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

WOW! What a beautiful beautiful day Eric and Ashley's wedding was. It was kind of gloomy in the sky but gloom was far from Eric and Ashley's faces and all those that were there. We started off at Ashley's parents house while the girls got ready and it was just a sweet, fun, and carefree atmosphere. Ashley is such a natural beauty inside and out. The way she treated her friends, putting them before herself, even on her wedding day, making sure they were taken care of. A genuine friend. 

Eric and Ashley as a couple makes me feel all mushy inside (in a non-creepy way, I promise), they are just too cute together. You'll understand when you see the pictures, so I will let them speak for themselves. 

The reception was at the beautiful Schuster Center and let me tell you it didn't disappoint. One of my favorite reception sites to date. It was a vibrant and a fun filled reception that is definitely going down in the record books.

Engagement // Sarah + Michael: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Michael + Sarah

Just when we thought Michael would never get married Sarah Denise came waltzing into his life. Michael was a goner from there on out. Sarah has his heart and he is a love struck puppy now ;) Congrats guys, and I can't wait to photograph the wedding. 

Matt + Kahle // Wedding: Westerville, Ohio

Kahle + Matt

I think the biggest thing that stuck out to me about Kahle + Matt's relationship was how serious they took marriage. They knew "once married"  "always married". They didn't rush into their marriage. They took it slow. They seeked God's will for years and years and years on what His will was for "them".  They discovered what real love was. It wasn't just a feeling to them, it was an action. It was waiting til the other was ready to say "I do", giving space, not rushing marriage because they were willing to do what was best for each other regardless of their own wants + the act of giving each other to the other person in a whole. So many wonderful characteristics their relationship/marriage holds. It was built on a rock not sinking sand. 

I don't think I've seen a guy so in love with his bride. Matt's face as Kahle walked down the aisle was truly priceless. Kahle in return knew how blessed she was to be marrying Matt and calling him her husband forever. It is so so refreshing to see God-honouring couples unite in marriage and having one goal - bringing glory and honor to God. 

I'm so blessed to have been a small part of their love. 

Jenna + Kyle // Wedding: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Jenna + Kyle decided on forever. And forever started with "I Do".

When I first met Jenna & Kyle I knew their wedding day was going to be very personal and thoughtful. They wanted to get married somewhere that mean't something to them as a couple. They decided on having it on her uncle's property. They worked and worked and worked to get the property ready for their big day. They cleared fields, cut down trees, mowed grass and weeds down etc., It was finally ready for their day. The man that married them was Kyle's old baseball coach who got ordained just so he could marry them. The log cabin they got ready in was beautiful and had pictures hanging up everywhere, of families, of couples, of children - moments froze in time. Reminds me why being a photographer is so important. 

Kyle + Jenna are so much fun. I just adore them. They tease each other and are sarcastic. Yet they love each other beyond words can say. I'm truly blessed to be a part of this amazing day in history. 

"I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours." -The Notebook

Missy + Brian // Wedding: Columbus, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Missy + Brian

It was a beautiful morning in September when Reed and I headed up to Columbus to shoot Missy and Brian's wedding. We were super stoked about this wedding because I knew it was going to be, well, it was going to be nothing short of amazing.  Missy is very particular and she knows what she wants and I knew her wedding was going to turn out perfect. It was exactly that - perfect! Her friends, family, her hair + makeup, jewelry, venues, colors, SHOES, how the centerpieces were all from the Wineries they've been to together, and the trolley we rode around in all over downtown Columbus.....I could go on all day, it was all just perfect. Even her pendant gifts to her bridesmaids finished their look precisely right. The "getting married under a gigantic oak tree" was a nice perk too ;) Normally I just let the pictures speak for themselves I couldn't help but brag on Missy's wedding planning skills a little bit. 

Them as a couple is even more perfect though. They are just, ya know, "right" together.  They light up each others lives like no one else. They are a team. The best dance partners ;) Adventurers and each others biggest supporters. 

I adore them. They are just so great. Enjoy a sneak into their preshhh precious day :)

//  I have died everyday waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more //  

Christina Perri

Kelli + Michael

So in love. So happy. So content with each other. 

Kelli and Michael's wedding was one of the 4 weddings I had within a weeks time and though it was a lot of working it is so rewarding to be able to capture days like this one was. Just all the little thoughts and emotions that go into every detail. Kelli reminded me of myself on my wedding day - happy + ready to give her heart to her guy. Planning a wedding isn't for babies that's for sure ;) so when the day does finally come it's like a breath of fresh air to be able to see it all come together into the wedding day you always imagined and I know Kelli felt that way. 

Kelli's brother walked her down the aisle because their Dad had passed away. I'm close with my brothers and my Dad and it was sweet to see her brother being there for her and being her rock. Also, the car you will see later on in the post is the car her Dad bought before he passed away. They had it restored and drove away in it in honor of her Dad.  

It was a lovely-incredible day to be a part of!

Engagement // Allie + Andy: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Allie + Andy

("Allie + Andy" doesn't that just sound so right together?! I think YES.)

As you can probably see I had a ball photographing these' two as they were waaaay to cute together. They were constantly laughing at each other and with each other (haha). Their serious face lasted about 1.2 seconds (haha). My favorite favorite favorite kind of people. Why be serious when you are in love and so so happy, right?! They remind me of Pooh and Piglet (not in their looks of course, because, come on, look at them--beautiful+handsome as can be) but in their friendship. In the fact that they are best buds. I know that may sounds childish (but kids are cool right?).  I love when I see that character in my couples. Along with a love for the Lord and a wanting to serve him....you can't beat that combination. Ohh yeah, and the fact that they are madddddlllyyy in love is just a topper for the cake ;) Enjoy this little collection happiness. 

Jason + Hannah // Wedding: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Hannah + Jason

They are farmers. They are country people. They bale hay. They know how to work. They know how to work hard. They knew what they wanted and they found it in each other. Hannah and Jason's wedding was a perfect mix of country life + "pretty in pink".  They already have a family and wouldn't have had it any other way. They are each other's dream come too, for real. 

Hannah is so upbeat and vibrant. Jason is honest and genuine-kind person.

Two peas in a pod they are! 

Wedding // Garrett + Sara: Westerville, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Sara + Garrett

   

    Incredible. 

We pulled into Sara's parents house where the girls were getting ready. There was wedding decorations outside the house to get everyone into wedding mode.  As we walked in we hear girls giggling, the smell of hair spray, and many smiling faces greeting us. Sara was so so giddy, like I've never seen any bride be. She was full of vibrant life and excitement. She kept saying "I get to married Garret today!!"  *with a squeal* over and over. With her Starbucks cup in hand, that said "Bride",  she was getting ready to be Garrett's bride forever. As she got her dress on everyone had to hold back tears of joy because...

"SARA WAS GETTING MARRIED TO GARRETT TODAY!"

We headed off to do the First Look.  Sara waiting in the car. We took Garrett back to the spot where he would see his bride for the first time. Sara headed down the path to see her Groom. She took off his blind fold and the look on both of their faces was priceless pure joy is the only way I can describe it. I believe that is truly what God intended for Husband and Wife to find in each other. 

The ceremony was God-honoring, emotional and overflowing with tears of laughter and joy. Even though they got rained out and had to move the ceremony to the Barn, Sara and Garrett didn't let it put a damper on their day or their mood--high spirits the entire day. Oh, and the bridal party was fantastic helpers, seriously, the best I've seen. 

Garrett + Sara and are like two peas in a pod. I know that's kinda corny but they are. They just match. They rhyme well. Mesh perfectly. They are each other's God-send. 

Oh and yes, every detail of this wedding was particular and unique.  Sara you had an amazingly-beautiful wedding. Check out their first dance too--incredible.

Wedding // Justin + Erin: Anna, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Justin + Erin

Being loved by someone gives you strength, 
while loving someone 
deeply gives you courage.
 -Lao Tzu 

It is neat to see the different couples God sends my way. Erin was home schooled and from a large family just like me. I think it made us kindred Spirits (as Anne of Green Gables would say).  She also reminded me of Anne of Green Gables in her looks. She isn't talkative and dramatic like Anne, but she is quiet, caring and very sweet. The whole day she kept asking us if we were doing ok and if we needed anything (even though it was HER wedding day). Selfless. 


Justin & Erin compliment each other so perfectly.  They love each other deeply and are confident in what they have together, the kind of confidants that last forever. They are best friends and know how to laugh and have fun together (even on their wedding day they were carefree and just really really enjoyed each other. They didn't rush things--they soaked it all in).  
I don't think I've ever seen so much family at one wedding. I could see how loved and how important they are to so many people. 

(Ohhhh yes, and they square danced!).

Engagement // Taylor + Scott: Hueston Woods Wedding & Portrait Photographer

"My heart is, and always will be, yours." – Sense and Sensibility

Wedding // Nathan + Jennifer: Greenville, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Nathan + Jennifer are married!

We were surrounded by cornfields, big red barns and lots of family for the wedding. The day started out rainy, but turned into a BEAUTIFUL day with a beautiful sunset at the end. I knew a lot of the guest that attended the wedding and had actually photographed a few of them, so it was a special wedding for me. Not just because of familiarity, but because Nathan & Jennifer had both been waiting a long time for each other. They didn't know they would marry each other, but God knew and they waited on God to show them who that perfect one for them would be. Waiting is hard. Waiting is worth it though, as they 2nd ;)

The ceremony was very special and honest. He told them how marriage will not always be fun and a fairytale, but you still have to stick with it because its so worth it in the long run. Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

 Nathan + Jennifer are a family now and it has been wonderful being able to capture their love together. Oh, and the reception was magical. There was a full moon, with icily lights, combine with fireworks and one in love couple *sigh* so perfect.

Wedding // Kristin + Kyle: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

My summer has been SO very busy with weddings + sessions and getting them all on the blog is a challenge, but I'm getting there slowly. Thanks for the patience!

Kristin and Kyle had a perfectly lovely wedding on June 1st. June 1st was a VERY popular date this year. I must have had 6 brides ask about that date, but Kristin got to it first. It was a joyful + happy day. It was moderate temperature for June and a little overcast, but the rain stayed away just long enough for the portraits after (makes you thankful you have connections to the weather man aka: God). Kristin and Kyle's ceremony was the cutest - it was short, sweet and very traditional. They even had wedding bells rung right after they were pronounced husband and wife. The kind of ceremony you see in a old fashioned movie. A lot of her details were vintage/old fashioned. Her dress had laced embossed in it, I'm a sucker for lace...it's the best. Kristin was absolutely stunning, as you will see, and Kyle looked pretty good too ;) Gosh, my weddings this year just keep getting better and better. It was my pleasure to photograph your wedding Kristin + Kyle. I wish you an endless amount of happy years together (remember I photograph babies too, your kids will SO cute). 

Ohhh, be sure to check out the cake photos. It's not your typical cake cutting ;)

Wedding // A.J. + Milissa: Cincinnati, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth.”

― William W. Purkey

Baby // Eleanor: Middletown, Ohio Portrait Photography

I've photographed this little family for the past couples years and it gets sweet and sweet every time. It started when Amanda was pregnant with Adeline, then newborn pictures of Adeline, which you can view here, and Adeline's one year pictures here. Now I get to photograph the newest member of the O'banion family, baby Eleanor. Thanks for letting me capture your precious steps of life for your sweet little family. 

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!  ~Albert Einstein

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!

Wedding // Allison + Wade

"In true love, there is no mountain too high to climb. No river too wide to cross. And most of all in true love there is no ends." -Unknown

Wedding // Sarah + Aaron: Mansfield, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Sarah + Aaron....they love God with all their heart and they love each other with all their heart. The wedding day was the first time I had actually met Sarah and Aaron, due to travel distance, she welcomed me with a hug and a beautiful smile...she was SO excited because she was about to marry the love of her life, Aaron. All her bridesmaids were silly and giddy with her in sharing her excitement. 

This was truly going to be an unforgettable day!

As people crowd into the church, every seat was filled. So many friends and family came to share in this unforgettable day. Surely these' two individuals were very loved.  As Sarah walked down the aisle tears started to swell in her eyes, and the same with Aaron, those moments are some of my favorite of the entire day...It's hard to explain how much love and joy is behind those tear-filled eyes. The ceremony was genuine and heartfelt. It showed forth the love and faith they have in God--not ashamed to share it with everyone there, in hopes they'd all receive Jesus as they did. 

Once I started portraits with Aaron & Sarah I saw the teamwork and gentleness and silliness and sincerity and pure joy they have with each other (gosh, I'm so SO lucky to get to know such wonderful-in love people). 

The whole day was simply perfect. For real.

"When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far, no one can ever tear them apart." -Unknown

Wedding // Amedee + Doug: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer WPAFB

 Amedee is a professional opera singer for Des Moines Metro Opera, and Doug went to Seminary to become a Pastor. They both attended Wheaton College in Illinois where they met. The first time Doug saw Amedee he said she was the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Amedee in return was very attracted to Doug.  Amedee was part of the opera performance at the school and they had posters posted around the campus. Doug had taken one of the posters and put it in his doom because it had Amedee's picture on it. He constantly reminded himself that he could never get her because she was too beautiful. Little did he know Amedee was dying for him to ask her out. Doug's friends all told him that Amedee liked him, but he refused to believe a women this beautiful would be interested in him. Finally, Amedee decided to ask him out herself, Doug was in shock but agreed whole heartily.....and the rest is history.

Amedee and Doug's wedding was far from ordinary.  Amedee had brides men (her closes friends and brother), and Doug had a grooms women (his sister) along with his grooms men. At the end of the ceremony Amedee had planned a Opera song to sing along with a couple of her Opera friends in the crowd. They broke out into song right after they were pronounced "Husband and Wife" (so cool). Yes, and Doug has dreads...and did I mention Amedee sings Opera?! Like I said a very un-ordinarily wedding in so many awesome ways. (Oh and a cool side note--Amedee's father is a three star general for the Air force and they had the first four star female general (in Military history) at the wedding).

They make the cutest couple! Both are fun and easy going. Doug's madly in love with her and to him he's got the most beautiful women he's ever seen and Amedee adores her Douggie. So privileged to be a part of this wedding and document their love.

{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!!