Engagement // Tim + Jenna: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Tim + Jenna

Really really in love, cute, friendly, stylish, a tad reserved, and a perfect match for each other - were my first impressions of Jenna and Tim. The engagement session was the first time I had met them and we hit it off perfectly. I love when I get a couple and we just "mesh" really well (if that makes sense lol). Jenna and Tim are the kind of people you want as your friends. Jenna is in school to be a vet tech (I think that is the proper terminology, Jenna? You know the ones that do all the work at the Vet clinic ) How cool is that?! My dogie August would approve (hehe).  Anyways, enough rambling on to the good stuff. 

(I'm beyond thrilled I get to photograph their wedding next April.)  

Engagement // Eric + Ashley: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

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. 

Engagement // Erin + Justin: Carriage Hill Farm Wedding & Portrait Photographer

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever." – The Notebook

Erin + Justin

I really do get to photograph the best couples, for real. I have a blast with every single one of my couples and Justin & Erin were no exception. I think we laughed and made fun more then anything at their engagement session. I try with every couple/person I photograph to capture "them"...(duh right?) let me explain, not just "them"....but really who they are. Who they are together or apart, how they bring out the best in each other. The teasing, stolen kisses, hugs just because they wanted too, winks, random burst of laughter because of an inside joke. That is what I strive for to photograph each couple as "them".

As you will see they are a gorgeous couple and absolutely adorable. I really can't get over how beautiful Erin's hair is....SOOooo pretty. We had beautiful weather for their session and their cute laughs combine with the way they played together (yes, grown-ups can play too) was like something out of a  story book. I'm happy I get to capture the start of your "Happily Ever After". 

"So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day…" The Notebook

I tried some free-lensing techniques on these couple.




















Free-lensing here too!

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 ;)

{Engagement} Nathan & Jennifer // Hueston Woods

It was a perfect Spring evening with warm country air and the sun slow setting sending beautiful rays of light through the tress. Birds chirping, bees bouncing around in the flowers. New buds on the trees and one very verrrry in love couple. Nathan and Jennifer really did pick the perrrfect location for their engagement session. It was the first time I had shot at Hueston Woods and let me tell you I was in love with it. Even though I may have gotten lost getting there and had no phone reception it was perfect nonetheless.

Nathan and Jennifer brought a Bible to the session. They wanted to make sure they included their Faith in the pictures. I'm so happy when I run into other christian couples. There is just something about a couple that shares the same faith as you.

I try to always observe how my couples play/work together at my sessions. Jennifer and Nathan are, well they are just themselves. They are real and down to earth. Very fun and playful, with a little sarcasm thrown in there. They are not just "in love", they really love each other, but its a mature, true, forever kind of love, if that makes sense. Anyways, it gave me chills as I was going through some of these'. Too darn cute!!

{Baby} Payton: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I photographed Lauren + Scott's wedding a year ago last November and was thrilled to hear that they just had a baby GIRL. Ekk! I get so excited when I get to photograph newborns from my past brides. I'm not gonna lie it gives me a little bit of the "Baby Fever", especially when they are as cute as Payton.

{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 4: Love+Learning+Together} Las Vegas, NV

Here are a few photos from our little trip to Las Vegas last month. Reed had to go for work (they have a big conference there every year) and I was able to go with him. It was pretty exciting for us both because we had never been that far west before. It was really nice going to 65 degree weather from Ohio's yucky, cold, and snowy weather. Reed was in seminars some of the time so I got to kinda explore the malls and shopping centers in Vegas and let me tell you "I wasn't in Dayton Ohio anymore" lol. We were able to go to our very first Broadway show while we were there "Jersey Boys", even if I had to talk Reed into it a little ,tiny bit ;) He ended up really enjoying it. We went up in the Space Needle Replica and watched the Fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel (was super cool!).

We mostly enjoyed the time together. I did pick up my camera a few times though ;)



The view from our hotel




Our hotel




This one inside one of the malls.

{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

{Love+Learning+Together} Part 3 (Dec.-Jan.)

Christmas and New Year came and went fast! It didn't disappoint though. It was a wonderful "first" Christmas married (I know, I'm big on "first"). Our Christmas celebration started the Sunday before Christmas. We all (immediate family) went to mom's house. We exchanged gifts, and each couple also made a ginger house together. We played games and of course took a family picture :) (I'm a little shamed to admit that my camera was setting on our mom's trash can because I forgot my tripod--GUILTY).

Have you ever seen such an awesome family??!

On Christmas Eve we always go to Grandma's house! It was going to be the last year there (sadness). Christmas Eve has been at Grandma's ever since I can remember. We'd go about noon and spend all day and most the night there. A few years back when Grandpa passed away it was never the same. It's still special + fun + exciting, but not the same. My grandparents were married for over 60 years. When he passed away it took a huge part of Grandma's heart with him. Their lives together was such a demonstration of what God intended for married/love to be.

My Grandma was in the hospital when Reed and I got married so she couldn't attend the wedding. Made me very sad, but what can ya do? Once I received my wedding video from our fabulous videographers I gave a copy to her so she could see it all and know that we missed you SO much. Since we didn't get a picture with her at our wedding we wanted to make sure we got at least one at some point in time.

Lol. Our traditional picture on grandma's couch. You should see this room when we have all the grand kids huddled around grandma for a picture every year. It's pretty awesome!

Speaking of marriages-- have I mentioned how much I admire my parents. I have never appreciated their love and marriage as much as I do now that I'm married and know how much work it takes. They've taught me consistency! You can't just give up when you have a fight or you don't "feel" in love anymore. They've taught me to "trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not onto thine own understanding...". When they got married they said they weren't going to prevent themselves from having kids--that the Lord would give them as many kids as He wanted them to have. If that is not faith/trust demonstrated I don't know what is.
They took a leap of faith to home-school, back when that was a "no no". The list could go on and on. I'll come back to this conversation later my blog...

Aren't they perfect!

Christmas Day we spent running back and forth to families houses. It was so much fun! Being married and giving gifts labeled "From Reed & Lydia Campbell". We ended it with going to a movie with a few of my siblings.

(All the grand kids on Reed's side of the family.)

We took a trip last minute trip to Chicago, just because. Reed had never been and I wanted him to see a real city. We spent two days and a night there. I showed him all the cool spots. He loved it! We ate at a pizza place and had Chicago pizza and learned that taxes make a killing :p We went to the Chicago Art Museum--wasn't really Reed's thing, but I really enjoyed it. We discovered I'm a better driver in the city (lol)and he's a better highway driver...long story lol.

It was freezing cold, but so worth it. Oh and the pool on top of the hotel was pretty cool too.






New Year's Eve we spent at Church. We always have a New Years Eve service and gift exchange. We were at church until 3-4am playing "Things" with some friends (awesome game BTW).
(Photo: Courtesy of my iPhone)


The past few months we've been looking to buy a house. We found one we liked a lot, but by the time we were ready to pursue it it was taken. Strike one. No biggie, God obviously has something better in place for us. So we kept looking...and looking. We found another house. It was a fixer-upper, but we were in love with it. It was built in 1843. So much character along with five acres. We thought "this is it, this is our house". It had just been posted and was listed for a very low price, so we knew it was going to go fast if it sat long. We went home and prayed about it. We had a peace about it. We signed the contract and when our Realtor went to submit it he found out that on THAT DAY they accepted a different contract. We were bummed! Strike two! But when we prayed about it we prayed that God would close the door if it wasn't his will, and he closed the door. Well, back to square one. Looking for another house! The next week, on Sunday afternoon we went looking at a few houses I saw listed online. None of them were us..none of them were right. A few days later I discovered one house online that peaked my interest. Tim, our Realtor, showed us the house, Mom and I. Reed had to work. We looked at the house and were pleasantly surprised--it was beautiful inside, but yet was listed for a very low price. Actually, it was listed for the exact same price as the other house we wanted. Once we left that house I quick texted Reed and told him all about it, sending pictures along with it. Right after work he met me at the house to look at it. Tim met us there with a contract because I knew Reed was going to love it. Well we signed a contract again, in high hopes. We submitted it last Tues.  and heard back on Weds. with a counter offer. The next day we sent in our counter offer and then no news on Friday...and then it was the weekend. Of course, we had to wait Saturday and Sunday...then Monday (today) is a holiday. God is really working our patience, which I know I need. Thank you Lord for the trials you give us, I know it's making us stronger.

Anyway, tomorrow we will hear (hopefully) on whether or not they accepted our contract. I was discouraged the whole weekend, thinking that it was going to be just like the other two houses--someone else was going to get it first, then my mom sent me this text "I know it's hard to wait, but I know from experience that the Lord wants you to have that house it will be yours. God doesn't deal in fate or luck. If it goes to someone else he has one even better for you than that one." Man, my mom has SO much wisdom and always has the right words to say. It made me realize this is such a small thing compared to God. He can do ANYTHING he wants, and he knows the desires of my heart better then I do. Also, my sister posted this verse on Facebook this morning that was exactly what I needed. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5.

God can do all things!

I wouldn't mind if you said a little prayer for us though... :)

{Wedding} Josh + Leah: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I'm finally getting around to posting another wedding post from this year's weddings. It's so hard to find the time with the holidays fastly approaching.

Leah + Josh had the perfect day! Perfect weather(especially for August), perfect location for pictures *YIPPE*, perfect dress, perfect decor, and perfect couple. I had photographed Leah's older sister's wedding back in March so it was just like hanging out with friends all day. Just one small perk of being a photographer--you are constantly making new friends. Leah and her family are also Christians. It was beautiful to see the Godly testimony they gave, some during the speech, but mostly just by the way they loved and acted toward one another.

Leah has a very contagious personality. Every time I've been around her she is constantly smiling and laughing. I'm a big fan of smiling and laughing so as you can imagine we bonded :) Josh fits perfect with Leah. Kind of like peanut butter + jelly....yeah, like PB&J(pardon the analogues lol).

Enjoy this small preview of their beautiful August wedding.

{Wedding} Adrian + Elizabeth: Kettering, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Adrian and Elizabeth's wedding was a warm day in July. The church was adored with beautiful stain glass windows. Immaculate church!! Elizabeth was a beautiful bride. She was my only red head bride this year so I'm kinda partial toward her ;) Elizabeth and Adrian are both christian teachers--pretty cool, huh?!

Before the ceremony both families got together and prayed the Lord's blessing on their wedding day and marriage. So important to have the Lord be the center of your marriage. It seems like the Lord continues to send me the best clients. SO thankful!

Their first dance was choreographed by my brother and sister-in-law. They did a great job teaching them and Adrian and Elizabeth did a fantastic job performing it. It was one of the coolest first dances I've ever seen. They also had an antique car for pictures, which I absolutely LOVED. Enjoy this peak into their day.

{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)

{Wedding} Collin + Donna : Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Donna and Collin's special day really was SO special. They are both fun and full of energy. They both share my strong faith in God and it made us kindred spirits. They have been together for 8 years, by each other's side the whole way. They wanted to pray together before the ceremony without actually seeing each other, so when Collin held her hand around the corner he got teared up--it was so precious. They both have a deep respect for each other that I really admire. I pulled this next paragraph off of Donna's Facebook (lol). It just kind of shows you how much she loves her hubby. I thought it was darling:

"2922 days. 70126.5 hours. 4 years of high school. 4 years of college. This is how long I have got to be with Mr. Right : ] haha I am so thankful for a husband who loves me and has loved me for so long! But the thing that I love the most about Collin is that he loves the Lord! He pushes me to be a stronger believer everyday and I am so grateful! And he just keeps lookin' better and better. : ] Here's to 8 years babe! love you!"-Donna Koogler

Aww they are a precious couple. ENJOY!

{Wedding} Denny + Connie: Kentucky Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Yay! I'm posting another wedding to the blog. I've finally had the time to blog some.

Denny and Connie had a beautiful wedding in May, at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. I love shooting at new venues! It was a very warm day, the poor guys were roasting in their tux's, but I didn't hear one complaint. They were real troopers! Connie looked stunning in her lace wedding dress (I love lace...my wedding dress was lace), so I may have been a little bias, none the less she was such a cute bride. She reminded me of a barbie doll all dressed up. I know Denny thought HIS bride looked drop dead gorgeous as well. He simply adores her and she adores him...I adore them both. I love having clients that become friends :) (You guys are awesome!)

I'm pretty sure I lost 3 lbs shooting their wedding--I was a HOT sweaty mess at the end of the day, but it was a awesome adventure. You all know how I love a good adventure ;)

Here's a sneak into their beautiful start to their happily ever after...

{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.