In Memory of My Preacher

On Wednesday afternoon, Oct 23rd, 2013 about 5:15pm Reed and I went for a run. It was cold outside and the wind was harsh. We laughed and talked as we ran. Reed had brought a back pack with 10 extra pounds that kept jiggling around in his bag that made him run funny. He wanted me to try it so I did. I ran even funnier with it. With my shoulders and arms being stiff so the bag wouldn't jiggle. I handed Reed back the bag. After a little bit we turned around and headed back home. My cheeks felt very wind torn. We were almost home. I stopped to get the mail as we both caught our breathe. We walked down the driveway toward the house to get ready for church. As I entered the house I saw Mom had called several times and left a message. Mary called me several times also. We both knew something was wrong. I listened to Mom's voice mail and I could feel the tears in her voice. She told me to call her back as soon as I could. Which is exactly what I did - as fast as I could. My mind was racing, "Who is it? What happened? Are the kids ok? Did someone get in an accident?" were my thoughts. She answered the phone when I immediately blurted "what happened"??! "Pastor passed away" she said with tears swelling her voice (I was in shock. My mind couldn't believe it. He can't really be gone I thought.). I busted into tears. "What! No! What happened?". She didn't know much other then that he was passed on to be with the Lord. He had had surgery the previous day that was suppose to help him heal up quickly not make it worse I thought. He wasn't suppose to die! Reed was sitting next to me when I called Mom. He gently put his arms around me and hugged me as my face was in my hands - he is always there when I need him and always tough even though he lost Pastor too.

Mary called me a minute later and asked if I had talked to Mom yet. She wanted to go up to the hospital to see the Sugi and the rest of the family who was really our family too. Reed and I rushed to get dressed. We drove to Mary's house to pick her up and then went straight to the hospital. I was confused why God would take a man we needed so much here on earth. My mind was going through memory after memory of him. I couldn't control the tears that rolled down my face as we drove. We arrived at the hospital and we all tried to contain ourselves as we walked through the hospital. We finally reached the ICU. We tried to get into where he was but the nurse who opens the door wasn't there, finally someone came out and we got in as quick as possible. As we walked up to his room we saw Sugi first and then the rest. Sugi's eyes were swollen from tears. She hugged us tightly and I could feel the strength and courage she had already displayed. We walked into the room where Pastor was laying (right before they took him out). It didn't look like him. The pastor I knew was health and handsome with a ornery smile. Katie was clinging to Eric and I could feel the hurt in her eyes. The other girls too were devastated and crushed by this. CJ had been crying too. Which I hadn't seen before in all the 20 years I've known him even when we were little kids he was tough and didn't ever let his emotions show. Him and Pastor were best friends.

Mostly silence filled the room, along with tears. "Can this really be happening I thought?" Mary asked how it happened, they said his organs, one by one, started to shut down. They had given him pints of blood because he had lost so much. His heart stopped beating and they did chest compressions but his body was too weak they said. God wanted him home with Him.

We may not ever understand why God took him from us so soon but we will one day. We know he is in a perfect body now probably making laps around the Lords throne with his Dad and Mom, Bro.Danny Hall, Marvin Clanton, and Earl Hughes.

After a little while we headed to church because we were still having church because that's what Pastor would've wanted. Instead of a normal service Dad had people come up and say things about Pastor or give a memory of some kind about him. It's really amazing the love and compassion he's given to so many people. He started Liberty Baptist church in 1988 and has been faithful through thick and thin. My Dad has been the associate Pastor for a long time now and Mom as Pastor's right hand man so to speak. He was been our God-father and spiritual leader for my entire life. Words can't express the hurt and emptiness felt without him here with us. BUT We will still press on for the Lord. We will still fight the good fight of faith. The fight will be a little more lonely, a little more sad without him, but we will "Keep on Keeping on" as Pastor would say.

I can remember previous months before he went into the hospital he had preached on "Passing on the Torch", "Standing even when he was Gone", messages about having your own personal walk with God. Looking back it's almost like God was preparing us all for his passing. Even though it's hard to go on without Pastor, we must. I know he is watching us from Heaven and he's been waiting to see the Lord face to face for many many years now. Though it seems unfair to us he is the Lord's son and it is his turn to have Pastor Craig Lovell with him. We had him here with us for 63 years and the Lord wants him now. Heaven is a happy, brighter place now that he is there.

I would always tell Pastor that he was the best preacher ever and I truly meant that. You couldn't beat the love he had for his people. You were truly blessed to have met him if you did. Pastor was in SO many of my memories growing up. He would always show up on Christmas morning with bundles of gifts for us kids. He baptized me in 1999 shortly after I had got saved. He would always give us hugs and tell us how special we were to him. Not to mention all the camping meetings and church activities that were some of my fondest memories. As we got older he would take us teens out for Pizza and Kings Island etc,. He made everyone feel special and important to him regardless of your age. He did marriage counselling with Reed and I also and married us. I'm so honored and privileged to know Pastor like I did. So thankful for all the years we had him here with us.

Pastor, I love and miss you very much and I hope my life will be one to make you proud and honoured to have me as "Your Body Guard" (inside joke lol) and adopted daughter. Say hi to my Grandpa up there.

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." -Philippines 4:4 

(one of Pastor's favorite verses).

Pastor's favorite place to be.

Preacher's favorite truck (lol)

WE WILL YOU PASTOR!

Senior // Alyssa: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Alyssa.

I've known Alyssa pretty much my whole life. Her family moved into the "circle" (the neighborhood I grew up in) when she was not even two yet, and I was around the age of 4. We were playmates all through our childhood years. Summer for us kids (there were a lot of kids in our neighborhood) mean't being outside ALL DAY playing in the circle. Riding our bikes, rollerblading, playing cops and robbers, walking down to Sunco (if we had money to buy candy), climbing Alyssa's tree and seeing who climbed the highest, oh, and jelly beans of all kinds. Yes, Barbies of course ;) We would get all the neighborhood girls out and we would drag ALL of our Barbie things outside (including the Barbie houses) and create a neighborhood of Barbies (the good ol'e days ya know). Alyssa was always bundles of fun, sweet + caring. She was a couple years younger than me, but that never effected out friendship. We were the best kind of friends. 

(This is Alyssa in the pig tails, and me, the blondie, David, the little guy and Alex, Alyssa's brother)

We ended up moving out of the circle when I was 13 (we out grew out house with 11 kids and counting). Which was a really big change for all us kids, including all our friends from the "circle". We kept in contact some, but you know how it is when kids move it's hard to stay in touch. We got back in contact a few years ago over Facebook (thank you, Facebook) and she asked me to do her senior pictures. They drove 3+ hours to me so I could be the one to do her pictures (aren't they the coolest?!).  Alyssa and I have so many sweet memories together from the circle. It is such a joy to be able to photograph my friends. 

I love this girl to death. 

Love // Learning // Together: Our Home Via iPhone

 Many of you know Reed and I recently purchased a house--which we call Home. It is a work in progress but it is coming together. We've already made SO many wonderful memories in this house and we love hosting parties and sharing our home with others. It is the PERFECT space for us and we are very thankful for it. We have a cornfield to the right of our house where the sunsets every night and we have a perfect view of it from the loft upstairs, which I've always said I wanted to live in a place where you could see the sunset every night (God cares about the little things). A little preview of our work in progress we call Home.

(All photos taken with iPhone)

Josie // Portraits: Dayton, Ohio Wedding + Portrait Photographer

 Eastlyn, Sarah and I met Josie for the first time last Sunday. Josie has been a  fan of all our photography work and has followed our blogs and Facebook for a few years (and we have been conversing back and forth about photography and such) and she was going to be in Ohio not too far from us and wanted to meet the three of us.  I know I have several photographers that I would LOVE to meet one day, but I never thought I would be that photographer for someone else--so it was super special for me that Josie wanted to meet me. 

She wasn't quite what I expected, she far exceed my expectations actually (you can only learn so much about a person via Facebook lol) ;) Josie is a very deep, genuine, curious, fun individual and just a happy-sweet person to be around. Talkative and just adorable but in a grown up-mature way. She's got the beauty the brains. Creative + thrives on learning new things. Such a blessed + talented girl. Josie, keep up all the hard work--you've got it girl. 

Senior // David : Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

This is David. There is so much to say about this young man. He's my younger brother (if you couldn't tell already). He is number 8 in the Robertson clan and I'm gonna brag on him a little bit, OK?
David is incredible. He's really really good at everything he does. He succeeds at whatever he puts his mind to. He's mature 10x times his age, oh and he's graduating a year early...with working a full time job.
 David is an avid sports fan and is talented at nearly every sport he plays. David has lots of bragging rights, but he never brags on himself...ever. He is one of the humblest teenagers I know. He doesn't think much of himself, he puts others before himself. He has one of the sweetest-kindest hearts I know. He is responsible. He is a true friend. He wakes up early to read his Bible...he wants to be the best christian he can be. He's an amazing testimony to those around him. He will stand up for what he believes-- not in a cocky "I know everything way" but in a concerned-genuine way. He is one of those guys that would take a bullet for anyone. Anyway, I'm going to stop bragging so you can see the pictures. Having his picture taken isn't David's favorite thing, but he at least let me get a hand full. I still am having a hard time taking it in that he is graduating. I feel like life needs to pause and let us all catch out breath.

Mom wanted some with his Cap and Gown ;)

{Portraits} Rebekah : Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

This is Rebekah. She is my younger sister, she turned 15 TODAY!

 Rebekah is one of those people you just expect SO much from. She's 10 years more mature then her age. She's been the "cook" at my parents house since she was 13, which if you've ever eaten with my family you know that is a big responsibility to have. Sometimes I forget she's my younger sister. You can ask her to do anything and she will find a way to do it for you. She has a servant's heart. She loves her family SO much, even though she acts like she doesn't ;) Many people think she is serious and quiet, when really she's not. If you really know her you know she's weird and funny at the same time. She's opinionated, but not in an annoying "I know everything" way, but in a "I know what I want out of life" way. She is confident and genuine. She doesn't give her trust out easily, you have to earn it. She hides her feelings. She is strong at all times, but really has a soft heart. She's not your typically "boy crazy" teenager--she's stable and know what she wants in life. Oh and she's beautiful. She doesn't need make-up or the latest trend to make her beautiful. This is Rebekah.

Happy Birthday Rebekah. Love you sis!

{Engagement} Hannah + Caleb: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Well, I've known Hannah since we were both little, bitty, tiny kids. We attended the same church many, many years ago. We hadn't seen/heard from each other in probably ten years then with the "almighty" (lol) Facebook we became friends again. Shortly after we found each other on Facebook Hannah got engaged to the love of her life, Caleb. I'm so happy she asked me to photograph their love. Sadly, I was already booked for her wedding date, but I'm so thrilled I got to take their engagement pictures. They are such a cute-fun-awesome-adoorable couple together. Gosh, I love how playful they are together. So fun. Ok, that's all...enjoy!

{Part 5: Love//Learning//together} First Anniversary travels

I started planning our first anniversary trip 6 months into our marriage. I wanted it to be amazing, fun, warm, adventurous, and something we hadn't done before. At the time neither of us had been very far west at all, and we really wanted to explore a little bit of the west. So we decided to go to California for a week and see the three major cities and drive along the coast on Route 1 and just make a road trip of it.

Day 1

We flew into San Francisco for our first stop. We rented a car for the week so we could go where ever we wanted. Our first stop was the local grocery store (haha), yes I said the grocery store. We bought a cheap, disposable cooler to put food/snacks/treats in for our lunch and breakfasts while we were on our trip (to save a little bit of $$$). The smartest thing EVER! We just pretty much explored all day. We were thrilled that is was 63 degrees instead of 25 degrees. Everyone there was wearing coats(some even had hats on lol), but us Ohioians were lovvvinnnggg the temperature.

Driving over to Treasure Island, then we went to Lombard Street (the street that has the most hair-pin turns).







Our first sighting of the Golden Gate Bride

This is kind of what we pictured San Fran looking like tracks in the road, houses smashed together, and HILLS. There are soo many hills. We'd be mega fit if we ran in San Fran like we do in Ohio. That's a good excuse to move there right??!



Oh and we can't forget the Trolley. We never ended up riding one...but aren't they cute?





So many cool buildings and color!



One of my favorite views of the coast.





Our view from din din, spectacular. Oh, and I ATE SALMON! A whole, big salmon. I'm not a fish eater, but it was actually really really good.

Day 2: Our Anniversary Day!
This was probably my favorite day of the trip. We woke up rested, we told each other Happy Anniversary (made out a little bit ;). I gave him his anniversary gift, which was a book I made of all our favorite memories from our first year marriage and wrote a little bit about each of them. It was precious going through the book with him and looking back on all our favorite moments over the past year.









This is Twin Peaks. I'm pretty sure I took like 2x's the pictures on this day then any other day. lol. What can I say, I wanted our first anniversary to be well captured.









Some amazing views!







The Presidio of San Francisco.





Reed trying to get the Pigeon...."Take a picture Lydia, take a picture!!"

We were both really excited to see the Golden Gate Bride. You know you always see it in the movies and all those chick-flicks...its way better seeing it in person.

















Driving on the bridge...was...prettyyyy sweet.

"Reed its RED dirt!!!!" "Yes, Lydia, *laughs* it's red dirt".









Carrying my camera bag everywhere for me XOXO. He's the best! (Don't you love how he flipped the cover over so it wasn't showing the floral design haha).

The pathway to Point Reyes Lighthouse was my favorite part of the day.

I went a little picture crazy with my camera when I saw this gorgeous light.



 My man is smokin' hot!

We are fun together.

He makes me silly and giddy.

Hotness

Point Reyes Lighthouse



You could feel the bridge swaying back and forth in the wind when we walked acrossed

Our first time in the Pacific was pretty awesome.

Our retro hotel room :)

All the Piers were beautiful!

Reed and I "pretending" to dodge the "pretend" pigeon poo that was "supposedly" falling from the sky. Yeah, wasn't the most mature moment of our life. ;) *slaphappy*. It was a beautiful night together. We ate at a seaside-american place. Talked a lot about our first year married. (Man, I love him more and more everyday).





Day 3 we had a long drive ahead of us, but we wanted to walk on the Golden Gate Bridge before we left. It started out with us being yelled through a microphone by the State Police. Apparently you aren't allowed to walk on both side of the bridge, who knew?! lol. Well we did make it on the right side of the bridge (litterally, don't try and walk on the left side! lol)







Reed wanted me to take a picture of our feet actually ON the bridge. I tell ya what...he is going to work me out of a job here soon.

Driving the coast was pretty amazing. God is such an artist to think he designed it all. We were on the coasts for about 7 hours this day and it was constantly beautiful views.

Los Padres National Forest









The photos a little fuzzy, but we were actually inside the Los Padres National forest here.

Day 4 we had spent the previous night in Morro Bay, CA.  This was right outside our hotel. We didn't stick around much here. We were headed for LA which was still a few hours away.

This is in Malibu.





We made it to LA. Our first stop was Hollywood.







So we were walking down Hollywood Blvd. and Captain America wanted a picture with Reed. After the picture we started to walk away "where is my money?!" he said. "Money? We aren't giving you any money for being in a picture!!". So apparently you are supposed to tip them if you take a picture with them. He is the one that wanted a picture with Reed so he should have tipped us if anything. :p

We did a little bit of shopping in Beverly Hills, let me rephrase that, we did a little bit of "looking" in Beverly Hills.

Reed's favorite star.



On the St. Monica Pier

Day 5 we were going to Universal Studios. It was very warm and we were stoked.



We took a tour of the actual Universal Studios lot. This is the actual street where they filmed Desperate House Wives. We saw a lot of cool stuff.

This is all part of Universal Studios lot where they film a majority of their TV shows and films.

Downtown LA. This is the Disney Concert Hall.

















Nightlights of LA









Day 6 we woke up early and drove down to San Diego, our final stop. We spent most of the day at Sea World. We got to pet dolphins, watch Sea Lions bark for food (it's pretty hilarious), saw 4 different shows, and ate chicken that was not too tasty.



A litte fuzzy again..

Ohhhh, the cutenes part of Sea World was Shamu and his Mommy. It was addoorrraable!



This was the view from our hotel on Shelter Island.

Day 7 we spent AT THE BEACH most of the day. Even though the water was freeezing it was so much fun to be in the ocean and get a little sun ;)






You can see the city of San Diego across the water.

We flew out early the next morning headed back home. We really couldn't have had a better time. It was such a great/fun time. The best part of it wasn't that were were in a beautiful place or that we saw a bunch of cool things, the best part was being together and celebrating our love, just him and I.

{Wedding/Personal} Our Wedding One Year Ago

ONE YEAR! It's already been one year since Reed and I got married. It's been a fun, wonderful, trying, interesting, amazing and incredible year all at the same time. To be married to someone God made for you is just indescribable.

Reed and I really are best friends! We do almost everything together, not because we have to, but because we WANT to.

My life is better because of Reed. Thank you for my husband Lord.

Enjoy some of my favorite shoots from my wedding. Photo credit: Melissa Esterline Photography

{Part 1: Love+Learning+Together} My favorite Autumn

I'm going to start a new series of photos/blog post called "Love+Learning+Together". It will be all about Reed and I's journey together. May not be a huge post every time, but just a little post showing you a peek into our life.

So here goes Part 1:

Our 8 month anniversary was a little over a week ago. It seems like just yesterday that he proposed to me. It's been the best 8 months of my life, yet trying at times.
We learn more and more about each other every day...every single day. We have made our house a "home". We've made big decisions as one. We grow closer together daily. He's pushed me to try new things..like running a half marathon (which is tomorrow, EKkk!). So proud to be able to run it with him! He has encouraged me to pick up old things, like my violin, and rekindle my love for it. He's good for me. He has made me a better--stronger person. Life is sweet with my husband!

Well Autumn is my favorite season. I love the bonfires, hayrides, pumpkin spice candles,hoodies , Fall parties, the COLOR on the trees, the crunchy sound that the leaves make when I walk on them ;) but this Autumn has been unlike all the other Autumns of my life. This Autumn I'm a married women, and I must tell you it's been my favorite Autumn of all.

(these' were taken on our 8 month anniversary)

{Engagement} Kyle + Kristin: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

This is Kristin + Kyle. They are an adorable, young, madly-in-love, gorgeous, perfect couple. I absolutely love couples like this--young and in love, I guess it reminds me of my husband and I ;) Anyway, I reaallllly fell in love with photographing their love. All the gentle kisses and hugs, little whispers and jokes, it was precious, ohhh SO precious. Seeing real love is overwhelming! Every time I look back through these' images it makes my heart melt a little. Man, I love my job.

Enough with the talking onto the good stuff.

{Wedding/Personal} Josh + Grace: Kettering, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

It was THE day! It was the day we had been talking about ever since we were little tiny girls. It was Grace's wedding day! She had been waiting for that day for 22 years. Waiting for the day she would say "I do" and marry the man of her dreams.

The weather was warm and the sun was shinning. It was a "perfect" day in June, just like we had pictured it as little girls.

Grace always said she wanted her wedding color to be purple. Ever since I can remember; PURPLE is what she wanted, and as you will see purple is what she got. My mom made all the bridesmaids dress',flowers, and the food (yep, she's pretty amazing!). All the details turned out beautiful. From the table settings to the guest book/scrap book that everyone signed. It was pretty amazing to see it all come together as HER WEDDING DAY. THE ONE DAY she's been waiting for her entire life.

When I walked to where the guys were getting ready Josh was SO excited. He couldn't keep it in. Yes, he's a grown man, but not to grown up not to act like a giddy school boy that was about to talk to the girl of his dreams for the first time. It was pretty cute to watch ;) Made me one happy sister to see a guy so excited to marry my sister. Even though no one would ever be good enough for my sister, Josh comes pretty close ;)

Grace was pretty chilled the whole day. She didn't seem nervous at all. She was glowing though. She was full of joy. She got her hair and make-up done and was ready to get in her dress. I hid it pretty well, but I was very emotional. My big sister, the one who I shared a room with most my life, who I told me all her secrets too, the one who I fought over clothes with and laughed with til 2am in the morning so many times, she was a bride. Her name would change from Robertson to Johnson. She was becoming a wife!

As soon as Dad started to walk her down the aisle the tears came. They were bitter sweet tears. There our Dad was walking her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. To promise him her love forever. It was happening, she was becoming Mrs.Johnson and I couldn't have been more excited.

Enough with my rambling...(don't judge me I just love my sissy ;) Here's a little peak into her wedding day.


(Since I was her maid-of-honor I couldn't photograph the whole day. So this blog is a little of what I got to shoot.)

Some of Grace's lovely details























She was one proud Momma!


(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)


She was so beautiful!










A few of us girls.
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)


(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)


I love these' shots of us..we are pretty cool huh?





(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)






(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)



The whole group!

Pretty head table!
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)

Grace wanted the cake to be perfect and it was just that. She loved it!
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)


Haha, the cake was pretty epic to watch. Josh has such a awesome look on his face lol

They had a few little games planned that turned out to be so much fun.




The magic lanterns ;)

























































I loved writing this blog post. Personal post are my favorite. Grace couldn't have been a more beautiful bride (as you can see), Josh you looked pretty handsome too ;) So happy for you two love bird. <3 you guys!

{Engagement} Timothy + Iuliana: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photography

I did my brother and soon-to-be sis-in-law's engagement session last fall, but never got around to blogging it(bad sister I am lol). Better late then never, right??! Anyway, it's a pretty sweet story of how God brought them together...here read for yourself. ;)

A little background on our relationship with Iuliana and on how we met her: We met her when she was 4 years old. Her family attended our church when they adpoted her. YES, she's adopted from Romania (how cool is that?!)!!! Iuliana and I were around the same age so we instantly became best friends as soon as her family brought her to church. We were best friends the entire time they came to our church, but her family decided to attend a different church (Iuli was about 11). After that we didn't really have much contact(even tho we missed each other a lot). At the time Iuliana only really knew Timothy as my older brother and Timothy only knew Iuliana as my good friend. So that was that. We didn't really see each other much.

Well about 6 years later on a Friday evening we were invited to a volleyball event. Our family is big into volleyball so we all went. We saw a lot of old friends including Iuliana and her family. (FYI: This is the same volleyball event that I met my husband and my best friend, Eastlyn). We ended up coming back the next Friday also and the following week. It was becoming a every-Friday event. We all loved it!











Well shortly after we started coming to Friday-night-volleyball we went to a friends orchestra recital, Iuliana and her family so happened to be there too. That night was when I really noticed something, something between Timothy and Iuliana. Timothy couldn't take his eyes off of her. I had never seen Timothy look at a girl like he looked at Iuliana. I remember walking over and seeing the two of them sheepishly making conversion together. They were talking the entire evening. They didn't leave each other's side. Keep in mind neither of them are conversationalists. I knew something was up!!!! As the weeks went on we saw Iuliana almost every week. Timothy and Iuliana talked every chance they got. By now we ALL knew they were "interested" in being more then "just friends". Timothy wanted this girl, he wanted her attention. He wanted to spend every moment he could being with her and talking to her, same with Iuliana. I could tell she was head over heels for my brother. Since Iuliana and I had been good friends in the past and were quickly catching up with our friendship like before so I was thrilled about them being a couple. I would've never imagined, when we were little kids, that they would eventually be together, but God knew. He had it all planned out.





After a year or so Timothy and Iuliana started courting-- meanwhile Reed and I were courting. Since Reed was like Timothy's best friend and Iuliana was one of my oldest friends the four of us became inseperable. We went on a ton of double dates, and spent most Friday nights together. We were like family already. Iuliana was like my sister and they weren't even engaged yet. We talked about getting married in the same month, going on vacations together, we even tossed around the idea of going on a honeymoon together, I know pretty close huh?

Well about a year or so into the future Timothy and Iuliana got engaged. Yep, he bought her a stunning ring and got down on one knee on her front porch (where most of the best conversations happened between the two of them) and asked for not only her hand, but most important her heart. Iuliana called me as soon as he proposed and told me the exciting news, even though I already knew he was going to propose that evening I was still SO excited. It was official! There was so much joy in her voice as she told me. We were all SO happy for them. They both glowed when the came over and showed off the ring.

Wedding planning quickly started. They needed to pick A DATE. Believe it or not that's harder then you think. I had already booked a lot of weddings for the next year so a lot of dates were taken already. They had to work around my schedule (sorry to be a pain lol). They finally found the perfect date. Septemeber 22nd, 2012, which so happens to be 9 days away. (Wooohooo)!












Timothy is a year and half years older then me so we were pretty close growing up. We'd play cars together in the mulch in the front yard. Race around the cultisack on our bikes. Play "woof woof" around the house with the neighbor kids. Hide in the tree fort and knock the latter down so the little kids couldn't get up. He was my friend, even though I'd never would've admit it at age 13 lol. As we got older we got even closer, especially as we started courting our "significant others". Seems like we were all always together (still are).

Timothy moved in with Reed and I back in June and it's been SO wonderful having him here. I love having him here! Makes me sad that he will be moving out after the wedding. I'll miss seeing him everyday, but I know Timothy is the happiest when he is with his Iuliana. She completes him! She makes him smile like NO one ever could, so I know he is in good hands--I couldn't have picked a better person for Timothy. Iuliana is one of those girls that are so rare to find. She's gorgeous, and everyone knows it, but her. She's always been a good girl. Always did what was right. She's got a contagious smile and laugh. OMGSH, you HAVE to hear her laugh--it's the bomb ;) lol. Anyway, she's an amazing girl and I'm so happy I get to have her as my sister in 9 DAYS.





































I love you both and I couldn't be happeier for you guys. <3

{Senior} Allison: Yellow Springs, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

This is Allison, she's my cousin...and also my gal pal. We grew up playing dress-up!! We'd dress up like ballerinas & Disney princess' and throw fashion shows. We played Polly Pockets and rode bikes. Swam in the summer and had slumber parties all the time. Even though I was a little older then her that never got in the way. Some of the most fondest childhood memories are with her. No one could ever replace her! We even had plans on opening up a vet clinic (we had business cards and all lol.) SO many good memories with her!

She is strong, confident, beautiful, meek, SMART, and that's just a few of her strong characters. She's an amazing young lady and my life wouldn't be the same without her.


I told you she is beautiful!!!!! ENJOY.

[{Personal/Engagementt} Josh + Eastlyn: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I remember the first time I met Eastlyn, her and her family came over, along with some other friends, so the Moms could talk about "homeschooling". We spent the day together, had lunch and hung out on the swing sets in the backyard (yep, we were cool like that, and very young lol). At the time Eastlyn and I didn't really hit it off-- we didn't really "click". The day came to an end and the Moms said good-bye, us girls said good-bye, and that was that. We really didn't see or talk to them much for the next couple years, not because we didn't want too our paths of life were just different. It wasn't until about 4 years when we were invited to a "homeschool" volleyball event (I really do have a lot of gratitude toward homeschooling lol). So we went, and we saw many familiar faces. People we knew, but didn't REALLY know. I saw Eastlyn, she saw me. We said "Hi"..and that was about it. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years, and we were just kids back then. There was still no click between us. We starting coming more and more to the volleyball events that were held on Friday nights. It wasn't until the 4 or 5 week of us coming that something clicked between us. I remember Eastlyn and her sister, Michaela came up to me after volleyball and just started talking to me. I'm not sure what it was about our conversation, but we just realllllyy hit it off well. THat conversation is really what started our {awesome} friendship. As our lives had bumps and curves we were always there for each other. You know how the teen years go, that's when you really need a best friend the most. She helped me with SO much. She talked me through SO much! We've pretty much talked everyday after that. Whether it be email, text, you name it. We had built such a strong friendship. (She also had a HUGE part in setting me up with Reed, my husband.)

I know you are anxious to hear how Eastlyn + Josh began as a couple...well just wait, it's coming.

Even though we were awesome friends it wasn't until her graduation party that I learned who she was head of heels for. Her party was coming to an end and we were sitting by the fire, just her and I. I finally just asked her who she liked (she was very secretive about it). She was hesitant to tell me at first, but she told me. She was in love with Josh Tolle. The boy she had/has known since she was 10 years old. NO one else knew! She was so giddy and happy when she told me. She hadn't shared it with anyone else and I know she felt awesome to be able to share that with someone, and I'm so happy it was me. ;)

Like I said, she has known Josh since she was 10 years old. It wasn't love at first sight, but it was a growing love from year to year. They were friends first (SO important).

What Eastlyn didn't know was that Josh too, had the same feelings toward her, if not stronger, but there was one problem-- they were both very shy and reserved toward each other. I watched them flirt in their "shy" manor and pass little hints toward each other of their feelings, but the timing wasn't right. Josh didn't make any moves toward a "relationship" with her. God still had work to do in their hearts to prepare them. It left Eastlyn guessing of his feelings (you know how us girls are). They both went with a big group on a mission trip to Mexico. Eastlyn sent me letters telling me about everything that was happening. She thought for sure he liked her, but when they came back things just went back to normal. She was confused!!! I was confused lol. As her best friend I didn't really know what to tell her. What we didn't know was God still wasn't finished with preparing Josh and Eastlyn's heart for each other. Patients is really the only thing I could tell her and that God would work it out. Sometime passed and I could tell Josh was opening up a lot more with Eastlyn. They were talking more, things just seemed SO right. IT WAS FINALLY TIME. Their hearts were ready. Josh asked her Dad if he could court Eastlyn. He was more then overjoyed. I remember very clearly Eastlyn calling me on the phone telling me that Josh had asked if he could court her. This was the happiest I've ever seen. Her voice was full of not only happiness, but joy.


They were both full of joy. Seeing them together for the first time was so perfect.











He was finally able to be with the one his heart loved.






They quickly became best friends.







It was easy to see that this love was becoming more and more serious with each day, with each phone call, with each sweet text message, with every sunset...







They are truly a match made in Heaven. They have so many character traits that compliment each other. It's hard to explain it. It was just RIGHT!




When you know you just know. That's how it was with Josh + Eastlyn. Within a few months of courting they knew they were mean't to be together forever. Everyone around them knew it too. Josh went out and found the perfect ring for Eastlyn, after asking her Dad if he could have Eastlyn's heart by marrying her. Her Dad gave approval without hesitation. He asked Eastlyn if she would marry him and make him the happiest man in the world. Her dreams were coming true. She said "YES"!!!
























Josh proposed to Eastlyn while Reed and I were still on our honeymoon. As soon as we pulled into port my phone went off and I found a picture from Eastlyn and it was a picture of a ring with a text saying Josh proposed to her. I WAS ESTATIC! I was little mad at Josh for doing it while I wasn't even in the country though lol. Reed and I couldn't have been happier. Their wedding planning began immediately.










































They picked a date!!!!!!!! The date to start life as "One" would be Septemeber 1st, 2012. I still can't believe it! It seems like yesterday when we met at my house as little girls. In just 10 days you'll be getting married to your Josh.
































I'm so honored you asked me to be a bridesmaid and stand by your side when you say "I do" and become Mrs.Tolle. I can't tell you how excited and happy I am :)



10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you Eastlyn.

{Mentoring}...hurry before all the spots fill up!

This is a great opportunity for all of you who wanted to learn the basic of photography and learn how to operate that awesome camera of yours. This is the very best way to learn. I can't wait to share my knowledge (the little knowledge that I do have lol) with you. <3

P.S. I will be planning a FREE "practice shoot" for all of those who do a mentorship with me. More info to follow! *Excited*

All you have to do to qualify is own a camera and we are set! Message me if you are interested photographybylydia@aol.com

{Engagement/Personal} Grace + Josh....She's my sista!

YEP! My sister, Grace, is getting MARRIED. Our house was FULL of engaged couples just a few months ago, but we are slowly getting married off ;) My brother, Samuel, got married last Novemeber, and I got married in February (loving married life-- FYI), then Grace's month is June, then last but not least, Timothy is getting married in Septemeber. It's been a crazzzzy year (in a good kinda crazzzy way).

You know the saying "Time Flies" I'm finding it's SO true. I remember laying in our bunk bed together, Grace and I, looking through LTD cataloges and building our future houses with them, and planning our weddings together. We always swore we'd be each other's maid-of-honor no matter what. Seems like yesterday we were playing Barbie's in the "circle" and dressing up to go to church every Sunday morning and arguing over whose clothes were whose. We'd argued over the dumbest things (lol, what sisters don't?). Did I mention we can sing a mean version of the song "Sisters" (ya know, from "White Christmas").

She's been there for me through EVERYTHING, from losing my front teeth to riding my bike without training wheels, to becoming a "women" (lol), to becoming a wife--you name it and she was there!

She stood by my side on my wedding day and I'm honored to do the same for her.

Grace has found the one her heart loves! She found Josh. I remember the first conversation they had, it was over the phone. I listened intently as their conversation went on and on and on. She called me over to listen to his voice...she thought he sounded like a hilbilly, and I reassured her he had a nice voice (that's just the kind of sisters we are).

They are opposite in alot of ways--Josh is outgoing and silly/Grace is quiet and reserved, needless to say the combo makes a great match ;)

So Josh finally popped the question to Grace...she said "YES!" and that was only the start of their happily ever after.

Here are some of my favorites....ENJOY!

{Engagement} Oh wait...THIS is my engagement ;)

"She's so young, and he's so perfect. They waited for love and it was worth it. She want's to feel like this for a hundred years.."Francesca Battistelli.

"Once upon a time there was a little girl who saw this boy, and the boy saw her. They fell madly in love"...next thing you know he is on his knee proposing to the girl of his dreams and she replies with "Yess!!!".

That's basically how it happened! Well I guess I didn't mention all the yummy details like how they've been together since she was 15, and the fact that they are each other's best friend. Oh, and the cool little part about how he proposed at Myrtle Beach at sunset, that was kinda a BIG deal too(I love talking about myself in the 3rd person). There's so many details exploding in my mind, but I'll just keep it simple and tell you all the BIG details about "US" and the engagement.

Fun facts about Reed & Lydia:
We love laughing together.
We play thumb war...all the time.
He's beats me at checkers.
He calls me beautiful, I call him handsome. Insert "Awwwww".
We box with each other, he loses though. ;)
He buys me sour patch candy and I'm bad at sharing it. I share with him, just because I love him ALOOOTTTT.
We wink at each other.
We text each other even though we are sitting together.


I got engaged to the man I've always wanted.



This was litterally seconds after he proposed. I wanted everyone to see the joy on my face.




After he proposed we walked down to the pier where fireworks were about to go off. It was soooo magically. I know that sounds cheesy, but it was "FOR REAL" so magical.


Our walk back to the hotel, Ahhh it was the BEST night of my life.


The next morning we got up at sunset and walked on the beach. We were/are sooooo happy!






The bling bling he bought her, oh I mean me.


Then, ya know, once you change your relationship status on facebook to "Engaged" you get all the "Congrats!" "Omgsh!" "No way?" "FOR REAL?"..you get the jift. People were very excited for us. People love us! We love them back. People are awesome. Especially my people!


The wedding planning began. We did the most important thing first. We booked out photographer. You thought I was going to say "we picked a date", didn't you? Nope, we consulted out photographer first then we picked a date. Photography REALLLYYY is the most important part of the wedding, aside from the actually "getting married" part, of course. Melissa Esterline, a good friend/fellow photog did our engagement pictures. We love her! She did 3 seperate sessions just for us. We went with "The Notebook" theme so we had to meet up a few times to fit everything in. She's a darling! Here's some of our pictures from the sessions.

Get ready for some "Awwww"ing.

You ready?!

Ok. Ready set go!

This is one of mt personal favorites! He makes me fly in the sky...SEEE! SEE!











He makes me laugh...SO...hard!


We are silly when we are together. Well its more like "I'm silly and he's mature", but sometimes I get him to be silly with me.


That's us!







:) We are too cool!


Hahahahaha. Makes me laugh EVERYtime. I love his laugh, especially when he's laughing so hard he can't control it.



Awww! (I bet you "Aw"ed?)


This reminds me of "Ann of Green Gables"..where Ann talks to Gilbert over the fence. So sweet!







..and, of course, we had to fit some camera stuff in. I like taking pretty pictures.


He makes me feel soo protected. He my as I call him.


He's pretty much the most handsome thing on planet earth. Yep, thats offical!













He loves me!


I love him!


We really are best friends. We make quite the couple.


Hey Reed, maybe we should be face models. Nah, I think YOU should just be the face model.

His eyes are blue--her favorite color is blue. Her eyes are green--his favorite color is green. :)




The bling bling again.















The wedding is 24 days away!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh. SO. MUCH. EXCITEMENT. stored in my body.

{Wedding} Samuel + Sarah

The wedding celebration started not on Saturday, but Friday. We had the rehearsal and rehersal dinner. It's always a lot of fun when my whole family is involved (lol). But this time is wasn't just my family--Sarah's family made it even more fun! You already know I love photographing weddings, but when your photograph a close siblings wedding it means all the more.

Rehersal- Samuel walked Mom down. Lol. He's always silly!


Sarah's daddy walking her down the aisle.


The little kids in the wedding were so good! I give them a high-five.





Dad being silly lol :P


Then we were off to the rehersal dinner. It was quite yummy!

About 12 hours later I was up and headed to the church, it was about 7:15. I came downstairs to find Samuel writing out his vowels to Sarah. It was quiet- everyone else was still asleep. Samuel and I talkd for a minute. I asked him if he was ready to get married today. HE sure was! I think it was at that moment it really kicked in that my brother was giving his heart to a wonderful women today, and that he would no longer be living with us and staying up late talking to us all the time, but would be giving his love and devotion to Sarah now. It was a bittersweet moment. *tear*



The sunrise was perfect! Made for a beautiful start to the day.



I started out doing the details. Everyone of her details were perfect!





"It's not just a ring, its a symbol of the bond they have together that never ends".. I love that part in the ceremony.


.."its a sign to everyone else that your heart belongs to a certain someone"..


:)





Sarah was getting the dress on! One of the most exciting moments of a wedding I think.


The bride face!!! Soo much excitement





Meanwhile, the boys were getting ready. Mom was pinning on Samuel's flower. Haha, I told you Samuel is ALWAYS being silly.


Samuel and Sarah did their "First Look". She was headed over to see her handesome groom.


:) Let's just say he thought she looked mighty fine.


(We can't forget about the car lol)


We did the guys pictures first, and let me tell ya they were something else lol :P Maybe its beause all the groomsman were either my brother or my Fiance. lol


They loved me once I showed them the glasses I bought special just for them.


(Ok, ok, I admit it. I may have taken advantage of the fact that their all related to me, but hey eveyrone needs some humbling now and then).


Handesome group of guys!


ALL the guys!



They liked these' glasses a little bit better.


Samuel looking dashing and proud he gets to marry his lady today.




A few more funny one of the guys





Then it was time to start with the ladies!


Haha, love this!





Beautiful girls!


It was about 35 degrees out, so needless to say they were cold lol.


Gorgeous bride, Sarah!





The whole gang.





YEAH! That's what I'm talking about.



Sarah + Samuel's turn!


Such a Samuel picture.










LOVE this one!







Pretty!







It was so windy, but we worked with it and it turned out sweeeettt!


You may say I'm bias, but MAN they are one hot couple!


We were all finished! We headed back inside to wait for ceremony time. People were arriving. Familiar faces were seen. Hugs were exchanged. Things were starting to come together so beautifully. It was 1 O'clock....WEDDING TIME.

I love the moments as the daddy walks his little girl down the wedding aisle.


Sarah sang a song for Samuel- it was a suprise though. Samuel didn't know about it! It was so precious.


Exchanging of the rings.


Samuel and Sarah both had wrote out a thankful and read it to their parents. It was pretty hard to hold back the tears then.


I know it mean't alot to my parents and Sarah's parents.




HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!!



The reception was so much fun! Exactly how I knew it would be.



The first dance was simply beautiful! The most precious first dance I've ever seen. Since they had met doing ballroom dancing they choregraphed their own dance.




It was a beautiful symbol of them being one and working together.


And that was that! They were married. My big brother is now a married man!


:) The happy newly-weds


EPIC car decor, don't you think?!


It was finished! The wedding was done, they were off on their honeymoon. I can truly say IT WAS A PERFECT DAY!! Watching them drive off to their honeymoon and their new life together really made me realize how much I love my siblings, and how blessed I am to have them in my life! 13 is a big number, but it's the best! So happy Samuel and Sarah found each other. I never thought I'd approve of any girl that would be good enough for Samuel, but I was wrong because Sarah is perfect for him. Love you both!

Cherish the moments

Priorites- That's a hard thing to get right sometimes. Life is sooo very busy, and sometimes my priorites get scrambed up a bit. Running a business at 18, planning a WEDDING and honeymoon(still hard to believe), working part-time elsewhere, being the middle child of a family of 13, having a house to decorate, having 3 of my siblings get married in the next year (which I'm either IN the wedding or photographing-some of which I'm doing both) + spending time with my love(Reed), family, and friends, Church. It keeps my life pretty interesting. Making choices everyday on how I will spend my time is a huge deal- whether I buckle down in my chair and EDIT for hours, or spend time on wedding planning, with family, friends, or keeping in shape (lol). Whatever the case maybe, time is so precious. God is really teaching me how to use my time wisely and always putting HIM first NO matter what. Earthly things will pass away, but what you do for God is eternal.

Time- It is something you can never get back. If you spend it foolishly what have you gained, or the better question is what have you lost? Sometimes instead of spending more time that my business needs trying to keep up with the constant changing photography world- I'll spend it sitting downstairs with my family late at night talking, laughing, making fun of each other or even just watching a movie or playing with my litte siblings. Because I won't always have that time with them. Living at home will soon just be a memory. A very wonderful memory, but just a memory non-the-less. Blogging for instance is something that gets pushed back and left out a lot of times, not because I don't LOVE blogging (cuz I DO), but God is teaching me somethings are more important then always having an upated blog.

I'll be married off and moved out of my parents house in 3 months!!!! My last days at home are now. I cherish EVERY single mintue of it. I love coming home and seeing Faithy ( my youngest sister) yell my name and run up and give me a hug. Or Mom asking me how my day was and I reply with my usual "It was fine!" lol. My nosey siblings always asking where I'm going when I walk out the door, or asking me who I'm taking pictures of today (which they never know who they are lol). Sitting in the living room talking with my family at 1 O'clock in the morning about how different life will be in a year when 4 of her child will be married off. I'm going to miss it all!!!! I'll be starting a new chapter of "Lydia's Life" it's called "Married Life". Which I'm so very excited for it, meanwhile, I am enjoying these' last months at home soooo much. *Cherish the moments*


Love,
Lydia