Melanie & Matt | Sandusky Ohio Wedding

Melanie and Matt met in middle school, but not as wide-eyed 7th or 8th graders … as teachers! Matt was the band director at the school and was asked to help out with choir, which was Melanie's area of expertise.

"During those classes there were many glances back and forth with many accompanying smiles," they said.

Not long after, Melanie and Matt became official and leaned on each other through thick and thin.

"I realized Matt was the one when my father passed away and Matt was there for me the entire time," Melanie said of the hardest time in her life. "The support and love he showed me made me realize I wanted him around for all the important things in my life."

Melanie and Matt made it really official when they tied the knot in Sandusky a few weeks ago. They had a beautiful day, which isn't really surprising because these two radiate joy. It's so evident that Melanie and Matt have a really good, really respectful relationship. They make each other laugh … all the time! They have fun together … no matter what they're doing. And they're really supportive of one another.

Melanie and Matt … thank you for including me in your day. I'm pretty sure my smile was plastered to my face the whole night! :) Enjoy Disney and continue having FUN in life together!

The "J" in Melanie's bracelet up there is for her dad, who was beautifully remembered throughout the day.

I love first looks! Of course Melanie and Matt had an adorable one.

They made time for sunset portraits, which was great because it was such a beautiful evening! And I got to try out a new film (Kodak Portra 800)!

Ceremony: First Congregational Church Reception: Castaway Bay Florist: Corso's, Lisa Johnson Cake: Tonya's Cakes DJ: DNA Entertainment Hair and Makeup: Studio 1 Bride's Dress: Alfred Angelo, Bride's World Bride's Shoes: TOMS Bridesmaids Dresses: Bride's World Tuxes: Tux World Popcorn Bar: Campbell's Sweets Factory Honeymoon: Walt Disney World!

Shannon & Joe | Indiana Countryside Wedding

It started at a Reds game. As the story goes, Shannon and Joe were more into each other than the baseball game, but for good reason, right? :) They both say they knew right away that they would get married, and their gut was obviously right.

"Joe is my favorite person to hang out with, he makes me laugh, we never run out of conversation, and he's cute," Shannon said.

Joe is the self-proclaimed softie of the relationship, and it was so adorable watching the two of them from behind my camera all day. Shannon and Joe got married on THE most beautiful summer day, and Nathan and I were so honored to travel to Batesville, Ind., for the occasion. (Fun fact: Nathan and Shannon went to high school together!)

Enjoy the exciting years ahead, you guys. Thanks for making us laugh all day and treating us so well! You guys are the best!

Joe's father has passed away, but Shannon and Joe make sure he was remembered all day. His restored truck sat on Shannon's parent's property all day and was used for a lot of the portraits (see below!)

So sweet! I love first looks. :)

I also love film. Shannon and Joe, you guys are good-looking people!

Ceremony: Gladys Russell Wildlife Refuge Videographer: Thomas Essick Florist: Daffadillys Bakery: Tiers and Cheers Caterer: Donna Schebler DJ: Music n Motion Bride's Dress: Stella York, Splendid Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: Allure, Splendid Bridal Honeymoon: Jamaica!

Anna & Clede | Ukrainian Cleveland Union Club Wedding

Anna and Clede might be the most perfect match (Anna says Clede is her "true life partner"). It always fascinates me how people meet, but in New York City, surrounded by tons and tons of people, Anna and Clede found each other. That is amazing for sure, and so worthy of the unique wedding day celebration they had a few weeks ago.

Anna's family is Ukrainian and the whole day was a reflection of culture and love. So many of their friends and family traveled from all over the world to be in Cleveland celebrating these two. After witnessing an impromptu round of toasts on the party bus, I can say FOR SURE that Anna and Clede are surrounded by really fantastic people.

These two and their family and friends are fun-loving, energetic and contagious. Anna and Clede are world travelers, go-getters and extremely confident in what they want out of life. Clede said that he knew Anna could be the one the very first day he met her. The very first day! How's that for knowing what you want?

"Anna is caring and compassionate about me," he said. "She is beautiful, thoughtful and has a great sense of humor. She reciprocates my love for her with great tenderness. She has a strong will and vision to lead our love and life in the right direction."

Anna and Clede, thank you so very much for asking me to share in your special day. I learned a lot from observing you two for just one day, and I can only imagine what fun you're going to have in the years ahead. Keep making each other laugh. :) 

Ceremony: St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Reception: Union Club Event Planning: Jennifer Alexa Videographer: Anthony Codispoti, Blue Tie Cinema Florist: Forest Woods DJ: Brian McDonald Makeup Artist: Shannon Michael Salon Hair Stylist: Crystal Bonura Bride's Dress: James Clifford, Pat Catan's Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung Groom's Tux: Hugo Boss Transportation: A-1 Mr. Limo Honeymoon: Hawaii!

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!