“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” ― Dorothea Lange | Meggan Sombat Photography ~ Eastern Shore, MD Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

I’m obsessed with the sky. Always. I prefer to capture it on camera if possible though… because it lasts longer! 

“I’ve got nothing to do today but smile.” ― Paul Simon | Meggan Sombat Photography ~ Annapolis, Maryland Child Portrait Photographer

Dare you not to smile back… 

“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down” ― Charles Chaplin | Meggan Sombat Photography ~ Maryland Child Portrait Photographer

A sense of wonder is a beautiful thing.

Blue eyed girl.

Meet 19 month old S. She always has a smile for everyone, and this hot day in late July was no different! She had a blast running around the grounds of the Belair Stable Museum and Mansion, and was kind enough to slow down every so often to allow me to capture the beauty of her deep blue eyes.

I think she enjoyed the session too. In fact, this pose was her idea! I love it when kids make suggestions during a session, and though she isn’t old enough yet to tell me with words, I got the message loud and clear. She backed herself up to this wall and stood there waiting, as if to say, “Hello? I’m ready for my close up!”. 

Here’s her mom and dad (my friend D and her husband S).

I brought my new rocking horse (rescued from the curb on trash day!) and put it in front of this stable door. I thought it was such a clever idea! Apparently, little S did not agree. She sat on it for all of 4 seconds. 
What a cutie!

Yet another pose, this time with a sigh. Ah, the life of a model… 😉 

And last, big smiles with mommy.

Thank you D and S and little S. You have a beautiful family!

Love me and the world is mine. ~David Reed

Robin and Adam were married last month in paradise… soft white sand underfoot, palm trees towering overhead, and layers of teal blue water stretching to the horizon. And the sky… just unreal. I honestly have no words to describe it.

A beach wedding at the Majestic Colonial Resort in Punta Cana.

It was truly the perfect spot for this perfect match. Robin and Adam are fantastic people, so fun and thoughtful and genuine, and they compliment each other so well. When you meet them, it’s immediately apparent how important family and friends are to these two. And I think that it’s pretty amazing that thirty seven of their loved ones traveled so far to witness their marriage! My husband and I were honored to be a part of the celebration.

We arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic two days before the wedding and had a chance to relax and explore, and hang out with Robin and Adam and the other wedding guests before the big day. We checked out the buffets, the bars, and the shops. We swam in the ocean and wandered the resort. My camera was never far from reach, and I had an absolute blast documenting the beauty all around me!

The day before the wedding we went on an ocean cruise and met some captive (de-stingered) sting rays and got to snorkel with nurse sharks. It was great to get off the resort, seeing some of the “real” Punta Cana on the bus ride to where the boat picked up. We also got to see the boat crew perform some traditional Dominican dances on the way back to port.

And the drinking… as an all inclusive trip, drinks (Presidente, the official and possibly only beer made and served in the Dominican, and MamaJuana, a folklorish aphrodisiac rum blend) were a big part of the week-long celebration, but unfortunately, pregnant-me missed out on all the partying. Nonetheless, our whole experience was incredible!

Plus, we were lucky enough to fly out one day before the airport was shut down due to Hurricane Irene. Unfortunately, most of the other guests were stranded for days!

Here is a sneak preview of images I sent to Robin and Adam to display at the reception they held last weekend for friends and family who were not able to be there for the main event. I have OH SO MANY more I’m eager to share with everyone, and I will update this post at some point, but for now…

The guys before the ceremony with their Presidentes.  

The girls.

A glass of champagne was delivered before they even reached the end of the aisle. Now that’s service!

The whole gang!

This was truly one of those “pinch me” moments. How gorgeous is this scene?!

Is that the water shimmering in the late day sunlight? Yes, yes it is…

Good thing I took pictures so it would last longer. LOL

Just gorgeous.

The world is theirs…

The reception was held at the open air restaurant on the beach. 

Plotting their next move…

And finally, toasts from the groom’s brother and bride’s sister wrap up the wedding celebration.

But we weren’t finished with photos just yet! Robin mentioned to me on the first day that she was interested in getting into the ocean with her dress on after the wedding. And although this is something I’d probably never ASK a bride to do, I was psyched that she suggested it! And so, the day after the wedding, she and Adam went for it!

At first, a stroll along the water’s edge…

And then…

How cute are they?!

Ta daaa!

Thank you Robin and Adam for the opportunity to attend and photograph your wedding. I crossed things off my bucket list I didn’t even know were on it! We had an amazing time with you and your friends and family, and as a photographer, it was absolutely the experience of a lifetime!

Cheers!