The mountains are calling...

 

The first week of May was a big week. Blake graduated with his Bachelor degree and we took off for San Francisco.  In case you don't know him, Blake's a digital guy. He's taken a strong interest in digital marketing and reads more blogs about the video game industry than I think is healthy. So naturally, San Francisco seemed to be calling to him.

We stayed in a small hotel near Patricia's Green in Hayes Valley and had a great time exploring the park and the area around it on the first day. I loved the boutiques and small cafes that surrounded us and quickly asked Blake if we could just stay there. Forever.

That feeling changed as got into the grittier parts of the city. I might not be as much of a city girl as I thought. So we decided later on the first day that we would not be permanently relocating to San Fran, but we could still enjoy our trip.

 

I call this "Waiting on a Pizza"...

On the second day we rented a car and drove the four hours to Yosemite National Park. The views were definitely worth the trip and even I (who is also NOT an outdoorsy girl) was sad when we had to leave that night.

I call this one "A Young John Muir". Look him up if you don't know him, definitely worth a quick read...

 

Yosemite was absolutely amazing. A spiritual experience. We returned to San Francisco that night with a different view on everything. And even though we had a good time for the rest of our stay out there, I think both of us were a little disappointed. Because nothing San Fran had to offer was even close to as beautiful or  as awe inspiring as those rocks. And I mean, how could you even compete?

Keep smiling,

Kaylina

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Vernon + Demetrice: Columbus, Ohio Wedding

As a wedding photographer I'm surrounded by new love all the time. I get to meet couples who are recently engaged and excited about a new chapter of their lives they're about to enter into. I love being able to be a part of the beginning of their love story and follow them through the rest of their lives by keeping in touch and hearing about new houses, new kids, and new accomplishments. But last Saturday I got a glimpse of a love story that started 12 years ago and is still going strong after 10 years of marriage. And I have to say, that kind of story is pretty amazing too.

Demetrice and Vernon's devotion and love for each other is inspiring. They decided to renew their vows last Saturday in front of friends and family at the Northland Performing Art Center in Columbus, Ohio. Although it was raining during the morning and Vernon was not in full health, the day was still beautiful and a great opportunity for everyone to celebrate Demetrice and Vernon's decade of love.

Demetrice was a greater planner, making sure everything was taken care of. She told me that her wedding colors were "black, white, and bling", which I loved.

 

We did a big reveal for Demetrice instead of a typical first look. We had all of the family members that came early for group pictures face away as Demetrice entered the room, then Vernon turned around, followed by the rest of their families. Their reactions were priceless and I'm so glad we were able to capture that moment for her.

Demetrice also had 10 surprises for Vernon throughout the day with the last two being Miss Athena Nile, a professional belly dancer, and a unique groom's cake from Bella Luna Cakes and Confections.

Toward the end of the reception Vernon was feeling better and was able to go outside with us to snap a few quick pictures. The cloudy afternoon led to some beautiful lighting and I absolutely loved the nearby wall Demetrice chose to shoot a few solo pictures.

Demetrice and Vernon, your day was absolutely wonderful and such a pleasure to be a part of! I hope you had an amazing time and the wedding you deserved! I wish you guys many more decades of happiness!

Keep smiling!
Kaylina

To see even more from Demetrice and Vernon's wedding check out the slideshow below!



Venue: Northland Performing Art Center
DJ:       JT Michaels

Entertainer: Athena Nile

Cakes:  Bella Luna Cakes and Confections

Coordinator: Knot 2 Worry Weddings ( Marcie Golson)

Caterer: 3 Generations Catering

Tuxes: Mens Wearhouse and Tux

Bridal Gown: Wedding Plantation

Makeup: Makeup by Olivia

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Greg + Mallory: Wedding Reception Thornville, Ohio

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding reception for Greg and Mallory, who got married earlier this year in Australia. Greg and Mallory are a gorgeous couple who put together an amazing evening for their friends and family in Ohio to celebrate their love. It was a little cloudy at Buckeye Lake Winery but the rain held off and everyone was able to mingle and enjoy themselves outside on the patio before heading inside for dinner. 

Mallory did all of the beautiful centerpieces and flowers herself and Made From Scratch provided the delicious food. Greg and Mallory had an amazing photographer, Verity of Ginger and Mint Photography, at their wedding in Australia and had photos of the big day on display all over the winery on Saturday.

I loved snapping pictures of Greg and Mallory interacting with their guests. They always had smiles on their faces and were truly enjoying the company of their friends and family.

Strung Up Bluegrass did a great job providing the entertainment at dinner, which everyone loved. 

Well, almost everyone...

Greg and Mallory- thank you so much for having me at your reception! It was such a pleasure to meet you and capture your day!

Keep smiling!

Kaylina

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Chris + Stephanie: Pickerington, Ohio Wedding

When I asked Stephanie last Friday about her story with Chris she laughed and a huge, contagious smile took over, "I still remember the first time I saw him in 5th grade. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt".  As she and her bridesmaids sat in her parents' kitchen getting ready for the big day, Stephanie told me the story of how her 5th grade crush turned into a high school boyfriend, then a fond memory when they went their seperate ways in college. Social media allowed them to rekindle their friendship a few years later and their faith in God (and a little help from friends and a bible study) stoked the flames into the romance we celebrated on Friday.

When Stephanie met with me in December to talk about wedding photography she asked for candids. She and Chris moved to North Carolina two days after the ceremony and she wanted to make sure that I captured everyone being their truest selves, enjoying the day with friends and family before she moved away. So I took nothing but candids the whole day and focused all my energy on suspending the littlest moments in time in a way that Stephanie and Chris could cherish forever. Like Stephanie's reaction when she spotted Chris standing outside the church while she was getting ready...

The first time they called each other "husband" and "wife"...

And of course their first dance...

Stephanie and Chris- thank you so much for allowing Blake and I to tag along with you on your wedding day. I wish I had the words to describe the feeling of love and excitement that filled the air during your ceremony. It's not often that Blake and I spend the entire car ride home talking about how visibly in love the bride and groom were and how beautiful the wedding was. Your love for each other and your families was contagious and we wish you the best of luck in your future together. There isn't a cuter and better matched couple in the world. Congratulations.

Keep smiling!
Kaylina

To see even more pictures from Chris and Stephanie's wedding, check out the slideshow below:

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