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. 

little baby henry

Last week, I got a chance to meet little mr. henry.  Henry is only 3 weeks new to this world. What a head of hair! He made me smile every time I looked at him. A sweet thing. He likes to eat, he likes to sleep. He did a fantastic job of tolerating me and my camera. Every time he did wake up and get a little fussy, his mom was there to scoop him up and show him some love. Ashley was very sweet with her little man. And I think we got some really great shots of them together. 
Here are some of my favorites, and please feel free to check out the slideshow I made of some of the rest. There were just too many cute ones to only show a few!

Mr. & Mrs. O'Dell

Not long ago, I had the privilege of shooting an adorable couple. Andrea & Danny O'Dell were an absolute joy to work with. The happy couple had tied the not in Jamaica one month prior. But now was their chance to really celebrate with family and friends. It was a sunny, perfect day at Goodyear Heights Metro Park. Everyone came together to congratulate the happy couple over an American Style backyard cookout. Complete with burgers and hotdogs. The Pioneer Shelter was beautifully decorated with some of the most gorgeous flowers I have seen all year. 

Andrea & Danny. What can I say. Lovely. Kind. Adorable. Danny was funny and charming. And Andrea's smile just beamed every time she looked at him. It was so sweet. Her breathtaking beauty was complimented perfectly by her overwhelming grace. When you are around two amazing people so much in love, you automatically feel warm and welcome. I could have kept taking pictures for days.

I could go on. But for now, take a look at some of my favorites from the day.  And I think you will see what I'm trying to say.

OH! I forgot to mention one of the coolest parts!! They had an ICE CREAM TRUCK! A fantastic surprise for everyone. Everyone was instantly 6 again deciding what treat they would pick. It was a perfect addition to an already perfect day!