August Goals

July was fantastic, you guys. I think maybe that's why I'm a bit late with this post … I'm in denial that July is over! :) I rarely get time off in the middle of the summer because there are so many beautiful weddings happening that I want to photograph! However, after recently experiencing five weeks off from weddings in the middle of my busiest season, I realized how valuable it is to get caught up, recharge and gear up for the second half of wedding season. I also feel like I've gotten to experience summer this year, which is such a nice feeling since we don't get to enjoy this beautiful weather all year round. This is most definitely going to become a tradition for Lane Baldwin Photography!

And now I'm ready to work hard and play hard this last full month of summer. (But really, doesn't it seem like it was just February?) What's left on your summer bucket list? Anything special or unique that you're super excited about?

August Goals

• Read In the Unlikely Event and Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
• Start Savor
• Do screen-free evenings at least once a week with Nathan
• Make a homemade pie
• Soak up time at the pool
• Photograph four lovely weddings and edit two of them by September
• Get caught up on vendor galleries
• Film a special little anniversary project with Lisa of SayKimchi Media

Annie & Drew | East 4th Cleveland Engagement

Between knowing some of the same people, going to the same college and sharing TV guilty pleasures, I've decided that Annie and Drew are my new best friends. Whether they've decided the same thing is beside the point. Ha!

Drew is quick to make Annie laugh, which is my favorite thing ever. They're super down-to-earth and even have a choreographed dance routine that they debuted for my camera. Annie and Drew are gracious, classy and so much fun. To say I'm excited for their wedding next year is a gigantic understatement.

Annie, I adore this photo of you. Gorgeous!

And we'll end with this one because … Miami!

Alex & Travis | Hillcrest Orchards Wedding

Alex and Travis got married on an overcast spring day on Alex's family's apple orchard. The cloudy sky made the greens of the orchard pop and the light just right for their outdoor wedding ceremony. I was smitten with everything, including the lovely couple, from start to finish.

These two are so caring and patient with each other. They're incredibly selfless and really, really good at living in the moment, which is something so admirable in one person, let alone a couple! Alex and Travis love their family and friends fiercely and worked so hard to include everyone in their big day.

I have SO many favorite moments from their wedding day:

• Alex's excited calm (is that an oxymoron? Regardless, it's true!) from the moment I arrived. She was just ready to be married. :)
• My tour of the orchard from Alex's dad. That pretty much sums up these families. They were so attentive to me and everyone else when they could have been doing 957 other things!
• Travis' cousin helping him get ready in the yard. :) I will ask you to do photos outside at every opportunity.
• The bridesmaids putting on Alex's veil outside. Hilarious, but successful!
• Alex's niece who hammed it up as a cute, little flower girl.
• The incredibly touching ceremony, complete with a beautiful vocal by Travis' cousin.
• And the rain that held off for said ceremony. The sun broke through the clouds just as Alex and Travis were being pronounced husband and wife.
• The beautiful and colorful spread of hors d'oeuvres and dinner lovingly created by Alex's brother-in-law. It was some of the most delicious wedding food I've ever tasted!
• The emotional father-daughter dance.

Ceremony and Reception: Hillcrest Orchards Florist: Life in Bloom Cake: Wendy Kromer Confections Caterer: Kevin McGuire DJ: A Bride's DJ Hair and Makeup: Aveda Salon, Oberlin Bride's Dress: Blue by Enzoani, Wendy's Bridal Honeymoon: Kauai, Hawaii!

Baby Cecilia | Newborn

Remember these three kiddos? Well, they now have a baby sister! Cecilia was the most laid back baby I've ever photographed. She let everyone pick her up, kiss her, jostle her, talk to her, all without opening an eye. She already knows it's best to just go with the flow. :) Enjoy this cuteness!

Adelaide is very excited to have a baby sister (AND a baby cousin)!