Rebecca and Greg's Downtown Cincinnati Engagement

When I met Rebecca to talk about her wedding we hit it off right away.  I knew I really wanted to be apart of her wedding after just a few minutes of talking to her.  She smiled a lot, and she was very enthusiastic about the details of her wedding.  She is from a small town in Ohio and is heading back there later this year to marry her best friend Greg.

I met Rebecca and Greg downtown Cincinnati for their engagement session.  We hung around one of my favorite spots talking and getting to know each other better.    Greg told me the story of when he knew Rebecca was the one.  They went to college together.  It was Halloween and he wasn't feeling good.  Instead of going out with friends, Rebecca cancelled plans to stay home to take care of him.  He appreciated her giving heart, he said he knew she was the girl he wanted to be with.  They were both cracking up the whole time he told the story.  I am so excited for their wedding later this year, it's going to be such a good time!

Annah and Julian's Cincinnati Engagement

When Annah contacted me about setting up an engagement session I was thrilled to hear her ideas.  She wanted to shoot underwater, something I have only barely dabbled with, but I was excited for the challenge.  Annah said she loved that my work has an artistic flair, and gave me the freedom to do whatever I wanted.   A real dream for me.    I met Annah and Julian at a friend's house early in the day.  Once we got going it was a super exhilarating experience.   I had practiced the day before with a good friend, but was still a little nervous.  During my practice shoot I forgot one key element...goggles.  Once I got those things went a lot more smoothly.   I am very grateful to many friends who let me borrow their cameras for this shoot.  And even more grateful to Annah and Julian for giving me this awesome experience.  It is defiantly something I want to do again.   After our super fun morning we all went home to get ourselves together and met back up at Highfield Discovery Park for part two of their engagement session.  This park is so whimsical and pretty.  The perfect setting for a photo session.  Before I show you their images I want to share a little story about a kindred soul named Bob, who was our contact at the park.   I shared this story on my Facebook page a couple of weeks ago, but I figured it can't hurt to share it again....I noticed Bob's wedding ring was very cool, so I asked him about it. He told us it was created 30 years ago, his wife has the only other version of it. "Of course it's much more dainty" Bob told us. The ring is custom made and inspired by the DNA double helix, the combining of two to become one. It was a great story and he was proud to tell it.

There are so many beautiful people in this world. Bob is defiantly one of them. His passion for nature and science was inspiring. Before we left, he told us more about the park and what they do there. The Discovery Garden is set up to teach children about nature and to remind them that they are part of it. He talked about how we all need to take responsibility for taking care of our home, Earth. He also wanted children to know how important it is for their well being to be out in nature, away from all of the noise that surrounds our lives. See, don't you just love Bob?! If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, you should check this park out for sure.

While we ran around the park I got to get to know Annah and Julian a little better...there isn't a lot of talking when you are underwater, you know?!   Annah and Julian met Salsa dancing.  Their attraction to each other was instant.  Their chemistry together was out of this world.  They were so loving and touched each other a lot, something I adore in a couple.  I love how much comfort they found in each other during our shoot.

Julian is originally from England, so they will be heading over the pond next year for their laid back wedding.  I am sure it will be so much fun!

Kendal and Joe's Pyramid Hill Wedding

Every single thing about Kendal and Joe's wedding was from the heart, personal, and full of love.  They spent many, many months making bird houses, pinwheels, kites, signs, a custom photo booth backdrop, and the most amazing altar I have ever seen.  They wanted their wedding to represent their fun personalities.  I was was bouncing around the park like a kid in a colorful candy store admiring and photographing all of the details.

Kendal and Joe decided to see each other before the wedding so we arranged a first look at the park.  Joe, who is a master of all trades,  was running a little behind because he had to sew a button for one of his groomsmen.  When he arrived at the park I got to witness one of the most special moments of my career so far.  When Kendal walked up to Joe and tapped him on the shoulder it was like an explosion of nerves was released, you could see and feel it.  It was very emotional, I had to fight back tears while shooting.  They found so much comfort in each other.  Their love was radiating.  This is why I always encourage my clients to see each other before the ceremony.  Moments like that are what memories are made of.

Though Kendal and Joe spent a lot of time curating the perfect wedding the one thing, the most important thing I remember about the day was that big, colorful love they share for each other.  Their friends and family were so supportive and happy for them.  It was such a treat to be around.  I have been smiling so much editing these.

Thank you to everyone who made the day even more special for Kendal and Joe.

 Venue: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Event and Floral Design: Marti's Floral Designs Invites, Signs, Programs: Pinwheel Print Shop  Custom Cake Topper: Melting Pot Love Photo Booth: Framster Kendal's Dress:  European Bridal Jewelery: Macy's/Kate Spade Shoes: Seychelles Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie Flowergirl Dress:  Gap Joe's Suit: Egara Guy's Shoes: Vans  Guy's Ties: Original Penguin Handmade Altar, wood signs, birdhouses, decor: DIY by the bride, groom, and family  Guest Book Tree: Bleu de toi Cookies: Cookies by Sue
Cupcakes/Cake: JoJo’s cupcakes DJ: Jonathan Klein Ceremony Musician: Bryan McCartney Save the Dates: Hullaballoo
Wood Cupcake Sign, Chair Covers, Birds of a feather sign, and Fields sign:   Mimi’s Vintage Signs
Caterer: Jeanettes Delicacies Photo Assistant:  Andrew Ducker

P.S.  One of their images is featured on the real weddings section of Huffington Post!  How cool is that?!

Carly and Ryan's lake house wedding Published in Kentucky Bride Magazine

YEAH!!  Carly and Ryan's lake house house wedding is featured in the newest issue of Kentucky Bride Magazine.  Their wedding was so personal and super laid back.  I am happy to see their pictures made it to print.  :)

See more images from their wedding here.

Watching the Baker family grow Cincinnati Photographer

There is something so special about being able to watch love blossom and a family grow.  I had my 6th shoot with the Baker family recently.   I can't believe it has been almost 4 years since the wedding.  They are now a family of three.  Their sweet little boy just turned one.  He has so much personality and looks just like his papa.  I am so grateful to them for trusting me to be the one to document all of the precious moments in their lives.   I am looking forward to may more years of creating photos for them. :)

First comes love...

Cincinnati Boudoir Photography Memorial Day Inspired

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with this beautiful woman the other day.  When we were going through her outfits for the shoot,  her American flag swimsuit caught my eye.  It wasn't until I was editing that I realized Memorial Day was coming up.  Sometimes things just happen perfectly.  Summertime, here we come! Before heading outside, we shot a few in her apartment.  I love how these turned out.  Hannah,  you are so gorgeous. 

Cincinnati Engagement

Ahhh I am so excited to finally be shooting another wedding!  Kendal and Joe are getting married this coming up weekend at Pyramid Hill Scuplture Park and I can't wait to spend the day with them and my camera!

Here are a few more of their engagement pictures we shot a few months ago.   

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.

Josh and Jen's Cincinnati Wedding

I met Josh and Jen last year when I photographed Josh's sister Julie's wedding in Florida.  I had a blast hanging out with them.  What I was drawn to about them was the genuine,  sincere love I could see between the two of them.  They laughed a lot.  They were comfortable being emotional together.   Josh has a job that takes him to new cities and Jen is right there by his side providing love and support.  They are a great team.  I am excited to see them grow together as a family.

Their wedding was held at The Madison Event Centre on a gorgeous Spring day.  It was a very laid back just like the two of them.  There was love and laughter everywhere.  I could't be more thankful to have met such wonderful people and to now call them friends.

Jen told me her shoes were her favorite wedding purchase, I can see why.  So cute!