Breathing.

Relaxing.

Taking in the moment.

The sweetness of anticipation.

The wedding I am putting together for the next post was breathtaking. The Chanler Inn is divine & I felt awed by the beauty of such a historic landmark. Being at this European-styled boutique hotel was incredibly inspiring. It gave this modern wedding a vintage feeling & was the perfect backdrop for artistic photographs. I didn’t stay long in Newport, Rhode Island this summer, but I came back with a beautiful collection of images to share {including a sunrise day after session on the beach}!

Stay tuned ♥

Jon & Beverly have quite a story to tell about how they first met! It was truly an act of fate, and is partially because of her son who served in the Army. It was beautiful to see their families & friends come together in mutual excitement for the two of them… even the cat snuggled comfortably in her wedding dress!

Congratulations Jon & Beverly! ♥

Here is a preview from Chris & Stephani’s Miami University wedding in Oxford, Ohio. They are both officers in the Air Force & currently stationed across the globe from each other. It was an honor to photograph the story of two extraordinary people & the celebration of being reunited with their families & each other…

 Congratulations Chris & Stephani! ♥

Abby was the embodiment of a classic vintage bride, I kept thinking she reminded me of the elegant Grace Kelly. I loved how she mixed simplicity & tradition for a stunning timeless style. You might remember Abby & Brett from their lovely garden themed engagement session.

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe…

I love that Abby substituted a penny!

Last week’s weddings began on Wednesday in Newport, Rhode Island at the Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk. My husband, Rocky, joined me for a spectacular, intimate, celebration for Brynn & Ryan with some very close family & friends.

There was also a yummy sunrise day after session just below the Chanler Inn at the beach. An East Coast wedding is perfect for a sunrise session.

We flew back to Dayton & after a few hours with my two sons, I drove to Peninsula, Ohio for Lacey & Brian’s heart pounding DIY {adventure} wedding. They had planned an outdoor ceremony, but a sudden downpour of rain rerouted their plans. They moved the ceremony indoors & it was one of the most heartfelt exchange of vows I’ve ever witnessed. Their families & guests were so gracious & supported them throughout the entire day. When they were announced as husband & wife it was like the triumphant ending of a romantic novel.  We were all rooting for this sweet couple! I posted their engagement session recently too.

I stayed in Cleveland for Yana & Aaron’s sweet DIY wedding at Music Mound, a Berea Metro Park. Their reception was at the lovely & historic Grand Pacific Junction Hotel. Yana & her family created amazing original DIY projects that gave her wedding a unique & personal atmosphere. It was very special to have her culture reflected in the wedding day too. They reminded me so much of Rocky & I as a (younger) couple & it was such a treat to celebrate with them & photograph their beautifuly creative wedding!

Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your weddings, there will be so much more to see in the coming weeks! I was married in August almost seven years ago, this month has a special place in my heart for very obvious reasons.

I want to send a big Thank You to Style Me Pretty for featuring Erin & Pete’s wedding on their blog today! It is such an honor to see my work there!

If you’ve e-mailed me lately, please forgive me for not being in touch while I unpack & get readjusted to being home. I am so excited to share a fortune of images & finish telling these stories I’ve started sharing. I think a run to the grocery store might be necessary first though. ♥

I took their wedding portraits at Dayton’s Carillon Park. It is a historical museum dedicated to Dayton, Ohio history & pride. There are mini museums & vintage replicas of homes. I think everyone who attends school in the Miami Valley has been here at some point. Now as a photographer, I had so much fun with all the backdrops that were steps away from each other. Carillon Park is a perfectly historical & quirky venue for a wedding.

The way he looks at her & lights up around her is what every girl dreams to find… I love that I get to be part of witnessing so many dreams come true.

There were light showers off & on throughout their wedding day morning. When we spoke about it during their portrait session, Pete said with a smile, “If it does rain again, maybe we’ll see a rainbow!” With an outlook like that on life, their marriage will be pretty amazing.

Erin’s make up was done by her maid of honor, Kaitlin. She was stunning, loved her eyeshadow!

From Erin, about the centerpieces: We had everyone we know save their condiment jars for us and I could not have been more thrilled with the result.
My dad and I made the candles (while my mom and Pete supervised). After they were set, I wrapped them with old sheet music we bought at a thrift store.

Her beautiful cake was made by The Cakery. Erin says the lemon cake with key lime frosting was her favorite… I agree! It was hands down the best cake I’ve tasted at a wedding!

Reception: Dayton History | Carillon Park

Wedding Gown: Bridal & Tux Dayton, OH

Jewelry: Earrings borrowed from bride’s mother & necklace gifted as wedding present

Shoes: DSW {Dyed at the local repair shop}

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Yellow Rose Bracelets: Etsy {Gift from Bride}

Groom’s Suit: Price Stores

Men’s Ties: Ties That Don’t Suck {Etsy Shop}

Cake: The Cakery

Flowers: Furst Florist

DJ: Megan Meyers from Party Pleasers {She was fantastic, and very responsive to our wishes}

Catering: Christopher’s
Holly was amazing to work with and incredibly helpful. Not to mention that the food was amazing!

Officiant: Reverend David Turner of Central Christian Church

Invitations: For save the dates we used vintage postcards that we bought on ebay. We had a stamp made with a little picture of us and our wedding date. Our friend Val is an amazing graphic designer and she put together our beautiful invitations for us. She also helped me choose our wedding colors.

Most memorable moment of your wedding day? The whole day was so beautiful and memorable we can’t pick just one!

What song did you walk down the aisle to? The wedding march

First dance song? Here, There, and Everywhere by The Beatles

Pete & Erin, I wish you all the best! Thanks for asking me to capture your lovely wedding… I think you two take some insanely good pictures. ♥

Featured in The Knot Ohio Spring/Summer 2012 Issue

When I came across this book, Soil Mates by Sara Alway, at Anthropologie, these little pieces came together & all I had to do was find a couple willing to cooperate. Abby & Brett were perfect! She listened to my concept & enthusiastically selected the perfect wardrobe for each of them. It was a great way to get to know them better & practice for photographs before their wedding that is coming up later this month!

I wanted to showcase ideas for a lovely vintage table of some healthy munchies. That is where my dear friend, Wanda, of Sugar Maple Weddings & Events came in. I showed her my (Pinterest) inspiration board, and she was set! I was “oohing & ahhing” the whole time I photographed her beautiful vegetable & fruit display. It would be perfect for an engagement party or bridal shower in addition to wedding reception inspiration! She is a Dayton area wedding planner & event stylist. She is very familiar with vintage design & showcasing rustic elegance. I’ve always loved any project that she is part of!

I found this little DIY Hummus & Baby Carrot in terra cotta pots garnished with Parsley at this sweet blog {via Pinterest}.

Wanda made this beautiful ribbon backdrop, that inspired my own DIY Ribbon Chandelier for my office.

This watermelon cake is just a creative way to serve watermelon! I found it on Pinterest too. The original idea is Martha Stewart. Of course.

I have been obsessed with pinwheels & fabric flowers lately. They are actually easy to make & a simple addition to a plain cake that adds a lovely touch! I was nervous to try this, because it goes against the idea of icing or fondant flowers on a cake. I felt a little more courage when I saw Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine {Summer 2011} had a cover spread about this very thing. You should read it if you are interested in having a DIY wedding cake! Choosing your own fabric is a perfect way to tie design together in a new way!

 Makeup was done by another talented friend, Leslie, of Glamour Make-up Art by Ruby Randall.
She is AMAZING & {understandably} in demand, so snatch her up quick for your wedding or portraits!

Abby’s dress & apron were from Anthropologie.

The egg shell planters were another Pinterest inspired idea.

Beer & Peonies were from Trader Joe’s {the Peonies in my yard had already died }.

Wanda & Leslie, you two were incredible… THANK YOU!

You can also see this shoot featured on Green Wedding Shoes.

 Thanks for coming out for a sunset engagement shoot Abby & Brett! I can’t wait to see you on your wedding day! ♥

Here is a preview of Erin + Pete from their Carillon Park vintage wedding that I photographed last week:

This brightens my rainy day. ♥

I’m so happy to see the weather grudgingly lighten up… I hope I need a pretty little fan like this soon. I’m ready to ditch the extra blankets & heavy coats! ♥

PS- Did you catch Kate & Preston’s Navy Engagement Session on 100 Layer Cake? See it here.

From Wanda:

I’ve had almost twenty years experience planning & coordinating weddings & events. I am passionate about each event that I do. I feel very fortunate to work in an industry where I can use my talent for design, food, & entertaining. I love to make each event unique & a real reflection of my client’s personal style. My services are designed to offer you the maximum assistance with the minimum amount of stress.

Sugar Maple Weddings & Events styled these gorgeous autumn wedding tables for us, each one is such a treat! The first is shabby chic & glamorous. Pretty pink petals mix with fiery orange roses. An array of colorful fall leaves serve as a backdrop. She incorporated glass, silver, & rose petals to make the scene look sophisticated but organic. I love chandeliers hanging from trees! I will never forget seeing this one hanging for the first time at my friend’s wedding several years ago that Wanda had designed… it’s the perfect ingredient for a garden wedding.

The next table is more of a rustic farmhouse interpretation. Notice the twine, chalkboard, basket weave, & wood. Her daughter, Myranda, baked us cupcakes & topped them with these cute “Just Married” tokens. Clever, right?!

Candy Apples… I cut them into slices & they are very much my weakness!

Wanda pulled together found objects, like her daughter Lori’s hand painted table & her family’s silverware, to craft this eclectic wedding table.

The next table would be perfect for escort cards, dessert buffet, or gift table. The lanterns can hang from the tree with the table number & can be taken to their seats for light as the evening sunset approaches. The black & white is very classic, it would be complement a little garden of white pumpkins!

Love the drapes over a barn opening, it makes the rustic barn feel elegant!

Another chandelier in a tree… a stunning way to light your reception or dessert buffet! I want some for my backyard, just to look at in the evenings

I hope you are inspired by her displays! If you are looking for a Dayton wedding coordinator or designer, please get in touch with Wanda by sending her a note at wandakuck@yahoo.com for more information! Check out Sugar Maple Weddings & Events on Facebook by clicking here. ♥

The first one was from a styled shoot with Glamour Make-up Art by Ruby Randall. She did all of the styling & make-up! If you are looking for a MUA for your wedding day, check out her work on Facebook. She is an amazing artist & even specializes in vintage!

Our Military Wedding Contest voting is still open until February 13 at midnight! I will tally the “Likes” & reveal the winner on Valentine’s Day! Many thanks to all of you who have supported some really amazing couples & showed so much enthusiasm! I can not even begin to thank you for the way you have rallied behind each of them!

I usually look forward to Valentine’s Day as an excuse to make pretty cupcakes {like the ones above} & plan a date with my husband. This year, in addition to yummy sweets, I can not get over my excitement to see the website launch for BHLDN, the new bridal collection from Anthropologie. I think it’s going to revolutionize the wedding industry with their eclectic fashion & streamlined ordering process.

What do you look forward to the most about Valentine’s Day? If you are already married {especially with kids}, I’d love to hear what you do to make it fun! We could always use some ideas, right?!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! ♥

P.S. This blog was nominated by a very talented reader for The Lovelies 2011 Awards in the category Photography Blog. I am so honored to see this baby of mine up there next to some of the most talented photographers that I admire so much! You can check out the contest & vote for your favorite {me I hope!} here: