Going off the Grid

When I was applying for jobs my senior year of college, my number one, biggest pet peeve was not hearing back from potential employers. Like at all, ever. Even after interviewing with an organization. Now that I've lived in the real world for a few years, I totally understand that stuff gets lost in the shuffle and responding to every potential, entry-level employee is not super high on the to do list. BUT it made a impression on me, especially because I was applying for communication jobs. I mean, come on. You have to have good communication with your future communication coordinator! So, I vowed that when I finally got my first job, I wouldn't be like that. I would respond lickety-split to each and every person who contacted me. I can't say I'm perfect, but I do get a high from responding to a potential client within minutes of receiving his/her e-mail. Nerd alert for sure. :)

However, at the same time that I love being connected, communicating with people, writing e-mails, posting on social media and crafting blogs, I also love having time away and being disconnected. I think that balance is so important to avoid burnout. As much as I love what I do, it is still work and a break from the computer screen is necessary every once in awhile!

This is all to say that, from here on out, I'll be going off the grid for one week, twice a year to recharge and find new inspiration away from a screen. No e-mailing. No blog stalking. No Facebooking. You get the idea. (I will, however, be continuing my 365 day photo challenge via Instagram, the ONLY technology I'm allowing myself.) And my first technology-free week starts tomorrow! I'm so looking forward to this time solely devoted to spending time with Nathan, reading good books and living in the moment, rather than across the World Wide Web. I'll be back on the grid Tuesday, Sept. 3. Expect a new blog post and e-mail responses bright and early that day!

And because I've been really busy photographing lots of beautiful people, here are some sneak peeks of what I've been working on lately ...

Miami University Engagement

Kelsey and Matt's Miami University engagement session

Cleveland Newborn Photographer

Baby Spencer's newborn session (with now-big brother Connor!)

Cleveland Headlands Beach Engagement

Anna and Clede's sunset, beach engagement session

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Family Photographer

Baby Gabrielle's 6-month session at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cleveland Ohio Public Square Engagement

Melissa and Derek's downtown Cleveland engagement session

Cleveland Headlands Beach Family Photographer

The D family's Headlands Beach session

Price Park North Canton Ohio Engagement

Julie and Emery's North Canton engagement session

 

2014 Wedding Photography Giveaway Finalists!

Just like last year, picking the finalists for this giveaway was hard. I love having the chance to help a couple go easier on their wedding budget, but I struggle so much with the process that gets me from a lot of entries to one winner. I really, really wish I could tell everyone, Yes! I'll shoot your wedding for free! All the couples who took the time to enter are SO deserving and give back to the community in big ways. But, alas, there can only be one winner because I do have to put food on the table. ;) So, without further ado, HERE are the 2014 wedding photography giveaway finalists! You guys make the final decision on who my winner will be, so take a minute to read each entry below and vote. NOTE: Voting will be open until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 and the winner will be announced Friday, July 5. (Click here to review the grand prize.) You may vote once a day per computer.

Katie and Kirk


Kelsey and Matt


Raven and Russell


Rebecca and Kyle

 

Oz-Inspired Styled Shoot

Emerald and Gold Oz Styled Shoot Last month, I was lucky enough to take part in my first styled shoot. I posted the behind-the-scenes photos but was waiting to post the real photos until we (crossing my fingers) got featured. Well ... good news! Borrowed and Bleu has agreed to publish our shoot, and they're being super nice and letting me share a couple photos here since they won't be featuring the shoot until September. So enjoy a few of my favorites, and be sure to check out Borrowed and Bleu the middle of September for the full feature!

A huge virtual hug to all these fantastic people that helped create the scene!

Venue: Glidden House Planner: Heart 2 Heart Occasions Stationary: DG Invites Florals: Fair Rarity Hair and Makeup: Lindsay London Videographer: Attention to Detail Bride's Dress: A Bride's Design Hairpiece: A Bride's Design Groom's Tux: American Commodore

Plus a huge thanks to Kaitlin and Gian for being the most excellent models. :)

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Recent Features!

I'm so thrilled that Elissa and Steve's Virginia mountain wedding is featured on Limn & Lovely TODAY! Theirs was one of the most heartfelt weddings I've ever photographed, and I'm so happy that others can now pull inspiration from their sunny day. I mean, just the dress alone (that Elissa's mom MADE) deserves recognition! Thank you so much to Limn & Lovely for the feature. Check it out here!

Limn and Lovely Feature

Also, a couple months ago, Brittany and Ryan's intimate wedding was featured on ... Intimate Weddings (imagine that)! And by some crazy turn of events, Love and Lavender also featured their wedding. Thank you to both blogs for the features. My clients put their heart and soul into their big days and I so enjoy seeing them get some extra love on the Internet. :)

Intimate Weddings Feature Love and Lavender Feature