A Tribute to Love

When I think about my job and the impact it can have on people's lives, I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't think it had meaning.  People trust me with their most intimate moments and feelings.  They trust me to document them and to be apart of their lives, even if it is only for one day.  I cherish my job, and there isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful and don't take the responsibility I have been given seriously.  Sure I like to make beautiful  images, but I know that the real impact in my work is in the moments I am able to capture, the feelings I am able to portray, and the precious memories I am able to give every single person who steps in front of my camera.

I have shared Kristen and Sean's story on my blog when I photographed their engagement photos and wedding.  Sean was diagnosed with brain cancer within 2 months of getting engaged to Kristen.  They fought very hard together to keep the cancer from spreading or getting worse.  For a few months, they were very successful.  They bought a house together, had great careers, and enjoyed their fur baby family.

When I got the email from Kristen letting me know Sean wasn't doing well, that his cancer had worsened and that he was given a small window of time, my heart sank.  It wasn't that I was naive that this could happen, it was that I hoped so much that it wouldn't.  They are young and have fought so damn hard.  Kristen told me that Sean asked her if she had enough pictures of the two of them, how thoughtful of him.  Of course Kristen said no and asked if I would come over to snap some casual photos of them together at home.  I was more than happy to do this for them.

When I got to the house I didn't know what to expect.  I was around 7 months pregnant, and I did not want my emotions to get out of control.  It wasn't like that at all.  Sean looked great.  He needed help getting around, but he still had that beautiful, vibrant spirit I was able to see each time I photographed him.  We joked a lot and he smiled so much.  He looked at Kristen with those same loving eyes I had seen the first time I met him.  It was very touching to witness.

Sean passed away December 8, 2015 at his home surrounded by Kristen's love.  He fought so hard, it was very sad to see the news of his passing.  But, I know he is now at peace, and we have to find comfort in that.  I encourage each of you who is reading this blog to take time everyday to appreciate the love in your life, not because it could be gone tomorrow, but because it is here today.  Live in the moment, let your worries fade.  There is no better time than now to accept love, to give love, and to appreciate the life you are given.  We aren't ever sure how how much or how little time we have with the people who mean so much to us.  What you do with it is up to you.  The impact you make on other people's hearts is your legacy.  We need each other to heal and to grow.  My heart has been so heavy for Kristen.  Today, as she says her final goodbyes to her husband, I hope she is surrounded by peace and is able to someday heal from her loss.  She has handled every day with such strength.  She comforted her husband through sickness and health.  The vows she took were sincere.  I admire her greatly.

This is my favorite picture of Sean from that day.  Look at that spirit in his eyes.  He was a very warm, compassionate person. I am happy to have had the chance to get to know him.  Kristen took time off of work to comfort and take care of Sean.  She slept right beside him every night. Their sweet family.  Sean's best friend Scott was there to help Kristen take care of Sean. He absolutely adored her.  And she took such good care of him. 

Amy and David's Friendship Park Wedding

This year has been a little different for me.  Over half of the clients I have booked, I have not met until wedding day.  They have mostly been referred by friends, and are drawn to my style of shooting via my portfolio.  I always have at least one phone conversation, and many email exchanges before weddings day.  It can be  little scary at first, considering I will be with them all day on their wedding day.  I have not had one bad experience with any of these weddings.  In fact, once I meet up with the girl's and start photographing them, I feel like I have known them forever.  This is exactly how I felt at Amy and David's wedding.  As soon as I arrived to their apartment I was greeted with big smiles and just enough of a southern accent to make me feel at home.  The first thing David said to me when I met him that day was that he was very emotional and was without a doubt going to cry.  I was glad he felt comfortable enough to be so honest and open.

The day was one of those we had last month where the rain was lingering over us, but never really came.  Amy and David's first look was one of the sweetest I have witnessed. Emotions were high and the tears of joy flowed unapologetically.  I was so happy to have witnessed so much love.  The day was super laid back and full of so many laughs.  I was so happy have had such a wonderful experience with these two people.  They got married at Friendship Park along the river in Cincinnati.  It's a beautiful location with so many beautiful spots to take photos.   

Jessica and Craig's Neltner's Farm Wedding

The weather this wedding season has been very temperamental to say the least.  The wonderful thing is, Mother Nature showed up with rain and disappeared, leaving glorious light at all of the right times.  Most couples would have freaked out having an outdoor, DIY farm wedding with rain.  Not Jessica and Craig, they stayed so calm and smiled the entire day.  I have never seen a bride who kept it together as well as Jessica did.  What was important to them was their love, spending time with family and friends, and that they were getting married.  I think the rain added a bit of uncontrolled chaos that made the day more memorable. It also gave me the opportunity to create some stunning portraits of Jessica while we waited in one of the barns for it to pass.  Looking back at the day, I bet Jessica and Craig would agree that they wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Neltner's Farm provided the perfect backdrop for Jessica and Craig's ultimate DIY intimate wedding.  The scenery is stunning.  It's here that I believe you get a glimpse of Kentucky at her finest.  The farm is surrounded by hills and gorgeous trees. Jessica and Craig worked very hard creating all of the signs, the altar, and decor.  Marti Heard Designs did a fantastic job, as usual with the floral designs and helped Jessica pull it all together. Everything had such a personal touch and was very creative.

Amber and Erick's Kelley's Island Wedding

Last month Amber and Erick invited me to their family home to photograph their intimate wedding on Kelley's Island.  It was such a pleasure spending time with them and their family and friends.  Everyone came together to help make the event very personal and unique.  From the handmade bouquet to the homemade wine and beer, they made sure every detail was thought out and from the heart.  These are my favorite kinds of weddings to be apart of.   This location was very special for Amber.  I was blown away when we arrived.  It was perfect backdrop for unique photos. Amber's best friend did a beautiful job on her cake.  It was so good, I went in for seconds. :) Amber and Erick had so many talented friends who performed some of their favorite songs.

Kristen and Sean's Bell Event Centre Wedding

This love story is a very special one for me.  Though I have gone back and forth in my head about how I want to write it.  I decided the best thing I can do is be honest, to be true and hope to inspire people the way Kristen and Sean have inspired me. This love story is about strength, unconditional love, and vulnerability.  It's about the better and the worse, the sickness and the health. I remember the day Kristen's mother called me to ask if I was available for the wedding which was only 5 months away.  I was driving downtown,  feeling a little crabby.  I answered the phone while driving, something I rarely do. She sounded a bit nervous.   She asked me if I was available on the date of her daughter's wedding and if I could shoot an engagement session within a few days of the phone call.  She told me that within 2 months of getting engaged Sean, Kristen's finance had been diagnosed with stage IV Glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer and he was going in for surgery this week to try to remove it.  I pulled over immediately.  I snapped out of my selfish crabbiness and did everything I could to hold back the tears.  Yes!  I exclaimed to Kristen's mother.  I will most defiantly do the wedding and I will clear my schedule for the engagement session ASAP.

When I met Kristen and Sean for their engagement session they were vibrant and happy.  They joked a lot.  I asked Kristen what her favorite thing about Sean was and she said she loves how smart he is.  Sean said he loves how much she makes him laugh.  I wanted to make sure the session wasn't about anything but them enjoying each other.  It was the day before a life changing surgery, I didn't want any of the focus to be on that and neither did they.  We laughed and talked and got to know each other.  I left Kristen with a polaroid to hold onto while she was waiting at the hospital.

Sean's surgery went well.  They removed a lot of the tumor, he has to go through frequent radiation and daily chemo treatments.  He is currently still undergoing chemo to keep the cancer from growing  They have to take things day by day, enjoying every minute they are given with each other.  Something we all should do, really.

I hadn't seen Kristen and Sean since the engagement session.  When I arrived on the wedding day I was so excited to spend the day with them.  Everyone was in good spirits.  Kristen looked absolutely stunning.  They did a first look so they would have more time to spend alone that day.  From the time Sean first set eyes on Kristen he lit up and admired her all day.  Though Sean's cancer is something that has become an very important part of their lives, on their wedding day it was barely even mentioned.  The day was about celebrating the present and their hopes for the future, about celebrating their love.

I have kept in touch with Kristen throughout the past few months since the wedding.  I am so happy to say that Sean is doing great.  He is still battling the cancer, but has not let it stop him from getting his degree, landing a dream job, and getting a house with Kristen.  They even adopted a second dog, though I think that was more Kristen's idea. ;)  I feel very fortunate that I have crossed paths with these beautiful couple.  I hope the huge love they have for each other continues to give them the strength to continue living a life full of happiness together.

I can never say enough about how gorgeous the Bell Event Centre is.  

Ashely and John's Bell Event Centre Wedding

Their story is one of the best one's I have heard.   John was with a friend who was involved in a small fender bender with Ashley.  He thought she was gorgeous so he asked for her number.  After dating for awhile John took a job in sunny California and Ashley soon followed him there.  Fast forward to now, they are happily married enjoying way better weather than us here in Cincinnati. :)

Their wedding day was one of those rainy fall days we had last month.  I was determined to make sure Ashley and John enjoyed the day without stress so I came up with some unique ideas for pictures.  As I was driving I noticed it was dry under the bridges, and we have plenty in this city, so that is where I took them for some of their pictures.  Everything turned out perfectly.  They had their ceremony and super fun reception at the Bell Event Centre, one of my favorite venues in the city.  The staff always knocks it out of the park with their stellar teamwork and attentiveness.  It was really great celebrating with John and Ashley, what a great end to my wedding season this year! A very unique, and sweet first look. 

Kate and Erik's Cincinnati Wedding

Kate and Erik had a classic wedding in downtown Cincinnati.  It was one of those amazing fall days when the weather and light gods were on our side.  What sticks out most  about these two is just how well they compliment each other.  They find comfort in each other, something I adore in a couple.  I spent the day with Kate while she got ready with her girls.  Though she didn't seem to be very nervous, I could see a huge sense of relief and happiness come over her when she saw Erik for the first time.  It was awesome to witness.  As we spent a large part of the afternoon taking pictures these two got to enjoy each other and savor every minute.Kate was a stunning bride. I absolutely love when couples do a first look.  It is such a special moment, and it allows for lots of alone time during the day. Ahh this moment is it.  The first embrace alone after becoming husband and wife.  I love when I am able to capture it. After the ceremony we headed to Eden Park for a quick toast with the bridal party.  Kate had some fans. :) The Bell Event Centre is always so spectacular. 

Rachel and Brad's Cincinnati Wedding

As I was going through Rachel and Brad's wedding all of the wonderful memories of the day came rushing back to me.  I was reminded of Rachel's beautiful smile, and the way she lost control of her emotions thinking about Brad in his suit.  I was reminded of the way Brad looked at her not only during their first look, but throughout the entire day, he was so proud to be with her.  I was reminded that being around these kinds of raw emotions, being the person who gets to document and help savor these memories is very important.  I was reminded that my job is very important.  Just like everyone, there are times when I question the career I have chosen for myself.  I struggle with self doubt when I don't get a wedding I really wanted,  it sometimes gets hard for me to balance being an artist and a wedding photographer.  But, when I look at what I am able to give people,  to know that they really appreciate it,  there is no room for doubt and worry.  All that is left is a heart full of love and gratitude.  Thank you Rachel and Brad for sharing your day with me.  I am so happy to share these images with you.

Tina and Joe's Asheville North Carolina Wedding

It's not easy to put into words the gratitude and love I have for Tina and Joe.  I met them over a year ago when they were first discussing ideas for their wedding.  They asked me to dinner one night and after a long, very inspiring discussion about life and love they told me they wanted to elope in Asheville and invited me to come along to photograph it.  I was beyond thrilled.  Tina and Joe's story together started over 20 years ago.  They always had a deep connection, but life took them in different directions.    After a lot of learning and growing the universe brought them back together.    Tina has this soft, calmness about her personality and Joe is just the right amount of intenseness to be the Ying to Tina's Yang.  I think this is so important in a relationship, balance is everything.

Joe likes to mountain bike, they stumbled upon The Bike Farm through his adventures.  Once they visited it together they knew it was the perfect place for their intimate wedding.  The farm is surrounded by lush green foliage.  There was a creek running through the land and a giant waterfall at the top of one of the hills.  It was simply breathtaking.  What a magical place to celebrate love.

Tina and Joe were joined by their dear friends, Erin and Ciara for the ceremony.  Erin actually officiated it.  David from Studio 213 documented the whole thing on video.  I can't wait to see what he captured.  Thanks to my awesome assistant/boyfriend, Chris for helping us out throughout the day.  He captured some very cool phone and polaroid pictures I will share later.

Thank you so much for your constant support of my work and for inviting me to document this very special time in your lives Tina and Joe.  I am happy to say I have gained two very good friends through this experience.  I am beyond grateful!

I love the way Joe is looking at Tina here.  She makes him light up. Tina is absolutely  beautiful.  Inside and out. :) After we were all ready to go we headed to the farm for the ceremony. We all stayed at a wonderful place called Cloud 9 Farm.   It is a working farm that has chickens, cows, blueberries, and bee hives that produce honey.  Aiden, Tina's son would get up every morning and help the owner, Janet feed the animals and do farm chores.  I got up to take a few photographs of them at work.  Coming from the city, having no experience whatsoever with any kind of farm animals, it was a real learning experience for me.  Here are a few pictures of Aiden working on the farm.