Katie & Kirk | Kelleys Island Wedding

December 2, 2014

I don't think it's possible to have too much joy at a wedding (the more, the better, right?), but Katie and Kirk had the most joy-filled wedding I've ever had the pleasure of photographing. Looking back at these photos from a few months ago takes me right back to that happy, perfect summer day when these two tied the knot. I love how neither of them holds back with their emotions. It makes for some sweet, sweet photos.

Let me tell you about this couple: As a kid, Katie spent her summers on Kelleys Island. She loves the island life and has happy memories from her Kelleys Island summers. After growing up and attending college, she decided to move to Australia (let me repeat that … she MOVED to Australia!) to be with Kirk, a British guy who had also relocated to the sunny country. Together, they are hilarious (HIL-AR-IOUS!) and so kind-hearted and FUN. Katie and Kirk's friends and family traveled from all across the world--and that is no joke!--to celebrate with them in Kelleys Island … a place that means so much to Katie and her family.

Katie and Kirk, Nathan and I were truly honored to capture your special day on camera. Thanks for keeping us laughing every minute and making us feel right at home. Much love to you guys!

There is so much love in Katie's family!

You are the absolute cutest, Katie! You were a beautiful, laid back, effortless bride!

Also … Katie and Kirk shared the sweetest first look ...

Like I said … lots of laughter. :)

And now, let me take a minute to tell you about Kirk's groomsmen. They were the funniest, most inappropriate British guys I've ever met. Every last one of them. They basically had me crying from laughter the whole day.

And then Katie gave her groom a guitar. #bestweddinggiftever

Katie's sweet dad decorated their house in flags from every country represented at their wedding. SO cool, right?

Kirk and his mom did the best mother/son dance ever. Again, I was weeping from laughter. Weeping!

And then we capped off one heck of a wedding with sunset portraits on Lake Erie ...

Ceremony: Kelleys Island Venture Resort Reception: Kelleys Island Town Hall Caterer: Mesenburg Florist: Patti Fresh DJ: Rock and Roll Express Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka Guy's Suits: Zara Honeymoon: St. Lucia + Jamaica!

December Goals

December 1, 2014

(Canvas by Lindsay Letters)

It's the mooooost wonderful time of the year! I LOVE Christmastime (just ask my parents how Christmas crazed I was as a kid), so December is always exciting for me. This month will be my least busy work month this entire year, and I have lots of plans to relax, catch up with family and friends, and spread Christmas cheer. :)

Read four books (I'm not going to make my 25 in 12 goal, but I HAVE read more this year, which was my ultimate goal!): The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner, Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, Stitches by Anne Lamott
Mail our personal Christmas cards
Decide on and BOOK a little winter getaway for 2015
Spend quality time with family and friends (lots of fun things on the December calendar!)
Take 10 days off from work and social media (except maybe the occasional Instagram and blog post) at the end of the month
Update my address book (whoohoo! Ha …)
Blog four times a week (I LOVE blogging and am so sad I've gotten so behind the last part of this year. There will be lots of goodness coming your way soon!)
Finish my client Christmas gift project (that I'm really excited about and will be sharing soon!)

That's it! A pretty simple and relaxing December. What's you must do Christmas tradition this month?

Megan & Steve | Indigo Lake Engagement

November 20, 2014

Megan and Steve were the very first 2015 couple I booked. I remember meeting them in my little office and thinking, "I can't believe how on the ball they are. 2015 is so far away!" And now here we are … just a month and a half from next year!

I'm so looking forward to working with all my sweet 2015 couples, and Megan and Steve are just that. They're both so kind, a little reserved with huge smiles and hearts. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to photograph these awesome couples. I feel so, so lucky.

I can't wait for May, you two! :)

5.15.15! How's that for an awesome anniversary date??

Edinburgh, Scotland | Travel

November 5, 2014

Oh, hey! Look at this! One more set of photos from our UK adventure. Don't mind if I do. :)

We spent the second half of our trip in Edinburgh, Scotland. Actually … we stayed with our friends Lindsey, Alex and Miss Evie outside the city, but we traveled in a few times despite the foggy and misty weather. Edinburgh was soooo different than the small towns we visited in Ireland (here and here). First of all, it's a HUGE city and just so gorgeous and regal! I loved the contrast. That and trying to figure out how to do a Scottish accent vs. an Irish one. (Still haven't figured it out. I'm terrible at accents.)

I would love, love, love to go back to Edinburgh one day. I felt so classy and elegant walking amidst the old stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Even though I was wearing tennis shoes the whole time.

Right after we landed at the airport, Lindsey and Alex took us to Queensferry, which is just about the cutest town I've ever seen.

Nathan and I toured the castle. It was a little pricey, but really cool.

Hey, Evie! You're cute!

Ironically enough, we were in Scotland during the independence vote. It was pretty unreal to see all the banners and news crews and passionate people at the Parliament Building. Just looking around the city, it seemed the vote would be a "Yes." There were "Yes" campaigners everywhere!