Stephanie & Tim!

We kicked off our season with the sweet, loving, super duper cute couple; Stephanie and Tim. These two were just filled with vibrance and a contageous energy the entire day and we were so honored to be a part of it. The wedding ceremony and reception were held at Saint Clement's Castle in Portland, CT. A beautiful sunny day, a shining beautiful couple and love in the air. The perfect day for a perfect start! Congrats Stephanie and Tim!

Click HERE to view full event.

Simple Pleasures on Chilly days

Rainy days are a great excuse to enjoy all of the little things we never seem to take the time to do. Nap, light a fire, cuddle up under a blanket, knit, bake, all of the indoor things that force us to relax. Sometimes I think that rainy days might be sent to us to force us to take a little break. What better day for me to start whipping out the recipes and trying some new things. In my early efforts to stick to a vegetarian lifestyle, I've spent the last few weeks reading recipes and trying new things. This seemed like the perfect day to try something new. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup won out as it seemed like the perfect day for it. Easy: YES, Delicious: YES, Quick: YES. It was a homerun so I'll share my version of it here. Enjoy!

1 T. olive oil
2 Large onions chopped up
3-4 garlic cloves
1/2 t. sea salt
1 bag of dried split peas
6 cups of water
3 knorr extra large vegetarian vegetable bouillon cubes
2 carrots chopped up
2 bay leaves
2 T Lemon juice
paprika to taste

Ok, so you add the oil to a large pot and set the heat on medium high. Add onions and sea salt. Saute a few minutes and add garlic. I actually left them as full cloves (skin removed of course). Saute until onions are soft. Add peas, carrots, water, bay leaves, and bouillon cubes. Bring to boil. Lower heat and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes until peas are cooked. Remove Bay leaves. Puree 1/2 the soup. Stir in the lemon juice. Add water to reach the consistency you like. Served topped with a dash of paprika.

Washington D.C. ~ Lina and Robby's Engagment

We had the thrill and amazing opportunity to travel down for a long weekend to Washington D.C. to photograph Lina and Robby in their hometown. Lina, a graduate of George Washington University, and Robby, a studying lawyer also attending GWU, felt that nothing would tell Their story better than the big city itself. This is where they met, fell in love and are living their dreams. And what better time to display their blooming love than during the annual cherry blossom festival. We had such a great time with them and loved shooting in such a new setting. They were up for anything and we took advantage of that! Here are a few pieces from the session.

A snippet from DC

I'll post a ton of pictures soon from our engagement shoot in DC but here's a little something fun that we saw there! Talk about talented kids! I was in the band for 9 years and some of our drummers weren't even this good after 9 years of musical training. These kids are awesome, and what an innovative and dedicated Dad to teach them this skill.

Jessica & Will

Jessica and Will's wedding took place at the brand new Riverview in Simsbury. What a beautiful wedding and such well thought out details. The autumn theme clearly was carried through all of the decor, flowers, attire and ambiance. Congratulations Jessica and Will! It was truly an honor!

Ella Marie Turns 2 ~ Already!

My beautiful little princess turned 2 years old on Friday the 13th. All of the memories of her birth came racing back and as we heard the number 2, we just couldn't believe it. Two years ago we had no idea if our little one would be a boy or a girl. There was nothing we could think about except that endless question that seemed like everything in the world rested on. Boy or girl, boy or girl. What color clothes do we buy? How do we decorate the room? What will we name (it)? Nine months of wondering and wanting to know. Then the second she was born, it was amazing because the very last thing I was thinking about was whether it was a boy or a girl. The question had completely vanished from my mind and it was as if there were no such thing as gender, it was just my baby and I wanted nothing more than just to hold that baby. Suddenly, time had stopped, finally. Then out of nowhere, as if a reminder buzzer went off, Igor shouts out, "It's a girl!" And it was only then that I remembered we had been so eager to find out and after she was born, I had never even asked! Funny how the things that seem sooo very important, end up being just novelties and it's the real things in life; family, love, health, and happiness, that end up being the only things that really matter in the end. So, my little princess Ella Marie turns 2 and there is no doubt she is a girl. And the sweetest and prettiest princess I've ever seen. Happy Birthday Ella.

Introducing: Erin and Rob

Erin and Rob were one of the sweetest couples we worked with all year. Carefree and just totally in love. We had a rainy day which afforded us the opportunity to get some cute umbrella shots with the cute couple. Thank you Erin and Rob for sharing your special day with us!

Catching up on blogging.

With all of the craziness winter brings, I guess I just got busy and haven't blogged as much as I would have liked to about all of the amazing couples we've photographed this winter. It was surprising how busy this winter actually was! Well, starting today, in order, I'll start putting those posts up and give everyone the spotlight as they so very much deserve! Enjoy! Thanks to all of my couples who made this winter such a blast!!!

Awesome stuff!

This Sunday (February 22, 2009), Studio Blue will be at the Hartford Bridal Expo at the XL Center (the Civic Center). The show runs from 11am-4pm and there will be tons of great wedding vendors there and exciting things happening! Be sure to stop by at our booth #306. We'll be surprising couples with some super sweet perks!!! You'll be jumping for joy! See you there!

A sweet valentine's surprise...from Mom!

We all LOVE and remember the flowers, chocolates, maybe nice dinner date and sweet kisses we get for Valentine's Day. It's sort of the unspoken rule of tradition and one that all of us girls secretly like a lot, even if we tell you otherwise! This Valentine's Day I got a little extra surprise, from my Mom! For all of us 80's kids, we can appreciate the lost humor and purely innocent entertainment of our generation that has so quickly been replaced with annoying and bad behaving cartoons of today. Yes, I loved the old school fun...Pee Wee (yes he was annoying but super funny!) and Strawberry Shortcake and my all-time favorite...the Smurfs! So simple, so noble, so purely innocent Smurfs. Of course we can comment for hours about the subtle naughtiness that some people's twisted minds can conjure up, but for kids, it's just pure fun and adventure. So for this Valentine's Day, my best gift ever was a DVD of the Smurf episodes. And what a hit it has been for my whole family! Much to my surprise, over the highly animated Nemo, and the violent Star Wars, and even the loud and cheerful Elmo, the Smurfs came out on top as being the requested TV show for both my kids over these last 2 days! Apparently mothers only get wiser as they become grandmothers! Thanks Mom!

Disappearing Act

With the holiday rush and our insane family timing to have EVERYTHING at this time of year, it seems, even to myself, that we disappeared for a time. Well actually, we technically did disappear for some time this winter! For the last 2 years we have had the tremendous opportunity to do some traveling with a group of 8 friends. Last year was our first time and we loved it so much, we all decided to go again! Our vacation of choice? Cruising! It leaves little for us to think about and if any of us just needs space to get away from the rest of us, there is a whole ship to hide away on and just do sudoku puzzles. (yes, I had a few of those moments!) This year we took a monster trip of 12 nights sailing from New Jersey to 6 Caribbean Islands. Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarteen, Dominica, Barbados and Antigua. It was truly off the hook!!! Here are a few pictures from the trip.


This is our ship, The Explorer of the Seas. Just awesome! Had everything from rock climbing to iceskating, mini golfing, a basketball court, roller blading, and everything in between.


Igor and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary while on the ship! The group pitched in and bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate. My parents also surprised us with room service delivering chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. Of course they came knocking on the door while I was naked and discombobulated!!! Figures!


Puerto Rico


St. Thomas - the best shopping EVER!!!

Pictures of St Maarteen to follow.


This is the rainforest in Dominica. This was a very natural island. So much to see but don't rent a car. Not only do they drive on the other side of the street, the driver also sits on the other side of the car!!!


Dominica's black sand beaches.


Mike, Jessica, Igor and I going snorkeling in Barbados. That was a really fun beach club! And just beautiful! We spotted a whole family of squid in the water while snorkeling.


This is Antigua. Just awesome! We actually went kayaking and snorkeling in Antigua. We saw tons of fish and had a blast. I took an underwater camera with me so I'll post those pictures at a later date.

So, now that we are back, after 2 weeks of sunshine, it just might be a little easier getting through the rest of winter! We already have our next trip planned! :)

Happy Birthday Zack!

I can't believe my little bugger is already 6 years old! It seems like yesterday that I became a mother for the first time not knowing what to do or when to do it. When he was just one he used to entertain himself for hours just looking at books and even fall asleep in them. His favorite foods were carrots and chocolate icecream and he smiled at every single person that passed him by. 6 years later, he still loves books but loves his DS and Star Wars more, his favorite food is still chocolate icecream and he still gives a warm greeting to everyone he meets. Zack brought, to our otherwise quiet lifestyle, a whole new meaning to life, energy and well, more energy. I can't imagine life without him. Happy Birthday Zack, with all our love.

Art Show THIS Friday!!!! Yippy!

Hi Friends! The opening of the show "Love Interpreted" is This Friday!!! Myself along with 8 other photographers will be showcasing some pieces. Here is the official press release and ad. I hope to see as many people there as possible so please, come check it out! Cocktails and treats will be served.
CONNECTICUT WOMEN'S PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT "LOVE: INTERPRETED" TO BE HELD AT THE MAC650 ARTISTS COOPERATIVE IN MIDDLETOWN DURING DECEMBER

A group of nine award-winning Connecticut female photographers will display their photographs on the theme "Love: Interpreted" at the MAC 650 Artists Cooperative at 50 Main Street in Middletown from December 5th to January 3rd, 2009. The opening reception on Friday, December 5 at 7:00pm is open to the public.

The "Love: Interpreted" theme was chosen because these women primarily photograph weddings, documenting the strong bonds they witness between couples and within families. "What we really do at weddings is interpret the moments of love, and with this show we wanted to get back to our art school roots, creating something creative and personal in the same theme," noted Nikki Rinaldi of Nikki Nicole Photography, who helped coordinate this event.

Artists exhibiting are: Tina Parsadanov, Jacklyn Greenberg, Jo Kaplan Lee, Mary Marantz, Val McCormick, Nikki Nicole Rinaldi, Krystal Prue, Jane Shauck, and Carla Ten Eyck.

For additional information, contact Nikki Nicole at phone 860.436.6937.

Part 2/3 of Torturing the children.

What a fun holiday season so far! We've had some great kids come in for some festive photos to celebrate fall and the upcoming holidays! Meet this weeks little models: Amanda, Brian, Kara, Payton, and Morgan.

The beauty queen

Yesterday was Igor's cousin's wedding day. More on that in a later post... As I lay out some clothes options and try different shoes in front of the full length mirror in our room I turn to see our little beauty queen Ella slipping on my shoes on her tiny toes and I almost melted as she scuffed through the room with them on. Does life get any better than this? I think that would be nearly impossible.

Kim and Justin ~ Congratulations!

A true piece of art! Every last detail planned to a T with the theme of combining the male and female essence. The wedding took place on the cleared land of Justin's parent's home and it was adorned with a Love swing, vibrant colors, and even firecrackers that set ablaze as the couple shared their first kiss. Wow! The couple said their "I do's" on top of the wedding dress themed float that Justin created complete with a waterfountain in the center of it. The couple's dog was wheeled down the aisle by the two "king" ring bearers to reveal the rings. The boys all wore chile pepper boutonnieres and the bride wore a beautiful red necklace from India. The multicultural integration really made the wedding unique and very interesting to photograph. The evenning was complete with a choreographed medly of latino dances that the couple performed complete with full attire and even fireworks. Thank you Kim and Justin for sharing this amazing experience with us. We will never forget it!

The votes are in.

With record breaking numbers of people forming lines around buildings across America, it's no doubt that America had something to say and they said it loud and clear. "We want change" It was a tight and interesting campaign that had everyone on the edge of their seats for months watching and listening very carefully to what these candidates, both Barack Obama and John McCain, saw as their vision for the future of America. Both candidates amazingly showed such similarity and such difference all at once. As far as similarity, they were both well qualified and driven individuals with families, a plan for the future and a true love for their nation. As far as differences; their way of getting there. Really, no one can see into the future and know what the best way is to tackle the problems we are facing as a nation today. All we have are our gutt instincts and our sense of humanity which we so easily tend to lose touch of sometimes. In a book I'm reading, there is a very interesting quote that I try to keep in mind whenever I am disgusted with the actions or thoughts of someone else. That quote is this, "If you were that person, you would feel and act exactly the same as they do." Isn't this true? If you really were that person, having been in the same position, with the same upbringing, if you were actually that person, of course you would feel the same way and act the same way. You ARE that person. With that thought in mind, as much as people may disagree with the past 8 years of our country's history and the leadership we were under, as the outside person, of course we can see that things could have been done differently. However, good and bad is all relative. Everything is relative to something else or else how would we know good or bad? You cannot know good unless you know what bad is. That said, without having experienced the sorrow of the past 8 years, we may not have known that change was needed and that we need to do something to initiate it. Every president is appointed into office because of their great promises to their country's people. The question is not who makes the best promises, the question is who will make those promises become a reality. I truly hope, from the bottom of my heart, that over the next 4 years and beyond, our wonderful country reclaims its dignity and thrives in prosperity as a result of the humanity, compassion, understanding and leadership it shows. The generations of "I don't agree with you so I'm not going to talk to you" and the "You are wrong so let's fight" are hopefully over. We, as a human race, are in much need of some evolution in that regard and I think we are getting there. Respect is the key in any relationship and it's no different when dealing with big countries. As an individual, of course we disagree on things. If we didn't, we would all be the same person and there would never be an angle or a purpose for thinking! The point is that despite our differences, whether it be as individuals or as countries, we need to start with respect and proceed from there. I believe that this election has gained the repect of many countries around the world in that America does want to reclaim their dignity and respect for people other than themselves. It is an extraordinary day too to see a half African-American man elected as the president of a nation that just a century and a half ago, enslaved such people. It is an honor to be alive at this time and witness our country moving past our history and moving forward to better ourselves as a union; as one with a single purpose. Recognizing that simple yet profound reality (we are One) is really the cornerstone to any and all success. Together, we can accomplish anything imaginable. There are no limits unless we put them there. Congratulations to Barack and to all who worked tirelessly to get him where he is. I hope that this is the begining of something wonderful. Time will tell!

Torturing the kids once again :)

I'm finding that as kids get older they just don't want their picture taken. They are really becoming little adults and are well on their way to the "I hate having my picture taken" phrase that most of us are so guilty of saying. My kids are no different. Even through the years of having more than the average number of photos taken of them, they still act crazy once the camera comes out! This season is no different of course; they still act crazy and pretend they have never seen a camera before and I am pulling my hair out trying to find ways to coax them into acting like humans and not animals! Too funny! We always see our own kids with a bit of a more critical eye. This weekend kicked off our series of weekends dedicated to holiday portraits and we had 4 really fun shoots! One was even a 3 week old! Here is a shot from each one :)

Announcing....XOX Boudoir!!!!

Come on now...Boudoir photography is just the hottest thing right now. Not only are gals glaming up for their partners but even more so; for themselves! It's not only a fantastic confidence booster but it's tons of fun too! Studio Blue has just launched a whole entire site dedicated to, you guessed it, Boudoir Photography! You can book personal shoots and even boudoir portrait parties right online. We also are so excited to offer the First Ever, Boudoir photography site that also carries an entire line of lingerie. Check us out at XOXBoudoir.com and be sure to enter coupon code NEWXOX for 40% off of any purchase until Nov. 27, 08. Enjoy!

Holiday Portrait Time :)

Yup, it's that time of year again! Holiday Portrait time! What better gift to give to family than a holiday photo they will cherish for years and even generations to come. Give the gift that keeps on giving. Come in for a holiday session as a great opportunity for photo gifts and even holiday greeting cards. Schedule your session today. Spaces are limited!

Off to NYC...my favorite city in the US.

As I get that twitch, a little shake and an antsiness running through my body I realize what's going on. It's called withdrawal. I have a serious addiction to big cities so badly that on a whim I've forced my family to pack up the strollers and a picnic lunch just to go to NYC for the day at the park. I know you're thinking..."Hello there Tina, there are parks EVERYWHERE!" Yes, I know that. But the fast pace, the crowded streets, the amazing architecture that covers every inch of every building and the characters you see in the city are second to none. It's just one of those places we all fit into. So, I'm overdue! And just in time too. Lucky for me the Photo Plus Expo is this week and it's in NYC! My favorite of favorite spots. I'll keep you posted on my trip. Until then "I LOVE New York!" Do you?

Kylah and Mike ~ Congrats!!!

Congratulations Kylah and Mike! Their wedding (despite the rain) was breathtaking! Every detail planned out and some really awesome locations including the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY. Thank you for sharing your day with us!

Stacey & Keith ~ Congratulations!

Studio Blue...we missed you!

Back by overwhelming popular demand....drum roll please....Studio Blue Photography. For those of you wondering about the ever lasting name additions we have seen over the last 6 years I have the story here! I have also been asked many times how we got our start. So, here goes!

Six years ago, I had just turned 22 years old and had my son Zack. Igor and I married very young with me at the tender age of 20 years and 1 week old! We were high school sweethearts who met at our first job at the local McDonald's. And were inseparable ever since. We married while still in college and I was an art education major and he was in engineering and the air force. I had received my first camera (a blue 110mm) when I was 5 years old and have taken pictures ever since. Throughout high school I had studied photography and film and video non-stop and if you were ever wondering where I spent my study halls, it was in the dark room. It was a true love. It was well known throughout the school that my "dream job" would have been to be a photographer and I often told people, "just watch, some day I will own a studio". It seemed so rediculous to think that, but hey, we all have dreams. While in college, I worked full time as a manager for a department store and attended college full time also. It was busy but I loved every minute of it! Interacting with people was just so fun. Making friends with random old ladies or little kids or helping that dad find that perfect holiday gift was what made my job so rewarding. The People! That still remains true to date and is still what I love most about my job. So anyways...after having my sweet Zack, I had not realized that for me to return to work and pay for daycare would cost me more than what I was making working full time! That was quite a shock and we reached a brick wall. It was at that point that I stopped and said to myself, "You know what? I'm going to do this!" I had spent my high school and college life dreaming up a wonderful job and putting practice into it but never actually thinking it could happen. This was the push I needed. So, Igor and I built a website with the photography I had done over the years and we waited. A short time later, I got my first call and first booking! We were sooo excited to get (at that time) the $50 deposit because it meant we could finally go grocery shopping! There was a light at the end of the tunnel. Our first year, we ended up photographing 9 weddings. The second year, we photographed 20, the next 32, and the next 45! The business continued to grow and we were ever grateful to each and every couple that admired our work and our dedication. My business started out under my name: Tina Parsadanov Photography. Once I hit a point where I started hiring employees, I thought to myself that it might be a little rediculous to say, "I work for Tina Parsadanov Photography". That's when we adopted the name Studio Blue. The name Studio Blue came from a photograph I had taken while on our Annual R&R in Cape Cod. It was a photograph of my son pointing to the ocean (he was 18 months old). You can see the photo below. As you can see, the ocean is blue, and the sky is blue and the blue just seems to completely dominate the photograph. The blue represented the sky (air) and the ocean (water) both of which are needed sources of life. Life is what we photograph. Studio Blue = Studio of Life. So, after much "trying to reinvent ourselves", we are back! And We're back with a BANG! Studio Blue has started several new programs being implimented this week that we are so terribly excited about! I will mention one....a new Portraits for Life program. For every wedding couple we have photographed over the years and those upcoming into our future, you will receive a "Portraits for Life" membership allowing you free portrait sittings for, well, your life! It's our way of saying THANK YOU! You are the very reason that we have grown to be what we are today. We cannot say thank you enough! Please look forward to other new programs being offered that will show our appreciation for having such fantastic clients! We are truly blessed! Thank you and God bless you!

You ask...they answer.