Mychal and Brooke’s love story began over six years ago and they are looking forward to tying the knot in March, 2014!  Mychal and Brooke’s personalities complement each other well.  Mychal is a leader and has a huge heart for helping people.  He’s laid back, funny and very competitive.  Brooke is an organizer/planner, driven, loving and caring.  She, like Mychal, is also very competitive!

When asked what Mychal loves about Brooke he shared, “I love that I can be my goofy, giddy self around her and the way she just laughs at me.  I love the butterflies I get when I know I’m going to see her.  I love how she makes me feel good about myself.  I love her competitive nature and spit fire attitude and I love the thought of spending my life with her and starting a family.  I love her Godly heart and her passion for kids.”

Brooke also shared what she loves about Mychal by saying, “I love his sense of humor and his laid back personality.  I love that he is driven and goes after what he wants in life.  I love his caring and kind heart, his gentleness and how he always looks out for other people, putting them first.  I love that he loves surprising me with spur of the moment ideas like trips, concerts, and sporting events.  I love that he supports me in everything I do.”

The sunlight was perfect for a few sun-kissed, romantic shots in the vineyard.

Kirby and Heather have known each other since they were young, but a move during their childhood put many miles between them.  A couple of years ago their long-distant friendship took on a new look when they began dating across the miles and cherishing any moment they got to spend together.  The miles between their lives will soon come to an end when they get married in January, 2014!

Below you’ll see that Kirby and Heather chose to use the quaint German Village area for their pictures and read what they love about each other…

Kirby, what do you love about Heather?  “I love the excitement she has for us and our future, she is constantly making plans or trying to figure something out that we will need or might want. I love her smile and how it lights up a room. I love how she cares about the little things. I love her spontaneous nature and how she can always make me feel comfortable and confident.”

Heather, tell us what you love about Kirby. “I love his heart for wherever God is calling him to. I love the commitment I know he has for me and the trust we share with each other. He always knows how to brighten my day and make sure I feel loved.”

Beautiful sunlight!

Have you ever seen a braided tree trunk? Pretty cool!

My favorite part of these pictures is seeing Kirby's smile as he watches Heather twirl.

 Jeff and Stephanie’s paths crossed when they were working at the OSU James Cancer Hospital.  Jeff is outgoing, loves interacting with people, is easy going, and yet also driven.  Stephanie is shy, sweet, and caring.  They are looking forward to February, 2014 when they’ll tie the knot!

As always, I love reading what couple have to say they love about each other.  This is what Jeff and Stephanie had to share…

Jeff: “Stephanie is such a caring person.  Her love for God, her family, and me is without a doubt over flowing. She honestly makes me a better man and makes me want to do bigger and better things in life.  I love the way we can worship together and challenge each other to be better.  She knows how to pick me up when I’m down–without her I’m not whole.  I love how she can be relaxed with me and can be such a cute nerd.  I’m glad to be able to marry my best friend and cannot wait to start our lives together.”

Stephanie: “I looove how he always wants to enjoy life, experience new things, his love for God, and how he challenges me to be a better person.  He’s open and super loving and makes me feel so special.  I love that we can laugh together, and when I’m grouchy or sad he finds something to make me laugh about.  He is amazing and is my forever.”

I enjoyed spending a bit of time with Drew and Brittany to capture the “spark” between them. 🙂  Brittany loves glitter; in fact she even has the nickname “Sparkles,” so she had the idea of using glitter for some of their pictures.  Drew was a good sport and went along with the glitter plan even though they had glitter everywhere!

Drew and Brittany met at Kent State University and they say that Drew’s funny sense of humor won Brittany over.  They are both outgoing and fun-loving, and enjoy watching movies, relaxing by the pool and spending time their families.

Drew says he loves Brittany’s eyes and her smile.  He also shared, “I love how caring and compassionate she can be in my times of need.  I know that she would do anything for me.”

Brittany shared that she appreciates how Drew picks her up when she’s down.  She also said, “I love his smile and his laugh, especially when he laughs like a little kid, it makes me laugh even more.  I especially love the way he shows his love to me and my family.”

Derek and Ashley are planning an October wedding and chose a country setting for their engagement session.  They are fun-loving with a need for speed and adventure in life (how about a skydiving proposal–yep, Derek, I’d say that’s adventurous!)  They have big hearts that love to help others and competitive spirits that bring out the best in each other.

When I asked Derek and Ashley what they like doing together they said, “The easier question would be…what don’t we like to do together?!”  They enjoy being active outdoors, trying new things on their bucket lists, serving together in church, cooking up concoctions in the kitchen, and spending time with their friends and family.

When asked what they love about the other their answers were super sweet…see below!

Derek, what do you love Ashley?  “I love my fiancé so much!!!  She has the love of Jesus in her heart and that love shines through her actions every single day.  She is a go-getter with the determination to follow through with the goals that she sets for herself.  I love how she values time with family and friends.  She is an amazing communicator and she uses that gift to build others up.  I also love that we can pray together for guidance in our relationship and she places her full trust in the Lord’s plan for her life.  She also just happens to be the most beautiful woman in the world with her shimmering hair and contagious smile.  She is my best friend and I absolutely love her fun-loving personality!!!”

Ashley, what do you love about Derek?  “I love so many things about my Man!  I’d have to say one of the things that sticks out the most is his selfless love.  He puts the needs of those around him above his own.  He has a servants heart and the Lord’s love shines through him tremendously!  I love his humor and how it comes out in the most unexpected times.  He completes our family and brings so much joy to all of us.  I love his competitive and determined spirit! If he says he’s going to do something you better watch out, because he’s going to do it!  I so enjoy that he’s up for anything, even skydiving!!  My Man is a one of a kind and his heart for the Lord shines through time and time again!”

 {Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, Ohio}

Anthony and Ryann…great smiles and easy to be around.  Their engagement session…sunlight, flowers, unique nooks and crannies.  I love photographing couples that are in love!

As always, the couples can explain themselves the best.  This is what Anthony and Ryann had to say…Anthony, what do you love about Ryann?  “I love her kindness and generosity, as well as her passion for helping others.  Also, her love for animals!”  Ryann, tell me what you love about Anthony. “I love his giving heart and gentle manner. He’s also honest, loyal, and puts up with me! He’s the total package.”

Anthony and Ryann are planning a December wedding.  I am already looking forward to it!  Ryann told me she’s hoping for snow to take pictures outdoors–I would love that!

Inniswood Gardens has so many unique places. One such spot is the Secret Garden. Notice in the picture on the right that there are marbles in the mortar between the bricks.

This blossom smelled amazing!

I love snapdragons!

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!”

Have you ever met someone and felt blessed to have met them?  That’s how I felt after getting to know Thomas and Jacquelene!  As we walked around the Ohio State University campus and chatted about their lives, families, and the minsitries they’re involved in I left feeling blessed, encouraged, and truly inspired!  I wish I could tell you everything I learned about them, but I will need to keep it condensed. 🙂

Let me start by explaining that Thomas and Jacquelene met at OSU, thus the locaiton of their engagement session.  What do they enjoy doing together?  Everything!…ministry, watching football, watching movies, spending time with their families, and date nights.  They shared, “We really just enjoy being together and doing absolutely anything, just as long as we get to spend time with one another.”

Thomas is laid-back, fun, easy-going, relaxed and he has a huge heart for others, which is amazing to see in his daily life with his house-mates and friends.  Jacquelene is outgoing and likes to have fun.  She is full of energy, but definitely likes to be organized and is a really big planner.

When asked what Thomas loves about Jacqulene he said, “I really love her smile and her love for Jesus Christ and her family. I just love everything about her.”
Jacquelene shared about Thomas, “I love his blue eyes and the way he loves me all the time!  I also love the way he loves Christ and leads our relationship to God.  Thomas is the type of person who would do anything for me, no matter what, and he shows that daily.”

Thomas and Jacqulene are planning a May wedding…right after they graduate from OSU!  I wish you both God’s blessings in the months ahead and as you serve Him together.

O-H-I-O!!  The Ohio State University campus was the location of choice for Stephen and Amber’s engagement portraits, because both Stephen and Amber have attended OSU.  The other spot that we used was their favorite pizza place off High Street called Hound Dogs.  I must admit after tasting the pizza I will be returning sometime to introduce the “yummy-ness” to my family!

Let me tell you a little about Stephen and Amber!  They went to school and church together, so they’ve known each other most of their lives.   Stephen and Amber stay busy and love doing things together like—golf, frisbee golf, working out, walks, geocaching, eating out, playing board games, and movies…wow they stay active! 🙂

Stephen is outgoing and energetic, and can make a friend wherever he goes.  Amber says, “I love that Stephen is super talkative and always has something to say.”

Amber is sweet, laid back and has a great sense of humor.  I love how Stephen admires Amber and thinks she’s perfect.  He also shared, “I like how she is willing to do just about anything for me.  Foot rubs, back rubs, head rubs, etc.”

Stephen and Amber are planning a May 25, 2013 wedding.  Congratulations, Stephen and Amber!  Enjoy the next few months of planning!  I’m looking forward to your special day!

Our first stop...Hound Dogs! Delicious pizza!!

Browning Amphitheater, OSU Campus

Mirror Lake, OSU Campus

The Oval, OSU Campus

The Horseshoe, OSU Campus

We hadn't planned to take sunset pictures, but when I saw how absolutely beautiful the sky was this evening we just had to take a few shots!