Welcome Sophia!

Lovely family !

You might remember this adorable face from a previous post. Yes, this is Manoela and her cutie pie Daniel, who came into the studio on dad's lap, enjoying a perfect nap on a cold winter day in the city. I didn't believe he was going to be in the mood for pictures that day but the theory proved me that taking a nap is a powerful tool for a great mood. And it sure is :) Daniel was all smiles to mom and proud dad Mike and it cracked me up when they kept telling him to give me the flower and he, confused, on mom and dad's arms, simply threw it in the air for me to catch it. ADORABLE. The session was inspired in the Valentines Day as you can see and I can't help it but restate how amazing Manoela looks in red :) This family is just so beautiful in the inside as they are in the outside and I'm soooo glad you guys were able to make it despite the cold! Enjoy :)

Happy Birthday Lauren Julia !

FAO

FAO Schwarz is by far my favorite toy store in NYC- yep, I love toy stores. Who doesn't? 

And it is for some reason the meeting location for me and my good friend Aline. whenever she gets off the train from Westchester, NY. Which is exactly how it happened this past Sunday. It was freeeeeezing outside so we extended our stay inside FAO a little longer and walked around all those characters that were part of my childhood... definitely made my heart feel warm <3 

I love how people are so pure and full of joy when they take off their shoes and play the famous Big Piano.

Thanks Aline for choosing this spot again! Makes me smile every time they say "Welcome to FAO Schwarz":)

Love the idea of the plate :) Not sure if it works, but the idea is great!

And this one is a tribute to my friend Camila, a M&M addicted :) 

Sweet 16

Oh how I miss my sweet 16th, 15th, 14th...Won't even start talking about this. Long story short,

I was invited to photograph Micaela's Birthday party thanks to a referral from a good friend of mine, Helen, and I was very excited when the day finally came! Sweet 16th parties are totally different from everything I usually shoot. It has a complete different energy and even though is classified as a birthday party, we know it means a lot more than that. And this one wasn't different. 

The venue chosen for the party was the Space Odyssey, in Englewood, NJ, right off the George Washington Bridge. Quickly the room was filled with excited friends who were hugging each other all the time, sharing moments, laughs and love. And they had energy to supply for  Manhattan if a blackout occurs. 

And how about her dress??? OMG, gorgeous! She is such a beautiful girl and the dress- which I've seen on celebrities before, I'm pretty sure- was the special touch! Beautiful! Just beautiful! 

The place itself has this great atmosphere that invites you to dance and enjoy the party and the guests added their special touch, making it for a complete and unforgettable night!

Micaela was constantly surrounded by her best friends and I can tell they had the time of their lives and I feel blessed for being able to register the moment along with a great team: Flavia and Colin from Olm Photography and my always amazing brother, Igor, who was assisting for the night.

- And enjoying the party as well. Could see him dancing in the corner almost hugging the DJ for being freaking awesome and keeping everybody jumping off their feet all night long.

Once again, a pleasure and another opportunity to learn and improve. Thanks Flavia and Colin for coming along and for  being amazing!

The birthday girl ! 

Laughs, hugs, love, saw so many moments like this! 

No alcohol yet :)

Ahmmm..??

Now the best part....the desert table! OMG...Helen also made the night even better by making BRIGADEIROS, a brazilian desert, my favorite desert. 

Micaela and her parents. Let me tell you, what a nice and fun family! Had a great time meeting you!

It was fun, fun, fun!

Friendship could be seen all over! Love it!

The decoration was beautiful! Great job!