Posts tagged Garden | Page 12 of 16 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Monica & Grant – A Family Photo Session in Cleveland

It all started as a weird series of text messages between my brother and I. A friend of his was looking to do a family photo session. We went back and forth on the details, and then things went kinda pear-shaped.

“What would you think about a trade,” my brother asked. Asking for more details, my brother offered up the goods – “Grant is a craft cocktail specialist, and he gives lessons.” My interest was officially piqued. I like to think of myself as a whiskey aficionado. In particular, I have a rather strong predilection for Manhattan’s. I discussed the matter further with my brother, and then started discussing the trade with Grant. What started as an idea, quickly morphed into something that would happen. The pear-shape idea went completely square and the whole thing was set in motion.

Grant and Monica would come to Cleveland for their family session and to give friends at my house a craft cocktail lesson. The next day, we would capture some family photos for them. After weeks of planning, the weekend finally arrived. The craft cocktail party went off without a hitch. Both Monica and Grant really hit a home run. I think everyone had fun, since people stayed until well past midnight. We met for the family session the next morning, starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art and then we headed into a local park. Monica & Grant’s family is small – just the two of them. They were recently married and wanted some good portraiture to add to their wedding photos. Personally, I’m thrilled with how everything came out.

Before I move onto the highlights, I thought I would share one of my favorite cocktail recipes. Warning though, these are strong and addictive –

Classic 212 Manhattan

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Carpano Antica vermouth
2 dashes Agnostura bitters
STIR over ice till chilled
Serve up in a martini glass
Garnish with two Amarena Fabbri cherries

Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica.

Caroline & Todd – Evening Engagement at University of Cincinnati

It was a crazy day. Up at 6:00am and right into the car. After nearly five hours in the car, we arrived in Cincinnati. Thankfully, I had Brooke along for the drive. We dropped off our bags, grabbed a quick lunch, and then I was out the door. Before Caroline and Todd’s engagement session in Cincinnati, I need to do my scouting. We had picked some gorgeous locations – the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Natural History Museum, and Ault Park. However, I had only seen these places virtually. It was time to get familiar with them in-person.

I always love working in new and different places. The change of scenery really helps me to be more creative. Everything is different and I hone in on what’s most important. I drove a full lap around Cincinnati while scouting, and returned to where I started to meet with Caroline and Todd. Sitting at Panera, I shot a quick text to Caroline – “I’m here early.”

“OK! We are en route…,” she replied.

The day could not have been better. It was pure sun and a bit mild. Being late April, all of the flowering trees were alight with bright pink blooms. Topping everything off, Caroline and Todd looked smashing for their engagement session. I love pastels on film and their outfits were perfect. While Caroline and Todd met at the University of Cincinnati, they were now living in DC. They had flown in just for the session, and thankfully on time. Due to some east coast weather, they almost missed it.

After Caroline dropped her purse in the rental car, we headed off across campus. No more than 100 yards later, we had a problem. The purse was in the trunk of the car. The keys were in the purse. Todd came to the rescue. He made a few quick calls and the problem was solved. While we waited for the locksmith to arrive, we got started with a few photos.

I think Todd is a problem solver. While Caroline and Todd met at University of Cincinnati, they both moved separately to DC afterward. They both wanted to move things forward, and to formalize things, Todd bought a ring the next time Caroline was out-of-town. One night, Caroline and Todd were sitting in her apartment assembling IKEA furniture. In a private moment together, Todd proposed, Which brings us to today.

What do I love most about Caroline and Todd’s engagement session? Full sun and full love. They’re so expressive together. Deeply in love and it shows. I think you will see what I mean in the highlights below. Enjoy!

University of Cincinnati spring engagement with Caroline and Todd University of Cincinnati spring engagement with Caroline and Todd

Lauren & James – An Engagement in the Sunny Valley

The weekend of Lauren and James’ engagement session was an exciting one for me. In addition to their session, I had two others planned. It was going to be a busy weekend, but I was filled with creative energy. I felt as though the whole weekend would go perfectly, and the results exceeded my expectations, especially with Lauren and James.

On Saturday afternoon, I pulled into my parking space in the Cuyahoga Valley. I was just a little early, as always. I dug my gear out of the trunk and my phone rang. “How can we find this place,” Lauren asked. “Can you tell me where you are and I will guide you,” I responded. It’s amazing how many answers can spring from that one simple question. After going back and forth for a moment, I finally realized where Lauren and James were coming from. I watched as they descended into the valley from the hilltop and guided them into the parking lot.

We then met while standing in the parking lot, and for the first time. Like many of my clients, we first met only by phone. Both Lauren and James were beaming. Hardly nervous at all, they were ready to start their engagement session. We had a simply plan for that sunny Saturday afternoon in the valley. We would simply walk around, stopping to take pictures from time to time. The location offered everything we needed, so we chose to keep the session simple.

As we walked, we chatted about how they were engaged. Both Lauren and James love the outdoors, and often go on hikes together. So James planned a very special adventure for the proposal. He charted a course through the woods and laid treasure at the end. The next day, he lead Lauren on a hike. He gave her a compass and some simple instructions to follow. Soon they arrived at a hidden fire-circle in the woods. James then presented Lauren with a treasure map. She quickly located the stashed loot – a buried box containing highlights from their life together. It was at that moment that James proposed, while alone together in the woods.

I’d like to think that Lauren’s smile that day was like the one just below – full and beaming with joy.
Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James

Lauren and James were such naturals during their engagement session. I think the love really comes through. And the gorgeous light doesn’t hurt either. At this point, I’m just waiting to see them again at their Cleveland wedding. I’m certain it will be amazing!

Tagged: Garden