Lara Kimmerer | photographer

Alone in the Woods

This weekend I found myself in the middle of the woods – alone.

We were at a farm in New Hampshire helping our friends get ready for their wedding, which is happening in just a few weeks. The six of us spent the weekend at the farm house - ate together, worked together – and had many conversations together. When you spend a weekend with friends there's always a lot of talking…so when I found myself alone in the woods  – I truly realized how alone I was.

It wasn't silent by any means. The fire was crackling before me (we cooked over the fire that night) – there were birds and frogs chirping in the background – the breeze made the pine trees whisper. I wasn't by myself for very long, but I enjoyed every single moment. Sometimes knowing that I won't be alone for long makes that time & space even more enjoyable. I knew that shortly I'd be joined by my friends…ready to start new conversations and create new memories together.

Here's to friends – and campfires – and moments where you appreciate everything and everyone around you.

Wrenn & Rob | engaged | A rainy day in Wellfleet

Rainy days are some of my most favorite days – especially in the spring and summer. Windows and doors can be left open to let the slight breeze fill the room. I love the feeling of being cozy inside while enjoying the beautiful and calming sound of the rain falling outside.

A few weeks ago, on a very rainy day, we made our way to Wellfleet to meet Wrenn & Rob for the first time – and to photograph them too. We had made lots of plans for our shoot together...most of them not conducive to rain. They live in California, so this was our one chance to see each other before their wedding in September. We decided to embrace the day we were given and use to the coziness of Wrenn's family home as our backdrop.

When I first spoke to Wrenn about photographing her wedding I felt an immediate connection to her. Old places – especially homes that are connected to a family history have always been important & interesting to me. Her family home was purchased by her great-grandfather (I believe) around the turn of the last century and has stayed in her family since. Her parents were married in the courtyard of the house – and Wrenn & Rob will be married there as well. The home itself and all of the history within its walls mean so much to Wrenn that having our shoot inside was actually quite perfect.

Wrenn & Rob — Thank you so very much for your hospitality. We loved spending the day with you...and sharing a plate of oysters (my favorite). We really can't wait to see you in September!

Ashlyn Finds Her Dress

A few weeks ago I received a call from a groom named Lucas who was hoping I could surprise his fiancée Ashlyn with a little photo shoot. You see, a few days earlier they had an engagement party - and while the party was wonderful - one thing was missing…photos. Specifically they were missing photos of Ashlyn with her grandmother and mom and other family members. Ashlyn was sad to have missed having those moments captured. Lucas was determined to fix the situation.

A trip to L'elite on Newbury Street was already planned for that week. Ashlyn was hoping to find her wedding dress that day with her mom, soon-to-be mother-in-law, and her grandmother. Lucas thought that it might be fun for Ashlyn to not only have photos of her finding her dress, but also to have photos with the women who were helping her that day.

I luckily had time the next morning and so I made my way to L'élite on a blustery and rainy day. I showed up a bit before they arrived…and waited. As they entered I saw smiles of recognition from the three ladies who joined her, but for Ashlyn I was a surprise. I introduced myself and explained Lucas' plan…and a few tears came to her eyes. She certainly has an incredibly thoughtful fiancé.

And then the fun began...(none of these photos actually feature her dress. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!)

Ashlyn - it was so much fun surprising you! Seeing you see yourself as a bride for the first time was wonderful to witness. Remember to enjoy all of the little moments leading up to your wedding day - and to breathe through any stresses. Congratulations again!

And thank you to the lovely ladies at M. Flynn for passing my name along. Lucas had created Ashlyn's engagement ring with them and when he needed to find a photographer they thought of me. Referrals are the best.

Monday Morning Music | Good Morning Happiness

Very early on in our relationship Peter took me to a Grant Lee Buffalo concert. I wasn't too familiar with them, and their music didn't grab me right away immediately. I did know one song (it was on the first mix tape that Peter ever made for me) and the chorus to a few others. We saw them at Iriving Plaza where we stood right against the stage (Something we did for many concerts there. To get that spot we would often go to the city early and sit on the side walk with our books - enjoying the day, all while securing our place for the concert that evening. This is also something that I'm very grateful to not feel I need to do any longer. Ah, youth).

At the end of the last song they played that night there is a chorus that gets sung over and over again. I can't remember the song, but Grant-Lee Phillips handed me the mic and Peter and I sang, along with the entire audience. Good thing I knew a few words!

Fast forward to about a year or so ago when Grant-Lee Phillips came to Club Passim in Cambridge. The opening band was Winter Pills, who were also Grant-Lee's backing band that evening. They had learned the songs on his new album, and a few old Grant Lee Buffalo songs. Peter took a shot and called out the song he had put on my mix tape all those years ago. And, they just so happened to have learned that one! My goal in life is to hear every one of those songs live.

This morning I've chosen to play a song from his most recent album Little Moon, called "Good Morning Happiness". I think it's appropriate for a sleepy Monday...a day that may need a bit of a pick me up. Today is a fine day...and there's still so much more to go.

 

Good Morning Happiness | Grant-Lee Phillips

 

 

Boston Interiors Photographer | Old Homes

Last week Peter & I made our way to Wellfleet to photograph one of our September couples at the bride's family summer home, which happens to be very old. Just walking in you could feel all of the history and all of the stories the walls hold. I'll be sharing that session soon, but for now I want to share with you some shots of another old home I had the pleasure of photographing a few months ago.

This home is located in Brookline and was built in 1862. The house has secret passages with hidden doors, detailed wood work and beautiful wallpaper. The current owners have updated some of the spaces - especially the kitchen, which makes it comfortable but keeps the feel of the original home. I've always been fascinated with older spaces. It will be interesting to see what kind of a home we end up in.

Hope you enjoyed this small tour!