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wedding photography
This year has been a very solemn year. Many people have struggled with health issues, financial issues, work and school routines. I take this year very seriously in my own personal timeline. As I was editing Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull’s photos, I noticed myself drawn to these dramatic and deep black and white edits. They felt right for the gravity of what 2020 has been. Here, I offer you a selection of my favorite monochromatic images from a most important day.
It turns out that Ben had decided to propose just a few days before our scheduled session. After a happily congratulating the couple, Holly asked me if we could extend the photo appointment and do some engagement photos. You are in love? You want to bring your dogs? You want me to do your photographs? Yes, please!
I had the pleasure of attending the Refresh and Renew Retreat a couple weekends ago. The goal of the weekend was “for us all to share our strengths, learn from our weaknesses, gain new knowledge and create lasting friendships along the way”. Organized by Emily Manders and Amanda Mifsud, the weekend was to be equal parts refreshing and challenging. Just what I needed after a busy season to start the year on the right foot!
Nick and Kristina had a beautiful winter wedding in Toledo on December 21st. The ceremony took place at Christ the King Catholic church and the reception was held at the Nederhouser Community Hall at Olander Park in Sylvania. In between, we stopped at the Toledo Botanical Gardens for some wedding portraits and bridal party photos. It was a 50 degree day but we were lucky enough to find a tiny bit of snow lingering on the ground. Ohio is truly the land of strange weather combinations and it actually worked out perfectly for us!
Amie and Anthony did things right. They had a beautiful location that was large enough to accommodate all their guests. They had tents covering the dance floor and the dinner seating. The tents also offered a backup plan for the ceremony in case it was raining. There was an endless supply of cold drinks to combat the summer heat and everyone had a wonderful time. I would like to share three tips for any couples who are planning an Ohio wedding outside in the summer.
Have I ever told you that the reception is my favorite part of the wedding day? The whole day is truly wonderful and rewarding. There is just something about the reception that makes me happy. I get to play with lighting. I get to document natural moments, not posed bodies. People finally relax after the stress and structure of making sure the rest of the day has gone the way it was planned. It is almost as if the bride and groom can breathe a sigh of relief when they sit down for dinner.
So when do I get to see the true personalities of my couples? I see who they are in every detail of their day. Rebecca and Mark had so many beautiful and sentimental details in their wedding. The decor, food choices, attire, and venue all spoke to who these two are. My favorite part of the whole day had to be the reception. Mark and Rebecca really kicked back and enjoyed every minute of it. They danced and laughed. They enjoyed their guests company and made everyone feel welcome.
Everything about this wedding day went so well. Our weather was amazing. The timeline was comfortable. Everyone looked great and the wedding party was so much fun to work with. It makes me so happy to see a couple have friends and family support them and celebrate them on their special day. Everyone was working hard to make sure the day went off without a hitch.
Working with other local photographers keeps me practicing my craft on the weekends I do not have my own weddings. I take the opportunity to try new things, learn something new and get to photograph a wide variety of locations. Every weekend there is a new challenge. I see many different problems, hiccups, weather and light situations. Each difficulty or new experience makes me a better professional. I learn what to plan for, how to be flexible and what to coach my couples to consider when planning their day. No matter what industry you are in, don’t forget to try new things!
Victor and Suzie decided to have an intimate ceremony with only family and close friends. It was a very special event. We definitely laughed during the couple’s lighthearted vows. There were so many smiles as we saw Suzie and Victor’s commitment celebrated. What beautiful moments I get to document as a wedding photographer!
As the girls got ready, Ryan spent his time focusing on the bride leaving me to get details and more candid shots. Being a second shooter, allows me to experience the day from a different perspective. I can be more creative and play with new ideas. Later, I get to use those tested ideas on my own clients. From the shoji in the room to the mirrors in the hall, the Westin gave me much to experiment with.
When I ask couples what they most want documented, I get a wide variety of answers. For some it is the details, for others the wedding party as a group. Mackenzie and Ian said that they wanted me to document people having a good time at their wedding. I can 100% do that. It is one of my favorite things. Their guests made my job easy. Everyone had a wonderful time dancing, and eating, and congratulating the couple. The reception was held at the Master’s Building at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds. It was spacious and comfortable. The DJ, Nyte Flyte, kept the timeline on track and gave all the guests some great entertainment.
Rachel and Forrest were a dream to work with. They were fun and relaxed. They were cute and VERY into each other. It is so refreshing to see people who are so passionate about their relationship. We started the session by exploring the Toledo Botanical Gardens together. The gardens have so many unique spots, they provided some beautiful variety! Next, we went to the cute main street area of Downtown Sylvania for a slightly more urban look. I am so happy with how this session turned out. Congratulations Rachel and Forrest!
I have many adventures as a second shooter. I shoot weddings all over Ohio, not only for myself, but with other photographers. I have an awesome network of wedding photographers who give me work when I am not busy with my own clients. This season I have 17 dates set up to second shoot. That is a lot of Saturdays, but I truly love it. Everyone I work for does things differently and I often learn something new. Being a second shooter allows me to experiment with creative techniques and hone my skills.
Lindsay contacted me after buying her wedding dress at Blush A Bridal Boutique in Bowling Green, Ohio. Lee, the owner, happens to pass out my brochure to all of her brides! I met with Lindsay and Terry in downtown Bowling Green at one of my local favorites, Grounds for Thought. Lindsay explained that she and Terry have a little girl and they have been working very hard building a life together. Terry was working an opposite shift to Lindsay and I asked if they ever got to see each other. They both agreed that they do what it takes to make it work!
Mandi and Zach have so much history at Bowling Green State University, that they decided to have an outdoor ceremony on the campus! The forecast said rain all day for Bowling Green. They got lucky and the rain held off until after the ceremony! Everything about the day felt genuine and full of joy. It is so wonderful to see a couple as deeply in love as these two are.
One of the things I loved most about working with these two was the fact that they were so full of joy. The happiness and excitement of the day was very clearly expressed on their faces. The smiles could not have been bigger. Grace and Gelmar just celebrated their one year anniversary and they are an amazing team and so in love!
The ceremony took place outside, with the couple exchanging their vows beneath a beautiful tree. It was short and sweet and the couple even shared a mimosa toast. Every aspect of their special day reflected who Jodi and Josh are. A caricature artist was set up at the reception, for guests to enjoy, and also a photo booth, to document their attendance. The evening was filled with laughter and dancing. I admire couples who want to make their day enjoyable, not only for themselves, but for their guests.
The night ended with sunset portraits, lots of dancing and a sparkler send off. It was a beautiful wedding day and the perfect party for Nick and Lexie. I hope you enjoy seeing their special day from my perspective. Be sure to pin and share your favorites.
Little did Josh and Alyssa know that their February wedding would not be cold and snow covered. It turned out that on their day, last year, the temperature reached over 60 degrees. I would be tempted to say it was one of the most beautiful days of the year. The sun was shining and everyone looked fabulous!
