Chicago Engagement Session: Montrose Beach, IL // Ann Marie + Steven

To truly convey the beauty that was this morning on Montrose Beach in Chicago would be so difficult, but here we go. It started at 5am with the most brilliant sunrise on Lake Michigan. The sun put on quite a show with the most radiant colors of pink and orange filling up every corner of the morning. It was simply breathtaking to see where the sea glass-colored water met the warm-hued sky.

Steven and Ann Marie are new friends of mine and displayed the most gentle, giving and kind love. We went to the same spot where Steven proposed a few months prior, and they recounted what was a very different and snow-covered scene. I kid you not, tears well up in my eyes when I think about how much Steven and Ann Marie beam their love for one another. They had such a natural way of laughing, hugging and enjoying one another's presence. There were a few times I just sat in awe of them, perfectly framed by the sun's early morning hello. I'd go back to this morning as many times I could if I had the chance. Come re-live it with me and scroll to see for yourself. Okay? Okay. 

Alia + Tyler // OTR, Cincinnati Engagement

Everyone, meet Alia and Tyler! These two are special and were so fun to photograph. They wanted to do something a little different of their engagement photos, so we found a lovely and simple space to take some studio-like portraits of them. I was completely up for the challenge of getting creative with only one window and a white wall to work with. There's something so beautiful about creating images with a couple in love in such a simple space. Let the cuteness ensue! 

The Steam Plant Wedding - Dayton, Ohio - Leslie + Ajay

This day was a vision at The Steam Plant in lil Dayton, Ohio. You'll see why in a second. Every little detail had a meaning and purpose behind it. The bride Leslie, is a super talented graphic designer (of course she designed the gorgeous invites) and she and her now husband, Ajay, had such style and personality at every turn of their wedding day. They were such a fun pair to photograph along with their wedding party that involved all of their siblings. It was an overcast day, but man, that didn't stop us from having a kickass time. Get to scrolling and enjoy, friends! 

Thank you to all the wonderful and amazing vendors involved!

Venue: The Steam Plant // Florals: Bear Roots Florals // Dress: Grace Loves Lace // Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN // Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar // Invite Suite: Leslie Becker of Ephemera Studio // Reception Band: The Clyde Brown Band // Hair + Make-Up: The Village Salon and Spa // Cake: The Bakeist // Catering: Brock Masterson

Jessie + Andrew: In-Home One Year Anniversary Session // Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati

There are a million ways to celebrate a milestone, especially an anniversary. Jessie and Andrew married last year and decided to do a session at their home on a typical Sunday as a way to acknowledge their first year of marriage - it was a true delight. Jessie kneaded her homemade sourdough bread while Andrew brewed pour-over coffee as the early morning light swept the span of their home in OTR. It was so lovely to chat with them and hear how they've changed and grown together since saying, "I do". Jessie even pulled out her wedding dress and Andrew, his suit jacket, reminiscing and recounting all the happenings of their wedding day. It was such a joy to witness and document these moments for them. Every little detail in their home has a story behind it and just being there felt so meaningful. Their hope is to have an anniversary session done every year to capture how they have evolved as individuals and also together - to capture how they continue to choose and love one another.

So, here's to one year and counting for these lovebirds! 

-2017-

Well, here we go! Another year in the books and I've had time to reflect and sift through the endless images from 2017 - 24 weddings and 37 engagement/lifestyle sessions. It's taken me a month into the new year to really let everything sit and steep. It's been a year of challenges and new beginnings - my first official year in business full-time. I pinch myself on the daily because I feel so lucky to do what I do.

Below are bits and pieces of 2017, juuuust a little glimpse. People are at the heart of what I love to capture and I truly hope it shows. Thank you to all the lovely couples who trusted me to document such important moments of their lives; I'll forever be grateful.

Press play n' scroll on, baby!

The Turn Vintage Warehouse Wedding - Cincinnati, Ohio - Jaymee + Jake

I'm not sure there are enough words to truly describe how much I adore Jaymee and Jake - they are seriously some of the coolest cats around I tell ya. There wedding day was nothing short of amazing. From the classic car they drove around town in for photos to the intimate ceremony at the most charming vintage store - everything was truly magical. Take a second and enjoy the beautiful ride that was Jaymee and Jake's wedding day. 

Rhinegeist Brewery Wedding // Katie + Andy

These two humans are wondrous. Absolutely out of this world. Stellar. Rad. Their wedding day was filled with every spectrum of emotion and so much effortless beauty. It's almost difficult to convey, so I'll let the images speak for themselves. Congrats to you, Katie and Andy. I wish the very best because that's just what you are. 

Shout out to all the lovely vendors involved:

Florals: Katie's Blooms // Venue: Rhinegeist Brewery // Getting Ready Location: 21C Hotel // Hair + Make-Up: AV Beauty Bar // Catering: Eli's BBQ and Mazunte // Confections: Holtman's Donuts, Carabello Coffee, and Fat Ben's Bakery // 

Jessie + Andrew : Cincinnati Wedding in OTR

Meet Jessie + Andrew. Their wedding is one I will never forget for so many reasons. The heartfelt vows, the intimate ceremony space, the handcrafted desserts made by the bride herself are just a few bits of their day that created such a truly unique experience. Yes, I'd call it a wedding, but more so an experience. So, grab a cup of tea (or coffee if you need to get that caffeine train going) and take a glance at this lovely, wintery wedding day.

Press dat play button.