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 so 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.

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, that's my 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. 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....

Tracey & Aaron's Intimate Fall Wedding at Tiffany's Banquet Hall in Brookfield Ohio

Every time I meet with a couple, I just KNOW they're destined to be together. When I met Tracey and Aaron, it was clear as can be. Their love just radiated every time they looked at each other, which made my job even more fun! I could photograph starry eyed brides and grooms every day :P For their wedding, I knew it'd be a big celebration and also very intimate for them, as they had friends and family from all over the country flying in to watch them say "I do"...

Meat & Sophie's Pastel Spring inspired 5th Birthday Party in Youngstown, Ohio

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that my sweet, wrinkly puppies turned five on Tuesday. Since Lou and I don't have any kiddos yet, these two have been my photography subjects for all five years of their lives. Meat is pretty cool with getting his picture taken, and he's certainly a big ham (like his father). Sophie, on the other hand, will tolerate my ridiculous photo ideas for a very short period of time, and she'll make sure I know she's not particularly thrilled about it. I feel it's also important to say that they absolutely love wearing clothes. They have a collection of sweaters, a few scarves, some ridiculous hats and several Halloween costumes. Those things don't phase them at all. Sophie even gets a wiggle butt when it's time to put on a sweater or her jammies.

I know, I probably am coming off like a real crazy person. And that's okay. I don't mind, because I know most people are quite fond of my dogs too - even if they haven't met them. I know it's not just me! I mean, I don't think it's possible to look at their wrinkly faces and NOT fall in love with them. You just can't. They're the cutest. Every year we have some sort of birthday party for them, whether it's just us or a play party with their BFF (my friend's sweet rescue pittie, since her birthday is just five days before Meat and Sophie's)...

Tips for Working With Your Wedding Photographer and Getting the Most out of Your Wedding Day Experience

If you find yourself googling all kinds of wedding planning tips, HEEEEEYYY GIRL, this blog is for you! By this point, you've probably already booked your wedding photographer. (If not, click here and read this to help you in your search.) I'm sure you've gotten TONS of info from your tog and I'm sure they've stressed some really important bullet points for your wedding day. These things will help you get the most out of your photography experience.

You may be saying, "Well I don't really remember all of the stuff my tog said! Crap! I was so stressed with booking vendor after vendor. How could I possibly remember everything?!" Girl, don't worry! That's a TOTALLY normal reaction! I felt the exact same way when I was planning my own wedding, and I AM a wedding photographer! Do me a favor and get comfy on the couch, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and keep reading because I also have some tips for you in working with your wedding photographer so you can get the most out of your whole wedding experience. These may be things you've heard before, but trust me, they ARE important!...