Emily & Michael's Personal In Home Lifestyle Engagement Session in Youngstown, Ohio
When I first met Emily and Michael, I couldn't help but notice how bright and bubbly they were as a couple. Once we started chatting about their relationship, hobbies and wedding plans, I was soooo wildly excited! Their interests and style are totally my vibe and I was immediately SO grateful that they found me! I knew this adventure of wedding festivities was going to be fun, and it sure has been so far!
So when we initially talked about their Engagement Session, Emily had a few ideas for the type of location and vibe she wanted to go for - and guys, when a bride has a vision, that's my ultimate favorite! You know why? Because it makes the e-sesh so much more personal for the couple. If we can work together to create a unique shoot, I'm pumped! One thing to note about Emily and Michael is that they love trying new foods and cooking together. They even met in high school in cooking class! It's funny how the universe tries to leave subtle hints to tell us something ;] So Emily suggested a session at their house, where they baked some cookies and just chilled with some coffee. As soon as she told me that, I was completely on board. So that's what we planned on a sunny, warm Saturday morning. We chatted, I photographed while they baked some yummy chocolate chip cookies and just hung out in their gorgeous home.
Since I knew how much they love different foods, I thought some personalized macarons would be the perfect touch to their session. I reached out to my friends at Bake Me Treats in Poland, Ohio to see if they could add some special touches to their delicious macarons so that I could surprise Emily and Michael with them. They did an amazing job - the macs were SOOOO cute and were perfect for helping show off Emily's gorgeous ring!
Fun fact - Emily and Michael make their own wine! We were halfway through the shoot and Emily was like, should we drink some homemade wine? Ummmm, YES! They make their own labels and everything. Seriously, I can't even handle how much I adore these two. We grabbed the wine and headed out to their cute little front porch to get a few shots while the cookies were cooling. Afterwards, we headed downtown Youngstown for an outfit change and different scenery.
Like I said before, Emily and Michael met in high school. Years went by, as they do, and they were reunited through a mutual friend at Emily's birthday party at Culpepper's, their fave hometown bar. They hit it off well and decided to go on a date after that night. Michael took Emily golfing and to dinner. From there, they decided to go back to that favorite hometown bar to get a couple of drinks, which turned into closing the bar down and having their first kiss (aweeeee). Obviously they couldn't get enough of each other and the rest is just history! When I asked Emily what attracted her most to Michael, she said his kind, caring and positive personality. She also mentioned that his handsome smile is an added bonus ;] Michael said he's most attracted to Emily's sense of humor, compassion for others and her positivity.
When Michael proposed, he actually had a big plan with a lot of people close to them helping out. Emily's best friend, Sarah, asked her to come over and help with the baby and just hang out. All the while, Michael had Sarah in on the plan to get Emily out of the house so he could go visit Emily's dad to get his approval to propose. After Emily's dad approved, Michael's plan was set into motion. They were going to the US Open at the Oakmont Country Club and Michael told her they'd stop at Hartwood Acres Mansion to take the bus to the golf course. He also mentioned that his sister Melissa, a photographer, had a session at the mansion and before they caught the bus, he needed to drop some stuff off to her that she left behind at his parents. After chatting with Melissa for a second, she asked if the two of them would be models while she did some test shots to check for good lighting. To Emily's complete surprise, Michael got down on one knee and proposed, all while Melissa snapped away to capture the proposal!
This leads us to present day, where Emily and Michael are planning a romantic, industrial chic themed wedding with a hint of glimmer with champagne, rose gold, copper, steel grey and marble decor. If you're not swooning already like I am, I feel like I should add that there will be some geometric gold decor complimented by some greenery, a donut wall (um, what?!) and Emily's Grandma as the Flower Girl. I SERIOUSLY can't wait to see this all come together! Both Emily and Michael can't wait to celebrate with their friends and family!