Lauren and Justin's Cincinnati Wedding

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Lauren and Justin's Fourth of July wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and patriotism.  Justin is in the military and both come from military families, so they decided this would be the perfect day for their wedding.  It was one of those crazy, rainy Saturdays we had last moth, but that didn't stop anyone from smiling and having a great time.  They had a beautiful church ceremony at St. Clare Chapel followed by an intimate reception at Niederman Farm.

Thanks to all of the amazing people who helped make their wedding fantastic. Coordinator: Shannon Wullenweber Food:  Village Pantry Flowers: Holly Schweitzer Cake: Maureen Thie

I always give myself a little pep talk on the way to my weddings.  Just a little something to make sure I am present, focused, and positive when I arrive.  For this wedding I just kept telling myself, don't worry about the rain, get creative with window light.  Ahh the power of positive thinking.  I think this might be my favorite bridal portrait to date, so dramatic. Remember Candice and Chris from their Riverboat wedding I shot a couple of years ago?  Chris is Lauren's brother.  I was so happy to see them again!All of the tables were named after American heroes.One of the coolest things I have ever seen at a wedding.  Lauren lost her grandmother not long ago.  She decided to display her gorgeous vintage wedding dress as an homage to her. Lauren's Dad is one of the most intense, passionate people I have ever met.  He gave an epic speech that had the entire room, including me laughing and crying at the same time. 

Social Media Mini Sessions

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Lately I have had a few people ask me to help them update their social media profile pictures with professional images.  I think this is a wonderful idea.  In the world we live in now, social media is where we go for jobs, dates, and to meet new friends.  Your image is the first thing people see.  Why not have that image be something that makes you feel confident and good about yourself?   These sessions are not only perfect for professionals, but also great for artists, musicians, or anyone who just wants a really good image to freshen up their profile.  Did I mention having a photo session with me is fun?  I love when I am able to make someone feel great.  It's probably the best perk of my job. Here are the details... The mini session fee is $150 for one person.  Included  is a 30 minute photo session on location with me.  I will give you 10 high resolution images in an online gallery for you to download.  You can use these images however you want... for press releases, your business website, dating websites, social media.  You can also purchase prints from your gallery if you want.  Contact me here to set up a session nikita@nikitagross.com.

Here are a few examples of images I have done in the past.  Remember, this shoot is about you and your personality.  Together, we  will create images to suit your needs.  It can be as serious or as fun as you want.

Aelisa and Brandon's Krippendorf Lodge Wedding

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I met Aelisa for the first time about a month before her wedding.  When I asked to tell me about the details of the day, she said she wanted no traditional elements, she didn't even have a dress yet,  I loved her carefree attitude.  All that mattered to her was that she and Brandon were able to celebrate their love with all of their close friends and family.   Their  low key wedding took place at Krippendorf Lodge at the Cincinnati Nature Center.  This is one of my favorite places to shoot.  The lodge is cozy,  the courtyard is gorgeous at night, the staff is outstanding, and I am truly in my element shooting anywhere that involves trees and water. :)  I had a wonderful time at this wedding.   Coincidentally during dinner, I was seated with some of Aelisa's friends who are from Seattle.   I am taking a trip there next month, so I was able to pick their brain a little about things to do.  I appreciate the advice guys!

I loved the cute wood burned coasters they gave as  favors.Courtenay Lambert Florals  brought lots of color to the event with her amazing flowers.  I have never seen roses this big, beautiful.

Megand Ryan's Bell Event Centre Wedding

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Megan and Ryan's wedding at the Bell Event Centre was an elegant affair full of smiles, hugs and amazing red shoes!  The day started out rainy, but that didn't stop them from being happy and optimistic.  It was a real celebration.  Megan and Ryan have known each other their entire lives, their parents are best friends.  Though they grew up together, it wasn't until they were on a family vacation stuck on a cruise ship that they truly fell in love.  I just love their story!

See Megan and Ryan's lake house engagement session here.

Black, white, and red, so classic and elegant. A very touching ceremony at the Bell. There were lots of bird details throughout the space. Cutest cake ever!  

Stephanie and Chris' Backyard Kentucky Wedding

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I had the pleasure of celebrating Stephanie and Chris' wedding with them at a beautiful home in Ft. Thomas a few weeks ago.  Stephanie's best friend's family owns the house.  Stephanie said that since she was a little girl, she dreamed of one day getting married there.  The outdoor ceremony was laid back and intimate.  The setting was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, the food consisted of delicious Southern specialties (my favorite), the guests had a blast, and Stephanie and Chris smiled the entire day.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself, I really do have my dream job.  I am so thankful for people like Stephanie and Chris who allow me to do what I love everyday!

I also want to thank all of the awesome vendors who helped make Stephanie and Chris' day so special.  Elisa from Elegant Events was wonderful to work with and my favorite second shooter/right hand man, Andrew captured some really awesome images!

See Stephanie and Chris' engagement session here.

A very sweet father daughter moment. I am a huge fan of the girls wearing different dresses in the same color. I loved their DIY decor.

Jacqueline and Chip Columbus Park of Roses

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Jacqueline and Chip met through mutual college friends.  At Halloween time they would have a friendly pumpkin carving competition. Jacqueline thought she had Chip beat with an elaborate design she worked very hard on.  Chip decided he not only wanted to win the competition, but also wanted to win Jacqeline's hand in marriage.  He carved "will you marry me?" into his pumpkin.  What a sweetheart!  Needless to say, he won the competition, and later this year his prize will be seeing Jacqueline walk down the aisle to become his wife.  I am so happy they chose me to photograph it. :)  

I met Jacqueline and Chip at one of their favorite parks in Columbus, The Park of Roses for their engagement session..  Whoa!  What a beautiful place.  I was overwhelmed by all of the beautiful color and fragrances.  Apparently the roses hit their peak in August, I will definitely be heading back up there to check it out.

Sometimes I like to pull toys out of my camera bag and experiment.  I love this one.

Caroline and Stephen Rabbit Hash Kentucky

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I met this gorgeous couple along the river in Kentucky at a little town called Rabbit Hash.  Stephen grew up in Boone County so this place has always been part of his life.  It was the perfect spring day.  We met right before sunset and the wind was blowing just right.  Caroline greeted me with the warmest smile.  She is a total sweetheart. I was in heaven taking these photos.  Caroline and Stephen are adorable together.  Caroline is a very modestly beautiful girl.  It was nice hearing Stephen complimenting her throughout the evening.  Caroline was a skater for Disney on Ice so Stephen being the sweet guy he is, took her to Disney World to purpose.  I love it! Thank you so much for this amazing evening you guys!  I cant wait until your wedding in the fall!A couple of polaroids from the shoot.

Cincinnati Author Carol Knuth

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I was thrilled when Author Carol Knuth contacted me to do some head shots for her new book, Rhodes' Home coming out very soon.  I spent a good three hours getting to know her and hearing her story about growing up in foster care.  She is a beautiful soul and a true survivor.  Through her books and volunteer work she is able to be the voice for so many children who are struggling with some of the same obstacles and abuse she faced.  It takes a very strong person to put herself out there so openly.  I admire you Carol.  Thank you for sharing your story with me and for this magical evening.

Rhodes's Home is a follow up to her first book The Garbage Bag Girl which you can find here on Amazon.