I could make a list of a thousand things I love about the great state of Ohio, but what I hate most of all is the winter.  It’s dark and gloomy and cold. I feel like I can never get warm enough, even after a long, hot shower and getting into my most flannelest pajamas.

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I’ve been keeping semi-busy with photographing little babies.  Here’s a favorite photo from each of my last three jobs (full posts coming soon, promise.):

Claire’s newborn shoot:

Lucy’s first birthday party:

Jack’s three month shoot:

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“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I started off the day with Diane and her younger sister getting their hair and makeup done in Gahanna at Charles Penzone.  I really enjoy going with brides to their hair appointments.  I love capturing those giddy “Oh my gosh I’m getting MARRIED today!” moments that usually occur once they get all “did up”.

After the salon, we headed over to the ceremony & reception location at The Welsh Hills Inn, in adorable Granville, Ohio.  The girls got ready in one of the suites, which had gorgeous natural lighting, that I think has spoiled me for all future weddings.

I can’t get over how stunning Diane is!

Diane hired a 2nd photographer, the lovely and sweet Stephanie Lilly, who photographed the mens’ “getting ready” shots, but I was able to get this protrait of Martin once he arrived at the Inn.

Before I knew it, the guests starting arriving….

… and it was time for the ceremony!

Their ceremony was so beautiful and emotional – I have to admit I got a little teary listening to the vows.

We were blessed with such a lovely setting for portraits!   After our photo session, the newlyweds headed over to their reception to dance & laugh the night away.

What a wonderful wedding!  Thanks Marty & Diane for allowing me to be your photographer!  Wishing you many years ahead of love & happiness.

I had such a great time with this couple – I had to do minimal posing and coaching – they were so natural with one another and in front of the camera.  They also did a fantastic job of scouting out locations.  I am completely unfamiliar with Dublin, so they choose all of these neat spots!    I had such a fun afternoon with these two – thanks for letting me do your picures, you guys!

I’m so excited to meet & photograph baby Claire in just a few short weeks!

On top of some on-going sad things I’ve been working through, my camera got stolen on Sunday at the Ohio Renaissance Fest. Well, it was either stolen, or dropped out of my purse (I think it was stolen).   My camera and my very best, favorite, most expensive lens that I saved up for and bought  just a couple of months ago.  The second I realized it was gone, my heart just sunk.  What a vision I must have been that day.  The sobbing girl, wandering aimlessly around the Renaissance Fest, muttering prayers under her breath, eyeing suspiciously each and every SLR camera she saw someone holding, trying to figure out if it was hers.

My camera did not turn up that day, or the next day or the next day, despite my police report, cash reward, and my obsessively checking craigslist to see if the jerk posted my camera.  I can’t think of anything that could have gotten stolen that was more personal to me than my camera.  I’ve invested so much time and energy into building up this little business of mine and the camera and lens would be $1,700 to replace.  I am so thankful that a couple people suggested checking into our homeowner’s insurance, because it covered it, after a deductible.  And here I am, sitting here with my new 50D next to me.  My replacement lens should arrive next week.  I am feeling much more appreciative of my camera equipment than ever before.  God provided and all was not lost.

Some happier things:

*  I am doing an engagement shoot Sunday at Lynd’s fruit farm!  I’m thrilled – I’ve always wanted to do an autumn shoot at an apple orchard.    I’m hoping to try out a new technique, the brenizer method.  It will also be my first shoot with my 50D 2.0 (I haven’t come up with a name for him yet… suggestions?)

*  I have some exciting things in the pipeline for LoveLetter Photography.  That’s all I’ll say!

Enjoy your weekend, friends.

Some fun details of the day that I loved: Kylie and her bridesmaids made their own bouquets at Rose Bredl flower shop earlier in the day. The men’s kilts.  Kylie’s shoes, which Aaron picked out.  Groomsman Kirk’s rendition of “I Will Follow You into the Dark” during the ceremony.  Beautiful vows Aaron and Kylie wrote to one another.  Taking photos around historic Ohio Village.  Everyone yelling “Opa!” when Aaron and Kylie would kiss each other at the reception.  THREE wedding cakes.

A few of my favorite photos:

* To see the photos larger, check them out here.

Happy 2nd birthday Mesfin!