Occupation: I am a photographer and do mostly wedding photography. I started my company, Karie Peterson Photography, in 2012, but I've been doing photography professionally for a decade now. I've worked my way up the ladder, doing every single odd job you can imagine. I've worked at Ritz Camera and for other professional photographers. I'm appreciative of all the experiences I've had, because I learned so much. Lathrop School of Dance is one of my favorite jobs to do every year now. To be part of that family is a dream come true.

Family: My husband, Jonathan Hinckley, is just amazing. He's literally the light of my life. I would not be where I am today without his love and support. He has been with me from day one, and he's always been in my corner. He's a craftsman and creates all our custom frames, backdrops, and photo booths. We actually got married at our house in Newtown in 2015. I woke up three days before our 10-year anniversary, and I said "Hey babe, want to get married?" just like we always joke, and he actually looked at me and said, "If you can make it happen, let's do it." I made phone calls and on a rainy Saturday in March, on our actual 10-year anniversary, we got married. We had 65 guests at our house, my pastor from my church, Immanuel Lutheran in Danbury, we had Miss Diane and Mary Ann from Lathrop School of Dance provide live music, and one of my associate photographers photographed the ceremony. It was the best ever.

Pets: We have a pupperoni named Augustus Rutherford Peterson Hinckley. It's funny because his acronym is ARPH. We call him Gus. He's a 3-year-old golden Irish terrier.

How long have you lived in Newtown? The Lathrop School of Dance is the reason my husband and I moved to Newtown in 2014. I'm a sixth generation Danburian, but we moved just from Exit 8 to Exit 9.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend as much time as I can with my family and our little godson Jase, who is 2 years old.

What is your favorite travel destination? Block Island. I've been going every year since I was a child. I love to go in the off season when the water has been warmed all the way through from summer. My grandfather always said that saltwater can cure anything, any aliment or stress, and to just immerse yourself in that beautiful crystal clear water because there is nothing better.

What is the best part about Newtown? The community and the amount of acceptance and love. When we came to Newtown it felt like every single person opened up their arms and said, "Hug me, we're here." You go to places like The General Store and people know your name. My neighbors are amazing, and our dogs play together. There's just such a sense of togetherness.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. They've always been supportive and had my back. I can't thank them enough for that.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? [Actress and author] Lauren Graham. I would like to crack open a bottle of champagne - Lathrop style - and just chat the day away at a million miles a minute.

Who is your favorite musical artist? My musical taste is all over the board. When I was 16 years old it was Metallica, and now it is anything relaxing, like Ben Harper.

Do you have a favorite TV show? Gilmore Girls. I love the familiarity. It reminds me of Newtown, that's for sure. It also reminds me of life in general, too, with how tight-knit her circle is, the witty puns, and the fast commentary.

What is your favorite food? Anything my husband makes for dinner, because he's a master chef. He cooks all the time, and I feel so spoiled. I go off and get work done, then I come home and he's made me a frame and dinner.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? My father says, "If you want to be successful, never quit, work hard like your mother and I taught you, but most importantly, if you mix it all with passion and the 'super genius' skills you inherited from me, you'll be a millionaire!"