Melanie's Birthday Party - Columbus Ohio Photographer

The day after my sister's wedding, I headed back out east - although this time not so far - to Pickerington to shoot the birthday party for friends of mine from my days at the Vorys law firm. Rob, the birthday girl Melanie's husband, really did it up, from all kinds of delectable goodies to balloons and an embarrassing slideshow filled with prom dresses and big hair, to the gift of a Big Wheel. The party was great fun and here is some proof:

Happy birthday, Melanie!

Susan's bridal portrait - Columbus Ohio wedding photographer

Well, now that everyone in Rayland and Brilliant has seen my sister Susan's wedding dress, I can finally post some images from the bridal session we did back at the beginning of March. You'll see in the last images how good a sport Susan is in trusting me to "do" her hair and make-up, and not in a conventional way. I thought she looked great no matter, and it was fun sending them via phone to Ryan, teasing that this was going to be her wedding-day look.

Susan and Ryan - Columbus Ohio Wedding Photographer

Last Saturday, I drove out to literally the midde of nowhere to photograph my youngest sister Susan's wedding to Ryan, who fits in with our family almost like he was born into (but not quite, because that would be weird, not to mention illegal). More often than not, as may be with a lot of families, most times I bring a camera around, my siblings and my mom, especially, stick their hands up in front of their faces or stick out their tongues, making getting a good clean image of them practically impossible. Trust me, they were all warned months ago that doing this at Susan's wedding was a no-no, and I'm happy to report that everyone complied.

I had a lot of fun hanging out with my sister and combining sisterly duties with my photographer duties, and was really pleased that my parents got to see me in action doing a job I'm very proud of and lucky to have.

Let's look at some pictures.

Congratulations, baby sister!

Nicholas and Kendal - Columbus Ohio portrait photographer

Last week, I got to spend some quality time with my dear friend and former bride Shawnda and take some photographs of her beautiful and growing family. In addition to precocious Kendal Mae, there's a new baby brother, Nicholas. Kendal has become a laugh riot since I last saw her, with a big vocabulary and adorably funny personality, and baby Nicholas is as sweet and pleasant as he could be. I loved hanging out with them all and here are a few of my favorites from our session in their home.

Cakes for a Cause - Sassafras Bakery

Last night, I attended my very first silent auction, and boy did I pick a tasty one! My wedding planner friend Emilie Duncan and my new wedding planner friend Kasey Conyers hosted Cakes for a Cause to benefit Mid-Ohio Foodbank during their annual Operation Feed campaign. What a great, successful evening it was. Lots of bids and lots of money raised to provide meals for those in need.

And I'm happy to report that after much stalking and hovering, and a last-minute sniper bid, I won the coveted Signature Apple Pie baked by the fabulous AJ Perry of Sassafras Bakery. Yum Yum.

While there were lots of photographers shooting away last night, I left my camera at home to concentrate on fun conversations with friends and colleagues, but today when I broke out my prize, I had to take a couple of snaps as I munched the first delectable piece (the first of many, I might add!). This is one sweet pie, so if you're ever in need for a homebaked fix, look up Sassafras Bakery.

Feast your eyes:

Michala's Sweet 16 - The Columbus Athenaeum

Michala's mother Dana threw a Sweet 16 party like none other, complete with a mime, a "living" tree (actually a potted man covered in shrubbery and lights), a photo booth, and two caricature artists. Friends and family came from all over to wish Michala a happy birthday and enjoy all the sumptuous food and great music.

Happy birthday, Michala!

February Anniversaries

I know - it's March, not February, and I'm late with the anniversaries! Without going into too much detail, let's just say that February was crazy and I'm glad it's over. So, onto the task at hand . . .

I want to send very Happy Anniversary wishes to my two February 2009 couples who've now been married for a year.

First is Emily and Don, married at Immaculate Conception with their reception at the Greek Orthodox hall. I'm very excited to be seeing them again when I photograph Emily's MOH's wedding this coming June.

Next up is Steph and Greg, best friends of Charley and John, my couple from 2005 already now. Steph and Greg had their ceremony and reception at The Sherrie Gallerie, a beautiful and unique spot for being married.

Congratulations to all of you!