365 Day Photo Challenge: September (+ Creative Juices)

Arrived back in the good ol' US of A after a fantastic vacation in St. Lucia * We grew a magical pepper in our garden! * Celebrated our second anniversary with a homemade dinner and dessert * Enjoyed some beautiful weather * Played florist for my friend Sharon's bridal shower ... * ... and then celebrated her soon-to-be marriage! * Visited the lake on a beautiful, windy Sunday * Was reminded why I eat chocolate when my wrappers gave me words of affirmation ;) * Photographed three beautiful September weddings * Had our street's annual block party * Coached some gymnastics at the Y * Obsessed over the return of New Girl * Had my office destroyed by Rosie vs. packaging peanuts * Went on a brewery tour with a wedding party * Started drinking hot drinks again! * Scouted photo locations for an upcoming Gervasi wedding (that place is beautiful!) * Enjoyed hot, fresh donuts (compliments of a donut truck) at a wedding *  Had a major unhealthy eating streak and put chocolate on everything (here Nathan is modeling melted chocolate chips on top of banana bread) * Gave in to Rosie's deli meat cravings 365 Day Photo Challenge

And to make sure I get my music inspiration to you this month, here's October's Creative Juices! I'm slightly obsessed with Lorde's Royals (i.e., I listen to it on repeat while I edit, and yes, I've memorized all the words thankyouverymuch), but I'm beginning to like Team equally as much. Take a listen. Do you have a preference?

Erin & Colin | Massimo Da Milano Ohio City Wedding

The Flats Cleveland Wedding She's the one who wants to take flight. He's the anchor. They complement each other that way. Erin and Colin met in college during freshman move in. It wasn't, however, until Erin tackled Colin in the hallway (yes, that petite girl tackled that 6-foot-something guy) that they started seeing more of each other.

"He is so calm, and I can read him like an open book," Erin said about Colin. "I love the way he smiles at me like I'm the only person in the world. He loves me unconditionally."

It's true that Colin only has eyes for Erin. After watching these two for just a few seconds, you can't help but grin at their sweet relationship. They are 100% enamored with each other.

"We share so much in common, have similar interests and can have conversations that few others can follow along," Colin said about Erin. "She's amazing and makes me happy."

Erin and Colin, what an honor it was to photograph your pure love. I think we can all learn from you guys. Here's to all your many adventures ahead!

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Erin is always smiling! :)

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Girl getting ready time is so much different than guy getting ready time. It absolutely cracks me up!

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And then there was a bagpiper surprise! How cool!

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I loved the unique color scheme!

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Coolest wedding day activity ever: a tour at Great Lakes Brewing Company!

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Come on. These two are so adorable.

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To see more from Erin and Colin's Cleveland wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: St. Patrick's Church Reception: Massimo Da Milano Bakery: Michelangelo's Bakery Florist: Ariel's Enchanted Garden (Eastpointe, Mich.) DJ: Selective Sound Hair Stylists: Jane McTaggart and Missy Karp Bride's Dress: Sophia Tolli Bride's Shoes: RSVP Lula Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Limo: Safe and Reliable Honeymoon: Greece!

October Goals

October Photography Goals October is all about getting caught up! I finish my 2013 wedding season halfway into the month, and the rest of this fall I will be working on getting things wrapped up so I can spend the holidays with my family and start thinking about 2014 (what?!). I am SO looking forward to my October weddings and sessions. I'm thinking lots of beautiful leaves and late afternoon sunshine. Bring it on!

Professional

  1. Finish out my 2013 wedding season on a high note (i.e., shoot my last three weddings the BEST that I can and get them all edited and out the door)!
  2. Finish all album design for 2013 season.
  3. Get halfway caught up on Facebook albums (through July 2013).
  4. Get caught up on vendor discs.
  5. Submit at least three weddings.
  6. Blog every weekday.
  7. Start writing content for my new website. :)

Personal

  1. Read two books (Weird, Their Eyes Were Watching God).
  2. Celebrate Nathan's 30th birthday!! :D
  3. Go for a bike ride in the national park.
  4. Buy a pumpkin.
  5. Plan a weekend in Chicago (visiting the city around the holidays is becoming our thing!)
  6. Continue training for Cincinnati's Turkey Trot (you guys, I'm only up to 1.5 miles! This is going to be painful!)
  7. Do a "spring" (fall?) cleaning in our house.

Sarah & Anthony | Huntington Beach Engagement

Bay Village Huntington Reservation Engagement Session It was a BEAUTIFUL night to spend on the beach. Cleveland really does have some of the most gorgeous scenery, and that includes Lake Erie. I was so glad Sarah and Anthony picked Huntington Beach for their session because it's one of my favorite places to shoot!

These two knew right away that they were going to be together forever. After a chance meeting at a car dealership ... here they are, ready to get married! I just love stories like theirs. One moment could have changed everything, but obviously Sarah and Anthony are meant to be.

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You two are ridiculously good looking.

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Love these shots ...

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Such a perfect hazy Cleveland sunset.

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