Jaclyn & Nicholas | 1920s-Inspired Canton, Ohio Wedding

Jaclyn and Nicholas have infectious personalities. You just always want to be around them. They're kind, they can laugh at themselves and they are so selfless. Case in point, Jaclyn was volunteering for the Salvation Army when they met.

It was high school, and Nicholas was a carry-out at the local grocery store. Jaclyn was ringing the Salvation Army bell on a freezing, cold day and Nicholas brought her hot chocolate on his break. See? Always thinking about others.

"Nicholas constantly puts my need above his own," Jaclyn said. "It humbles me and challenges me to be better."

This wedding day was one of my favorites, not just because of the fun style and details, but because Jaclyn and Nicholas' love for each other and the Lord shone brightest of all. Their respect for each other is inspiring, and their love for their family and friends is evident.

Thank you two, from the bottom of my heart, for including me in your special day. I know it was a long time coming, and I feel so humbled to have been asked to capture such an important time in your lives. I'm so lucky to be able to call you guys friends.

Jaclyn and Nicholas wanted to do a little something different with their day, so they went with a "Roaring 1920s!" theme. Everything was absolutely perfect!

Nicholas got all of his groomsmen pocket watches!

I loved the bridesmaids' flapper look!

Off to get married!

Love that one up there on the left that Emily caught! Stained glass is gorgeous.

Such a fun bridal party!

OK, that door is perfect! :)

Jaclyn. Come on. You are so pretty!

Hoover Hall is such a unique reception location ...

And then we made time for a few sunset photos. My favorite. :)

That's a favorite up there. The light was perfect!

Haha, oh you guys. They were super excited about their Hawaiian honeymoon. :D And who could blame them??

To see more from Jaclyn and Nicholas' roaring-1920s wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: Trinity Lutheran Reception: Hoover Hall Hair Stylist: Emily Pallotta (Studio One 11) Makeup Artist: Andi Wheatley DJ: Beach Boyz Videographer: Openview Cinema Cake: Lana Watts Paper Goods: Invitations by Dawn Bride's Dress: Milly Bridesmaids' Dresses: Target Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Honeymoon: Hawaii!

Oz-Inspired 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. :)

2014 Wedding Photography Giveaway!

Ohhh, this might possibly be my favorite post of the whole entire year. Today is the day I announce my annual wedding photography giveaway! :)

The long and short of it: I was inspired by my mentor, Amanda Donaho, who started giving away a wedding photography package (read: for free!) each year on her birthday. How awesomely generous is that?? When I started my business, I realized I could do the same thing. Weddings are expensive, people. That fact is not lost on me, even as someone who works in the industry. Sometimes we get caught up in the details and all the number crunching and forget that a wedding is really about two people coming together in marriage.

Last year, I decided to follow Amanda's example and help a couple go a little easier on their budget and hopefully focus that attention on their upcoming nuptials. Sarah and Steven walked away with the prize, and their wedding will be held this October. I'm excited to document it! :)

So, without further ado ...

I'm giving away a 2014 wedding photography package! No strings attached.

Here’s what you need to know:

• No purchase necessary.
• The giveaway includes eight hours of wedding day coverage; one photographer; a DVD of high-resolution, edited images (color and black and white) with rights to print; and an online gallery to share with family and friends (a $2,100 value). You can take it as is or add a la carte items to this base package to create the coverage you want.
• You can nominate you and your fiancé(e) or a deserving couple (couple must be engaged and have a 2014 wedding date set).
• I repeat, this giveaway is for a 2014 wedding (I am already booked for some 2014 weddings; if your date doesn’t work with my schedule, I will let you know as soon as I receive your entry. NOTE: I do not have any June 2014 availability).
• I will travel! Literally anywhere (Travel fees [airfare/car and hotel] will apply to weddings outside of greater Cleveland and greater Cincinnati).
• Please consider your contractual obligations with another photographer before entering (those nominating: please verify this with couple).
• Current LBP couples are not eligible.

Here’s how you apply:

• E-mail me (subject: “Wedding Giveaway” to lane@lanebaldwinphotography.com) with the following information:
  • Names.
  • Wedding date, location and venues.
  • Contact information.
  • A paragraph about why you think receiving this giveaway would be fabulous/how it would help you.
  • A paragraph about how you (or the couple if you're nominating) give back.
  • A couple sentences about the theme/style of the wedding.
  • A photo of the couple.
• Like my Facebook page and share this post (if you don’t have Facebook, let me know in your e-mail). Please make sure to tag "Lane Baldwin Photography" in your shared post. :)

Submissions will be accepted for one week, until Friday, June 28, at midnight. On Monday, July 1, I will post the three finalists (chosen by yours truly based on availability, need and wedding style) and open up voting to YOU to decide the winning couple. The runners-up will receive 10% off their package price if they choose to book.

Ready? GO!

Taja & Husain | Cleveland Wedding

They say that opposites attract, and in Taja and Husain's case it's so true. Husain is a jokester, he's a ham in front of the camera and he's not shy. Taja is sweet and more reserved and very, very organized. Together, they bring out the best in each other, and it's no wonder their family and friends were cheering them on all day. These two have so many people that love them, including their adorable daughter, Maleah, and it was so fun to see them all in one place surrounding Taja and Husain on their big day. And let me tell you what ... these people know how to have a good time. Nathan and I were smiling all day. :)

Taja and Husain, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to document your wedding day. I hope I get to see your little family again soon! 

I started the day with the girls who got all prettied up ...

... while Nathan hung out with the guys who enjoyed pizza and champagne.

These guys loved pictures, which was amazing for us!

Taja's walk down the aisle was so sweet. While she got ready that morning she talked about how ready she was to marry Husain and I think it all became real while walking arm in arm with her dad.

That one up there on the left is a favorite. :)

You are beautiful, Taja!

And you're so dapper, Husain.

Taja's friends made the cake balls, and they were SO DELISH.

So much entertainment at the reception! :)

And so much dancing! This little guy videotaped the whole (and I mean whole) day until the dancing started. Then he was tearing it up on the dance floor the rest of the night. :D

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

Ceremony/Reception: Cleveland Airport Marriott Bride's Dress: Kleinfeld Bride's Shoes: Nina