Kylee.... a fellow creative...Oh how I love that you push the limits and allow me to feel extra creative in this tiny little town. Earlier this year Kylee had the awesome idea to do her first session at the fair and it was AMAZING!! We stuck to downtown Lima for the 2nd half and I was not disappointed at all when she showed up in her sweet pink fur coat <3 <3 

Alexis is one of our 2019 senior models! She split her 2 hour senior session in two. First we explored downtown Lima and second popped on over to Bluftton...I always love visiting the home town <3 

This girl can ROCK a serious face....but of course we had to throw in some smiles for the momma :)

What better place for an engagement session than the place you are going to get married at a year later? I met Kaytlynn, Wyatt, & their sweet pups out at Lincoln Ridge Farms, where their ceremony will be held in the chapel. I had so much fun exploring, chatting, and laughing with these two. I can't wait to watch them tie the knot this year! 

In a few months I will get to witness these lovebirds tie the knot! We stuck to downtown Lima and hopped over to a park for their shoot and I was thrilled when they asked if they could take photos with Dylan's baby...the Firebird :) How cute are they in their Firebird shirts??

I am so excited to introduce to you another Captured by Lydia bridal couple! I get to spend the day with these love birds in September and I can't wait! For their session we traveled to a special place. Justine & Eric both attended OSU and Eric proposed on campus so obviously it was a no brainer that we should revisit such a special location for their engagement session. 

Ahhh… the last wedding of the year. This time is always bittersweet. I truly, from the bottom of my heart, love all my couples and LOVE my job. On my way to every wedding I pray for each and every couple and thank God for the AMAZING job he has blessed me with. So even though my slow season is definitely needed and enjoyed with my family.... I do miss it. 

The weather was perfect for a November wedding, 50s and partly cloudy! The ladies arrived to the farm park in their flannel shirts with hair and makeup beautifully completed by the Beauty by Jill team. We grabbed up Kelsey's details and started shooting away as they nibbled on their lunch in the small cabin on the property. Kelsey's dress....  [sigh].... it was STUNNING!! I first was surprised by how light the dress was! I am so used to picking up a dress and feeling like I have a small toddler in my arms... not kidding folks...brides are the definition of "beauty is pain".  The details on the gown were to die for! The gown was light and flowy with a train split into 3 sections. Lace details created the most unique lines all over the gown and the sheer back and neck allowed for lace illusions that lined the plunging V neckline and straight up the back. Kelsey wore her hair up at the nape of her neck with sprinkles of baby's breath tucked in. She wore flats, a simple neckless and intricate gold drop earrings. Her look was completed with a gorgeous light and airy bouquet, that complimented the florals on the ceremony arch. Her bridesmaids wore individually unique dresses of different shades. Huge shout out to them for helping me with the photo of all the dresses! That was definitely a team effort A) I'm vertically challenged and couldn't reach that high even with my step stool B) They helped with the color and hanger arrangements to make sure I got them in the right order! 

Megan & Clay picked the beautiful Buckeye Barn Venue for their wedding day and it was the perfect setting for these two, since they both a have a huge passion for horses. 

Megan had a gorgeous farmhouse to get ready in with her crew and the guys had an awesome Dude Cave complete with a foosball table and tv with a gaming system. 

Megan wore a stunning strapless fitted lace gown with a beautiful jeweled detail on the belt line.  On the skirt of the gown Megan wore her grandmother's broach. Her jewelry was simple, consisting of a heart neckless, diamond drop earrings, and a sweet bracelet. Megan completed her look with a fingertip veil, boots and a gorgeous bouquet that she and her crew made at The Flowerman the night before. If you have never heard  of The Flowerman, they are a florist shop but hey have an option to take a class where a florist helps you design and make your own flowers for the wedding! << I just think that is the coolest thing!! 

The morning was drizzly and chilly, but the rooms were filled with love and joy. Many wedding preps can be a complete whirlwind of activity, their day was definitely busy but each one took precious time to make sure that hugs and gifts were given, and letters were read with family members. This couple is and will be surrounded by much love as they grow together <3  

Working with Deacon was so fun! I work with a lot of senior girls...and I love each and every one of them ♥ I really do, but it was nice to switch it up with a good looking guy like Deacon. He was willing to do everything I asked and he totally thought I was hilarious (no he didn't but he would humor me and laugh occasionally lol) I had a great time hanging with him and his mama...I don't know about that first shirt he wore though ;) 

Friends the Fall busy season is in full swing! It is crazy, but also awesome to photograph so many amazing people! In the meantime.... this time of year my blog can fall a bit behind. 

Back in AUGUST...(yikes) I got to photograph this beauty at a super neat property in the Shawnee area <3 Shaylen was one of our senior models this year so of course she was a natural. 

Brittany & Dustin had a PERFECT fall day for their wedding! Just a few short days before the wedding we were still hitting the 80's for temps, and then just like that we dropped 30 degrees like Mother Nature realized she slept though her alarm clock :D 

Brittany and her crew got ready next to the church. There were many smiles, laughs, and tears as Brittany transformed into a bride before their eyes. The interactions between the bride to be and her mother, future step-daughter, and friends were such a joy to watch.

Brittany wore an A-Line, strapless, lace gown with a sweetheart neckline with a beautiful beaded belt. Her hair was pulled up at the base of her neck with a stunning fingertip veil with lace trim tucked up underneath. Her shoes were a simple strappy jeweled heel and her bouquet was made of brilliant fall colors. She wore a sweet and simple bracelet give to her by her mother as a finishing touch (cue the waterworks <3) 

The couples ceremony took place in the gorgeous Transfiguration of the Lord Church in Upper Sandusky.  It was simply, sweet, and full of laughter. Sweet Kaylee was so happy she couldn't hold back the tears as she walked down the aisle after the ceremony was finished. After the ceremony the couple was greeted with shouts of joy as they exited the church to take a quick trip with their daughter Kaylee in Dustin's grandpa's car.

After the ceremony we hopped on out to Indian Mill park for our bridal party and Bride + Groom photos. The sun was shining, the cool fall air was still....it was perfect! 

These two were so great to work with! They could go from stunning serious looks to genuine laughter in a minute. I wish many many years of laughter together <3 

The reception was held in the Masters Building located on the Wyandot County Fairgrounds. The venue was decorated in a fall rustic theme with vibrant center pieces designed by Brittany's grandmother. 

Vendors:
Ceremony: Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church
Reception: Masters Building
Hair: Innovations Salon
Makeup: Amanda Geiger 
DJ: Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment
Cake: Carrie Kauble 

Jeff and Jessica had a gorgeous day for a wedding. It was sunny with a high of 84! I know we were all a little shocked with that temperature for an October wedding but I will take it gratefully because we are VERY close to complaining about how cold it is :D 

First up for the day was popping in with the groom at his house. We arrived to a large group of guys hanging out in the garage enjoying the day and each other's company. After locating Jeff's details and snapping a few photos, he opened his letter and gift from Jessica, which turned out to be a surprise engraving on the inside of his wedding band. 

​Jessica wore a stunning white and ivory fitted lace gown with a plunging V-neckline, buttoned back, and long sleeves with a line of buttons at the ends. Her dress was finished with a beautiful jeweled ivory belt cinched around her waist. She wore her hair half up with a delicate jeweled wire hair piece. Her shoes were a low profile jeweled wedge with "I DO" jewels place on the bottom. Her jewelry, borrowed from her mother was addition to her classic look.

Ohhhh you guys... for a girl that has a heart that feels at home in the mountains this wedding was a DREAM <3 <3 

Janeka began her bridal prep at The Hyatt Regency where we would later return for the reception. We walked in to see one of the most impressive makeup displays! I couldn't help myself from snapping pictures of all the cool stuff surrounding us. After chatting and snapping for a bit we grabbed the details and started on our way to the prettiest little chapel on a cliff. It took us 15 minutes just to get to the top folks! I'm still in awe of the beauty we found there! 

Janeka wore a gorgeous full A-line gown with a dreamily fluffy tulle skirt and a white lace bodice with blush material underneath and a dainty rose gold jeweled belt. The neckline was a deep V-line with romantic fabric draping from the shoulder line. The back of the dress was also a deep V-line with a small line of sweet pearl buttons. She wore her hair up with a finger tip veil, dramatic rose-gold earrings, rose gold bracelet, and rose-gold heels. Her bouquet designed by the mother of the groom was made of white, peach, and green blooms and finished with jewels around the stems. ​

Emily + Steve are seriously the sweetest couple! We loved every moment of their day <3 Their day took place at the Manor House at Wildwood park. This 30,000 square foot historic home was built by the founders of Champion Spark Plug Company in 1938. I loved this choice for them because it fit them perfectly. Their day was intimate, unique, and absolutely gorgeous. 

All wedding dresses are special, but Emily's was a notch up in the special department as she was wearing her grandmother's wedding dress! It was a beautiful silky satin with a button back and unique neckline. She had the sleeves altered to put her own mark on the dress. She wore her hair half up with a stunning comb, beautiful pink heels, rose gold earrings and carried her grandmothers beautiful beaded clutch. The setting of the historic house, and the dress......gah perfection... One of the most unique elements of the day was her use of books. Emily, a bookworm, works at Barnes and Noble and brought this love into her special day by making her own bouquet out of pages from a book and having her bridesmaid carry books in stead of bouquets <3 

Steve prepared for the day in the basement of the manor, which was fitting since it isn't a normal old basement. This one was a full man cave, before they were called man caves. It has a fireplace, bar, and shooting range! Steve wore a grey vest and trousers, with a green tie and a wedding ring made of oak.  

Steve is a character :D   I laughed so much with them through out their day. I ended up having a terrible time narrowing down the images to use because they had so many cute interactions! Steve 100% brings light to Emily's eyes and I know these two are going to be laughing for years to come. 

First, I'd love to welcome this sweet little family to the area! They had just moved in when they asked me to come over and capture a few moments of them with their toddler and newborn <3 Big sis didn't know how she felt about me...but we were able to capture a few sweet moments with her new baby sister <3 

Just stop it..... I LOOOOVEEEEE this senior session!! How fun!! Kylee is one of our 2019 Senior Models. I knew from working with her earlier this year that she is a beautifully unique individual so I was not surprised when she asked to do part 1 of her session at the fair. It honestly fit her so well with all the bright color and was so different than what other people were doing. I loved every minute it of it and I know I looked like a crazy person squatting down in the middle of the midway to get a shot and asking to sit on the skiball. But I honestly don't care...I have come so far since I started my business! I used to get nervous taking a client near a busy street where...gasp... people could see us. Now if you are close to me during a shoot, you BETTER be watching, because I will probably back right over you lol. Can I get a back up beeper made for a human???

I'm so excited to photograph Jessica + Jeff's wedding in a little over a month! We met up for their engagement session a few weeks back and their little guy joined us for the first part of the session....Oh. My. Gosh folks...I could eat that little boy up he is so dang cuuuute!! 

Jessica + Jeff were a dream to photograph and Jeff even had the opportunity to save my life....ok not really, but he did help my dumb self out tremendously!!! When we got out to the field part of the session the bugs were BAD. Like eating my face off bad. So I said, "hey guys hold on just two seconds while I spray this bug spray on...especially around my head area because they are really biting my face" Well this spray was a pump, not an aerosol, and it didn't come out right away. Have no fear though, it did come out..right into my EYES when my seriously dumb self pointed it at my face to see why it wasn't working (SMH...WOW, just WOW) which is why you should never point things at your face as my 7 year old pointed out to me as I reported the evening events to my husband when I got home. Immediately my eyes felt like there was molten lava under my eyelids. Jeff ran to my rescue by retrieving water out of his vehicle which he handed to me and quickly realized he would have to assist me while I held my eyes open and he poured it all over my face bahahaha…. Oh I can only imagine what they were thinking and probably said to each other after the session was over lol. Anyway I recovered quickly, because we were losing the best light and the show must go on!! I continued on in my wet t-shirt and with black eyeliner smeared all over my face.... I'm glad I can laugh at myself and share this lovely story with you all. Thank you Jessica & Jeff for having my back and continuing on after my traumatic event bahahah. I think I will stay away from any sprays on your wedding day...maybe I should invest in one of those deodorant stick looking repellents! 

Don and I actually met back in 2010 when he was the best man and I was the maid of honor for one of our good friends' wedding. However, we didn't hit it off until the end of 2015 - beginning of 2016. In 2017, we decided to move in together and see how things would go and that is when he popped the question later that year. And from there it's our very happy fairy tale ending.

Don proposed when we were on vacation in Disney taking my daughter to Magic Kingdom for her 10th birthday celebration. Little did I know, he surprised us with dinner for her birthday at the Cinderella castle. After dinner and while we were waiting on our desert, just as the fireworks were starting, he got down on one knee and proposed. It was a total surprise and a very happy ending. He even got a photographer to snapshot the whole proposal.​

Deena & her bridesmaids all got ready at the ceremony site, Field & Stream in Spencerville. They had a super cute waffle & mimosa bar for everyone to nibble on during the morning prep. Deena wore a sleeveless, A-line gown with a v-line neck. The fabric had white pinstripes and the skirt was full of many different layers and pieces, almost like petals on a flower. She wore her hair up with a delicate barrette. Her jewelry was simple and stylish and she opted for cute and comfy with her white and gold converse sneakers (SUPER smart!!) Deena did get dressed in the lodge but we opted to head outside for the finishing touches. While we were out there a butterfly was hanging around. After the butterfly visited Deena, her  niece became the keeper of the sweet little butterfly and he hung around on her dress till Deena's niece stepped into place for the family formals photo later that day. Now this is a neat thing all by itself, but I want to share that Deena's dad passed a few years back and I know we all liked to think of it as a sign of his presence on such a special day <3 

Toast: "May all your ups and downs be in the bedroom." lol....I have heard many toasts...that's a first for me folks. 

I've been waiting to be able to post this sweet session! Sometimes it's hard being "in the know" as a photographer and just wanting to share all the sweet images and having to wait :)
​I met sweet Brooklyn last summer and she sure kept me on my toes! I was so excited when her mommy contacted me to photograph her again this year and then informed me we would be photographing a little something extra too <3 

Over the past few years I have had the joy of photographing 2 of the 3 families in this extended family session and I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph them all together! This is such a fun bunch I laughed the whole time <3 

Jaden.... you were so easy to photograph! My creative flow is...well that, flow. It is spur of the moment, and most of time me showing the pose instead of 100% verbally instructing it.  I will be trying to figure out what I want a client to do and I will make micro movements with my body...Jaden read me perfectly and completed my thoughts! We had to dodge several bicycle photobombers, and trudge through prickly plants up to our booties (I was wearing shorts and flip flops....I know better, I really do), but she rocked her session and I'm am so pleased with how it turned out! 

Jaden is one of our senior models and she has a coupon for some photography goodies so make sure to contact her via Insta to get one! 

Guys! I'm excited to introduce you to one of my 2019 wedding couples! We ended up picking a rainy day, but we rolled with it and had so much fun! First we started in the parking garage downtown, hopped on over to the overhang in front of the Civic Center and then ended in a super cool, but kind of creepy old building down town....EEEE Rachael was in heaven in that creepy place...me, not so much lol. I cannot wait to photograph these two for their spring wedding <3 

as told by Spencer
Okay guys, I'll make this as short as I can. Let me know if you want to hear the whole thing...it's a good one! I first met Jenna at the ACT test in Wapakoneta. Romantic, I know. She was with Mindi, a mutual friend of ours that I knew from church and she knew from school. A few days after that, I asked Mindi for Jenna's information and got a hold of this girl I thought was cute and funny. We texted for a little while, but 17 year old Spencer wasn't too committed, and let her slip away. We hung out a few times in big groups after I graduated high school in 2013, but I was going off to college and wasn't looking for a relationship (also, I didn't think anyone liked me and all my goofiness). Fast Forward to the Fall of 2013, when the Homecoming dance was coming up. Mindi texted me on Jenna's phone, asking me to the dance. I agreed, ultimately thinking how fun it would be to see all my old friends. At the dance, I realized again how cool this Jenna girl was. We went to the dance and had a great time, but I had to go back and focus on my Freshmen year studies and such. Spring Break was quickly approaching, and Mindi (you'll notice she was pivotal in all this) let me know Jenna needed a date to the Prom, and let me know how much fun Jenna had at Homecoming. I began to text and call Jenna again, this time with much more intent. I let her know how much I liked her, and when I was home for break, I asked her to her Prom (Super Romantic, I know). By the time the dance rolled around, I knew Jenna was the girl I wanted to make my girlfriend, and luckily, she obliged. We have been dating now for over 4 years, and I am so excited that I get to be her husband forever!
as told by Jenna
So, I’m guessing you read Spencer’s version of our journey to Prom 2014, but it looks a little different from my perspective. I started noticing Spencer before he took much notice of me. I knew he was friends with Mindi and Lidia from church, and I’d met him a few times in passing. When he stopped texting me after the ACT, 16-year-old Jenna was pretty bummed because I thought he was really nice and funny. Later on, it wasn’t just me who took notice of him. My mom was around him a few times the summer after he graduated high school, and she noticed that he was so fun, hilarious, and a Christian. She would say things to me like, “What about Spencer Wolf? Isn’t he so funny? His mom Linda is so sweet! Are you attracted to him?” I about died every time she would ask me those things, but I didn’t admit to her that I definitely had a crush on him. I started to give up hope a little because he didn’t seem very interested in me specifically but more so interested in my group of friends as a whole. We went to Homecoming my senior year, simply as friends, but I was blown away that he was such a gentleman. He opened every door for me, paid for everything, and danced with me all night. Still just friends. Then, out of nowhere in the spring this handsome gentleman started pursuing me. So sweet and intentional, it was almost overwhelming! On the last slow dance of Prom, I agreed to date him as long as he asked my dad first. Not quite what he wanted to hear. Haha! Our story doesn’t end there though. That’s only where it started. Since then, God has been growing and changing us though our time at college and after. We have grown to love the Lord and each other more and more over the past 4 years. I thank God for Spencer in my life. He has matured in front of my eyes. He continues to serve me with a patient and kind heart. I only hope I can do the same. The way that he has loved and respected me has been a beautiful example of Christ’s love in my life. I pray that we continue chasing after God together in our marriage. I wouldn’t want to run the race with anyone else by my side.   

Spencer proposed to me on May 19, 2017 at my parent's home. He took me out to a nice dinner, and we were all dressed up. So fun! We came back to the house and he somehow coaxed me out to the woods with him. Back story: We have a little log cabin in the woods at our house that I had helped my Dad build when I was little. I had worked hard to fix it up in high school, but it fell to disarray when animals got into it once again. Spencer had been secretly cleaning, painting, redoing the floor, etc. with my Dad and brother. I was oblivious. On May 19th he took me inside to find it renewed and filled with Christmas lights, countless pictures of us, flowers, and candles. He got down on one knee (so nervous and sweet), and he asked me to marry him and spend forever together. Oh yeah, and I said YES!!

​We are going to Jamaica right after our wedding. We fly out Sunday morning! We will be so ready to relax on the beach and enjoy the resort together! 

If you follow my blogs right about now you expect to see pretty details start filling the page... not today folks! Oh we will get to that shortly but we are going to start this bridal prep with the boys visiting a place where the pickle on top makes your heart go flippity flop <3 Spencer and his groomsmen walked across the street to one of the oldest burger joints in the U.S., good old Kewpee, so we thought we'd join them! 

Meanwhile back at Trinity United Methodist the ladies were hanging out in their embroidered robes getting beautified for the day. Jenna wore a sleeveless satin A-line gown (with pockets, I LOVE dresses with pockets!) Her hair was elegantly swooped up to the base of her neck, she wore a delicately beaded headband and a beautiful jeweled fingertip veil. Her three bridesmaids wore a tea-length dress in a muted purple and beautiful bead details on the bodice. The bouquets were light and airy with filled with white and shades of purple, silver dollar eucalyptus and dusty miller leaves.

Jenna and Spencer decided on a traditional timeline for their day, but we did get them ever so close to read their letters to each other. After this sweet moment we brought in Jenna's dad to see her for the first time. <3

As you read in the couple's love story, their walk with the Lord is central to their relationship. Prior to the ceremony, friends and family filled their prep rooms to pray over this sweet couple as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives. The words were sweet and the tears many. 

Family played a large part in their ceremony. Jenna's family members provided amazing live music, 6 little girls carried flowers in memory of the deceased, there were 2 adorable ring bearers, and the sweetest little flower girl that was escorted down the aisle by the best man.  As Spencer stood on the stage awaiting his bride his  nervous excitement was almost palpable. As Jenna walked down the aisle with her father, emotion overcame both Jenna and Spencer. Their ceremony was absolutely beautiful and filled with the Holy Spirit. Once more the family members joined them on stage to pray over the couple before they were officially announced husband and wife. After the ceremony the couple released each row of guests and we started the process of photographing their 4 large families then did a smaller more intimate bubble release with them after the photos were finished.