Christina and Brandon's Fall Cincinnati Wedding

This is my last wedding of the year and it is another beautiful one!  Christina and Brandon were married at The Bell Event Centre.  It was a gorgeous fall day full of lots of color and sunshine.  Christina looked stunning in her dress from Kotsovos.  These two currently live in Chicago, but are originally from the Cincinnati area.  Friends and family came from all over the country to help celebrate their love.  It was a classy night filled with tons of fun, I was happy to be part of it!

I started the day at Christina's parents house, where the girls got ready.  As soon as I saw this window I knew I had to use it for a dramatic bridal portrait.

So pretty!  Christina's makeup is by Brideface and Jen Nally styled her hair.   We had to include a little bit of Cincinnati into their pictures. The guys looked sharp in their gray suits and paisley print ties. I love the way the color of the girl's dresses popped with the fall colors. The beautiful Bell.

Sarah and Karen's Bell Event Centre Wedding

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was.  Lovers don't finally meet somewhere, they're in each other all along." - Rumi

It all started with a date and a kiss.  They went out for coffee and and then for drinks.  While standing in the bar Sarah leaned over and kissed Karen and for the first time, Karen felt free.  She felt free to be herself, to love without worry.  She saw the strength she was searching for in Sarah and she was in love.  Their love story is so inspiring to me.  I knew the second I met them that I wanted to be part of it.

Sarah and Karen committed themselves to each other on a beautiful fall day at the gorgeous Bell Event Centre.  They were surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family.  It was a glorious night full of laughter and love.  These two women have the kindest hearts.  Karen is a chaplain at a local hospital and Sarah works for a non-profit.  They are a perfect balance for each other.  Sarah has a carefree spirit and loves to go with the flow, while Karen is very organized and needs order to feel comfortable.  Together I know they are going to do wonderful things in this world.  They have already touched my heart so deep with their kind words and loving spirit.  The quote above was printed on the last page of their programs and I think it sums things up just perfectly. Thank you Sarah and Karen, for not only choosing me to photograph your wedding, but for being my friend, and helping me show the world that as Sarah says, love is love, it has no boundaries.  I wish you two a lifetime of happiness together.

Sarah and Karen made their commitment official in New York, where they got engaged.

Rachel Lisa did a fantastic job on both Sarah and Karen's makeup.  She even came to the ceremony and touched them up for the reception.Karen went from a chaplain to a princess in a matter of minutes. Beautiful.Karen wore Toms wedges while Sarah wore her cowgirl boots.Seeing each other for the first time.The next two crack me up.  Sarah's relative Kevin Brunsman did a wonderful job on the flowers.  When choosing bouquets Karen said she wanted tightly wound...and Sarah wanted loose and wild.  So fitting for their personalities! ;)  You cant see it in this image, but there is a mushroom hiding in that bouquet! The programs were handmade by Sarah, each one was unique. Going over their vows right before the ceremony.Since a marriage certificate in Ohio was not possible, they made their own.  All of the guests signed it.  I love it!The Bell Event Centre, amazing!  Thank you to my awesome assistant Andrew for capturing these. Sarah is also a bee keeper.  For favors they gave honey jars with "meant to bee" printed on them.  Such a cute touch.I always get super excited when I find out I get to eat BonBonerie cake! :)

I won! Raw Artist Cincinnati Photographer of the Year

I am so excited to announce that on Thursday I was named Raw Artist's Cincinnati Photographer of the year!  Raw Artists is a nationwide,  independent art organization for artists by artists. Their mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.  I was asked to participate in one of their monthly  shows back in July.  It was a ton of fun.  At the end of their show season they held an online contest and people had to vote for their favorite Raw Artist to represent their city in the national contest.  I was chosen as one of the four finalists.  Thursday was the semi final round where I was judged by the audience and a panel of three local judges.  I was only allowed to display 5 pieces.  I choose to show some pieces from this body of work.  My good friend Marti, of Marti's Floral Designs helped me create an awesome display for my work.  I was so proud to see it all come together.  I hope to have some pictures to post to my Facebook Page soon.  I was a nervous wreck that night... One of my favorite sayings about art is that it is not a competitive sport, but man I wanted to win. :)  At around midnight after all of the voting they announced the winners from each category and I couldn't believe it when they announced my name!  YAY!!!  So the next step is the national awards.  My online portfolio will be judged and the winner will be announced later this year...fingers are crossed!

I want to thank everyone who came out and supported me that night.  You made me feel so special.  This has been a crazy emotional year for me, so I also want to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me and encouraging me to keep fighting for my dreams.  I love you all so much!! xx

Lindsay and David's Kentucky Wedding

I shot this super fun wedding at the Leapin Lizard in Covington last month.  Lindsay and David were a blast to be around.  Peacock feathers, jewel tones, an eclectic venue, a bride who sings beautifully, and a whole lot of love are what made this wedding so special.  I am thrilled they chose me to photograph it.

Venue: Leaping Lizard Wedding Coordinator:  Your Wedding by Jen Band:  The Chuck Taylors Bouquets: Marti's Floral Designs

Lindsay wore her late grandmother's ring.  So pretty.Stunning!  I loved her dress.Marti's Floral Design made the bouquets.  I like that she  added a twist on the brooch bouquet with the fabric flowers. Our transportation...a party on wheels.  So much fun!Lindsay's sister sang a song to the couple during the ceremony.  Highlight of my night seeing Lindsay sing.  She has a beautiful voice.  She and her sister are in a band called Tempted Souls.

Published In Kentucky Bride Magazine

I am so excited to announce that  Courtney and Drew's circus themed wedding is published in the new fall issue of Kentucky Bride Magazine.  This magazine is gorgeous and we got 4 pages!  WOW!!  Thanks to Courtney, Drew, and of the amazing vendors involved in making this wedding so unique and fun.

See lots more images and a full vendor list here.  

Carly and Ryan's Boathouse Engagement

I took a beautiful drive up to Jamestown, Ohio for Carly and Ryan's engagement session.  They are getting married next year here at Carly's family vacation house.  The house sits on a gorgeous lake.  After a warm greeting by Carly and her family,  I was given a tour of the ceremony/reception location.  Talk about being giddy with excitement.  I love backyard weddings that are comfortable, laid back, and full of personal touches.  It was so nice getting to know Carly and Ryan and hearing all about their love story.  They were so sweet together, laughing and joking the entire time I was shooting.

I drove home with a huge smile plastered on my face, attitudes are contagious and being around love makes me happy.  I cant wait until their wedding!  This is Carly and Ryan's sweet daughter.  

Kelly and Justin's Moonlight Gardens Wedding

I was really excited to shoot Kelly and Justin's wedding at Moonlight Gardens.  They are such a fun, loving couple who were wonderful to work with.  I love how sweet they are together and how excited they were to utilize some of the rides at Coney Island for their pictures.  It was one of the hottest days of the year, but that didn't stop us from having a blast at their wedding.  Thanks for including me in your special day Kelly and Justin, it was an honor to photograph your wedding!!

Caroline and Rhett Cincinnati Wedding Photography

  I photographed Caroline's sister, Stephanie's wedding last year and totally fell in love with her family.  I have honestly never worked with a more caring group of people.  I was so excited when I found out I would get to hang out with them again at Caroline and Rhett's wedding.  Caroline is absolutely gorgeous, both inside and out.  It wasn't hard to take her picture because all she did all day was smile (unless I was forcing her to give me a serious look).  She and Rhett live in Tennessee.  They had family from all over the country come to Cincinnati to help them celebrate their love.  What a party!  Caroline and Rhett, thank you so much for the opportunity to spend such a wonderful day with your friends and family.  It's a little bittersweet knowing there are no more sisters in the family for me to photograph.  :) I will miss you guys!!Ft. Thomas Florist blew me away once again with their creativity.  I adore the cotton ball inspired boutonnieres.Pineapple wedding shoes, yes!!

Rhett is known for his bow ties.  I love that a lot of the guests at the wedding wore them. Love this one of Rhett's sister and grandfather cutting loose on the dance floor. :)Sisters. 

Laura and Eric Krippendorf Lodge Wedding

When I first met Laura and Eric during their engagement session earlier this year, I fell in love with them immediately.  They love to laugh and have fun together.  It was great getting to know them.  It made photographing their wedding a pleasure, like hanging out with old friends. :) They were married at the Krippendorf Lodge at the Cincinnati Nature Center.  Laura and Eric are both architects who met while attending the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program.  Their eye for detail was all over this wedding.  From the very sophisticated seating chart to the handmade programs that Laura worked on for months.  Everything felt polished and very well thought out.  I just love a DIY couple, nothing like making things personal by doing things yourself.   Laura looked gorgeous in her Art Deco inspired dress by Matthew Christopher and the huge smile she wore all day.  I am so thankful I got to meet these two and that I was able to be part of their special day!

Venue: Krippendorf Lodge Food: Elegant Fare  Flowers: All About Flowers Cake: The Bonbonerie My Assistant: Andrew Ducker

 The decor, place cards, seating chart, and favors were all DIY.