Over the holidays I visited one of my dearest friends' family. Richelle and I met in college as RA's (resident advisers) in a freshman-only dorm at Ohio State University. That year was a doozy, but I could count on Richelle to make me laugh, especially while singing on the top of our lungs. We've been through a lot together since then, but she's the kind of friend you can be yourself around and our silences are always comfortable.

So it doesn't surprise me that her son, Landon, is a very well-behaved, smart and adorable little boy. Richelle is a WONDERFUL mother. I had so much fun playing in the snow, visiting the light show at the Cincinnati zoo (including Santa), and playing with his new miniature bowling game. Richelle also has haircuts down to a science thanks to Landon's love of lollipops. He normally doesn't get any sweets, except for after a haircut. He sat so still, even with bits of hair falling in his eyes.


My heart just melts for this little kid.

Thanks to Richelle, her husband, Josh, and Landon for making my visit so special.

Love ya!

Nervous on your upcoming engagement shoot?  I wrote a post for Chicago Style Unveiled "the Lounge" giving three tips for better engagement photos.  Leave a comment on their blog and become eligible to win FREE tickets to the exclusive "Love at Breathtaking Heights" wedding show being held at the Metropolitan Club in the Sears Willis Tower on Jan. 23. And who knows?  Go to the show and you could win a FREE engagement session with lil' ol' me. You can also come and see all of my work and products in person (including some dreamy new art canvases).  Hope to see you there!

Sometimes the best way to begin such a lovely wedding is with the bride's words when she initially booked me.

"To start, I think the best way to describe Devon and myself is full laughter and love. With Devon's military schedule, we are not together a lot of the time. Every moment we have together we cherish. I envision our wedding as a fairytale. I'm just so happy to have found the love of my life and share our happiness with our family and friends. We are very easy going and laid back couple who love to have a good time.

Onto the Ceremony: I am beyond anxious to walk down the isle with my dad to Devon. I am so filled with love and can not wait to say our vows to each other to be husband and wife in front of God and our family and friends. I'm a little nervous about this however, well... because I tend to be a lil emotional and afraid the tears of happiness, joy and love will be flowing. (note to self, waterproof mascara) I have a surprise planned for the ceremony (shhhhh! Don't tell anyone!) Devon loves the bagpipes, so I have found a bagpipe player to come in at the back of the church and play after the pastor has announced us as husband and wife."

Don't you just want to hug Margie after you read such sweet, beautiful words? 

Well, I assure you, Margie looked stunning as a winter princess bride and Devon is probably one of the easiest grooms I've worked with.

Margie is also really into barns - as am I - so we braved the single digit temperatures for a few snaps. (Thank you to my second photographer, Maggie Rife, for assisting in such frigid cold.)  

This post is a little detail heavy, because I was sooo in love with the decor at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

I hope you all enjoy this wedding as much as I enjoyed photographing it.