Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

February – A Time for Celebration

It’s February, and around our house, it’s a time for celebration. Of course there are the typical “holidays”, Valentine’s Day and Marti Gras. For us, though, there are more reasons to celebrate!

First, Valentine’s Day is a little more special for Brooke and I. When we started dating, it was on Valentine’s Day in 2000. We’ve been together for 13 years. While our wedding anniversary has replaced our Valentine’s Day “dating-iversary”, it’s still special to us. Valentine’s day marks our beginning and it always will. Unfortunately, this year one of us spent Valentine’s Day quite ill, but Brooke is on the mend now.

February is also special because it bares Brooke’s birthday. In fact, today is Brooke’s birthday. So, I got her a very special treat. In the south, lane cake is a serious tradition. Often times unheard of in the north, lane cake plays second fiddle to other southern traditions such as BBQ and black-eyed peas. Every family has their own recipe for this delectable cake. Typically, booze is shunned in the south, so most cook’s find a way to hide spirits in foods. Lane cake is no different. It’s loaded with bourbon, our favorite spirit. Some families load so much bourbon into their lane cake that it becomes an adult-only dessert. Otherwise, it’s just simple white cake, Italian meringue frosting, and a filling of pecans, raisins, and other goodness.

A big thanks to the amazing Kim Coryea at Hummingbird Bakeshop for putting together this custom cake. We will certainly enjoy every last bite. Happy birthday to my amazing wife. Brooke – somehow I have always loved you, even before Valentine’s Day, 2000. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Brooke's birthday lane cake by Hummingbird Bake Shop

PUBLISHED – Valentine’s Proposal Featured on 100 Layer Cake

In January, I found myself in Malibu, California for a very special purpose. Sure, I was escaping the cold weather, but I was also attending Caroline Tran’s Propel Workshop. Think of it as 10 photographers living, working, and shooting together for four days. It’s completely amazing. As part of the workshop, we did a very special Valentine’s Day themed proposal with Merrill & Tim. Today, I’m thrilled to announce that the session has been featured on 100 Layer Cake!

The feature includes photos from numerous amazing photographers, and some of my own. I’d like to offer a special thanks to Amanda and the group at 100 Layer Cake. Also, huge thanks to Wilmarose Orlanes of Lovely Jubilee. She styled the session and did an amazing job. Also, thanks to Caroline Tran and the team from Skybox Events. Caroline lead a wonderful workshop and it was all organized by Ngoc at Skybox.

I’ll have more coverage from the workshop coming soon, and many more images to share. For now, enjoy a couple highlights below. For complete details and more photos from the session, check out this separate post.

Valentine's Day proposal featured on 100 Layer Cake with film wedding photographier Hunter Photographic

Propel styled valentines engagement session

Merrill & Tim – A Valentine’s Day Styled Engagement Session

In January, I had a rather special opportunity. I took a short trip to California. The trip wasn’t to escape the cold Ohio winter, but for one very special purpose. I was attending Caroline Tran’s Propel workshop high in the Malibu hills. Ten photographers, stylists, countless coordinators, and others were all sharing one mansion for four days. The entire workshop was pure creative rehab.

Each day was a little different. We learned together, shot together, shared meals and talked late into the night. On the first day was a beautifully styled engagement session featuring Merrill & Tim. They’re a real couple and they’re really (recently) married. For the workshop attendees, Merril & Tim agreed to model for a special engagement session re-enacting their actual engagement. Tim, thoughtfully, proposed on valentine’s day. Merrill clearly said yes.

The styling pulled together by Wilmarose Orlanes of Lovely Jubilee was perfect (she’s also a new best friend). Each outfit was perfectly tailored. Little details were added to fit the Valentine’s Day theme. Of course, Merrill & Tim were perfect together as well. He’s got an amazing sense of humor. She’s beautiful, spunky, and expressive. I think their personalities really shine in the photos below.

Want to see more? Stop by 100 Layer Cake to see the entire feature, including photos from other amazing photographers. I’d also like to offer a special thanks to Ngoc and the team at Skybox Events. Their meticulous organization made everything run tick-tock.

Propel styled valentines engagement session
As you can see, the whole experience was amazing. It simply could not have gone better. A special thanks to Merrill and Tim for being so awesome. They’re really special together. I will have more coverage from Propel and California coming soon. There is certainly a lot more to share, including more styled sessions and coverage of the actual workshop.