Kaedra & Alex | Stan Hywet Wedding

May 22, 2014

They met at Ohio State University over a few games of H-O-R-S-E. As sophomores on campus, Kaedra and Alex chatted for more than an hour on the court that day. And then they parted ways and left the rest up to chance. It wasn't until nearly three years later that they went out for the first time.

"Alex is always encouraging me to try new things, like CrossFit, and treats every situation like we are a team," Kaedra said. "He pushes me to do things I never thought I could, and just when I'm about to fall, he knows the exact moment to step in and help."

During their engagement session, Kaedra and Alex gushed about their newfound love of CrossFit, and one of the things I remember most about that conversation was how complimentary the two were of each other. Kaedra made sure it was known that Alex was one of the best in their gym, although he would never have admitted it. Alex bragged about how dedicated Kaedra was to the early-morning workouts. This is Kaedra and Alex. They share this awe of each other that is really fantastic to observe.

Thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your wedding day, you two. Sometimes I feel like this job makes me a better person, and interacting with you guys has added to that. You're a highlight of my season! Enjoy your honeymoon!

One of the bridesmaids gifted all the girls with these adorable monogrammed shirts. So thoughtful!

You know I love cats. It was pretty hilarious--and fitting, really--to see Kaedra's childhood cat checking in on the getting ready process.

We skirted rain all day, which was fabulous since the wedding took place outdoors at Stan Hywet. The grounds at this estate are unbelievably gorgeous!

I shot some Fuji 400H at the wedding. :) Kaedra makes it look extra great!

Love this photo that my assistant Caitlin captured!

I have to give a shout out to both Kaedra and Alex's families. Everyone was so welcoming and fun!

Ceremony: Stan Hywet Reception: Prime 93 Florist: Reilley's Originals Cake: Little Bake Shop DJ: On the Mic Entertainment Makeup Artist: MC Hair Consultants Hair Stylist: Studio H Bride's Dress: Abbott's Bridal Bride's Shoes: TOMS Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Transportation: Thomas Limousine Honeymoon: Lugano, Switzerland and Venice and Rome!

Film Mini Shoot #2 | Emily & Keith

May 21, 2014

I so, SO look forward to shooting with film each and every time I go to one of these mini shoots. Film is really a breath of fresh air for me, and I adore playing with the light and waiting in anticipation for these digital scans to arrive in my Inbox. I've learned to be more deliberate about each shot and really take my time and think through what I'm doing. It's such a nice pace.

A HUGE thanks to my cute former assistant, Emily, and her husband, Keith, for agreeing to model for my Mamiya. :) You guys are so good!

P.S. There are a couple digital photos mixed in here. Can you tell which is which? Hint: The digital photos are a different size than the film!

Emily and Keith were married two years ago and have such awesome respect and affection for each other.

Oh you guys. These next two? They're my FAVORITES!

I just looooove the light coming through those trees!

Fuji 400H | Richard Photo Lab

Film Mini Shoot #1 | Daralyn & Barry

May 2, 2014

I've been having SO much fun playing with film the past couple months. Film photography is something I've loved since I started on this journey, but I've always been terrified to jump in because (shock) it's way different than digital! I take comfort in being able to look at the back of my camera and know that I nailed a photo … or not. And you just can't do that with film! Film is old school (yes, you actually load a film roll into the back of the camera), BUT you just can't emulate the look with digital … at least not 100%. No matter how you try. And I've tried. :) My style has always lent itself to film--I love bright, clean, light-filled photos--so stylistically it makes sense for me.

And so, after coveting film photography for three years, I decided that it's time to give it a whirl. It might be scary, but scary things push you and make you better, right? I recently bought a Mamiya 645 so that I could start to learn and play with different film stocks. I've had fun testing the camera on inanimate subjects, but I knew that I had to learn to use my Mamiya on people sooner or later.

Enter my little brother, Barry, and his girlfriend, Daralyn. These two were gracious enough to be my first subjects in a four-part mini shoot series. Over the next month, I'll be testing different lighting situations and locations and subjects with my Mamiya. Already I can tell this is going to be the BEST way to learn. Thanks ahead of time to everyone who's agreed to help me out!

What makes film so unbelievably great is that these photos are basically SOOC (straight out of camera). I may have done one or two tweakings (plus changed that right photo to black and white), but compared to the editing I usually do with my digital photos, this took me a fraction of the time. And it just looks so pretty!