Class of 2017

Sometimes God crosses our paths with people and they become a part of our lives in ways we never expected.  Cheyanne and her sister, Savannah, are two of these special people in my life.  I’ve been privileged to watch them learn and grow in their lives and in their relationships with God.  Their lives haven’t always been easy, but through the journey they’ve relied on God and become strong.

Cheyanne, congratulations in making it to your senior year!  You are a goal oriented person and you work hard to accomplish those goals!  As you look forward to the future this is my prayer for you from Ephesians 1:16-19…”I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.  I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.  I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.”

During Alex and Aliscia’s first dance I noticed they were completely in the moment and sweetly sang to each other the words…From the Ground Up

Grandma and grandpa painted a picture
Of 65 years in one little house
More than a memory, more than saying “I do”
Kiss you goodnights and “I love you’s”

Me and you, baby, walk in the footsteps
Build our own family
One day at a time…

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Troyer!  Here’s a glimpse into the first day of their forever…

Aliscia’s dress was absolutely elegant with an eye catching back and train.  Their house had the perfect place to display her dress…a “T” for Troyer! The ring bearer carried this unique monogrammed case made by Alex’s dad. Aliscia made the monogrammed shirts for her girls! Alex gave Aliscia a cross necklace… Aliscia’s gift to Alex… The sky was looking dark and the radar was showing rain…sure enough it poured!!  In fact, it was nearly a torrential downpour!  So, what do you do when your plans were for outdoor pictures and it’s pouring?!  You get creative with the tiny space you have to work with inside an old, country church…. It cleared up and we were able to quickly snap a few pictures during the reception at the London Country Club & Golf Course. And we’ll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I’ll stand through the good and the bad
We’ll give all that we have
And we’ll build this love from the ground up   -Dan + Shay

Ceremony: Big Darby Baptist Church, Plain City, Ohio

Reception: London Country Club, London, Ohio

Second Shooter: Sarah Varughese

Ceremony: Cleveland History Center Hanna Gardens

Reception: Windows on the River, Cleveland OH

How would I describe Dan and Kristen’s day in a few words?  Elegant, gorgeous, hot and humid, great locations, and a wonderful couple!  Here’s a glimpse into their day…

Kristen and the girls got ready at her parents house. Dan and the guys hung out at his parents house… The gardens at the Cleveland History Center were beautiful!  I loved the unique structures, textures, and designs! Kristen, you’re gorgeous! See the button on Kristen’s bouquet in the picture below…it’s from her Grandmother’s wedding dress.  How special!About 30 minutes before the ceremony it poured!  We waited until the rain stopped, the ceremony chairs were dried off, and things continued as planned! 

Thank you, Andrew Weber, for all your help and second shooting!  You did a great job…I love the shots you got!

Wooster, Ohio

Seth and Lori’s day didn’t quite turn out the way they originally planned due to storms, but their fun-loving personalities didn’t let the changes mess with their joy and memories from their day!

The day began in a quaint old house on the Ohio State University OARDC Wooster Campus.

First look in one of the beautiful gardens…

You’ll notice in these pictures the unique amphitheater.  This is where the ceremony was supposed to take place, however, upon watching the forecast the decision was made ahead of time to move the ceremony indoors at a church….VERY good decision!  After we snapped some pictures of Seth and Lori and a few of the bridal party the rain DUMPED!  In fact, it poured again at the exact time Lori was walking up the aisle!  Seth and Lori had a beautiful, worship-filled ceremony.  It was evident they want the Lord first in their lives and their marriage.

Thank you to Jenell Shrock for second shooting for Seth and Lori’s wedding!  We’ll always remember their day…riding on the back of the pickup truck, covered up with trash bags in the pouring rain! 🙂

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Matt and Brittany grew up going to school together, in fact, Brittany told me she liked Matt in Kindergarten. 🙂  Fast forward a few years and now Matt and Brittany are looking forward to tying the knot in November!

Matt and Brittany fit together perfectly…he’s easy going, loves to make Brittany laugh and enjoys having fun.  Brittany is gentle, somewhat quiet, and is also easy going.

During their session Matt played his guitar and sang.  I asked him if he’s going to sing at their wedding.  He said didn’t think so because he’d be too nervous.  From what I heard, he’d do great regardless of the nerves!

Matt and Brittany make spending time together a priority…they enjoy taking walks, talking, and even hunting! 

Class of 2017

Makayla is getting ready to start her senior year at London High School!  Something I noticed about Makayla is that she’s not just beautiful, but she has such a sweet spirit…she even gave me a hug at the end of her session!  (Makes me enjoy my job even more!)  Her friends would describe her as tenderhearted, funny and mischievous.

Recently, Makayla went on a mission trip to Africa.  You never know how God is going to use an experiences like this to direct our interests and desires to change our lives.   After high school Makayla is considering nursing, and since returning from her trip she’s pursuing an internship in Africa!   It will be fun to watch where God leads and uses Makayla!

Makayla’s session started with some rain.  We waited it out and prayed that God would pour His blessing over this session!  Praise God it cleared up and the sun even broke through the clouds a couple time during the evening!

I’m so happy for Pete and Deborah!  Yay for new parents!!!  The joy… anticipation… preparation… the unknowns of a new stage in life… questions like: how is this going to work? are we ready?… and the sheer excitement of meeting your little one for the first time!

Over the last couple years I’ve had the pleasure of watching God lead Deborah on the journey that brought her to this point of welcoming a little one into their lives.  She’ll tell you herself it didn’t come without a bit of wrestling with God, but through it all God gently showed her that He’s got it in His hands and He’s given her a joy and excitement that is completely a gift from Him!

In all the excitement and preparations of welcoming a new little one, there’s really nothing that can entirely prepare new parents for what’s ahead!  And then when you’re in the midst of raising the child it’s so easy to question if you’re “doing it right?!”  You know what I’m talking about, right?  The endless ways we can worry about the BEST way to raise a child.  But wait!  It’s okay when we don’t have a clue about what to do, because God does know and He’ll walk the journey with you!  I mean really, God is a loving Father after all!!

To Pete and Deborah and anyone else that may need a little parental encouragement today… always remember, God chose YOU to be your child’s parents.  He didn’t choose the author of the latest “how to” book, He didn’t choose those who’s voices echo in your head with all their opinions, He chose YOU!  And as you look to God and His wisdom in raising your child, it will be God raising your little one through you.  The Lord bless you and your little one…and may your FAMILY live to bless Him!

Class of 2017

Hannah was so wonderful to have in front of the camera!  Her sweet, easy going and fun-loving personality was so evident and she literally glowed in the sunlight the evening of her session!

Hannah is a country girl at heart and loves horseback riding.  She will start her senior year at Fairbanks High School this fall, and hopes to pursue nursing after graduation.

I love these creek shots!  Hannah you are beautiful!! Hannah has been involved in FFA through all of her high school years.  She has received the Green Hand Degree, Chapter Degree, and State Degree, and hopes to attain the American Degree while in college.   She raises and sells chickens and turkeys for both FFA and 4-H.

Just in case you wondered, these are Hannah’s REAL eyelashes…no fakes here!

Makeup by Ellie Kattenhorn

M.L “Red” Trabue Nature Reserve, Dublin Ohio

Every love story is unique.  Stephen and Erin’s began with a bit of prodding from family and friends and a coupon to give an online dating site a try…and as they say “the rest is history!”

Stephen and Erin have combined their love for various outdoors activities and adventure to include camping, kayaking and 4-wheeling!  They also enjoy cooking and building things together.  In fact, Stephen built the arch they will be getting married under on October 1!

Every ring is special, but when the center diamond is from a grandmother it seems to have an extra special sentiment to it.  I’d say Stephen did an excellent job of choosing a setting to incorporate his grandmother’s diamond!I love Erin’s smile!  Somehow you can just sense her happiness and comfort with Stephen, right?

Stephen and Erin’s personalities are somewhat different.  Stephen is one that has never met a stranger and Erin is more quiet and reserved until she gets to know someone.  Although different, their personalities compliment each other well in multiple aspects.   Erin shared, “With Stephen everything felt natural and it was very easy to open up to him. We fit together very well.”

“Hold me tight and let me know that whatever happens you’ll never let go.”  -Unknown