I am always thankful for love

in

Love is my inspiration, and love is my muse.    Love lets me lead and knows when I need to follow.  Love gives me the confidence to be me, a better me than I was yesterday.  I trust love with my heart and all of my dreams.   Love encourages me to push myself farther than I ever thought possible, love encourages me to think.  Love is my smile, when it is most sincere.  Love is all of my senses dancing together at once.  Touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, and hearing.  Love  is an overwhelming emotion that takes over my entire existence, a connection with another person that feels like magic.   The way it happens, the feelings you get, it's a gift.  When it finds you, you won't want to let go.

To me, he is love.

Together I know we can do anything, because we believe in love and we believe in each other.

iPhone Thursday and I am having a show!

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Yes, I know I have posted this picture of Arnold's before.  I just felt it was very fitting for this week's iPhone post because it is where I am having a show Saturday night at 7.  I am part of a really fun photography group that has group shows once a month.  This month it is my turn and I would love for you to come!  It is always a great time, lots of drinking and mingling,  and there will be tons of great art for sale.    For those of you that are not familiar with Arnold's, it is Cincinnati's oldest tavern.  When I was in college we used to go there to unwind after every test, it was always a wonderful, laid back atmosphere, and the food is outstanding.  Check out their website here.

I hope to see you there!!

*The address is 210 East 8th Street Cincinnati, Oh.  There is plenty of parking across the street at the public lot.  The show will be upstairs.

Brooch Bouqets, I Dig them!

in

I was first introduced to the brooch bouquet by one of my future bride's, Emily.  WOW!  What a great idea.  They are so beautiful and unique.  No more asking yourself what to do with your bouquet once the wedding is over.   This a piece of art you can keep in your house.  You can incorporate your something new,  something old, something borrowed , and something blue all in your bouquet by getting all of the women in the family to contribute a piece.  Why not make it an heirloom that gets passed down for generations?  If you plan it out early enough just think of all of the fun flea market adventures you can have in search of the perfect pieces. :)

Here are a few examples I found on the web.

These are by Fantasy Floral Designs. Photography credit:Alice Hu.

You find this bouquet here.

It is also very pretty to use both the brooches and a few flowers.

I  found a very good DIY tutorial on making your own brooch bouquet over at FantsyPantsWeddings.

Jen and Paul Cincinnati Wedding Photographer

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If you follow my blog you might remember Jen and Paul from their engagement session I photographed earlier this year.  I absolutely adore these two.   I am a big fan of physical affection, especially in pictures.  The more kissing and touching the better for me.   I did not have to direct Jen and Paul at all during their portraits together. They are so into each other.  Their  affection is sincere.  When Paul gently caressed Jen's cheek and Jen looked passionately into Paul's eyes, you could see their love.  Jen was crying and Paul instinctively wiped away her tears, at that moment you could feel their love.   It was a real treat to be around two people who are so passionate about each other.  Thank you Jen and Paul for allowing me to capture all of these special moments for you!  Your wedding was magical. :)

We started the day at the Cincinnati Netherland Plaza where Jen and her girl's got ready.  Just look at these shoes, they are to die for.  I love, love, love when brides wear colorful shoes.  Jen custom made hers on Nina's website.

Apparently I have a thing for feet.  I take pictures of feet all of the time.  I don’t know where it comes from, but I think I am ready to admit it is an obsession. ;)I really like this picture.  When I first walked into Jen's hotel room I asked her how she was doing and she immediately broke down crying.  I think it was finally starting to hit her that she was getting married.  It was amazing to see her tears turn to utter excitement once she put her dress on.  The ceremony and reception were both held at The Redmoor, a swanky Art Deco event space in Mt. Lookout square.  Paul made this awesome movie poster that they used as their guest book.  So cool! I love when bridesmaids wear different dresses, especially when the dresses are this cute! 

Vendors

A Little Taste of Heaven

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Vintage style wedding dresses are so hot right now.  The ruffles, the lace, I just love how feminine and sweet they are.   Here are a couple I found on Wedding Inspirasi designed by  Temperlay London.  You can definitely see the vintage influences.   I found these gorgeous, vintage dresses on Etsy and A Vintage Wedding, most are well under $500.

Below is my Favorite!

Friendship Park and a pretty bride

in

Jessica, beautiful, beautiful, Jessica.  Thank you for rocking out another photo shoot with me. :)

I photographed Jessica's wedding a couple of months ago.  I asked her to get back into her dress for an informal bridal shoot, no pressure, just fun.  We met at an awesome park along the river called Friendship Park.  The park is full of some of my favorite things, gorgeous plants and art.  A perfect backdrop for sweet pictures.

Here are a few of my favorites.