In My Own Words

Writing and Images from the heart...

In My Own Words

Writing and Images from the heart...

Day 4 – Magic Kingdom

So after much prep to try and get out the door (on our part) we arrived to our first event of this Disney adventure. We had a character breakfast planned with Lilo, Stitch, Pluto, and the man himself, Mickey Mouse. We also got the change to spend a little birthday time with our good friend Ivey, who has showed me just how precious life, family, and birthdays are.

Make a wish, make it count!
Happy Birthday Ivey!
Complete with Mickey Mouse sprinkles! I didn’t even notice until Ivey said something.

We watched all the characters walk around to each table we waited patiently for our turn.  Then finally it had arrived. The moment we had been waiting for for months. Peyton was about to meet Mickey Mouse face-to-face for the very first time. I got myself in position, focused my camera and waited for his reaction. Little did I know the reaction I had hope for of happiness and joy turned out to him be having a full on coughing fit. Right there in front of Mickey Mouse Peyton was hacking away. It wasn’t even a real cough either. It was a fake cough. I stood there mortified and could not believe it. So instead, I kinda laughed, encouraged him to stop, and snapped away. It actually was pretty funny.

Hack it up kid!
So after two poopie diapers, two outfit changes, to complete meltdowns, and paying the bill we made our way to the monorail. It was finally time to get into the Magic Kingdom. Once we got in I realized that I had forgotten to buy tickets to get in the park, so there we waited in between security the main entrance for an hour and 15 minutes while my saint husband went and bought our tickets. (Oops! My bad!) After that was taken care of things were great. We had lunch, we walked around, we saw Cinderella’s castle. It was Eric’s first time to Disney World.  Soon after Peyton got to go on his very first ride; The teacups. It was so cool to see. He really did have a great time.

Family photo!
I love all the details on things here
No nap for me!
But my sister wants one!
Flirting…

After great day at Epcot it was time for a no kids allowed dinner. We were so excited to go out with our friends and enjoy a nice meal. We went to Nacrossee’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. What a beautiful place. It was an octagon shaped room that overlooked the lake. We got to watch the fireworks over a delectable dinner, enjoy delicious desserts, great conversations, lots of laughs, and just a great evening. Except when we were leaving – it was frigid so we power walked through the entire resort to get to the car! lol!

Follow Along on my Socials

I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647

I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647

Grid Follow Along onInstagram

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I can definitively say that 2024 was the most transformative year I’ve ever had. From having back surgery which changed my quality of life, to losing 45 lbs (and still going!) every second felt like a culmination of long journeys I’ve been on for years. Seeing The Rolling Stones, Creed, and The Eras Tour are all core memories I’ll store away for a rainy day. Nothing was without surprise, like making an unexpected and major career change into CTE Administration, and becoming a Ciocia again. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened in my life in 2024. I’m thankful for the friends and family who I shared incredible memories and experiences with this year. I can’t want to make even more in 2025. ✨Happy New Year! ✨
And with that, my 2024 wedding photography season is complete. The first wedding I ever helped out on I was 18 years old. I’m 43 now which means that I’ve been working in the Wedding Photography industry for 25 years. Every year I learn something completely new and this year was no different. 

Working with families and couples side-by-side, in some cases for years, to help them orchestrate the day of their dreams is something I take great pride in. I feel honored that my clients have chosen me to be present and document some of the most significant moments of their lives. I am also grateful for their faith in myself and my team to give experience based guidance, always with their best interest at heart.

All of my experience and the things I’ve learned along way have only made me a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and instructor in my vocation to the thousands of students I’ve taught over the years. Some of them moving on to become professional photographers, filmmakers, or artists themselves. Being a practicing photographer in my industry has given me more than I could have ever dreamt of as a 17-year-old kid taking Photography as an elective at HCC. 
 
For that, I want to thank all the couples, families, friends, and wedding professionals that I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each one of you has filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with documenting some of the most important moments in your lives. It’s been some of the greatest joys of my career. 

See you in 2025!
Instagram post 18085561792518647