Collected Retreat 2016 | A Collaborative Shoot at The Piggery at Anna Dean Farm

Collected Retreat is one of my favorite events of the year. I'm lucky enough to have hosts Mallory + Justin as some of my best friends, and they are absolute visionaries when it comes to all things creative, collaborative and fun.

Collected is a whole bunch of awesome creatives and wedding vendors coming together to imagine, design and network. It's crazy inspiring to work alongside people who are SO good at what they do and shoot just for the fun of it.

This year, for the first time, Collected was hosted at The Piggery at Anna Dean Farm and it provided the perfect backdrop for this colorful and textured shoot.

(Shot on Portra 160 | Developed/Scanned by Richard Photo Lab)

Collected 2016 hosted by Mallory + Justin

Vendors
Venue: The Piggery at Anna Dean Farm
Furniture & Styling: Borrow Rentals
Florals: Ashley's Floral
Cake: Hummingbird Bake Shop
Stationery: Baci Designer
Wooden Signs: With Love + Whimsy
Catering: Taproot Catering
Hair & Makeup: Beauty Therapy
Gowns & Accessories: Moon and Back Bridal
Backdrop: ELBOWGREASE design
Mobile Bar: Happy Camper Bar Car
Band: The Scenic Route
Bride & Groom #1: Sydney Bolek & Ross Newbauer
Bride #2: Sophia Termine
Groom #2: Brandon Marlowe

Sierra | Cincinnati Lifestyle Portraits

Let me tell you a little bit about this beauty named Sierra. She and I bonded over our mutual love of gymnastics when I coached her on a team in Cincinnati. There's something special about that sport that just latches on to you and settles in for a good long while, and it creates bonds between people that are unbreakable. I can't explain it, but all you gymnasts out there know what I mean.

I have a lot of vivid and favorite memories of coaching Sierra, but I always come back to an image of this tiny, determined gymnast up on the beam. I'm not sure why I always picture her on the beam—she's probably laughing right now because that's her least favorite event—but there she is in my mind. And I'm spotting her on a back walkover.

Sierra was a part of my life when I was fresh out of college (not that much older than she is now as a senior in high school, ready to leap off into the college world), trying to find my way and figure out how I could balance the mundane aspects of grownup life with all the ideas and dreams I had swirling around in my head. Coaching her and her teammates was therapeutic for me. They were just as excited as I was about gymnastics and they trusted me wholeheartedly. It was such a great place for me to be, and hopefully they have good memories of that team too. :) I'm so indebted to those girls for accepting me as I was, and Sierra has been my biggest cheerleader ever since.

As soon as I started on this photography path, Sierra told me that I was going to take her senior photos. I would laugh, knowing she'd surely forget about it when the time came. But then the time came and sure enough, here came Sierra telling me it was time for her senior photos. That girl is loyal through and through.

I feel like I've got to add my disclaimer now: I'm not actually a senior photographer. It's just never been one of my biggest strengths, even though I love that end-of-high-school stage in life. There's so much possibility and so much excitement. And I knew I had to try my very best to capture that for Sierra, the girl who's followed me through this journey and for whom I'm so grateful.

Sierra is passionate about gymnastics, which I especially love as a coach, but she's got this drive in all aspects of her life. She reminds me of me in some ways, but she's probably way more mature than I was at 17. ;) Hanging out with Sierra during this session was so refreshing. She's interested in lots of stuff, she's a great conversationalist, she laughs easily and doesn't take herself too seriously. My favorite kind of person! Sierra is poised to do great things, and I'm so excited to follow her adventures.

You can do ANYTHING you want, friend. Know that, and know that I'll be cheering you on just as much as you've supported me!

And just for fun, here's an adorable picture of middle-school Sierra and me hanging out in the photobooth at my wedding!

Jessica & Dennis | Lock 3 Akron Anniversary Photos

When Jessica asked if I would do some anniversary photos for her and Dennis, I'm pretty sure my exact thoughts were Ohhhhhhhmygosh!!!! YES, YES! How do I get this lucky?! No really, how? I've said it about a gazillion times, but I really do have the greatest clients. Jessica and Dennis have become friends of mine over the last few years (remember their almost-rained-out outdoor wedding that actually turned out perfectly?) and it's crazy to think that I wouldn't know these two if it wasn't for this little business of mine. I'm immensely thankful every day.

Jessica and Dennis, thank you for being fantastic. Period. :)

Akron's Lock 3 park was such a versatile backdrop for their 1-year anniversary photos. Green grass on one side and an urban backdrop just down the sidewalk!

These two laugh a lot. I love it.

I'll admit, I was a little skeptical about their cake topper tasting good but there were talks of seconds after they finished that first piece. Pumpkin spice for the win!

P.S. You're Beautiful | Akron Ohio Makeup Artist

One of the best things about being a small business owner is getting to know other small business owners. I've met so many cool people in this industry, and Karen Cole of P.S. You're Beautiful definitely qualifies as cool. Not only is Karen an artist with her makeup brushes, she's good at about 968 other things as well. This lady is passionate about her craft and such a breath of fresh air! If you're looking for a wedding makeup artist or just want to get dolled up for a night on the town, definitely give Karen a ring. She'll make you feel beautiful!

Karen does a lot of the makeup for Cleveland Ballet Conservatory dancers (which just so happens to be run by the beautiful Kerry and taught by the lovely Heather. I'm so thankful to have been referred within this circle! These ladies are awesome).

Karen's studio space is so pretty.

And then we headed outdoors for some editorial photos. I am a huge fan of this weathered porch ...

Thanks, Karen! I had so much fun with you!