Wishing you well

Happy Holidays to you all!
I truly wish you all a most
healthy, happy, fun, prosperous
New year!
I look forward to all of the creativity
that is on the way in 2009.

I'll be back in my studio Jan 2, 2009

Warmly, Mary Lee McIlvaine

What to get a teen

Sabrina and Michael are cousins.

They both wanted "cool" pics for

their Facebook profile. So this is

what we did. Great look!! They belong

in a Gap ad.

If you can't think of what to get your

teenager for their birthday or graduation, this is what

they all want. I booked 10 shoots with teens just from

shooting Sabrina and Michael.

I also shoot outside when it's a little warmer.

J & M Wedding

I had such a blast last weekend shooting Jennifer's and Michael's

wedding.  They had such a great set of families.  Jennifer had their

baby only 3 months ago!!! Can you believe it???  Michael beamed

all night.

Skate!

What an amazing weekend!!!  The colors

of Fall where glowing!!!!  

Alex is a mini Ashton Kutcher.  I am trying

to get his Mom to let him model, he has the

"it" factor.  He also can surf, skate, play lacrosse,

bike and swim like a fish!

Beth's belly

My wonderful friend and fellow photographer Beth

Studenberg is 7 months prego!  And she is still

kicking butt!  Nothing will stop her!   

She was in NYC to shoot for Cosmo

and we found some time for me to photograph her

beautiful belly!  Here are some pics.

Ali and Sam

My oldest best friend, Judy (Klatt) Hoffman

had me photograph her darling girls Ali and Sam.

Ali looks like Judy, and Sam has her silly

personality!!  It was fun to hang out with 

Judy with her girls, a couple times Judy

and I did our silly voice and walk we use to 

do in high school.  Her girls just looked at

us like we where weird.  Of course.

We are so not cool anymore!

Fairy princesses

Zoe and Megan where so much fun to 

photograph this past weekend.  They broke

out their fairy princess halloween costumes

for me!!  I was honored.  They cast a spell for

more candy corn

Having mentors

My friend Adrian Buckmaster is one of the finest

photographers I know.  He has taught me so much

about this industry and the art of my craft. 

I think it is important to share with others and

have someone you respect help guide you or just

give you suggestions. We have gotten into major debates

over things, because we are both very passionate people.

But I love debating and he doesn't mind it either.

It's healthy to challenge friends, it makes you grow and

think about things.   If you don't have a mentor,

maybe be open to one, and your mentor will find you.

I listed his site on my blog section (check out)

This is a portrait he did of my boyfriend Emil.

I love the teddy bear!!!!!

The North East in October

Jack o' lanterns, apple cider, cozy sweaters,

hot soup, red wine, fire places, dogs in their 

coats, socks, red leaves, candy corn, crisp air, 

second blanket, boots, orange sun, carmel apples,

spicy chili, football games, spice cookies, kids homework,

hayrides, scary costumes, pumpkin picking, snuggling.

Fall is here!!!!!!  It's my absolute favorite time of year!

Don't forget to put your nose up to the sky and smell

the season.

LOVE JOY

Last weekend I photographed a wedding in South Jersey.

The bride's name was so beautiful. Joy Love.   Nickname "Love"

It was suppose to rain that day, but I truly believe their strong

faith and the love from their families kept the rain away.

It was one year that day my Mom Mary Ellen passed away.

I really did not want to be working..I was blessed with God's presence

in the church during their ceremony.  It was a hint from my Mom that she was

A O K !  

Baby shower gift idea

Have you ever been stuck on what to give to
a pregnant buddy for her baby shower gift?
Well, my Niece Bonnie decided to give her
friend Amanda a portrait done by me.
And her other friend Meg bought the canvas
print for her present to Amanda. It really is
a piece of art. And something that is unique
and elegant as well. I bet I will get more calls
on this idea. The word is speading, like everyone's
bellies!

Kai Matis, one month old

My favorite little Man in my life.  Kai.  Here he is with

Mommy and Daddy!  I photographed him last weekend

at my Sisters.

Talented couple to check out

I wanted to share with you this fab wedding I photographed last year. 

Since then Daniel became the bassist in the band Cowboy Cadillac.

Total rock n roll.  Beth is a fanominal fashion photographer and 

works all around the world.  I am so happy for all of their blessings 

in their life together since last year.  Not to mention that they are 

expecting their first child.  Yay!

Check out their sites in my LINKS TO LOOK AT

Georgie Porgie

Georgie Porgie Pumpkin Pie!  Mmmm....pumpkin pie..

Ok.  Let me get back to this Lovebug Georgie.

She is a Cock a poo and she is 8 years old. 

Her Mom is Paula and her Dad is Paul.  Her

favorite thing to do is to play catch. ALL DAY!!

I got some kisses during this shoot.