Ciao! I’m so excited that you’re here! So many people already know me as Ciao Bella Boudoir, a business I’ve owned since 2008. I also was co-owner of Hanlon-Fiske Studios, shooting weddings since 2009. In 2016 I launched Ciao Bella Studios and I couldn’t be more excited! Under Ciao Bella Studios I will be continuing to photograph gorgeous weddings, fresh and lovely newborn babes, and amazingly fierce boudoir. These things are food for my soul. I can’t express how much joy I receive from each and every one of these shoots. I am one lucky girl!

I have worked with so many amazing people over the years, and 2016 was no different. I’ve always told my clients that it’s the relationships I build with my couples that allows me to create magic. I now have friends all over the world, friends who let me into their lives for one of the most important days of their lives. A major bucket list goal is to travel the world. I’ve had invitations from lovely souls in Switzerland, London, Berlin, Nice, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Carolina; this goal is closer all the time! Wouldn’t it be incredible to line up weddings in each of those locations? YES!! Make some magic happen!

One of my amazing couples is Kyle and Stephane. When I first heard from Kyle, he sent me a link where I would get to see Stephane propose! How amazing is that? Even more amazing? Stephane proposed while they competed on Italy’s Got Talent.  Seriously? I cry every. single. time. (Yes, I may have watched it a few times :)) The biggest part of this wasn’t that it was on the show, it was that Stephane dared to propose to Kyle when Gay marriage was not legal in Italy. Their very public engagement was part of a HUGE push in Italy to legalize same sex weddings. On June 5th, 2016, Gay marriage was officially legalized in Italy. So when Kyle and Stephane were married in Pittsford, New York this past September, it was also legally recognized in Italy! How amazing is that!

So now that you’ve dried your tears of joy from watching that proposal, on to their gorgeous wedding! Kyle and Stephane did everything with the help of their families. Their wedding was in Kyle’s aunt’s backyard. They spent a ton of time cleaning up a wooded area by a stream, creating PURE MAGIC! I’m not kidding, the light made me tingle. Every shot I took had this pure magic to it that is indescribable. Since I can’t find enough words in the english language to do it justice, see the photos below!

Every detail was perfect. They chose to decorate with a simple geometric white theme with touches of greenery. There were lawn games for family and friends to play during cocktail hour.

Kyle and Stephane got ready together, dressing in completely matching suits. Who looks this good in a suit, let alone BOTH looking this good in the same suit?

The ceremony? Perfection. You didn’t think I was exaggerating that magical light, did you? Goosebumps. Kyle and Stephane created that arbor themselves with potted plants and twinkly lights, this is my favorite ceremony site to date!

Remember those suits I mentioned? Can’t you just feel the love they share? Look at the way Kyle looks at Stephane! I didn’t pose these two, they were so natural and comfortable in front of the camera. Have I mentioned how lucky I am?

And finally their reception. Such a blast! The clear topped tent was overflowing with love and joy. And again, you can feel it just from the photos. This is why I do what I do. This is why I consider myself incredibly fortunate every day.

A HUGE thank you to my partner in crime, Jen Waldow! She has been my rock over the last couple of years. I am SO excited to move forward with her as my second!