Maryann + Rene enjoy a beautiful home and a life together filled with over 16 years of love and devotion. They commissioned us for an extended photo shoot that would show how in love they are, and the things they most enjoy doing together. We’re overjoyed at their reactions to the photos! Maryann shares some of their thoughts below:
Since I was a child, I have always loved looking back at family photos. It truly brings the past to life! So when Rene & I decided to put our house up for sale, we knew we wanted to remember it in a special way. You see, I wanted it to show up in photos as if it had been in a magazine! I love looking at magazine shoots of beautiful homes! And my idea was a total success!
When I first saw our house, it was in dire need of repair! It is truly an “old” house! The date was 1711!
But what I saw was this beautiful house that needed some TLC! And we were just the couple to give it what it needed! We had people pass by on the street, cheering us on as the new roof went up! Others came to our house for the first time and said “Do you realize what a beautiful home you have”! We had such wonderful encouragement!
The three fireplaces and the architecture of the mantels & one in the kitchen, so cozy! A porch we could sit on & decorate with the seasons! An old pump on the front porch! I was in love!
I saw rooms that could be formally decorated & rooms that could be decorated with a rustic flair! Being an event florist, I was in my glory! I had the best of both worlds, formal & rusticity!
Our backyard needed a solid place to entertain on, like a tumbled brick patio! We made a botanical oasis for ourselves as the years passed! We put all of ourselves into our home & spent such great times with all of our family & friends.
I still remember the first time we had a holiday party & we fixed up the basement, so the kids could have freedom to be themselves! Rene had this look in his eye as his eyes met mine in passing & I could hear him say to me “we did it”, we actually did it!
Since I so adore fashion of any textile type, it only made sense that I would want to “dress up” for each room we were being photographed in! I chose something formal to wear for our formal dining room & something casual for those rooms that were more rustic & the outdoor environment! And something in between with feathers….love feathers for those rooms in between! We had to be part of the photos too! It was such a treat to get dressed up & still be home!
We had a wonderful time being photographed by Ulysses Photography. It felt like a vacation in our own home & incredibly fun & like we were entertaining ourselves! Ulysses and Jenni were the perfect photographers for us, they helped us to feel comfortable in front of the camera & totally enjoy ourselves! We cannot thank them enough for the wonderful experience they helped us to achieve.
When we received our Canvas Wall Art, it was a fantastic feeling to hang such gorgeous photos of ourselves that we loved on our walls! When I glance at them while walking by, it’s still exciting!
When our Art Book arrived, it was the most spectacular book I have ever seen! The photos look like we are right there still! They are so sharp & crisp! Just amazing! Some of the shots we decided on that were staged bring a big smile to my face when I see them over & over!
We will treasure that day & have the memories to see forever!
It was an unforgettable day! Thank you Ulysses & Jenni!
We can’t say enough good things about this renaissance couple. Their home’s varied charm combined with Maryann + Rene’s flair for all things chic made their dream session one of our absolute greatest pleasures of the year.
Ulysses Photography - Just booked a shoot for an anniversary session, and was reminded of another of our previous favorites for this type of session. <3July 10, 2014 – 6:56 PM
Ulysses - Thanks you very much, Stephanie. 🙂
Christine!!! It’s so good to hear from you again. Coming from you, your very kind words mean that much more to us. You know from experience how much of ourselves we put into this. One day soon, I’m going to have to share with you an idea that I have for you and Dom. 🙂 Thanks for keeping in touch! Hugs to you and Dom!December 14, 2011 – 6:36 PM
Maryann Dawson - Stephanie Padovani, thank you so much! We thought it was great too! And I totally agree that we are very lucky to know such talented photographers!December 14, 2011 – 3:53 PM
Christine Fiorentino - What a joy to look at and have.
Beautiful home, couple and of course great work!
~ Christine ~December 14, 2011 – 3:36 PM
Stephanie Padovani - Maryann, you look amazing! Such a cool idea to dress up for each room of your house, honoring both your love of decor and fashion. This is SO cool.
Jenni & Ulysses, awesome job with the photos. We’re so lucky to know such talented photographers in the wedding biz. 🙂December 14, 2011 – 12:51 PM
Maryann Dawson - This is so exciting to see ourselves on YOUR Blog!!!!! It’s an honor to be there! Thank you, thank you, a million times for such a wonderful experience & such gorgeous gorgeous photos to have as a special keepsake! We love you both xo Maryann & ReneDecember 14, 2011 – 9:14 AM