merry christmas

the kitchen

While I cannot quite declare it done, the new kitchen is done enough to start using and enjoying. We kicked things off last night with dinner for Will and 13 of his friends, all dressed up for the big sophomore dance. It passed the party test with flying colors.

Construction started in July, with an anticipated finish date of mid-October. Things cruised along right on track until we got to the tiling, and then target dates slipped to Thanksgiving, then Hanukkah, and finally the Soph Hop dance. Part of what was fun about this project was that not only did we get to create a new kitchen, we were able to restore the kitchen to its orignal location in this charming 1840 home.

We still need to finish the pantry and mudroom, but I'm going to tackle that after the holidays and simply enjoy entertaining over the next couple of weeks.

The close-up of the backsplash has been included so you can pat me on the back. I laid the Travertine myself, and am quite proud of the total effect. Eventually, two comfy chairs will replace the cafe table, but this works for now.

I'll try to dig up photos of the old kitchen so you can get a sense of what an enormous accomplishment this is.

bill & senah

I had the wonderful privilege of photographing the wedding of Bill and Senah on Saturday. They were a beautiful couple and it was so great to see their four girls come together to form one big family. Set at the Esperanza Mansion in Branchport overlooking Keuka Lake, the wedding ceremony itself was lovely and intimate, with just the bride and groom, their girls, and parents in attendance. A wonderful reception followed with extended family and friends.

hubby

My darling husband was kind enough to pose for some lighting tests this morning, as I prepared for today's wedding. He's looking great!!! Here's a bit of a sneak peak of the new kitchen too. We're days away from being functional, with a party on Saturday our goal for its official debut. More on that when the ladders are removed and we finish up a few more details.

PS And if the quietness of this blog makes you think I'm not shooting much, it's quite the opposite. I'll catch up soon, really I will.