Brandon + Amber

What can I say about Brandon and Amber. My beautiful friends, beautiful in so many different ways.  If you know me, you know that I consider my closest friends family. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for them.  I count these two in that category. I love these guys.

And a long time ago, I think it was the Zephyr in Kent, Amber confided in me that the two of them had decided to take off and get married in Washington State. They had the most perfect place picked out. They knew it was far away, and how not everyone would be able to swing it, and  yadda yadda. I looked her right in the eye, and said, ‘well you know you can count me and jim in.’ I didn’t even wait for her to ask. It was settled. And from that moment on… I was tingling with excitement about this trip.

We were going to the west coast. And we are going to the side of a big ol’ mountain to see our sweet beautiful friends get married. It turned out 31 people total made the trip to just outside Mount Rainer National Park. We stayed in the most beautiful place imaginable. Hands down. I’ve never been anywhere so magical. We had awesome cabins in the middle of the woods, and we were surrounded by a wonderful group of family and friends.

The sanctuary in the middle of the forest was breathtaking. The bridal cottage looked like it came right out of a fairy tale. It couldn’t have been more perfect for these two. I’m so incredibly happy for them. And completely honored that they let me capture their story, and share it’s beauty.  

Wow, those are some great pictures :)

And now, please enjoy their slideshow.

Sara & Mike

It was a beautiful day in downtown Willoughby. I had the pleasure of shooting Sara & Mike's engagement photos. It was great getting a chance to get to know these two a little better. They are very much in love and are extremely sweet to one another. You can tell when they look in each others eyes. Their love just beams of their faces. I'm very much looking forward to capturing their special day next year. Can't wait. But until then, here are a couple of my favorites from the day.

Can't wait guys!
Here is a slideshow of the whole shoot!

Jessica + Patrick

It hit me like a ton of bricks last Sunday. I was driving a golf cart from one location to the next. I look to my right and I see this gorgeous bride sitting next to me. This woman is also one of my favorite people I have ever met. Jessica Vidmar, yes of Jessica Vidmar Photography, I know! She is awesome!

So I am running around shooting her wedding. And I look at her. And I'm like, God! This is why I love shooting my friend's weddings. I get to hang out with them, like all day. More than anyone else.  How selfish am I? I get to be there to try to tell their story in the most beautiful ways I am possibly capable of. I get to be there as a pillar of support. I get to be the witness of some of the most special moments of their lives. No offense to the hundreds of wedding guests out there, but I have front row seat. And I love it! I'm terrible. But I love these guys! 

I was lucky this year. Two weddings, this one, and one just about a month prior, were for some incredibly special people in my life. And I was there. Every step of the way.

Ok. I'm sorry. I'll get to the task at hand. I just had to put something in here about how special of a day it really was, for everyone.

So here is my story for Jessica and Pat. Followed by my faves from the day.

Two people in love. Three photographers. A fantastic group of family and friends. And a farm. Brookside Farms in Louisville, Ohio provided the perfect setting for a perfect day. Every aspect of the day felt homespun and handmade with its own unique charm.  

Now, I knew Jess' smile would beam brighter than the sun on her special day. But I had no idea red lipstick was going to come in the picture!  OMG. 

A fantastic new spin on a wedding day: a first look. A special, private moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. You end up with some amazing personal moments beautifully captured.
Jess was so excited to see him. And I think it's pretty safe to say, he wasn't disappointed.

Oh, yes they did!

And guess what, Pat just happens to be a rock star!

Thank you, Pat and Jess! It was an honor to being a part of capturing your special day.