Jessica & Dennis | Canton Ohio Outdoor Wedding Sneak Peek

October 8, 2013

It was a double wedding weekend over here, and while that's usually completely daunting, I photographed two fantastic couples that I've been able to really get to know over the course of the year. This weekend really just felt like hanging out with friends. And THAT'S why I do this job. :) First up is Jessica and Dennis! What a sweet, emotion-filled wedding this was! My favorite thing about this couple is how they perfectly complement each other. Jessica is the first one to laugh at herself. She's goofy and bubbly and really fun to be around. Dennis is her rock. He's poised and successful and fiercely loyal. Enjoy some of my favorites from their rainy-and-sunny-and-then-rainy-and-then-muggy day (the weather seriously couldn't make up it's mind!). Have a fabulous honeymoon, you two!

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

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:

Jessica & Collin | Portage Country Club Wedding

July 2, 2013

Jessica and Collin met over racks of Cleveland Indians shirts and Chief Wahoo bobble heads. They were just out of college and working in the Indians' merchandise department, which I personally think is a fantastic way to meet. :) After a couple outings with co-workers, they went out just the two of them. The rest, as they say, is history.

"After six years, Collin truly feels like a partner to me and [I know] that we can take on any challenge or celebration and it be that much better because we are facing it together," Jessica said.

The big challenge for these two has most likely been getting past the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry (only half kidding). Collin is the most devoted OSU grad you'll ever meet, and even though Jessica grew up a Michigan fan, he's pulled her over to the scarlet and gray. I'm pretty sure that compromise equates a successful marriage. :)

Jessica and Collin, thank you so much for trusting me to document your day the way you envisioned it. I wish you guys years and years and years of happiness!