was a cuteness overload which got better and better every passing minute. 6 kids can be a challenge but, lucky me, Cole, Max, Delilah, Lucas, Oliver and Georgia are the amazing reflexion of their wonderful parents. Taking advantage of their friends' visit, Debbie planned the family portrait she dreamed of for years: Leeward Beach, sunset light, lollipops, a bottle of wine and a few beers... that's what I call great organisation!
A short flight from New York, a suitcase packed with summer clothes, a well deserved vacation, excitement, joy and family time  = Turks and Caicos, here we come! It was a real pleasure meeting Nancy, Eric, Harris and Henry and take a few pictures in the gardens and the beach of the Somerset Resort. I loved the boys round cheeks and their cute, happy smiles - adorable!