Category Archives: Weddings

Cincinatti wedding photographer

After a long year of working as a wedding photographer in Los Angeles and adventures in 2011, I told myself I should take it easy for a few weeks while spending Christmas with my family in Cincinnati, and not even think about bringing my camera gear with me. So I packed light, and headed home with merely a carry-on bag, feeling very smug about it.
Soon after arriving, I get news that an old friend and his new fiancé would be in town briefly. Adam and Ali are both amazing wedding photographers, so I was honored when they asked me to take a few engagement shots. Admittedly, I had a pinch of trepidation to aim a camera at two very talented creative individuals, especially without my own gear.
I only had about an hour’s time to zip over to Adam’s house – while my spiced pear bundt cake was in the oven for Christmas eve’s dinner festivities. We walked into the woods surrounding his neighborhood and, above is what came of it.

“Technically” speaking: Not gonna lie… The limited time frame combined with meeting one of my subjects for the first time, combined with navigating a camera that had different settings (with my cold, cold hands) trying to incorporate the oh-so-many trees in a way that wasn’t distracting from the couple… was definitely an exercise that had me on my toes!
I usually scout my locations well before a wedding photography shoot. I’m a planner. I like to plan. It makes me feel comfortable about having some control over enough variables that I can then have more liberty to play around during the shoot itself. All that aside, it’s healthy to be able to pick up a camera and make the best of it! Maybe I should make a game of it with my fellow wedding photographer friends; A photo challenge-of-the-month where we’re thrust into a scene and all have a limited time-frame to come up with something creative! Yeah? Anyone?

All my best wishes to two wonderful human beings, uniting in marriage! ♥

Donna and I met online, not necessarily as a bride searching for a photographer, but as a make-up artist connecting with a photographer. We initially spoke about collaborating on a creative project whenever both of our schedules opened up. Little did we imagine we’d be collaborating on her wedding some months down the road! Her and Richard met shortly after we did, and it wasn’t long before wedding planning went under way. For various practical reasons, an engagement party suddenly evolved into a wedding and celebration. So, Donna found herself creatively coming up with DIY ideas to bring this special evening to life with the little time available. I loved how fresh and cozy the ambience turned out. Shows that it takes only a few details to make your day personal and beautiful. The quick ceremony, and the dinner were both held at a photography studio, and the portraits of the couple were taken swiftly about 20 minutes before the ceremony! I’ll admit, I was proud of how we were able to make great use of our time. A walk around the block had plenty of opportunities to get some playful and vibrant images.

I’d like to thank my photography assistant Molly – a bride whose wedding I captured a couple years ago – who since picked up photography with determination… and I must say, with a natural eye for beauty. I’m excited to nurture this new creative relationship and see where it takes us!

This wedding took place earlier this year, but I can still remember how I felt as I was capturing all the different stages of the day… jealously inspired! First of all, the full lace dress–by one of my absolute favorite designers, Monique Lhuillier–was exquisite, romantic, elegant perfection. And that was just one of her dresses, as she chose a different one for the reception (and a few others that remained un-used!). When you can’t decide between a more dreamy dress and a stunning strapless gown, chose both! Secondly, this make-up artist was one to keep! One of the amazing ladies from Luna Bella Make-up & Hair enhanced her already beautiful features in such a natural way; a flawless, lasting glow. There were lovely aesthetic details throughout, complemented by the breathtaking Four Seasons Biltmore Resort. Above all however, the thing to fancy the most was the genuine happiness that seemed to swirl around the couple like a continuous warm breeze, reflected equally in the joy of the families and friends. If this wedding made me believe something it’s that you can eat your cake, and have it too! Especially when you have the humility to appreciate all of the beauty around you, as did this stunning couple. I want to thank Joe Goger, as I would not have had the pleasure to capture this wedding without him!


 

 

Natural Light + Natural Beauty. What more is there to be said, really?

Ok, ok, I’ll indulge. Being surrounded by radiant light, and having a bride who is excited to take all sorts of beautiful photos… well, it’s just plain dreamy! She was getting ready in a family member’s soon to be vacated condominium in Brickell Key. The practically empty setting lent itself to refined and artistic ‘getting ready’ images, which she loved as mush as I did! While the sun was still shinning brightly we had a healthy amount of time to take portraits outdoors before the reception. When you aren’t rushing, there are endless photo opportunities… and you can enjoy it like a sunny stroll on a Sunday; enjoy those moments with each other serenely.

That said, once the hustle and bustle of the reception has eased later in the evening, sneaking away for ten minutes can bring a different feel to your collection of photos; different light, different setting, different mood. Not to mention more alone time to enjoy each other again! The day is naturally full of love and excitement. I like to create scenes where those sincere interactions between the couple can come to life… then all I have to do is quietly observe and capture.