Laura & Matt | Cincinnati Wedding

April 4, 2013

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!

Elissa & Steve | Rustic Lexington, Virginia Wedding Sneak Peek

April 2, 2013

Ohhh, you guys. I don't even know where to start with this one. I mentioned yesterday that Nathan and I traveled to Lexington, Va., to shoot Elissa and Steve's wedding over the weekend. Elissa and Steve entered my giveaway last year. Alas, they came in second but they still booked me, and I have been looking forward to this wedding ever since! Elissa and Steve are fabulous, and their families made us feel so welcome, like just another part of the family! I have never been so impressed with a group of people before! They are all so kind, generous, intelligent and talented. I wish we lived closer so we could see them all the time. :)

I'm counting down the days until I can show you this entire wedding, but here's a little peek in the meantime.

Laura & Matt | Cincinnati Wedding Sneak Peek

March 25, 2013

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 ...

Brittany & Ryan | Anthropologie-Inspired Cleveland Wedding

March 21, 2013

Brittany is one of the kindest people I know. For real. She was one of the first photographers I really got to know in Cleveland, and I was so grateful to her for responding to my message and saying she was up for getting coffee! She is just so, so sweet and after all that I heard about Ryan, I was really excited to meet him! I have to say, he fits Brittany perfectly—very warm and friendly and understanding of two photographers who were ready to take lots of pictures. :)

A few months ago, these two decided they were ready to get married. They planned a small, intimate ceremony along the edge of the Metropark in Bay Village. The Fuller House is one of my favorite spots for a Cleveland wedding (remember Elizabeth and Kevin's?), so even though it was FREEZING outside, I was excited to shoot there again.

I must say, this wedding is proof that you don't need to spend a million dollars and two years planning the perfect celebration. I love that Brittany and Ryan kept it 100% focused on the marriage and what it means for them ... that is really, after all, the most important part of a wedding. And this was one of the most sincere and heartfelt weddings I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

It was truly an honor to be asked to photograph your wedding, you two. Thank you for reminding me that a wedding is not about collecting stuff; it's about the vows and the promise and the bond. You guys are so great. I can't wait to hang out as married couples. :)

Brittany and Ryan had a small family get together at their house before their ceremony. Brittany is definitely an artist. Look at that presentation! :)