Ali & Ian | Pinecroft Estate Cincinnati Wedding

They met over a beer and a football game. Ian had agreed to be the wingman for a friend who was interested in Ali. He took his job seriously and stayed on the outskirts of the conversation.

"We were at an Irish Pub in Hyde Park when she walked in," Ian remembered. "I actually remember her entering the premise. This is more of a compliment, but I could tell this girl went to a) Miami University or b) Miami University." [Hahaha, you know I'm laughing at that.] "Needless to say, I thought she was very attractive."

After quite a bit of football talk, Ian's friend realized that he should really be the wingman to Ian, and decided to step aside. (What an awesome friend, right?!) A few months later and Ian and Ali were falling.

"My overall favorite thing about Ian is his ability to bring the best out of people with his friendly, positive personality," Ali said. "People just natural gravitate towards him because of his amazing character."

I couldn't agree more! Ian was friends with my roommates when I lived in Cincinnati, and he was always, always kind and friendly and inclusive. Ali compliments him so perfectly. Together they are a fun-loving, genuine couple that cares so deeply for their family and friends. And they are so loved right back. Just one step into their reception and you could feel the love and energy floating around.

Ian and Ali, thank you for the most wonderful photography experience. You two are gems, and I wish you a hundred years of happiness together.

Just a liiiittle rain on the wedding morning. Enough for some good luck!

How AWESOME is Ali's striped wedding dress? So Miami. ;)

You're going to see a lot of Ali and Ian's dogs in this blog post. They were a HUGE part of the wedding day.

Pinecroft Estate is a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding!

Gorgeous ladies!

I LOVE this photo of the ladies that my assistant, Jeni, captured. I think Ali and Ian can attest to how great Jeni is. :)

Ali and Ian opted for a first look, which was sooo sweet!

Favorite up there on the right! You guys are so happy!

Not just any bride would let her best furry friend lick her wedding day face!

Zeke the ring bearer! :D

And then Ali tossed her bouquet off the balcony and I felt like I was in the Father of the Bride movie (remember that scene?) …

Ceremony and Reception: Pinecroft Estate Caterer: Funky's Florist: English Rose Designs Cake: A Spoon Fulla Sugar Band: The Chuck Taylors Makeup Artist: BRIDEface (Nancy) Hair Stylist: Matt Bradley (Carrie) Bride's Dress: Hayley Paige, Amanda's Hyde Park Bridal Bride's Shoes: Tory Burch Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amanda's Hyde Park Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Honeymoon: St. Lucia!

Amber & Josh | Urban Cincinnati Wedding

Amber knew almost immediately that Josh was the one for her. It happened over Chinese food.

"I remember looking at Josh during our first dinner together at Friendship Chinese and immediately feeling like he was the one for me," she said. "I went home later that night and told my roommates that I really felt  like I could marry him, which shocked all of us as I was never 'that girl,' but I just knew in my gut that he was my one."

Amber and Josh are so kind. Some of the kindest people I've ever met. They're positive and happy. They're genuine, and after just one meeting with them you know that they are interested in you and what you have to say. They love laughing together, and they don't take themselves too seriously. They support each other no matter what. Amber and Josh's Cincinnati wedding was a joyful celebration because of who these two are separately and together.

Congratulations, you guys! Thank you SO much for your hospitality and generosity. I left your wedding with a big smile on my face. :) You two are the real deal.

I loooove photographing weddings in Cincinnati!

Beautiful, Amber!

While I was with the girls, my fabulous second shooter Jeni was with the guys.

Amber and Josh had the sweetest first look ...

Then it was off to Over-the-Rhine for some urban portraits …

LOVE this shot that Jeni captured just above! The benefits of having a second shooter: While she was capturing this, I was capturing the photo above this one.

You two are fun. :)

Amber and Josh signed their ketubah before the ceremony.

Ceremony and Reception: The Madison Event Center Florist: Rosi Wood Bakery: Gigi's Cupcakes DJ: DJ Toad Hair and Makeup: Salon Beck Bride's Dress: Belle Bridal Boutique, Watters Bride's Shoes: Nina Bridesmaids' Dresses: Carrie Karibo Boutique, Social Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo (Chicago) Transportation: Crown Car & Coach

Laura & Matt | Cincinnati Wedding

Laura and Matt's wedding was full of sun, emotion and photobombing. Haha, it's true! I was cracking up culling through these photos because Matt's head would pop up every so often in an otherwise normal photo. The day was the perfect mix of fun and raw moments.

It's kind of fitting that these two got married when they did ... almost exactly two years after they met during March Madness 2011.

"The second time we hung out, UK was playing OSU in the tourney," Laura remembered. "Me being a UK fan and Matt being an OSU fan made it a lot of fun. UK won, obviously!" (Hey! You know I love you, Laura, but I'm with Matt on this one. ;) )

They even incorporated their favorite teams into their vows, which says a lot about 1) their loyalty, 2) their athleticism and 3) their willingness to put their differences aside for each other. These two are going to be juuuust fine! :)

On a personal note ... when I met Laura five years ago while we were both coaching gymnastics, I never would have imagined that I would be photographing her wedding. I've always admired her dedication as a coach and friend to her gymnasts, and her knowledge about the sport. I always knew that I could go to Laura with a question and get a solid answer. I chose to coach gymnastics to stay in the sport, and a big part of the sport, for me, are the friends I've made. Laura is definitely one of those friends, and I am so happy to see her so happy.

Thank you, Laura and Matt, for having me along on your big day! You guys are so great!

They had an absolutely beautiful, albeit chilly, day!

What would brides do without Pinterest these days??

I think we can all agree that this flower girl is the cutest, yes?

Oh hey, Matt! Laura met her soon-to-be husband for a first look at the Covington Riverwalk. They wanted to make sure they had plenty of time with their guests at the reception and so they opted to see each other before the ceremony.

Here's one of those raw moments. So sweet ...

Hahahaha ... See what I mean about the photobombs??

Laura, you're pretty!

Then it was on to the ceremony, where some super cute and miniature FBI agents showed up!

Oh my gosh! Little kids dancing together is hilarious. That little guy looks so freaked out!

Matt's family lost someone really special to them the morning of the wedding. This was a tribute ...

And then a sparkler exit!

I'll end with my favorite!

To see more from Laura and Matt's fun wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony/Reception: Receptions Florist: The Secret Garden Hair: Diane Tempest Ceremony Musician: Lenny Hickey DJ: Mike Rill Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Bride's Jewelry: Paolo Tuxes: Vera Wang Paper Goods: Laura's super talented MOH, Linsey Honeymoon: Cozumel, Mexico!

Laura & Matt | Cincinnati Wedding Sneak Peek

I got to shoot a wedding in Cincinnati this past weekend! Laura and I met while coaching gymnastics ... for different teams. Obviously, I was super honored when she asked me to be her wedding photographer, and it was so good to see familiar faces and places. Laura and Matt were awesome to work with, their families were a riot, and their friends were so welcoming. Here's a sneak peek of their beautiful, sunny day ...