Wedding // Eric + Ashley: Schuster Center: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

WOW! What a beautiful beautiful day Eric and Ashley's wedding was. It was kind of gloomy in the sky but gloom was far from Eric and Ashley's faces and all those that were there. We started off at Ashley's parents house while the girls got ready and it was just a sweet, fun, and carefree atmosphere. Ashley is such a natural beauty inside and out. The way she treated her friends, putting them before herself, even on her wedding day, making sure they were taken care of. A genuine friend. 

Eric and Ashley as a couple makes me feel all mushy inside (in a non-creepy way, I promise), they are just too cute together. You'll understand when you see the pictures, so I will let them speak for themselves. 

The reception was at the beautiful Schuster Center and let me tell you it didn't disappoint. One of my favorite reception sites to date. It was a vibrant and a fun filled reception that is definitely going down in the record books.

Wedding // Justin + Erin: Anna, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Justin + Erin

Being loved by someone gives you strength, 
while loving someone 
deeply gives you courage.
 -Lao Tzu 

It is neat to see the different couples God sends my way. Erin was home schooled and from a large family just like me. I think it made us kindred Spirits (as Anne of Green Gables would say).  She also reminded me of Anne of Green Gables in her looks. She isn't talkative and dramatic like Anne, but she is quiet, caring and very sweet. The whole day she kept asking us if we were doing ok and if we needed anything (even though it was HER wedding day). Selfless. 


Justin & Erin compliment each other so perfectly.  They love each other deeply and are confident in what they have together, the kind of confidants that last forever. They are best friends and know how to laugh and have fun together (even on their wedding day they were carefree and just really really enjoyed each other. They didn't rush things--they soaked it all in).  
I don't think I've ever seen so much family at one wedding. I could see how loved and how important they are to so many people. 

(Ohhhh yes, and they square danced!).

Wedding // Nathan + Jennifer: Greenville, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Nathan + Jennifer are married!

We were surrounded by cornfields, big red barns and lots of family for the wedding. The day started out rainy, but turned into a BEAUTIFUL day with a beautiful sunset at the end. I knew a lot of the guest that attended the wedding and had actually photographed a few of them, so it was a special wedding for me. Not just because of familiarity, but because Nathan & Jennifer had both been waiting a long time for each other. They didn't know they would marry each other, but God knew and they waited on God to show them who that perfect one for them would be. Waiting is hard. Waiting is worth it though, as they 2nd ;)

The ceremony was very special and honest. He told them how marriage will not always be fun and a fairytale, but you still have to stick with it because its so worth it in the long run. Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

 Nathan + Jennifer are a family now and it has been wonderful being able to capture their love together. Oh, and the reception was magical. There was a full moon, with icily lights, combine with fireworks and one in love couple *sigh* so perfect.

Family // Madelynn: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

{Baby} Payton: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I photographed Lauren + Scott's wedding a year ago last November and was thrilled to hear that they just had a baby GIRL. Ekk! I get so excited when I get to photograph newborns from my past brides. I'm not gonna lie it gives me a little bit of the "Baby Fever", especially when they are as cute as Payton.

{Portraits} Rebekah : Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

This is Rebekah. She is my younger sister, she turned 15 TODAY!

 Rebekah is one of those people you just expect SO much from. She's 10 years more mature then her age. She's been the "cook" at my parents house since she was 13, which if you've ever eaten with my family you know that is a big responsibility to have. Sometimes I forget she's my younger sister. You can ask her to do anything and she will find a way to do it for you. She has a servant's heart. She loves her family SO much, even though she acts like she doesn't ;) Many people think she is serious and quiet, when really she's not. If you really know her you know she's weird and funny at the same time. She's opinionated, but not in an annoying "I know everything" way, but in a "I know what I want out of life" way. She is confident and genuine. She doesn't give her trust out easily, you have to earn it. She hides her feelings. She is strong at all times, but really has a soft heart. She's not your typically "boy crazy" teenager--she's stable and know what she wants in life. Oh and she's beautiful. She doesn't need make-up or the latest trend to make her beautiful. This is Rebekah.

Happy Birthday Rebekah. Love you sis!

{Engagement} Hannah + Caleb: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Well, I've known Hannah since we were both little, bitty, tiny kids. We attended the same church many, many years ago. We hadn't seen/heard from each other in probably ten years then with the "almighty" (lol) Facebook we became friends again. Shortly after we found each other on Facebook Hannah got engaged to the love of her life, Caleb. I'm so happy she asked me to photograph their love. Sadly, I was already booked for her wedding date, but I'm so thrilled I got to take their engagement pictures. They are such a cute-fun-awesome-adoorable couple together. Gosh, I love how playful they are together. So fun. Ok, that's all...enjoy!

{Children} Baby Adeline is 1 year old: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I photographed Adeline when she was in mommy's tummy, when she was a newborn and now when she turned ONE years old. She is really such a joy to photograph. She's always (well, mostly always lol) wearing a smile for me. She really makes me want to have a little stinker of my own ;) Enjoy these' adorably-cute photos of Adeline.

{Children} Baby Ethan is 6 months: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

{Part 4: Love+Learning+Together} Las Vegas, NV

Here are a few photos from our little trip to Las Vegas last month. Reed had to go for work (they have a big conference there every year) and I was able to go with him. It was pretty exciting for us both because we had never been that far west before. It was really nice going to 65 degree weather from Ohio's yucky, cold, and snowy weather. Reed was in seminars some of the time so I got to kinda explore the malls and shopping centers in Vegas and let me tell you "I wasn't in Dayton Ohio anymore" lol. We were able to go to our very first Broadway show while we were there "Jersey Boys", even if I had to talk Reed into it a little ,tiny bit ;) He ended up really enjoying it. We went up in the Space Needle Replica and watched the Fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel (was super cool!).

We mostly enjoyed the time together. I did pick up my camera a few times though ;)



The view from our hotel




Our hotel




This one inside one of the malls.

{Part 2: Love+Learning+Together} Tis' the season

November was a very busy month for Reed and I. We went to Indianapolis for a half marathon. My very first half marathon, I might add. It took a lot of hard work, but so rewarding and satisfying. We both completed in great time too.(Iphone photos for the next few pictures).


Then we went to Seiverville, TN. I was volunteering as a photographer for the National Bible Bee and Reed was also on the volunteer staff. This was a first for Reed and I. It was such a blessing to see so many children memorizing the scripture and quoting it perfectly. It was a great week there. It was beautiful having the mountains as our background everyday.




Well shortly after was Thanksgiving! Our first Thanksgiving married...I'm inserting an "Awwww" right here.




This Thanksgiving we started a new tradition with all the married siblings-- an ornament exchange. So much fun!! :)


Thanksgiving was at Mom's house like usual.






...then there is December-- the Christmas month.
(more Iphone photos)




We got our very first Christmas tree to call our own. I've had so much fun decorating the house all Christmas"y", making Christmas cards from us, the Campbells, snuggling under warm blankets with the hubby, hanging Christmas lights outside on "our" porch, getting Christmas cards addressed to The Campbell's, listening to Christmas music--it all warms my heart, especially to share it all with Reed. Every day that goes by I love him more and more, and he shows me how much he loves me. You think when you get married you couldn't ever love that someone more, but you do, oh SO much more. I'd recommend getting married to anyone ;) lol

Isn't it purttttyyyy?!