Thursday in Aruba

It's no wonder they call this place, "the island of happiness."

It's Thursday and I am in one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Aruba feels like it sits on top of the equator with its southwest feel and mild temperatures making me see why vacation seekers from all over South America and the US flock here...it's small dot on the map, located near Venezuela and a part of the ABC Islands and it's rare landscape and vast exploration of caves, beaches and culture make it my new favorite.

(Above) Lisa + Mike sitting in the Peace Labyrinth in Alto Vista.

I must say, yesterday was one of the best days of my life!...I found a tiki hut on the beach here at the hotel where the wedding is this evening at sunset, the Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino Of course I fond a pina colada and a good magazine to compliment my desire to truly unwind and prep for todays shoot. I began to read on the beach after relaxing from our pre-wedding shoot at the Alto Vista, a little church which was actually the very first built in Aruba. It was pretty spectacular! It was my first time photographing Lisa and Mike. As we walked down toward the ocean, I couldn't help but admire the nature, the beauty of the desert and the two of them for getting married in such an amazing destination.

I wanted to post a few pictures today because while I was reading my magazine, under my tiki I was re-inspired. As I read a story by Emilio Estefan..he expressed his passion, inspiration and drive to follow his dreams, he stated, "The most important part is doing things with love. If you like what you are doing and make an effort, everything goes well. Success is defined by what makes you happy."

There just is nothing better than meeting amazing couples like Lisa and Mike from Boston, getting to know their amazing friends and genuine family. I love traveling to new places and keeping my inspiration fresh...although sometimes I have to search for it, when it comes, it is so rewarding. I can't wait to document these two on one of the happiest days of their lives. I will witness the dedication, excitement and fun they and their 80 guests are going to have tonight at the wedding on this tropical island.

A Love Story in Naples

When you arrive in the little beach town of Naples, Florida you feel like you've found a little quiet piece of paradise. It's picturesque white sandy beaches put you in the mood to do whatever your heart desires. This past weekend, Dorian and I captured the weekend's events at the Ritz Carlton resort. We are eager to share Liza & Todd's love story with all of their closest family and friends who came from the Midwest to enjoy this beautiful destination wedding! Here are a few shots from their rehearsal dinner and their past engagement session. Enjoy!

A Wedding Film

Design & Photography by: Maggie Stolzberg Second Photographer: Allison Carenza Film Directed by: Dorian Iribarren Produced By: Seaglass Productions

I never thought in this decade I would find such a true love. Someone who was just as passionate about art as I was....until I met Dorian. These days, four years to the day, I have discovered that he is in fact even more passionate about the art of film, photography & experience that I may every truly be! He captures things in a way that not only inspires me but makes me want to be better. My photography and his film often compliment each other, but on this one, I feel it's hard to compete.

Today I rewind, like you would if you were watching a tired old wedding video that was entirely to long.... r e w i n d to three years & six months ago to when I found a new friendship with Lindsey & Justin. At the time, like love, I have no idea the actual impact a friendship would truly have on my personal, professional and love life. Today, I sit here in tears, in amazement, in awhhh with my heart filled with the best joy the world offers....the art of relationship.

As Mike so perfectly said in this film, "It doesn't matter in life where you go or what you do or what you have....what matters is who is by your side!"
Cheers to a love of my own; editor and producer of this film Dorian. Cheers to a friendship that I will have forever with Lindsey & Justin - a couple who I can watch grow old, and to Mike who is like my own brother, who would go to the end of the earth for all of us!
Cheers to Lindsey & Justin's wedding film....the beginning!

Wedding Highlight Film