Katie & Kirk | Kelleys Island Wedding

I don't think it's possible to have too much joy at a wedding (the more, the better, right?), but Katie and Kirk had the most joy-filled wedding I've ever had the pleasure of photographing. Looking back at these photos from a few months ago takes me right back to that happy, perfect summer day when these two tied the knot. I love how neither of them holds back with their emotions. It makes for some sweet, sweet photos.

Let me tell you about this couple: As a kid, Katie spent her summers on Kelleys Island. She loves the island life and has happy memories from her Kelleys Island summers. After growing up and attending college, she decided to move to Australia (let me repeat that … she MOVED to Australia!) to be with Kirk, a British guy who had also relocated to the sunny country. Together, they are hilarious (HIL-AR-IOUS!) and so kind-hearted and FUN. Katie and Kirk's friends and family traveled from all across the world--and that is no joke!--to celebrate with them in Kelleys Island … a place that means so much to Katie and her family.

Katie and Kirk, Nathan and I were truly honored to capture your special day on camera. Thanks for keeping us laughing every minute and making us feel right at home. Much love to you guys!

There is so much love in Katie's family!

You are the absolute cutest, Katie! You were a beautiful, laid back, effortless bride!

Also … Katie and Kirk shared the sweetest first look ...

Like I said … lots of laughter. :)

And now, let me take a minute to tell you about Kirk's groomsmen. They were the funniest, most inappropriate British guys I've ever met. Every last one of them. They basically had me crying from laughter the whole day.

And then Katie gave her groom a guitar. #bestweddinggiftever

Katie's sweet dad decorated their house in flags from every country represented at their wedding. SO cool, right?

Kirk and his mom did the best mother/son dance ever. Again, I was weeping from laughter. Weeping!

And then we capped off one heck of a wedding with sunset portraits on Lake Erie ...

Ceremony: Kelleys Island Venture Resort Reception: Kelleys Island Town Hall Caterer: Mesenburg Florist: Patti Fresh DJ: Rock and Roll Express Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka Guy's Suits: Zara Honeymoon: St. Lucia + Jamaica!

Kathy & Justin | Lyman Harbor Sandusky Wedding

Kathy and Justin are just about the cutest couple I've ever met. Within minutes of meeting these two you can't help but notice that they adore each other so much. All Kathy wanted to do while she was getting ready on her wedding day was SEE JUSTIN! Good thing they planned a first look. I don't think she would have made it to the altar. :)

When they say that they're each other's best friend, they mean it.

"Justin is patient and understanding, helping to strengthen myself as well as our relationship," Kathy said. "I know that no matter what life throws our way, we will take it on together."

And Just himself is so obviously enamored with Kathy.

"Even before we started dating I knew that Kathy was everything I ever wanted, and I would do anything to make her mine," he said. "Wherever life takes us, I'm happy to know she'll be by my side."

Oh guys, thanks for being so sweet. To each other … and to us, your photographers! We loved spending the day in Sandusky with you, documenting you two making it official. Congrats you married people!

There was palpable energy just before Kathy and Justin's first look. That's why first looks are so cool!

Don't you love Kathy's red lips?? She is gorgeous. And I think her doppelgänger is Amanda Seyfried, no?

See that seagull on the roof in the picture on the left? He sat and watched the entire ceremony. So funny!

Mason jar cakes?! So cool, right?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sunset photos are my favorite! Kathy and Justin rocked them.

Ceremony and Reception: Lyman Harbor Florist: Bock's Floral Creations Mason Jar Cakes: Becky Papa DJ: DNA Entertainment Hair Stylist: Dante Lucci Salon, Holly May Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Honeymoon: Mexico!

Rachel & Ryan | Mon Ami Winery Wedding

Rachel and Ryan met during a night out in Chicago … over some banter. These two are both so witty, it doesn't surprise me in the least that they joked with each other all night. It was probably hilarious. :) The only problem? Rachel lived in Chicago while Ryan called Cleveland home.

According to Rachel, it almost didn't matter because Ryan was "so upfront with his feelings" that she was ready to make it work regardless.

"My favorite thing about Ryan is his unwavering desire to make me happy," Even when I'm upset or feel self-conscious, he does whatever he can to make me feel better, beautiful and loved. I have never had to question the fact that Ryan loves me and will love me no matter what."

I can personally attest to that just from watching the two of them from behind my camera. Ryan wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to Rachel, and it's one of the things that makes them so fun to photograph.

Ryan chimed in: "Rachel's the most caring and thoughtful person I know. Everyone sees it the first time they meet her, and I will always cherish it."

Rachel and Ryan, thank you so much for inviting me to document your day. You two are beautiful people, and I'm really so honored to have been your photographer. Enjoy this crazy ride! 

Rachel's dress was gorgeous, with buttons all down the back. And don't even get me started on her shoes!

Ryan kept stealing glances at Rachel during the ceremony. Adorable!

Rachel's sister made her awesome brooch bouquet!

Favorite! I love the creamy skin tones from the Fuji 400H film!

Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Church Reception: Mon Ami Winery Florist: Mary's Blossom Shoppe Cupcakes: Becca Ritterspach DJ: Pete Troy Entertainment Makeup Artist: Natural Wave Salon Hair Stylist: Staci Leyda, Scott Talbott Salon Bride's Dress: Alfred Angelo, Linde's Bridal and Prom Bride's Shoes: Etsy Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Angelo, Linde's Bridal and Prom Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Honeymoon: Greece!

Melanie & Matt | Sandusky Ohio Wedding

Melanie and Matt met in middle school, but not as wide-eyed 7th or 8th graders … as teachers! Matt was the band director at the school and was asked to help out with choir, which was Melanie's area of expertise.

"During those classes there were many glances back and forth with many accompanying smiles," they said.

Not long after, Melanie and Matt became official and leaned on each other through thick and thin.

"I realized Matt was the one when my father passed away and Matt was there for me the entire time," Melanie said of the hardest time in her life. "The support and love he showed me made me realize I wanted him around for all the important things in my life."

Melanie and Matt made it really official when they tied the knot in Sandusky a few weeks ago. They had a beautiful day, which isn't really surprising because these two radiate joy. It's so evident that Melanie and Matt have a really good, really respectful relationship. They make each other laugh … all the time! They have fun together … no matter what they're doing. And they're really supportive of one another.

Melanie and Matt … thank you for including me in your day. I'm pretty sure my smile was plastered to my face the whole night! :) Enjoy Disney and continue having FUN in life together!

The "J" in Melanie's bracelet up there is for her dad, who was beautifully remembered throughout the day.

I love first looks! Of course Melanie and Matt had an adorable one.

They made time for sunset portraits, which was great because it was such a beautiful evening! And I got to try out a new film (Kodak Portra 800)!

Ceremony: First Congregational Church Reception: Castaway Bay Florist: Corso's, Lisa Johnson Cake: Tonya's Cakes DJ: DNA Entertainment Hair and Makeup: Studio 1 Bride's Dress: Alfred Angelo, Bride's World Bride's Shoes: TOMS Bridesmaids Dresses: Bride's World Tuxes: Tux World Popcorn Bar: Campbell's Sweets Factory Honeymoon: Walt Disney World!