Cincinnati Family Portraits

Today I want to share a special session I recently did on a tree farm in Kentucky.  Bonita and her family were my very first post on this blog back in 2010.  I was thrilled when she contacted me to set up another session.   When we were discussing where to go for the session she mentioned her grandfather's farm in Kentucky where Bonita grew up.  Her grandfather just recently passed away and she thought it would be a beautiful tribute to him.  I was thrilled with her idea.  I met her on the farm and ran around with her and her children for a couple of hours.  It was a very special experience.  He children have so much personality and they adore their momma so much.  They loved exploring the place where she grew up.

Katie and Evie's day at the park

Katie is leaving for Afghanistan very soon.  She is going to be away from her daughter Evie for a few months.  We did this photo session just for fun and to give Katie beautiful images of her and Evie together to help her get through these next few months.  I love how sweet and sincere these photos are.

 Please take care of yourself Katie, we'll miss you and make sure to give Evie lots of love while you're away. xx 

Kelly and Justin's Historic Covington Engagement

Last weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out with Kelly and Justin in historic Covington for their very special engagement session.  I had a blast getting to know them.  They are so laid back and cool.  I am so excited for their wedding next year at Moonlite Gardens! I have been dying to do a wedding there. ;)  Thanks for the amazing day Kelly and Justin!  

Natasha and Hank's DIY Kentucky Farm Wedding

You might remember Natasha and Hank from their engagement session I photographed at the Southgate House last year.  I have  been looking forward to their wedding ever since. These two have amazing style.  I fell in love with all of the little details they came up with to make their day unique.  They wanted their wedding to feel relaxed and natural.  Every single aspect of this wedding was do-it-yourself.  Natasha created the bouquets and all of the centerpieces, her sister and other family members made all of the food, a good friend helped build the photo booth wall and all of the signs, guests drank beer out of mason jars and set up tents so the party could go on all night long.  It was casual, creative, and full of so much love.

On the way to the farm we stopped by the Leapin Lizard to get this image of Natasha and Hank in front of their gorgeous stained glass window.  Natasha fell in love with it at Love+Bash last month.

Natasha's mother giving the couple her blessing, so sweet! Natasha and Hank collected decor from local thrift stores to use on the tables.  The plates they used were all vintage finds they plan on donating back to the Goodwill. They bottled their own lemonade for favors.Natasha's sister did an amazing job on the cupcakes and desserts.Are you ready for the quickest ceremony ever...it was four minutes long.   There is that yellow wall that I love to photograph.  It worked so well with the colors of their wedding.

Holga magic.

Another Holga image.  This one is a crazy double exposure collaboration image taken by Hank's little brother Alexander and me.  I love it!

This one was taken with my 35mm film camera.  The film I used was expired in 1997.

Stephanie and Michael Kentucky Engagement

Stephanie and Michael were married on Friday.  Can you believe Stephanie is just as sweet as she is pretty?  This was one of the most loving weddings I have had the pleasure of photographing.  I will have a full wedding post soon. In the meantime enjoy their engagement pictures we took earlier in the week.  Michael, who is in the military,  got into town from Germany just in time to sneak this session in before the wedding.  I am so glad I got a chance to meet him before the big day.  These two will be heading to Germany to start their new life as husband and wife very soon.  How perfect is it that there is a German flag left over from Maifest in the background. :)My favorite!

Love+Bash

Sunday was a proud day for me, I had a smile plastered on my face all day long.   I still cant believe Jen and I did it.  We came up with the idea for Love+Bash 6 months ago and Sunday we made it happen.  We couldn't have done it without the help of some of the most kick ass wedding vendors, hair stylists, make-up artists, stylists, and models in the city.   Our goal was for all of these creative people to showcase their work in a setting where the sky was the limit.  They took it to the moon!  I  am so thankful for all of the amazing people who helped us create such a spectacular event.  Everyone brought it and everyone should feel as proud as I do.  I also want to thank everyone who came.  It was great to meet so many new people and to also see so many of my clients and friends there.  I wasn't able to get very many pictures, I was so busy and my hands were shaking from nerves.  Luckily Andrew Ducker Photography was there to document the day for us.  Thanks Andrew!  Head over to the Love+Bash website to see his pictures.

The floral designers made these fabulous bouquets for the fashion show. Row One by: Inspired Floral Design and Marti's Floral Designs Row Two by: Yellow Canary Row Three by: Inspired Floral Design

The 70's Inspired table designed by Your Wedding by Jen, Inspired Floral Design, and Sweet Cakes, Ltd. Events.Katie of Inspired Floral Design made this dream catcher out of embroidery hoops and hemp string.Jen found these squirrel place card holders at a thrift store.  How perfect! These little guys were the stars of the show.  From the Kitschy table designed by Your Wedding by Jen, Marti's Floral Designs, and Five Dot Design.This was my display.  I brought in my record player and used records for my signage.Sweet Cakes Ltd. EventsLewis&Cruse Jewelry made from your wedding flowers.

Gowns by BeartieMy sister grabbed this picture of all of the vendors.

Margie and Joey Kentucky Wedding Photographer

Margie is a total sweetheart.  She always has a beautiful smile on her face and will greet you with a hug and a sincere compliment.  She and I have been friends for years, every time I am around her it is a good time.  When I first met Joey he greeted me with a warm smile almost as big as Margie's.  He is a real gentleman.  They compliment each other well.  I had a wonderful time with the two of them on their wedding day.

Margie and Joey's ceremony and reception were held at Riverside Garden's in Dayton, Ky.  I love this venue.  It is right on the Ohio River and it is loaded with character and charm.

Margie looked amazing.Ft Thomas Florist did a great job with Margie's flowers. This is one of Joey's nieces.  I like how she and Joey share the same dimples. I love the next two images. :)Their cake is by My Lil' Bakeshop in Maysville.

Family Photos at Devou Park

Ashley and Adam planned a special family photo session with their dogs Missy who is 11 and Kendra who is 9.  We took them to Devou Park, where the fall colors were gorgeous.  There is nothing like crunching through piles of leaves chasing a couple of dogs on a warm sunny day.  I could have stayed there for hours :)  Thank you Ashley and Adam for the fantastic evening.

I think this one is great. I have been obsessed with this kind of lens flare since I watched Pride and Prejudice for the first time a couple of months ago.  It is so beautiful and dramatic.The view of Cincinnati from Devou Park is spectacular! 

Jessica and Ricky Cincinnati Maternity Photographer

Jessica and I first met when we worked together years ago.  I always thought she was such a pretty girl and so, so sweet.  I was so excited when she asked me to come to her parent's beautiful log cabin for a maternity session with her husband, Ricky.  They are adorable together.

Jessica's parents house was kind of a sensory overload.  It is full of gorgeous antiques, my favorite.  Since Jessica also booked a newborn session we thought it would be a great idea to shoot it at grandma's house so we can use some of her amazing furniture.  One more month until baby Zoey is here and we get to have more fun,  I can't wait.

I am very lucky to get such amazing clients who allow me  to experiment and push things creatively.  Thanks so much Jessica and Ricky for allowing to capture this special time in your lives.  See you next month!!!