Family Love at Devou Park

Getting a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered parts of people and their lives is why I am a photographer.   It is the only thing I can do to express my emotion, to find balance, and to satisfy my intense need to give.  I see a bit of myself in everyone I photograph.  

These images make me feel good.  They make me smile.  They make me want to grab my son and go outside to enjoy the sunshine on our faces.  Sara and her warrior strength coupled with intense vulnerability, Forest looking at his girls with such adoration and love fills me with hope and pride.  I love this little family and I am thinking about them deeply today.  

With the love we have in our hearts, we can turn this world around. 

Mandy and Landon's Neltner's Farm Wedding

Mandy and Landon were married a few weeks ago at one of my favorite places to work, Neltner's Farm.  It was a hot summer day and everything, especially Mandy's big smile was shining bright.  Mandy and Landon are carefree and fun.  He has a great sense of humor and she loves to laugh.  I can't think of a better way to spend their lives together.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend such a special day with the two of them.

Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Rebecca and Steven at Ault Park

The biggest perk of my job has always been getting a glimpse at the intimate parts of people's relationship.  It is when people trust me enough to open up and show me how they love that my adrenaline starts pumping and I know I will create something authentic.   I encourage a lot of touching and connecting during photo sessions.  Posed pictures are pretty, but the ones that sing to me are the ones that capture the emotion.

I spent a beautiful morning with Rebecca and Steven at one of my favorite parks recently.  I left with a full and happy heart.

Thank you for sharing your love with me you two.  Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Kyleigh and Derek

I have had the extreme pleasure of photographing Kyleigh's family over the past 7 years.  From family photos, to senior photos, to anniversaries, it has been an absolute honor to document so many joyous life moments.  Kyleigh has always been a very driven girl.  Her calm, level headed attitude is a breath of fresh air.  She is living proof that the new generation of adults are respectful and hardworking.  She busted her butt to become a nurse and I have first hand experience, because of a recent sickness in my own family,that she is a good one. (By chance, a dear person to me who is hospitalized right now has been taken care of very well by Kyleigh).

Derek is a perfect fit for Kyleigh.  He is laid back and so sweet.  Whenever he is around Kyleigh he lights up in a way that lets you know their love is the special kind.  Together, they have already bought their dream home far from the city, their peaceful oasis.  I am so excited to watch them grow together as a couple.

Thank you for the amazing day Kyleigh and Derek.  I can't wait to see you again soon.

New Year's Eve Wedding at The Bell Event Centre

I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year than spending it celebrating love.  I am excited to share some of Hannah and Zach's wedding today.  Inspiration hit me to present a wedding entirely in black and white and this wedding was perfect.   I love how it makes things feel timeless and you are really drawn into the emotion in the images. Here are a few of my favorites.  Thank you to Dana Rogers for being an amazing second shooter for this wedding.  Her use of light fit with my editing perfectly.

A Christmas Engagement at home

Laid back and full of laughs, Savannah and Andrew's session with their son Hudson was so much fun for me.  They wanted to celebrate their family and the labor of love they put into rehabbing their home.  It was really cool hanging out with a family so similar to my own.  Hudson is a few months older than my son, so seeing the cuteness I have in store made me really happy.  I am excited I get to spend more time with this family next summer at their wedding.

Hudson had his nap and I got to spend some time with Savannah and Andrew.  I loved how expressive and warm Savannah's personality is.   Her smile was contagious. 

Sisterhood

Celebrating 25 years of friendship, wild and free.   When Sara contacted me about a special shoot she wanted to set up with two of her lifelong friends, I was thrilled.  These ladies represent what togetherness feels like,  they represent what real support is.  They are proof that life is just better with good friends by your side.  In a way I am envious of this kind of bond, I can't imagine how special it must feel to know each other so well.  Thank you for the amazing day, ladies.  I am still buzzing from this shoot with you. <3Before we left for the shoot we spent a little time with Sara's daughter Ryman and her aunts.  These are the kind of images I love for.  Memories to last a lifetime.  

Olivia and Carson's Cincinnati Engagement

Olivia and Carson drove up from Louisville for their engagement session. Olivia is studying architecture so she suggested we meet at the Contemporary Art Center downtown.  The building, designed by Zaha Hadid is a work of art in itself.   We got lucky inside as we stumbled into the Unmuseum where there were two interactive exhibits we spent some time in.  I loved playing with the lights and reflections.  What an inspiring day!  Thank you for the amazing afternoon Olivia and Carson.

After the art center, we headed to one of my favorite parks.  We were lucky to experience some really beautiful light and color.

Mandy and Landon's Autumn Engagement

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year.  The beautiful warm light and bright colors inspire me to no end.  I love when I am able to schedule photo shoots during this time of year.  I would shoot every day if I could.  Mandy and Landon met me at one of my favorite parks for their engagement session.  It was such a pleasure getting to know them while we ran around chasing the sun.  I am really excited about their wedding next year.