November Goals

November 3, 2014

Sweet, sweet November. How good to see you! No matter how much I plan, October always seems to be way crazy, but now all of a sudden here I am on the other side! November is the month of my last weddings of the year, the start to my slow season, family, friends, good food, another Turkey Trot, lots of time to read good books ... I can't wait to get it all started!

And my BIG goal this month is to savor every piece of it. If I learned anything from October, it's that I tend to ignore everything else around me when I have a lot of work on my plate. I wish I could be one of those people who can separate each piece of their lives, but I let work take over and can't focus or enjoy anything else until I get it all done. Ugh, gross, right? I'll be working on this over the next year.

I'd love to hear about your goals + plans for November! Also, any tips on how you savor the little things in life while balancing a full work/family load are much appreciated!

Read four books (25 in 12): The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan, Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and Boundaries by Henry Cloud
Run 3/week to continue training for the Turkey Trot ... and then RUN IT!
Order our Christmas cards
Start Christmas shopping
Make a new dish for Thanksgiving dinner
Put together a little something something for my fantastic clients ;)
Finalize all wedding editing and album design
Finish submitting weddings for publication

Katie & Mason | Rockefeller's Cleveland Heights Wedding on Film

October 24, 2014

Katie and Mason are college sweethearts and really, really cool people. They're patient, kind to everyone, and appreciate quirky, artsy details. At my very first meeting with Katie and Mason, we talked about film photography and I knew I had to start shooting film before I photographed their wedding. When people understand what inspires you and why, you better believe that they will inspire you. I had so much fun pulling out my Mamiya at this awesome wedding because I knew Katie and Mason would appreciate it.

From Katie about Mason: "I feel safe with him. He pushes me to do things I wouldn't normally do. He is usually funny (wink!). I like art and he's good at it."

From Mason about Katie: "She inspires me to enjoy everything around me in a way that I could never do on my own."

See? Really cool people. Katie and Mason, I love how thoughtful you two are. I appreciate your sense of style and attention to detail. I like that you're reserved but aren't afraid to laugh at yourselves. I'm so grateful you two picked me as your wedding photographer, and I'll remember your day for a long, long time. The best to you guys and your future!

Katie wore an altered version of her mom's wedding dress. Not only was it a sweet personal touch, the dress look stunning on Katie!

Katie, I want to be you when I grow up. You're so classy and elegant!

The Alcazar Hotel in Cleveland Heights was the perfect backdrop for this artsy couple's ceremony.

These film portraits make me swoon. Thank you for appreciating the aesthetic of film as much as I do, you guys!

Then it was off to Rockefeller's Restaurant in Cleveland Heights for their untraditional reception!

Katie and Mason opted to have an informal reception full of dancing when you felt like it, talking and laughing with the people they loved most, and the most delicious spread of food ready for the taking. There were no assigned seats and no rules! I loved it!

And then we headed outside to catch the last light from that beautiful day.

Ceremony: Alcazar Hotel Reception: Rockefeller's Restaurant Florist: Countryside Florist Band: Hot Djang Makeup and Hair: Ladies and Gentlemen Salon Bride's Dress: Mother's dress, updated by Miranda's Vintage Bridal Bride's shoes: Michael Kors Honeymoon: Paris and Nice, France!

P.S. You're Beautiful | Akron Ohio Makeup Artist

October 21, 2014

One of the best things about being a small business owner is getting to know other small business owners. I've met so many cool people in this industry, and Karen Cole of P.S. You're Beautiful definitely qualifies as cool. Not only is Karen an artist with her makeup brushes, she's good at about 968 other things as well. This lady is passionate about her craft and such a breath of fresh air! If you're looking for a wedding makeup artist or just want to get dolled up for a night on the town, definitely give Karen a ring. She'll make you feel beautiful!

Karen does a lot of the makeup for Cleveland Ballet Conservatory dancers (which just so happens to be run by the beautiful Kerry and taught by the lovely Heather. I'm so thankful to have been referred within this circle! These ladies are awesome).

Karen's studio space is so pretty.

And then we headed outdoors for some editorial photos. I am a huge fan of this weathered porch ...

Thanks, Karen! I had so much fun with you!

The Johnson Family | Bathgate Scotland Film Lifestyle Photos

October 14, 2014

I've talked about our friends Lindsey and Alex a lot on this blog. They are some of the best people I know, and I can't wait until we live on the same continent again! The main reason Nathan and I visited Scotland last month was to spend some time with the Johnson family and see what their life is like in the outskirts of Edinburgh. As awesome as Skype is, it just doesn't paint the whole picture, you know? Plus, I wanted to hang out with my buddy Evie some more. :)

I have lots more photos of our time in Scotland coming soon, but I wanted to share my very first ALL film lifestyle session with this adorable family. Evie's resemblance to a doll makes these photos that much more precious. She's the sweetest little lady!

Looking at this photo makes me smile. It makes me smile real big.