I’ll admit, when it comes to my client’s sessions, I’m not normally a “props” kind of gal–I prefer to focus on couples’ interactions with each other than extra objects. Usually, though, we have things in the natural environment to work with (apple trees in an orchard, a porch where they met, the cafe where they like to get breakfast, etc.). When it is freezing, snowy January in Dayton, though, we have to improvise, and we’re so lucky to have a couple great rental studio spaces here in the downtown area, including Lost and Found. Jennifer is an absolute dream to work with, and she offers so much more than her space–for our session she held lights and reflectors, adjusted Candace’s ring, carried coats and more. On top of all that, she has a prop rental service, and had several things already in the studio. Despite my typical aversion, once I saw Candace’s gorgeous soft-pink dress next to Jennifer’s vintage green bike (and with the gorgeous Oberer’s bouquet, left over from a bridal show, that I happened to have along), I couldn’t resist playing a bit. The vintage quilt top was made by my great-grandmother, and I made the giant frilly balloon, but everything else is from Jennifer’s expansive stock of vintage goodies. I’m so grateful to Candace & Adam for be willing to experiment, to brave the freezing temperatures to pop outside for a bit, and for their trust in me to capture their engagement and wedding–simply can’t wait until their Beavercreek Golf Club wedding this July.
I met up with Ari & Ben at Hills and Dales Park in November–when there was still some color on the trees–for a quick session while they were in town visiting family. As much as I adore photographing couples’ engagements and wedding days, full of giggly bliss, hope, expectation and joy in the face of the possibilities and opportunities to come, there is something special about getting to capture the love of a couple who has been married a little while. Couples who know that along with all the joys might come more difficult days–days that make you cling a little harder and love more fiercely than you even could’ve imagined when you said “I do”–and who still enjoy each other like crazy (I mean, just look at Ari’s smile!). If you’d like me to document a slice of your love (perhaps a portrait session as a Valentine’s gift?), drop me a line.
My dear friend Bley, also known as Bibliosophy, creates some of the most beautiful vintage-inspired paper goods. We meet up at Lost & Found, a studio space & prop rental service here in Dayton, to photograph her “fresh crop” of new products. I do so adore getting to collaborate with other talented local artists–we have so many inspiring creatives in our little town. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop (including her gorgeous custom work and cute-as-a-button Valentines!), or pick up her items locally at Sherwood Florist.
Libby and Trent were married at the historic (and stunning!) Memorial Hall in downtown Dayton, on beautiful late-fall day. Though most of the leaves were off the trees, my second-photographer Amanda (who is, in general, one of the most amazing people ever, and who also captured some of the images above) spotted a little red-and-orange corner across the street from Memorial Hall that looked amazing with their wedding colors (how gorgeous were those flowers, by the Flowerman?), and was so perfect for some of Libby & Trent’s wedding portraits. I also happened to know quite a few of the guests and family members at this wedding, which is always a blast–there is always something a little extra-special-sweet about getting to experience the wedding-day joy with people you know (and watching them get down on the dance floor!). Ceremony music was provided by Viva la Strings, my mother’s wedding string ensemble, and cocktail hour music by Sweet Betsy, who also did the cocktail hour at my wedding–it really did feel like a family affair :).
The day of Christina and Zach’s wedding at Polen Farm was exceptionally cold for an October evening. They decided to tough it out, though, and have the ceremony outside, which wasn’t surprising to anyone who knows Christina–she is a runner, used to pushing through the elements to reach her goals. And, despite the chill, the evening provided us with the most beautiful hour of sunset light, right as their ceremony began. The reception that followed was an absolute blast, with friends and family ready and eager to celebrate with the happy couple. Special thanks to Ana, my second photographer, for helping me out!
[…] & Adam are such a darling couple. They were absolutely as cute as could be together for their engagement photos, and a total joy to work with, so I knew their wedding would be just a sweet. Their whole wedding […]