Cheryl & Kyle {engagement session}

 

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Every girl needs to find a guy who makes her smile and laugh this much!

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when I first met Cheryl at Biggby in Maumee, I knew she was my people. We hit it off like nobody’s business, and she booked me right then and there.

When I got to meet Kyle at the engagement session I knew they were meant for each other.

He is just the sweetest, kindest and funniest math teacher I ever met!

These two are going to have the BEST wedding day July 7!!! No fireworks needed because they will be making their own, if you know what I mean!!

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Loved finding our little “secret garden” for our impromtu shoot.  I’m not suite sure I want to take anyone else there!!

 

xoxo

Ashvin & Stela ~Toledo Botanical Gardens~ Winter Engagment session

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When your wedding is planned in a month you take photos whenever you can! I believe it was a whopping 15 degrees on Monday when we braved the weather for a few images before their wedding this Saturday. What troopers!

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But , man that sky was gorgeous!

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Stela lived in Italy for quite a while and then New York. I’d say Ohio is a bit of a change for her!

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Even more snow over the next couple days! Bring your boots!

Elizabeth & Brad ~backyard engagement session

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I include an engagement  session in all of my wedding collections. I believe it’s a great way to get to know the couple a little better after the initial consultation and booking. Having them in front of my camera, even if for only 30-45 minutes, prior to the wedding day, helps us all to know what works, what it’s like to be photographed professionally (if they haven’t, and most couples haven’t before the wedding day-selfies don’t count!!) , how EASY it is to be in front of my camera, and then I get to know a little more about them.

 

This sweet couple have a little girl, Cecilia, just two years old.  Though she wasn’t as fond of the photo shoot, having just woke up not too long before, she was just a little too adorable not to try to capture her in a few images with mom and dad!

 

We got to photograph on Elizabeth’s family property in Sylvania, Ohio, which is also where their reception was held! (more on that later!)

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Ally & Nick {LOVE} Downtown Toledo

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I call my engagement sessions {LOVE} sessions and I’ve done so for years. WHY? because that’s what I’m capturing and preserving.. a couples’ LOVE. They could be engaged for months or even years, so that’s not what I’m photographing. I have always just wanted to show the LOVE between people whether it’s a couple, husband/wife, mother/child, father/son, family, sisters, brothers, you name it.

I never strive for perfection. I strive for emotion. Moments. Laughter. Tears. all of it. I want it all.

Even though this was an “engagement” session included with my wedding collections, these two adorable people have created another adorable human, their son Julian. A handful of a toddler with his own agenda, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him too! I did get some images of just mom and dad, but this guy stole the show, and I wanted to share their whole love story!

Allyson and Nick, I cannot wait to celebrate with you two and your families at your wedding in just six more months!

See you soon!

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Cheers to Jenelle Ahmad HMUA

Sarah & Corey {a downtown LOVE session}

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I met Sarah & Corey three weeks ago, and I’m spending the day with them Saturday to shoot their wedding! Typically clients book about a year or more in advance, but these two are on the ball and wasting no time!

Sarah works downtown Toledo and loves the whole atmosphere so it was a great location choice for their {LOVE} session!

 

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Here is their story from Sarah;s heart:

Corey & I first met at a Music and Arts Festival in 2011 and it was not love at first sight. We reconnected a year later when we went to see one of our favorite musician duos play at the Clazel and then the journey really began. At the 2014 Rootwire Music & Arts Festival some magic really went down… I tried on a ring made by a wire wrap artist passing through with some very unique pieces of jewelry. Looking at it longingly, I said “If only I had an extra $100.00 to blow on something like this”. I turned my attention as the artist ventured away and Corey chased him down without me knowing to purchase that same ring. On July 20th, under the light of the stars and surrounded by the kindness and love of new friends, Corey swept me off my feet. Corey looked me in the eyes and said, “You know I’m going to love you forever right?”. I replied,”Of course, and I will love you forever too.” Then he popped the question. It took me completely by surprise when he pulled the ring out of his pocket and I realized what was happening. After giving several sweet kisses of disbelief and bliss we announced to our friends I said “YES!!” and everyone under the tent cheered! This weekend I have the honor and joy of marrying the man who has never failed to love me unconditionally and I absolutely can’t wait to be his wife who returns all of that love.

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Why do I call it a {LOVE} session? Well, because often clients would tell me they have been engaged for a while and don’t need a session, or they’ve already had one done by a friend.
I firmly believe in getting to know my clients well before the wedding day so we can build a bond, click, and I can gain an understanding on what they like (and maybe don’t) well before the big event. I know I, myself, get SUPER nervous in front of a camera and need time to warm up! This way, clients come to know how I direct and gently guide to capture those fun yet natural looking moments! So, since I want to capture the {LOVE}, that’s what I call these sessions, because that’s what it’s all about! I love LOVE!