Last weekend I was on Block Island (my favorite place ever) with my friend Jill. We were playing in the water at the Mohegan Bluffs beach when she said to me “Do you ever just think about how lucky we are?”

I do often think about lucky I am. Usually it's when I’m in places like Block Island, on a boat in the Thimbles or traveling to a warm tropical destination in January. But, last Thursday I realized how lucky I am on a regular Thursday while here in, Wallingford, CT. I had this epiphany when photographing at Gouveia Vineyards (because, what better place to stop and reflect while looking at these views!?)



There are some nights where everything just seems to fall into place. The light is perfect. Hair and makeup and outfits are right on point. The temperature is just right. Everything just clicks and it helps me remember how lucky I am to be doing what I love, with great clients, in THIS beautiful part of the world. Right here in Wallingford, CT. 



As the summer quickly comes to an end, I encourage you to take a minute to reflect on what makes you feel lucky and at peace in this sometimes crazy life of ours. 

Check out this images of Mary Pokora and Jennifer Agro at Gouveia Vineyard. 

Thanks for reading - Cindy Parker, Impressions Studio

Death isn't necessarily a topic many people are comfortable talking about and funerals are even less of a discussed matter. Matthew Bailey, the current owner of B.C. Bailey Funeral Home provides knowledge and comfort to help ease your mind during difficult times. He has followed in the footstpes of his father and grandfather and has seen what needs to be done to make a hard times a little easier. I have known Matthew for a few years and appreciate his friendship as well as his approach to business. (Sidenote: his family portrait is hanging in the Impressions lobby after our spring refresh!) You can read a little bit about what Matt had to say about B.C. Bailey below!

"The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home is Wallingford longest continually operated company. Carl W. Bailey bought the Griswold Funeral Home on Center Street in 1912. He renamed the business C.W. Bailey Funeral Home and ran it until his death in 1944. Benjamin C. Bailey followed in his father's footsteps taking over the business and changing the name to B.C. Bailey Funeral Home and moving the firm to South Elm Street in 1952. Ben ran the funeral home until his retirement in1977. Ben's son Robert took over the business after his father's retirement and ran it for 46 years. He and his family lived above the funeral home on South Elm Street. Except for the years attending college and four years in the United States Air force, he lived continuously in Wallingford. He married Darlene Cannata and they raised 3 children, Michele (Chaudhry), Michael, and Matthew. 

Matthew currently serves as president of the company and continues the family legacy of service to people during their time of need. After serving the community for over a century, Matt says his family has seen many changes in the nature of funeral service. "When we started, there was not even a crematory located in the State of Connecticut. In the rare case that someone chose cremation, we would have to drive to Ferncliff Cemetery in New York. Today, we have more families that select cremation over traditional burial."

Also changing is the way society approaches religion and "traditional" services. "We also are the first firm in the area to embrace having Certified Celebrants on staff for those families who are not part of a church or would like something other than traditional services." This provides an unique opportunity for families to have a meaningful, personalized life tribute that allows them to begin the healing process, even if they do not wish to embrace traditional styles of services. 

Matt attributes the length of the families presence and long term success to having a professional and caring staff and putting the needs of client families first. "At the end of the day, when people see the sign in front of our firm, my name is on it. That's a lot of pressure to make sure you are taking care of people as best as possible. I have no more valuable possession than my name and good reputation.""

Thank you for reading today's FOW and as always, make sure to comment below or contact me here if you are interested in having your Wallingford buisiness feautred!

At Impressions, we are very proud to offer a variety of session packages but our favorites are the ones that allow us to get outside for a bit. This senior season in particular, we have had the opportunity to go to some amazing locations!

One location we always look forward to photographing in is Gouveia Vineyard. Not only is it right up the street from the studio but no matter how many times we go, the images are always different! There's something about the constantly changing light and breeze that adds instant variety to the sessions.

Another location we have been to this year and always love going to is Meigs Point at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Any beach is wonderful in our eyes (the sound of the crashing waves, the breeze, salty air...I could go on for days...) but Meigs Point has all of the perks of an oversized beach (rocks, sea grass, sand, beautiful sunsets and light...) but is on a nice small scale that doesn't require a ton of walking.

If cars are your thing, we have found Beaumont Farm on E Center Street in Wallingford is a crowd favorite. Between the rusted antique truck and ever changing garden of flowers everyone finds a backdrop or angle they prefer.

Sometimes, the best location is right in your backyard! A lot of our senior clients live in homes with acres of beautiful property. One senior this year, lives on a farm and he invited us over for his outdoor portion. There we were able to capture some images of him with his dog and in different corners of his property that have always been his favorite places to hang out. We definitely encourage "at home" on location sessions!

Another Wallingford favorite is right in downtown, believe it or not! Something about the countless angles, backdrops and corners that allow for ever-changing variety and match of style to each senior we bring. Another "downtown" that's that isn't pictured in this collage, is New Haven. Both areas have so much to offer between buildings and school campuses (of course referring to Choate and Yale) There's so much to choose from.

Last but not least, this senior season we were able to photograph at Goodspeed Opera House for the first time! When the senior mentioned the location I was not only excited to go somewhere new but excited because it was a place I had never even thought of before! I look forward to going back to this location because there are still so many images I am excited to make, but didn't have time for in our session!

If you couldn't tell, going on location is definitely our favorite thing about senior season. There's just so much opportunity to keep your session personal and custom to who you are! If you have an idea for a location for any type of session, don't ever hesitate to ask! We would love to explore and help create beautiful photographs with you in places that mean so much!

There's no better way to enjoy summer weather than with a fresh haircut and today's feature can help you get just that! When I walked into Dino's Modern Barbershop I could feel and see the Wallingford pride! Dino loves to show who he is through his decorations and possibly connect with his customers before they even sit in his chair. When we sat down with Dino to talk about himself and his shop; here's what he had to say:

"I'm 40 years old and have been a barber for 21 years. For 20 years I have been working in North Haven at my father's shop Gerardo's Modern Barbershop. It's always been a dream of mine to open my own place, just the way my Father did. Luckily, that is exactly what has brought me to Wallingford! It seemed perfect considering I've been living in this town since 1985 a graduate of Lyman Hall class of 1992. I'm super excited to bring excellence in barber shop experience to Wallingford. I hope to bring a family atmosphere and comfort for men and boys of all ages.  Also, when you visit my shop you will learn a lot about who I am, which is a big sports fan, especially the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Steelers. My second passion is my favorite band the Dave Matthews Band but my biggest passion is cutting hair and giving you the greatest customer service possible. I'm always welcoming new clients and forging great relationships with them. So, thank you in advance for your patronage and don't forget to stop in and check me out !!! Thank You!"

So, if you're in need of a haircut, good atmosphere and coverstaion, head on over to Dino's Modern Barbershop on 202 Center St. Wallingford!

Thank you for reading this weeks FOW! If you own a business in town and would like to be featured in our Focus on Wallingford series, comment below or contact me HERE!

Senior season is in full swing! The phones have been ringing off the hook and sessions (especially fashion and top model) have been "flying off the shelves"! (No, seriously, we only have a few more dates available to get these sessions. Call today to book yours!) We are so grateful to have so many loyal clients, new and old.

At Impression Studio, we always want our client's to look and feel their best and most comfortable. Almost always, that is achieved when photographed with someone that they love. Which is why, one of my favorite things (I have oh so many favorite things...) about senior season is our option to add on to your session package.

Not everyone realizes how rarely they get family pictures or portraits of their children taken until they are calling to book their child's senior session. Since it is summer, most families have both of their children home and will bring the second (or third or fourth) along to the senior's session. Having the option to get a few images of their kid's together is something parents are able to cherish, forever!

Our add ons aren't only for siblings, but also for friends and boyfriends/girlfriends! Senior year is a big deal for anyone, but having your best friend at your side is a great feeling. Having a piece of this journey documented and looking back on it, is priceless! With boyfriends and girlfriends, often the only images couples have are from a school dance or covered in sweat after an athletic game. Getting a nice image in your everyday (but probably extra nicely ironed) clothing, is a great thing to have in a frame and to hold on to!

We are excited to announce this month's special which is: $15 off your session if booked in the month of August and $30 off your session if it is booked in the month of July! We also announced last week that we will be holding a day of confetti sessions at Wallingford's one and only, Confetti Bar on August 19th! These sessions can be stand alone sessions or added on to senior sessions. All senior sessions are fun but theres something about Confetti Sessions that make them look and feel even better!

Make sure to call the studio today and ask about our senior sessions as well as our senior session add ons! We can't wait to hear from you and make some fun pictures with you!