Lizzie and James' OTR Wedding

What happens when two of the nicest people you have ever met get married?  It is one amazing party and there isn't a single person there not having fun.  From the minute I spoke with Lizzie's amazing sister Becca, who helped coordinate and design the event,  I knew I would it was going to be a special day.  Lizzie and James are in love.  It is the kind of love that makes you bite your fist, James actually did when her first saw his girl, it was the sweetest.  And from what I learned at their wedding, everyone around them is in love with them.  They both have this rare kindness about them, they put others before themselves.  It felt great to be around something so awesome.   

The ceremony was at Washington Park and the reception was at Woodward Theater.  Thanks to my assistants/photographer/friends, Leeka and Chris for all of your help telling their story.  

Be prepared to see more of these two.  We took lots of Polaroids and recently did another shoot in front of one of my favorite Cincinnati murals.  I will post those next. 

Polaroids at Neltner Farm

I have been bringing Polaroid cameras to weddings over the past 6 years.  I would sneak in a couple of photos to satisfy my need to make art with the couples I photograph.  I love the spontaneity of instant film and the dreaminess adds such a special feeling that is impossible to replicate.   I say it over and over, each photo is a one of a kind piece of art.  

Last year was the first year I decided to offer Polaroids as an option to my wedding packages.  The response has been overwhelming.  Almost every single wedding I have booked since adding the option wants Polaroids at their wedding.  This makes me so happy.  I get to make art while celebrating love.  

I haven't shared an entire collection of wedding images, so I decided to showcase this very special wedding I photographed earlier this year at one of my favorite venues, Neltner Farm.   Some of this film is 17 years old.  I just love it's very unique charm.  These are from 2 shoots.  A week after the wedding we went back to the farm to experiment more.  Mandy and Landon were so patient and grateful.  I appreciate them giving me so much time to create these.

Here is a little iPhone video I made while creating with Mandy.

Mandy and Landon's Neltner's Farm Wedding

Mandy and Landon were married a few weeks ago at one of my favorite places to work, Neltner's Farm.  It was a hot summer day and everything, especially Mandy's big smile was shining bright.  Mandy and Landon are carefree and fun.  He has a great sense of humor and she loves to laugh.  I can't think of a better way to spend their lives together.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend such a special day with the two of them.

Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Rebecca and Steven at Ault Park

The biggest perk of my job has always been getting a glimpse at the intimate parts of people's relationship.  It is when people trust me enough to open up and show me how they love that my adrenaline starts pumping and I know I will create something authentic.   I encourage a lot of touching and connecting during photo sessions.  Posed pictures are pretty, but the ones that sing to me are the ones that capture the emotion.

I spent a beautiful morning with Rebecca and Steven at one of my favorite parks recently.  I left with a full and happy heart.

Thank you for sharing your love with me you two.  Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Kyleigh and Derek

I have had the extreme pleasure of photographing Kyleigh's family over the past 7 years.  From family photos, to senior photos, to anniversaries, it has been an absolute honor to document so many joyous life moments.  Kyleigh has always been a very driven girl.  Her calm, level headed attitude is a breath of fresh air.  She is living proof that the new generation of adults are respectful and hardworking.  She busted her butt to become a nurse and I have first hand experience, because of a recent sickness in my own family,that she is a good one. (By chance, a dear person to me who is hospitalized right now has been taken care of very well by Kyleigh).

Derek is a perfect fit for Kyleigh.  He is laid back and so sweet.  Whenever he is around Kyleigh he lights up in a way that lets you know their love is the special kind.  Together, they have already bought their dream home far from the city, their peaceful oasis.  I am so excited to watch them grow together as a couple.

Thank you for the amazing day Kyleigh and Derek.  I can't wait to see you again soon.

New Year's Eve Wedding at The Bell Event Centre

I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year than spending it celebrating love.  I am excited to share some of Hannah and Zach's wedding today.  Inspiration hit me to present a wedding entirely in black and white and this wedding was perfect.   I love how it makes things feel timeless and you are really drawn into the emotion in the images. Here are a few of my favorites.  Thank you to Dana Rogers for being an amazing second shooter for this wedding.  Her use of light fit with my editing perfectly.

Kat and Andrew's Spring Grove Wedding

It was serendipitous the way Kat and I met.  She was visiting The Lodge, where my studio is to go over details for her wedding reception that was to be held there.  She and her fiancé were planning  a small wedding at Spring Grove Cemetery.  As she talked about the day I was secretly thinking how cool it would be to photograph it.  Since it was only a couple of weeks away, I assumed she already had a photographer.  Fast forward a few days, Kat contacted me to discuss hiring me to photograph her wedding.  She wanted ceremony coverage and creative portraits and gave me creative freedom to do whatever I wanted.  I was thrilled to work with them.  We have been so lucky with the weather this fall, their wedding day was not excluded.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day starting with a wicked Polaroid.

Jennifer and Dan's Ohio Wedding

Dan and Jennifer drove home to Ohio from Colorado with their sweet dog to celebrate their love with their closest friends and family.  The only thing dramatic about the day was the weather.  It started with a sky full of clouds that eventually moved out in time for their sunny ceremony.  Jennifer's big smile and warm personality lit up the room.  What a dream day to photograph! Happiness is contagious, I was floating on cloud nine at this wedding.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the day. 

Pam and Joe's Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Wedding

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is one of the most beautiful wedding locations I have had the pleasure of working at.  You are not only surrounded by art, but the landscaping is also so inspiring for me.  Pam and Joe were wonderful to work with.   They wanted their wedding to be intimate and relaxed, the park was the perfect backdrop for their aesthetic.   It was another one of those days when my job was way too much fun to call it work.

Abby and Jonathan's Ault Park Wedding

 I had the pleasure of spending the day with Abby and Jonathan for their Ault Park wedding.  The dramatic clouds were a gorgeous back drop to their laid back day.  Seeing Abby walk down the steps at the park with her Dad was so dramatic and sweet.   The couple laughed and joked throughout the day, it was nice to be surrounded by such fun people.  I started the day at Abby's mother's home where the view was spectacular. I was really excited to get a chance to shoot a few Impossible Project polaroid images throughout the day.

Courtney And Sam's Josephina Center Wedding

Last week I had the pleasure of traveling about 40 minutes into Kentucky to photograph Courtney and Sam's beautiful wedding at the Josephine Center.  It was a hot day, but that didn't stop us from having a blast.  Courtney blew my mind when she walked out in her off the rack dress that fit her like a glove.  Nothing inspires me more than love, and these two shared it freely with each other and everyone at their wedding.  I am grateful for the opportunity to spend such a special day with these beautiful people.  Thank you Courtney and Sam.

Also, thank you Dana Rogers for being an amazing second shooter for the day. 

Josh and Elizabeth Urban Artifact Northside

This past weekend I got a chance to meet up with an old friend and his new wife to photograph their wedding reception.  Elizabeth and Josh were married in Mexico, they planned a celebration at Urban Artifact.  Since most of their wedding photos were taken on the beach, we decided it would be cool to run around Northside to capture something a little different.  I had such a good time.  It had been a long time since I had a chance to do an urban shoot like this.  This is only my second event of the year after having the baby, so pardon me while I post a ton of my favorites...inspiration was running wild for me this day. 

Kyle and Jimmy The Inn at Oneonta

Kyle and Jimmy had a beautiful wedding at one of my favorite venues. The Inn at Oneonta is a beautiful property along the Ohio River.  The couple wanted a relaxed, easy going wedding where they could enjoy time with their family and friends.  From Kyle's bright blue shoes to the dinosaur cake topper, every single detail was a true representation of their fun loving personalities.  It was my pleasure to spend the day with these two.

Nikki and Dustin's Wedding

Nikki and Dustin's wedding, held on their family's property was one of my favorite.  It was personal, relaxed, full of creativity and love. Every detail was thought of.   I hadn't met the couple before their wedding day, but as soon as I walked into the beautiful bed and breakfast where Nikki was getting ready I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend.  Bikes play a very important role in their relationship, it is something they enjoy together.  Dustin actually proposed to Nikki at a women's bike convention, on stage in front of hundreds of people. How sweet!   Another really special part of the day was the location.  Dustin and his family spent many months building bridges through the woods that led to a romantic spot for the ceremony.  They built seating in the hill for all of their guests.  It was unbelievable.  It's hard to call what I do work when I get to be in nature surrounded by such beautiful people, who are celebrating love.  Thank you Nikki and Dustin.  

Maddie and Mark's Sunset Session

Remember Maddie and Mark from yesterday's post?  I had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous couple once again a few weeks after their wedding.  We decided to to a natural photo session since their wedding was in the city.  I took them to one of my favorite locations in Kentucky.  What a perfect day.

I love when I get a chance to book these kinds of sessions after the wedding.  It is more relaxed than wedding day because we aren't on a time crunch.  It also gives us a chance to get a larger variety of looks and go to multiple locations.  The ultimate bonus is being able to run through a field of wildflowers without worrying about getting dirty.  Brides pay too much for their dresses to only wear them once.  :)  

Maddie and Mark's Bell Event Centre Wedding

If you have attended an event or booked your wedding at The Bell Event Centre, you have probably seen Maddie.  She is one of the smiling faces running around making sure everything is running smoothly.  She is the kind of person who makes everyone she is around feel special.  When she contacted me to photograph her wedding, I was very flattered.  I knew it was going to be a very special day.  Maddie, Mark, and all of their friends and family were so gracious.  It was way too fun to call it work.The Bell Event Centre looked amazing for their reception.  I love the look on their faces when they saw it. CSC Special Events lit up The Bell beautifully. 

Katie and Kevin's B&B Riverboat Wedding

I have so many weddings from last year to share.  I figured since we are covered in snow and freezing cold why not start with a nice summer wedding.   I had the pleasure of spending July 4th with Kevin and Katie on the B&B Riverboat for their laid back, intimate wedding.  The day was a lot of fun.  My favorite part was when Kevin got out his guitar and sang for Katie, I am such a lush for special moments like that.

Before the boat took off along the river, we jumped off for a few minutes to capture some nice portraits.  I really like the one below a lot.

Weddings on Polaroid

I have become utterly obsessed with my Polaroid cameras.  I have about 10 or so varieties and a fridge full of film for them.  Over the past few  years I started taking them everywhere I go, including weddings.  Whenever there is time I will pop one out and try to grab a few shots.  I love the dreaminess and nostalgia of using film. They make wonderful thank you gifts for my clients.

Here is a collection of some of my favorites.  These were shot on Impossible Project and gifted expired Polaroid film.

A Tribute to Love

When I think about my job and the impact it can have on people's lives, I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't think it had meaning.  People trust me with their most intimate moments and feelings.  They trust me to document them and to be apart of their lives, even if it is only for one day.  I cherish my job, and there isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful and don't take the responsibility I have been given seriously.  Sure I like to make beautiful  images, but I know that the real impact in my work is in the moments I am able to capture, the feelings I am able to portray, and the precious memories I am able to give every single person who steps in front of my camera.

I have shared Kristen and Sean's story on my blog when I photographed their engagement photos and wedding.  Sean was diagnosed with brain cancer within 2 months of getting engaged to Kristen.  They fought very hard together to keep the cancer from spreading or getting worse.  For a few months, they were very successful.  They bought a house together, had great careers, and enjoyed their fur baby family.

When I got the email from Kristen letting me know Sean wasn't doing well, that his cancer had worsened and that he was given a small window of time, my heart sank.  It wasn't that I was naive that this could happen, it was that I hoped so much that it wouldn't.  They are young and have fought so damn hard.  Kristen told me that Sean asked her if she had enough pictures of the two of them, how thoughtful of him.  Of course Kristen said no and asked if I would come over to snap some casual photos of them together at home.  I was more than happy to do this for them.

When I got to the house I didn't know what to expect.  I was around 7 months pregnant, and I did not want my emotions to get out of control.  It wasn't like that at all.  Sean looked great.  He needed help getting around, but he still had that beautiful, vibrant spirit I was able to see each time I photographed him.  We joked a lot and he smiled so much.  He looked at Kristen with those same loving eyes I had seen the first time I met him.  It was very touching to witness.

Sean passed away December 8, 2015 at his home surrounded by Kristen's love.  He fought so hard, it was very sad to see the news of his passing.  But, I know he is now at peace, and we have to find comfort in that.  I encourage each of you who is reading this blog to take time everyday to appreciate the love in your life, not because it could be gone tomorrow, but because it is here today.  Live in the moment, let your worries fade.  There is no better time than now to accept love, to give love, and to appreciate the life you are given.  We aren't ever sure how how much or how little time we have with the people who mean so much to us.  What you do with it is up to you.  The impact you make on other people's hearts is your legacy.  We need each other to heal and to grow.  My heart has been so heavy for Kristen.  Today, as she says her final goodbyes to her husband, I hope she is surrounded by peace and is able to someday heal from her loss.  She has handled every day with such strength.  She comforted her husband through sickness and health.  The vows she took were sincere.  I admire her greatly.

This is my favorite picture of Sean from that day.  Look at that spirit in his eyes.  He was a very warm, compassionate person. I am happy to have had the chance to get to know him.  Kristen took time off of work to comfort and take care of Sean.  She slept right beside him every night. Their sweet family.  Sean's best friend Scott was there to help Kristen take care of Sean. He absolutely adored her.  And she took such good care of him. 

Amy and David's Friendship Park Wedding

This year has been a little different for me.  Over half of the clients I have booked, I have not met until wedding day.  They have mostly been referred by friends, and are drawn to my style of shooting via my portfolio.  I always have at least one phone conversation, and many email exchanges before weddings day.  It can be  little scary at first, considering I will be with them all day on their wedding day.  I have not had one bad experience with any of these weddings.  In fact, once I meet up with the girl's and start photographing them, I feel like I have known them forever.  This is exactly how I felt at Amy and David's wedding.  As soon as I arrived to their apartment I was greeted with big smiles and just enough of a southern accent to make me feel at home.  The first thing David said to me when I met him that day was that he was very emotional and was without a doubt going to cry.  I was glad he felt comfortable enough to be so honest and open.

The day was one of those we had last month where the rain was lingering over us, but never really came.  Amy and David's first look was one of the sweetest I have witnessed. Emotions were high and the tears of joy flowed unapologetically.  I was so happy to have witnessed so much love.  The day was super laid back and full of so many laughs.  I was so happy have had such a wonderful experience with these two people.  They got married at Friendship Park along the river in Cincinnati.  It's a beautiful location with so many beautiful spots to take photos.