Going off the Grid

August 23, 2013

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 ...

Kelsey and Matt's Miami University engagement session

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

Anna and Clede's sunset, beach engagement session

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

Melissa and Derek's downtown Cleveland engagement session

The D family's Headlands Beach session

Julie and Emery's North Canton engagement session

Kathy & Justin | Huntington Reservation Cleveland Engagement

August 19, 2013

After I met with Kathy and Justin for the first time, I felt like they were friends. I love when client meetings go that way. I invest so much into my business and my clients because I really do care about the people I work with. I really, really enjoy getting to know couples over the course of their engagement and keep up with them after their wedding. It's the absolute best part of my job. So, hanging out with Kathy and Justin and their two adorable dogs for an evening was a good time in my book! Enjoy some of my favorites from their Bay Village engagement session.

These are favorites. Kathy has the best smile!

Nice job, Justin. ;)

To see more from Kathy and Justin's nature-y engagement session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Tracey & Joe | Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Engagement

July 30, 2013

I knew I would like Tracey and Joe the minute I received a wedding inquiry from Tracey's dad. I mean, how cool is it that Tracey's dad is helping to scout out wedding vendors?? I think it also says so much about these two that they're willing to accept help and advice from their parents.

Tracey and Joe live in Chicago and are planning their wedding from afar but were able to make it to Cleveland for a PERFECT summer engagement shoot. There was not a cloud in the sky the morning of their session. It was the best excuse to be outside enjoying the day.

I love watching couples interact, and especially couples that have each other's backs no matter what. There is so much respect between these two. You can tell just from observing Tracey and Joe that they would walk through fire for each other. That is the coolest. Plus, they high fived at the end of their session, which is just plain awesome. :)

Love this.

Everyone should know that Joe picked that flower for Tracey. :D

To see more from Tracey and Joe's summery engagement session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Melanie & Matt | Downtown Sandusky Engagement

July 4, 2013

I met Melanie and Matt in downtown Sandusky super early the morning of their engagement session. It was cool and overcast and felt more like early fall than summer. It was one of those mornings where you feel like sitting with a cup of coffee, people watching and reflecting on life. Luckily, I got to Sandusky even earlier that morning and had time to walk around scouting locations. It was really peaceful and much needed in the midst of this busy season.

Melanie and Matt are fun. They're goofballs. And they're adorable together. I'm sure Matt got tired of me telling them how cute they are (guys don't want to be cute, right??). Melanie is the choir director at the local school. Matt is the band director. I love that their story is very boy meets girl. It's a match made in heaven if you ask me!

I can't wait to photograph Melanie and Matt's June wedding and document more of their genuine interaction. Thanks for hanging out and having fun in front of my camera, you two! :)