Happy Sweet 16 to my Katie Lady Bug AKA OUR "ya-ya".


This past weekend I had the joy of photographing my daughter’s Sweet 16 celebration at the beautiful Intervale Country Club in Manchester, New Hampshire. As someone who photographs weddings and celebrations across New England, I can honestly say this venue is one of Manchester’s hidden gems.

Perched along the Merrimack River and surrounded by rolling green fairways, the setting is absolutely stunning.


About 40 of my daughter’s friends came to celebrate, along with some close family members. The energy in the room was incredible from the moment the music started. Watching them arrive dressed up, excited, and ready to celebrate was one of those parenting moments you wish you could bottle up forever.


The DJ, Matt from Get Down Tonight Entertainment, absolutely made the night. From the very beginning he had the kids engaged — leading games, hyping up the crowd, and seamlessly keeping the dance floor packed. As someone who has seen a lot of DJs while photographing weddings, I can confidently say he was phenomenal.

The dance floor stayed full all night.


One of my favorite moments of the night happened later in the evening.

Like most parents, my family and I had that moment of hesitation — are we going to embarrass her if we get out on the dance floor? The kids ended up encouraging us to join, likely laughing at us versus with us, but we were living our best lives.

The best part?

Katie loved it.

Seeing adults, kids, and friends all dancing together ended up being one of the highlights of the evening, and she told me she was so glad we did.

I don't know how I ended up with the coolest teenage daughter, but I am so thankful she is mine.


A big observation throughout the night, was the group of kids who came to celebrate her. Between coaching cheer and being in the school during the season, I recognized so many familiar faces.

They were truly the most fun, respectful, and kind groups of teenagers you could ask for.

A solid amount of them stayed past the end time to help us pack up and clean!


Her friends raved about the night, thanked us repeatedly, and just genuinely seemed happy to be there celebrating with her. Watching her feel so loved and appreciated by her friends was the best part of the entire evening.


As both a photographer and a mom, I’m used to preserving other people’s memories. I always use my iPhone for capturing my own personal life moments. It's just easier when you are a busy mom of 3.


Getting to document one of my own daughter’s biggest milestones was something really special.

Her gratitude, the laughter, the dancing, and a room full of great kids made it a night none of us will ever forget.

Sweet sixteen done right. ✨

If you’re planning a celebration at Intervale Country Club, it’s truly one of the most beautiful venues in the Manchester area — especially with the river views and golf course setting. Conner is the event coordinator, he was very responsive and just an all around pleasure to work with.


If there’s one thing this night proved, it’s that great music, great friends, and a little dancing from the parents can make a celebration unforgettable.


---To my firstborn, Katie—

You have navigated so many things out of your control the last 16 years.

From the very beginning, your personality shined bright: your infectious smile and laugh, your big ideas, your love of family, and your desire to get things done.

You have lived an incredible life the last 16 years. You moved across the country, you changed schools numerous times, tried SO many sports, always got good grades, loved organizing, loved caring for your brothers, looked forward to hosting, and family trips.

You are a LITERAL ray of sunshine I have been blessed with.

There are no words for this feeling of deep loving gratitude that I get to be your mom.

And, you are as tough as you are sweet.

You have navigated life's trials more gracefully than I could have ever imagined a young person to do.

You have comforted when you hurt.

You have been brave when you were scared.

Through every one of those painful times, you stayed the same incredible person: kind, thoughtful, and a positive light to everyone around you.

Even if you weren't always receiving it back.

You’ve always had a heart that cares deeply for others, and I'm so fortunate to be on that receiving end.

In so many ways you're wiser than me (which truly brings me SO much joy) .

Celebrating your milestone birthday was important to me.

We have always been a dynamic duo, and you have been a critical part of the happiness we have as a family today.

You deserved a night that was as special as the beautiful soul you are.

Watching the young woman you’ve become fills me with more pride and love than I could ever put into words.

You truly deserve the world. (especially Disney World)


A sequence of photos showing someone blowing out candles on a layered birthday cake with purple lighting.
A rustic naked cake decorated with white roses and layered with cream cheese frosting sits on a white cake stand.
Elegant place setting with pink plate, ornate menu card, and gold utensils wrapped in cream napkin on lace tablecloth.
Black gift bags with pink tissue paper arranged as wedding table decorations with place settings and table number display.
Pink coral wedding reception table settings with black chalkboard name cards and floral centerpieces.
Pink roses and floral arrangements in gold vases create an elegant wedding reception table setting.
Colorful LED light-up sunglasses displayed on black table at wedding reception venue with white chair covers.
Purple uplighting illuminates white walls at a party venue with a gold birthday banner hanging from the ceiling.
A festive event space decorated with pink and copper balloon garlands against a glittering black sequin backdrop.
A two-tier naked wedding cake with white frosting between layers sits on a white cake stand next to framed signs.
People enjoying food and drinks at an elegant event with a white tablecloth setup and buffet service.
People sit on the floor in a bright studio space with large windows and white columns.
A young child in a black vest and bowtie walks ahead of three formally dressed men at an outdoor event.
A dance instructor crouches down to teach a young student in a studio with purple lighting and wooden floors.
Three people stand in a room with purple lighting and white walls near an exit door.
A stylish young boy poses in a vest and red sunglasses against a shimmering sequin backdrop with colorful balloons.
Elegant Table 1 wedding reception setting with pink plates, gold cutlery, floral centerpiece, and baby photo table number card.
Young ring bearer in black vest leads three men in formal attire outside a wedding venue entrance.
Gold Happy Birthday balloon letters and KC 16 sign displayed against purple-lit curtains in a decorated party venue.
Five young women pose at a glamorous prom party with pink balloons, sequin backdrop, and movie-themed props.
Person lying on wooden floor under purple neon light in dark room with scattered items nearby.
Two women posing and smiling in front of a black sequin backdrop with pink, white, and black balloon arch.
Two women in elegant dresses hugging at a birthday party with balloon arch and sequin backdrop.
Couple posing at a birthday party with balloon arch backdrop, man carrying woman in pink dress, Happy Birthday sign.
Teens dancing at a Sweet 16 birthday party with purple lighting and Happy Birthday banner.
Man in blue blazer cutting a layered naked wedding cake with candles at an elegant purple-lit reception venue.
Guests dancing and celebrating at a festive party event with purple lighting and elegant attire.
Diverse group of people laughing and celebrating at a banquet table during a formal event or party.
Three young women smile behind a DJ mixer and laptop at an indoor event with purple ambient lighting.
DJ and guests celebrating at a party with colorful balloons and Odyssa DJ equipment.
Pink and orange balloons decorate a party venue with white walls and wooden floors for a birthday celebration.