Hans and Emily are MARRIED!  Their day was crisp and even a bit chilly at times.  The fall colors, mixed with dark clouds and the occasional breaks of sunlight made for some unique picture backdrops.  Not a detail of the decor was missed, from the handmade thank you cards to the chocolate-dipped cake balls at each guests’ place setting.  However, amid all the beautiful details, one could not miss Hans and Emily’s love for each other or their love for the Lord.  Their ceremony was a true worship service and glory to God.

A unique “snippet” from their day took place while we were taking some of their portraits in old Dublin.  While Hans and Emily stood on the street corner waiting to cross, many people drove by them and honked their horns loudly to wish them their “Congratulations!”  The honking well-wishes added some fun to the celebration of their day. 🙂  (See the “car” pictures below.)

Special thanks to Marlisa Beachy for assisting me for the day.  I love having a second shooter to see the details of the day from another vantage point.

"Kissed by the sun"

I love the "social" little flower girl!

Sam and Ashley’s wedding fell on a beautiful, autumn day.  Ashley was a stunning bride with her long, flowing veil and breath-taking blue eyes.  And let’s not forget Sam, the handsome groom!  Sam and Ashley wanted to keep their day simple without a lot of traditions.  The guests were seated at tables for the ceremony, which then transitioned to the reception seamlessly.  The reception was enjoyed by young and old alike, as the guests danced and celebrated.

Congratulations, Sam and Ashley!  May the Lord bless your marriage in the years ahead.

Special thanks to Deborah of dgPhotography for assisting me.  Once again, it was a joy to have Deborah’s help and company for the day!

I love how my son arranged our manger scene.  Had I been the one to arrange the figures, I would have neatly placed each shepherd and wise man so that you could see their faces, as if posed for a picture.  My son, however, placed everyone (even the animals) so that they are facing and surrounding Jesus.  To me his arrangement is a picture of adoration.

Isn’t that what Christmas is truly about?  Focusing on Jesus.  Adoring Jesus.  So often in life I get caught up in everything else and don’t take the time to truly adore my Savior.  I love the Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

      “O come let us adore Him.  O come let us adore Him.  O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord.”

As we put the finishing touches on all our Christmas gifts and plans, may our focus and adoration be directed to Jesus Christ the Savior of the world!  Merry Christmas!

For Kevin and Gayle’s engagement session we headed to Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, which was a new location for me.  Wow…let me tell you that this is not just a “normal” park!  Even in December the grounds were beautiful, with so many unique nooks and crannies, gardens and structures!

Let me introduce you to Kevin and Gayle!  Their love story began with sisters trying to play “matchmaker.”  When the attempts at getting Kevin and Gayle together failed it was suggested that they at least become “friends” on Facebook, of which they consented.  After many months of Facebook “friendship”, occasional messages turned into emails, which led to phone calls, finally to their first date in December, 2010, and now wedding plans for April, 2013!

Kevin and Gayle’s personalities and interests compliment each other well.  Spending time with family and friends, working in flowerbeds, and the love of sports are some of their mutual interests.

Once again, I just can’t pass up the opportunity to let you read what Kevin and Gayle shared about each other.  It’s one of my favorite things about engagement blog posts!

Kevin, what do you love about Gayle?  “Gayle is truly the love of my life.  So, there is nothing that I don’t love about her.  The thing that I love most though is the Christian witness that she is, not just to me, but others as well.  Gayle is not just a wonderful Christian woman, but she has been blessed with a tremendous voice and is a fantastic singer.  She uses that voice and talent as a witness for God.  She also has the unique ability to know when I’m really feeling down and knows what to say to make me feel better.”

Gayle, what do you love about Kevin?  “There are many things I love about Kevin…but the one thing that stands out to me is his genuine love and interest in the lives of his friends and family.  I saw this reflected in our relationship as it deepened.  He also has a willingness to assist me in whatever project I’m working on! I also feel blessed that as we’ve had Bible Studies together, I can see and hear a desire in Kevin to know and grow even closer to God…he may not be as vocal about it as I am, but it is displayed throughout his actions and words. He also just loves me…and loves me just as I am!”