Zen Mantis Photography: Blog

Hammond Castle Gloucester Engagement Session

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:28:39 GMT

March 30, 2017

Hammond Castle Gloucester Engagement Session

Fine Art, Forsaken, Travel, Uncategorized 0 Comments

This past fall I went to Gloucester with my good friend and amazing photographer Renard and his fiance Lu for their engagement photos. I visited the castle years ago when I was in Gloucester for a family reunion, and I knew I had to bring them here! An epic couple needs an epic location after all! I could ramble on and on about how amazing these two are, but I’d never do them justice. I also have to thank our two assistants Zach and my daughter Stephanie for all their help and entertainment I can’t wait for their wedding!!

Best Assistants EVER!

Keith Urban, Maren Morris and Brett Eldridge at Mohegan Sun Arena

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:57:11 GMT

Keith Urban, Maren Morris and Brett Eldredge at Mohegan Sun Arena

This past Friday, my friend Sherry took me with her to see Keith Urban at the Mohegan Sun Arena, and it was AMAZING!!!! This is the second time I’ve seen him, and it just keeps getting better. And if just seeing him wasn’t enough, Sherry got to go up on stage with him, and she KILLED it! He tried on her shirt and then wore it the whole rest of the concert. It was so freakin’ cool! And, the girl standing next to Sherry happened to be wearing the exact same shirt (before she put the umpire shirt on) and she went on stage too! That Maren Morris and Brett Eldredge opened for him was just icing on the cake. It was an incredible experience, and I think I’m officially a KU groupie. His fans are just as amazing as he is, and I’ve made so many fantastic new friends just from going to see him. It’s like a big crazy family! Below are some of (too many I know but I couldn’t choose!) the pictures I got. Maren and Brett are at the end so scroll all the way down!

Griswold High's Production of Jesus Christ Superstar

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Mon, 02 May 2016 01:56:53 GMT

Yesterday I had the incredible pleasure of seeing the Griswold High production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and I was absolutely blown away! These kids were amazing! If I didn't already know I would have definitely thought this was a professional production. They moved me to tears over and over. I don't know most of them, but I'm so incredibly proud of all of them. El Johnson I love you so much! You were fantastic, and my heart still swells thinking about seeing you up there ♥

To see all the photos from this performance click here: www.heatherprescottphotography.com/jesuschristsuperstar

Holy Land USA Waterbury CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 20:29:21 GMT

Since tomorrow is Palm Sunday I decided it would be a good time to take a ride up to Holy Land USA in Waterbury, CT. The last time (and first time) I came here was over 10 years ago, and it was already in a terrible state of disrepair. I'll have to dig up the few pictures I took from that trip (just prints from a film point and shoot lol). It definitely looks much worse now than I remember it being then. I have some vague memories of headless camels that were completely absent this time. Overall though it is a miracle that it's even still here at all 10+ years is a whole lot of time for vandals and the weather to do their worst. To me it was fascinating, as a photographer and lover of all things abandoned, and also sad that nothing could be done to save this quirky little place that seemed to be so lovingly made as a fun tribute to God. There is a bright side though. A few years ago a brand new cross was erected on the peak (with the help of my friend Dave and his Industrial Riggers) so at least a part of Holy Land shines brightly every night in all different colors depending on the season ♥

If you go, don't be an idiot and go alone like I did (Lots of people told me how dumb that was and I should have know myself. I think I lack the risk aversion gene.) Waterbury can be a rough place, and abandoned places by nature tend to also be rough places. Also please be respectful. Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.

David Cook with Tony Lucca Digital Vein 2016 Fairfield CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:30:50 GMT

On Sunday night I got a chance to see David Cook live for the first time, and he did not disappoint! First of all his voice was insane and each song was better than the one before it! In addition to being an amazing performer, he was also both an excellent showman making everyone feel like he was talking right to them, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy; human and humble, poking fun at himself. That's a fantastic combination in my book and just made me like him all the more! Tony Lucca, his opening act and veteran of The Voice (Go Team Adam!) and Mickey Mouse Club (in the days of MMC - Rock the house!) was also and incredible performer in his own right! He made just his voice and one guitar fill the room, which as a performer myself, I know is not an easy thing to do!

Brendan James at The Delamar in Southport CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 00:36:35 GMT

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing (and listening to) the incredible Brendan James with the equally amazing Lee Sylvestre in a private show at The Delamar in Southport, CT. He's from South Carolina (where I grew up), but this was my first time hearing him. I was equally mesmerized, impressed and inspired. And ask him to tell you his Carly Simon story! It's crazy awesome!! He's made a new fan out of me. Check him out! You'll be very happy you did!

Rustic Brookfield CT Candlewood Inn Wedding

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 19:08:14 GMT

Lea and Matt were married on a gorgeous fall day at the stunning lakeside Candlewood Inn in Brookfield CT. The two of them are truly the sweetest couple you could ever meet, and they wear their love for each other all over their faces. Their family and friends are all such great people too! You couldn't ask for a better group, and I'm super excited that I'll be able to see them all again for Matt's sister's wedding next year!

Venue: Candlewood Inn

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn

Hair: Panache

DJ: Vivid Events

Florist: Confetti

Dress: White by Vera Wang

Jordan's Furniture New Haven Grand Opening

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 03:45:06 GMT

I saw some TV ads for the grand opening of Jordan's Furniture in New Haven CT with what's being called the largest indoor adventure ropes course in the country. Since it wasn't far from where I live I decided to check it out. I got there about five minutes before it opened, and as expected the main parking lot was full and there was a line all the way down the sidewalk and around the corner. By the time I was done taking pictures of the outside of the building, the line was about half as short and moving fast! Every person who walked through the line shook the hand of the owner and then walked through a gauntlet of store employees clapping and cheering. It was actually pretty neat!

I of course went straight for the ropes course (complete with ice cream and a pizza restaurant) as soon as I walked in, and I wasn't disappointed! The ropes course looked amazing though I didn't go on it. My daughter would have killed me if I went without her. There were also separate challenges for younger kids. The water feature was amazing as well with it's colored lights and geysers that were synced to the music filling the giant room.

After that I walked around the huge labyrinthine store. Some sections were very disorienting, and I was sureI was going to get lost but I was always spit right back out onto the main thoroughfare. Everything was very nice and styled in an interesting way like the kitchen/dining area where the walls were completely covered in pallets. There were definitely a few things I was drooling over, like the rocking bed, the movie/studio style floor lamps, the cool shoe mold mirror and a funky multicolored couch. All in all it's a great place with a lot to offer! I'd highly recommend a visit!

The whole sign is chairs! Cool!

The Gauntlet! The front entrance and main walkway. All the way at the end you can see the sign for the ropes course. One side of the ropes course And the other side
Some cool stand alone challenges The water feature! (video coming soon) Some creepy life-sized 3D wire people sculptures A few of the cool bedroom setups
My favorite couch! The pallet wall and awesome floor lamp! I also love these lamps! I love how sciencey this room is! Ginormous chess pieces Shoe mold mirror! And the obligatory selfie :-) Sleep lab with calming native american flute music playing softly. And the rocking bed! If this bed's a rocking... ;-)

Gorgeous LGBTQ Wedding in Provincetown on Cape Cod

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:40:41 GMT

Sherry and Susan were married in a sweet little beach ceremony in Provincetown MA and had their gorgeous reception at the very hip Harbor Hotel!

From the intimate and moving ceremony to the beautiful beach themed decorations, ever detail was perfection! My favorite moment of the day was their first look! Sherry had been telling Sue that she was going to wear a pantsuit, so when she surprised her with in a dress at the first look, the expression on Sue's face was so shocked and overjoyed and just beyond description. It was one of those unforgettable moments for me, and I'm just so glad they asked me to share their day with them!

PS - The next time I do a Provincetown wedding, I want to do a trash the dress the day after - walking out on the Jetty to the lighthouse and then jumping into the ocean! Who's game?!

Chasing Charming by the Griswold High School Drama Club

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 04:06:13 GMT

I had such a great time watching Griswold High School's fall production Chasing Charming! As always, all the kids were fantastic! The show was so funny and sweet, and these kids just elevated the whole thing, and I can't wait for the spring musical!

You can see all the pictures here - http://www.heatherprescottphotography.com/chasingcharming

Magical Farm Wedding at The Kaaterskill in Catskill NY

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 06:11:47 GMT

I've know Jaclyn's family for a long time, and I love each and every one of them, so I was so excited when they asked me to shoot their wedding! The fact that it was at The Kaaterskill, a farm in the Catskills was just icing on the cake! The day started off beautiful, and the rain held off just long enough to make it through the ceremony, and the little cocktail hour thunderstorm gave way to the most beautiful rainbow, which just made it that much more perfect. Jaclyn and Frank are two of the most grounded people I've ever met. They are so Zen and spiritual and attuned to the world around them, but they also know how to let loose and have fun. They are both just beautiful people inside and out, and I couldn't imagine a better match. I can't wait to see the world through their eyes as they travel every inch of it together! Wishing you guys all the happiness in the world and then some!

Martina McBride at the Durham Fair

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 23:35:27 GMT

That time I went to the Durham Fair to see the beautiful and talented Martina McBride (miraculously got a spot near the front), and she was AMAZING! Even better than I imagined!

Signing Sherry's Photo!

Vibrant Houston TX Hindu Indian Wedding

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 04:26:51 GMT

Priyam and Pat are a smart and adorable Boston couple who were married in a vibrant and gorgeous 3 day celebration in Houston Texas, where Priyam's family lives. I photographed the weddings of two of their friends in Boston, and I'm so glad they asked me to shoot theirs. I love getting to know the whole gang and their families! Priyam and Pat are both the sweetest, funniest, most energetic beautiful and loving people! It's so much fun just watching them interact with each other. They will never have a dull moment in their marriage!

The first day was the Mehndi party where guests had henna designs put on their hands (me too!), while people danced, ate delicious food and spent quality time catching up!

Pat is searching for his initials in Priyam's Mehndi.

Day 2 was the Vidhi, which includes the Pithi, a special paste that is spread on the bride and groom which, among other things, softens the skin and makes it glow for their wedding.

Day 3 was the Wedding or Shaadi and Reception!
The Wedding begins with the Baraat, the groom's wedding procession. During the ceremony, the bridesmaids steal the grooms shoes, and he has to pay them to get his shoes back. What you see here is a lot of wheeling and dealing! After a break for lunch and a few hours rest, it was party time at the unparalleled Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor!

Beautiful Early Summer Waveny House Wedding in New Canaan CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:21:42 GMT

Angela and Corey were married in a gorgeous early summer ceremony in the Walled Garden at the stately Waveny House in New Canaan, CT; complete with cornhole, vintage polaroids and the liveliest grandparents I've ever seen! They both teach in urban schools in NYC, and judging by they way they interacted with my 3rd grader when we first met in the fall, they are amazing at what they do! I've come close to crying at many weddings but during one of the speeches at this wedding I was completely moved to tears. When you watch them together, for that moment, everything seems right in the world.

Vendors:

Bridal Preparation: Doubletree by Hilton
Hair and Makeup: Beauty Entourage
Band: ETA
Florist: Whole Foods
Video: Epic Filmmakers

Soupstock 2015 in Shelton CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:48:02 GMT

Soupstock 2015 (a fundraiser for the Mary A Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund) is this weekend! So of course I, like everyone else in the loooooong line to get in, looked at the weather and decided to go today because it wasn't supposed to really start raining until around 5pm. Well, in true Woodstock spirit it poured today, but only after we all waited in line to get in. But, you know what, it was totally worth it!! We stuck it out with tons of other people for almost 4 hours, and it was great for the whole family. Even our 4 year olds had a blast today! Great music! Great food (especially the soups of course)! And great art (especially my and my daughter's entries of course)! Start scrolling to see the day in pictures! And make sure you go tomorrow, because rain or shine, you're guaranteed to have an incredible time!

I saw this cool green fan just sitting there in a hole in a wall in one of the cool old factory buildings on the walk down from where we parked. We had to park a long way out, but the scenery is cool so you won't mind a bit!

There were some totally psychedelic buses in the parking lot!

There was a little bit of a line to get in, but what do you expect for an event this cool!

The kids kept themselves busy while they waited in line.

Getting closer.....

There was so much for the kids to do, including lots of ways to express themselves!

The grand promenade!

West End Blend! They were great!

There are tons of cute shops with quirky stuff you can't get anywhere else!

The soup tasting competition was amazing!! Liquid Lunch brought it with a Tom Yum soup that was to die for!

Goooo Tortilla Boys! And I'm not just saying that because I shot one of their weddings! Their tortilla soup was killer!! Check out G&J Caterers if you want to try their other food!

The Alpaca Gnomes rocked that stage! They also had the best merch! I mean who doesn't want garden gnome hats! You know those are going in the props box for my Photo Booth!

My little man eating chips and digging the music.

Good music and good beer!

Bring the Hoopla!!

The Funky Dawgz kicked major brass!! *see what I did there ;-)

I just had to add this because it was such a sweet little moment I happened to see just as we were leaving, and capturing moments is what I do.

Stunning Spring Wedding at Woodwinds in Branford CT

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 05:17:52 GMT

Manny and Michelle were married on a perfect spring day in late April. These two are just adorable together, and they are beautiful human beings inside and out. Their ceremony was at the exquisite St. Theresa's in Trumbull, CT. The mass was elegant and moving and the church was just amazing! Their reception was at Woodwinds in Branford. I personally love Woodwinds because not only is it a beautiful venue, but they treat everyone so incredibly well including their vendors! The highlight of the night was when Manny's son gave his own toast to the bride and groom. He was sweet and funny and so well-spoken, and there wasn't a dry-eye in the room by the time he was done. The cake cutting came in close second. These two just went for it! They smashed cake in each other's faces and were laughing like kids having a food fight. You could just tell that they have so much fun together! After that it was time to party and boy do they know how to party. These guys have got some moves! Just wow! It's easy to see that their love runs deep and burns hot! If you see them dance together, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was such an honor and a pleasure to be a part of their special day, and I wish them nothing but success and happiness! Oh and PS, if you need a mortgage, Manny is your guy!

Vendors:

Hair: Anthony & Co, Bethel, CT

Makeup: Adelicia Beltz

DJ: Music Matters

Video: StarkLens Films

A Perfect Spring New Canaan, CT Wedding at Waveny House

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 01:22:02 GMT

Taylor and Marsh were married at the gorgeous Waveny House in New Canaan, CT on April 18th, 2015 - The first perfect spring day of the year. It was as if they brought a little bit of Texas up with them. I liked these two from the moment I talked with them. They are just amazing interesting people! They're fun and funny and sweet and so in love, and it brought tears to my eyes hearing about them through the eyes of their loved ones. I am so glad I got to meet them and share in their special day!

Caterer: Susan Goodman Catering

Hair and Makeup: Donna Puma

Florist: Eileen's Exclusive Floral

Band: The WMDs

Dress: Pronovais

Griswold High School Production of Footloose

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:14:59 GMT

Last night I had the pleasure of attending my niece's high school production of Footloose. I know, I know you're thinking, a high school musical... groan... But these guys were FANTASTIC! I'm a broadway musical snob, and I loved it! I was very impressed! And as the drama club didn't make it in the school budget cuts, I have to give a huge shout out to their sponsor who kept the dream alive for all of these kids, Jewett City Savings Bank!

These kids ROCKED!

You can see more photos at http://www.heatherprescottphotography.com/footloose

Newport RI Fort Adams Engagement Session

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:22:31 GMT

It was a beautiful but chilly day at the end of March when we shot Priyam and Pat's engagement session. We met at the incredible Fort Adams in Newport RI, and it was a total blast. Despite the sometimes bitter cold, these two were fun, adorable and full of energy! I can't wait to shoot their wedding next month in Houston TX!

New York City Engagement Session at Grand Central and Central Park!

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:42:28 GMT

I met up with Lea and Matt at Grand Central at 9 am on a chilly March morning to start their engagement session, and first of all, holy gorgeous! Both of them! Lea has the best hair I've ever seen (which may or may not have something to do with her association with Panache, in Shelton), and my 8 year old thinks Matt is the spitting image of Nick Jonas! So yeah, suffice it to say that it was easy to take gorgeous photos of them. We started off in the iconic Grand Central Terminal where we caught the last rays of morning sun through the big windows. Our next stop was Bryant Park and the beautiful New York Public Library. Then, we made our way to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, and finally, went to lunch at the very cool and very delicious Kingside Restaurant on West 57th Street! It was a whirlwind of a day, and a photographer's dream - a super fun couple in some amazing locations!

Amazing Wedding Venue Oheka Castle!

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 21:02:25 GMT

Last weekend, my husband and I spent a night at Oheka Castle in Long Island to celebrate our anniversary, and wow! Even in the snow this place was just stunning! I got up at dawn (I know crazy right!) to watch the sunrise and explore the castle and grounds. Every bit of it was so gorgeous, I couldn't help but fantasize where the wedding ceremony would be and where I'd put the bride and groom for their kickass portraits! So yeah, if you want to do your wedding here, I'm your photographer!

That Photographer Girl Valentine's Contest 2015

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 04:22:15 GMT

It's February, and love is in the air! To celebrate all this romance, That Photographer Girl is having a contest!

I have been so blessed to get to know each of you and your families and friends. You made 2014 such an unforgettable year, and I just want to thank you for letting me be a part of this monumental moment in your lives. Aaaand now I'm getting all weepy. Ok back to the contest!

So here's how it works. Posted below is one photo of each of my amazing, beautiful couples from 2014. One lucky couple will win a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas of their photo to hang in their home. But that's not all, any couple who gets at least 25 votes will receive professional 8x12 print of their photo.

To vote for your favorite couple, comment on the blog post with their names (one vote per person), and the couple with the most votes wins!

The contest ends on February 28th, so tweet it, share it, spread the word; rally your friends, and start voting!

Kristy + Chris

Laura + Nico

Poorvi + Vikram

Tammy + Michael

Tiffany + Shawn

Alicia + Kevin

Ashley + Kurt

Christine + Denis

Jessica + Robert

Jocelyn + Alex

Aran + Jeff

Greenwich CT Wedding at the Riverside Yacht Club

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:04:33 GMT

Aran + Jeff had a beautiful late fall wedding in Greenwich, CT at the Riverside Yacht Club. What started as a rainy and gray morning cleared to a stunning sunset! The ceremony ended up being inside, but the inside of the Yacht Club is so gorgeous that absolutely nothing was lost. It was a small, intimate and perfect wedding. Everyone one there loved these guys so much, the room vibrated with it, and I laughed and cried right along with them. Aran is a police officer, so the night ended with them being handcuffed together and taken on out on a one of a kind Greenwich Police Harbor tour!

The Foresters Band Photo Shoot

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:14:38 GMT

As a judge at a local Battle of the Bands held at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, I was so happy to see (and help) this fantastic young band take the top spot! I was also lucky enough to do a photo session for them. Check them out! You'll be glad you did! www.theforesters.us/

Happy New Year from That Photographer Girl!

(Zen Mantis Photography) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 19:01:49 GMT

I just wanted to take a moment to express how grateful I am for the support all of my friends, colleagues and clients! Thank you all for a great 2014, and here's to an even better 2015!!