Caelen's Almost One

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Caelen's Dad, Jhagger (who is named after Mick Jagger, his mom just spelled it different :) ) is Dave's good friend.  Every time he's at our house, I tell him how much I would love to take pictures of his little boy.  Finally just in time for Caelen's first birthday,  we managed to work out a time that worked for everyone. :) I met Caelen, Jhagger, and his girlfriend, Anna at Ault Park for their photo session.  This little boy is too cute for words.  I had a great time chasing him around the park and hanging out with Jhagger and Anna.   Ault Park is always the perfect place to go for a family session because of the diversity and size of the park.  Oh yeah, and because it is gorgeous there, year round!

Jhagger is a giant, really, he's like 6'6.  Little Caelen is following in his dad's footsteps for sure.  At just over 10 months he is already bigger than most kids his age.For those of you thinking about booking a fall or holiday photo session contact me soon through my website or email me here  nikita@nikitagross.com to set up a date.  I still have lots of November dates available, but I am sure they will book up fast. :)

Jessica and Michael Anderson Center Wedding

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I met Jessica for the first time at a coffee shop near my house.  When she walked in right away I knew I wanted to be her wedding photographer.  She is so gorgeous, like super model gorgeous.  We talked for an hour or so and really hit it off.   As she told me all of the details of her day  I got more and more excited.  I just love a DIY bride who sees photography as art and isn't afraid to let her groom wear Chuck Taylor's to the wedding. :)   I also love when my clients become my friends, it makes the wedding so much more personal for me. :)

What I enjoyed most about this wedding was how creative it was.  From the Mexican Coca-Cola to the City BBQ that was served for dinner, Jessica and Michael made their wedding unique by making it personal.  Their sense of style was everywhere.  I am sure a lot of the wedding decorations were recycled as home decor since the reception looked just like a room out of their house.

Thank you Jessica and Michael for inviting me to be your photographer.  Your wedding was so much fun!

We started the day at Jessica and Michael's house where Jessica got ready.Ahhh, the dress, so pretty!Simply stunning.The outdoor ceremony and the reception were held at the Anderson Center in Anderson Township.Marti's Floral Designs did a fantastic job on Jessica's flowers. Since Jessica and Michael opted to have a very special first look before the ceremony, we had plenty of time for pictures at Sawyer Point and Eden Park.   I love all of the red details.  Milk glass vases are always so elegant.The best part of leaving a wedding is being forced to take home cake.  It was too good!

Vendor List

Dress: European Bridal Cake: Patricia's Weddings & Custom Cakes Flowers: Marti's Floral Designs Officiant: John Baird (He was fantastic) Venue: The Anderson Center Linens: www.connieduglinlinen.com Chairs: Camargo Rental DJ: Party Pleasers Catering: City Barbeque Hair: Friend of the Bride-Amy Roll Makeup: Melissa Hays from Mary Kay

Coming up for air

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I want to start this post by thanking everyone for all of the sweet comments and emails.  They really mean a lot to me.  It is amazing how a simple  "I'm thinking about you" note can really lift your spirits. :)

Dave and I have been taking a lot of walks over the past few days.  It is refreshing to get out of the house,  to let loose and to talk.  We talk about Cid, about our life together, about our dreams, our future.   Strangely enough,  I believe this experience has made me a better version of myself.  It has motivated me.  I don't want to waste time on things that don't fulfill my life and make me happy.   I want to spend more time with the people I love and I want  to make those people feel good.  I want to hold Dave's hand a little bit longer,  and stay in bed with him a little bit later.   I am always talking about truly experiencing and appreciating my life.  If I am going appreciate life then I must also respect death.  Death is bitter and it hurts, but it is also forgiving, and it is peaceful.  It is the end of one way of life, but the beginning of another.  I am thankful for all of the wonderful years I had with my dog.  He taught me about love and loyalty, about being enthusiastic and most of all, adaptable.  Yes, there are still going to be some sad days ahead of me.  The happy memories I have out number the sad ones and there have been too many tears on my blog lately.  I am ready to move on and to smile again. :)

Thanks again for all of your support.

These are from one of our recent walks in Ault Park.

Saying Goodbye

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The past few days have been the hardest of my life.  After a very short battle with cancer, I am sad to say my sweet Cid has passed away. He made it out of the surgery and was at home.   He waited until he could say goodbye to all of us then he went to sleep very peacefully.  Cid's death was as perfect as his life.  He was our warrior and going through chemo and living without a leg just was just not his style.  I am sorry, but I just cannot find the words to write on my blog this week.  My heart feels a little empty right now,  I just want to be with Dave and to remember all of the wonderful times we had with Cid.

Oktoberfest MainStrasse Village

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This past weekend was Oktoberfest, a little German festival that hits Covington every September.  Of course I went out exploring with my camera for a little photo journalism.  I strolled through the festival on Friday to take some night shots and again on Sunday afternoon before a shoot so I could indulge in some of the great food.  The theme of the festival is simple..drink more beer, eat more food, and buy more stuff. This is Lemongrass Potpourri from the Potpourri Patch.  Thanks to them my house smells lemony fresh.   This my favorite from Friday night, oh that light! :)Below is my favorite image from Sunday.  A perfect moment captured, YES! You can go here to see pictures from Maifest earlier this year.

Jessica and Craig Cincinnati Wedding Photographer

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Couples always snicker when they tell me they met in a bar.  I think it is great! What better place to meet?   When you go out,  you are all dolled up, you are surrounded by your friends, you are relaxed, you are having fun.  You are you at your best.  And yes, the alcohol does help with nerves and hesitation.  ;)  When you meet the person you are meant to spend your life with I don't think it matters where you are.  The chemistry is there.  You know when it feels right and to deny that because of where it happened would be a tragedy.  Jessica and Craig met in a bar and a couple of years later they met again at the altar.

Jessica is a little shy, having so much attention on her on her wedding day took a little getting used to.  She had a great group of girls around her to keep her calm and relaxed.  Jessica and Craig saw each other for the first time when Jessica's very proud father walked her down the gorgeous aisle of St. John's Church.  It was amazing to witness.  When Craig took Jessica's hand and walked her up the alter I could see all of Jessica's shyness go away, her smile lit up the church.  Craig was her strength.

I had a wonderful time with Jessica, Craig and all of their family and friends, who traveled from 18 states and as far as Amsterdam to witness their love story.  Thanks for sharing in this special day! :)

Jessica and the girls started at Mi Salon in Florence for hair and makeup..

A classic bridal portrait.Jessica's gorgeous flowers were arranged by the Secret Garden.Craig seeing Jessica for the first time.This one is so special.  Dad giving away his only daughter.   St. John's church in Covington is breathtaking. I drive by this church daily, I had no idea all of this color was going on inside.  I love this!Timeless flower girl attire, I love it!Some of Craig's friends from New Jersey and college celebrating the great garter catch this guy just made.