Larry + Kristen: OSU Engagement Session Columbus, Ohio

"He was really concerned with making sure we took a family photo. Which should have sent up red flags, because he hates pictures," Kristen told me on Saturday when I asked how Larry had popped the question. She explained that they had been on vacation in Utah, on the top of a mountain with her family, when he got down on one knee to ask the biggest question of both of their lives. The family photo was, of course, an excuse for someone to have their camera out and ready for the big moment.

As a photographer I think I fell in love with Larry right there. A guy who has enough foresight to plan out a romantic proposal and have someone snap pictures? Kristen has found herself a keeper.

And they are so perfect together. Watching them interact I could see an easy comfort between them. They're friends, allies, and team mates in addition to being (soon-to-be) husband and wife.

We met Saturday afternoon in front of The Horseshoe on The Ohio State University's campus. It might have been the last decently warm Saturday of the year, but the brisk wind definitely made sure we were being efficient with our time.

After grabbing a few photos in front of The Shoe we strolled around the west side of it and found these two adorable buildings covered in ivy. After a quick check to make sure none of it was poison ivy, we settled in for a few pictures.

I love, love, love, the way she snuggles into him. Even if she was just trying to stay warm.

After an outfit change we headed around the east side of the stadium towards the RPAC and finished the session there.

Despite both of them claiming they didn't like having their pictures taken, Larry and Kristen were both so natural and easy going with me! I absolutely loved working with them! I mean come on - look at them!

Larry and Kristen- thank you so much for letting me shoot your engagement pictures! It was so great getting to know the two of you and boss you around for an hour! Good luck with the rest of your wedding planning, I know your wedding in May is going to be absolutely fabulous!

Keep smiling!

Kaylina

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Ryan + Emily: Autumn Engagement Session Granville, Ohio

Emily and Ryan's first dates could be described as the "Dating Olympics" - sports or athletic filled adventures that didn't always go as planned (like Emily falling down and hitting her head while ice skating). But when Ryan went to go get ice for her head and Emily handled the fall with as much grace as possible- these two knew they had found something special.

Ryan and Emily are the snuggliest couple I've ever met. They're so snuggly, I had to make up the word "snuggliest". We started out our session on Sunday in front of The Buxton Inn (LINK) in Granville, Ohio and explored their grounds and the nearby streets. When we found our first location, I instructed them to sit down on this bench and just relax while I adjusted my camera settings. Luckily my camera settings were already pretty good because this is what they did without any instruction from me...

Pure magic. These two are amazing.

For the rest of the session all I had to do was sit or stand Emily and Ryan near each other and they took care of the rest. They interact and love each other so naturally that my only job was to capture the romance.

A mustard colored wall has never looked so good.

I love, love, LOVE the autumn colors Granville had to offer us on Sunday. These trees and leaves combined with Ryan and Emily's perfect fall garb were making me a very happy photographer.

Ryan and Emily, thank you so much for spending Sunday with me. I had such a great time walking around Granville with the two of you and capturing your love. I am so excited for your wedding in May- I know that it is going to be another incredible day full of love and snuggling!

Keep smiling!

Kaylina

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Mark + Haley: Tented Vineyard Wedding, Amanda, Ohio

They couldn't have asked for a prettier autumn day. A small breeze rustled the leaves in the trees while the sun warmed the tents at Clearcreek Country Vineyard. There's something absolutely magical about fall weddings and Mark and Haley's wedding on Saturday was no exception.

I first met Haley at her friend Stephanie's wedding, and I had the pleasure of seeing her again a few months later at Sam's wedding, where she and Stephanie were both bridesmaids. So when Haley got engaged a few months ago I honestly don't know which one of us was more excited. And when she contacted me to let me know that she was going to plan a wedding and get married in two months and wanted me there - I couldn't say yes fast enough.

Haley started out the morning surrounded by her closest friends and family at her parent's home. There were no nerves on Haley's part, just pure excitement to marry her best friend and love of her life. 

I love having Blake as my second photographer- I have him hang out with the guys as they get ready and do whatever guys do while I hang out with the girls as they get ready. And comparing how Haley and her daughter spent the day getting ready v. how Mark and his son got ready is absolutely priceless.

At the winery Haley slipped into her dress and immediately transformed into a drop dead, gorgeous bride. I mean seriously, can we talk about how absolutely stunning she is?

After the boys arrived and Haley caught a peek of her soon to be husband, it was time to walk down the aisle.

The ceremony was gorgeous. Haley, her mom, and her sister did an amazing job transforming the tented ceremony into a beautiful, elegant affair with only the use of a few tree stumps and candles. That's what I call magic.

Since the ceremony was at sunset, we made the most of the dark and got some amazing, old Hollywood style portraits after the ceremony. I don't know about you, but they look like movie stars to me.

Haley and Mark didn't want to waste time dismissing guests for dinner, making toasts, or tossing a bouquet - they wanted to get straight to the party. So there was no assigned seating, no fancy meal (although Blake will be the first to tell you the food was AMAZING), just fantastic music, unbelievable good wine, and of course, dancing.

Congratulations Mark and Haley- Blake and I feel so honored to have been a part of your big day. Haley, getting to know you girls and your families has been such a treat and I cannot thank you enough for inviting me into your circle! Mark, you're a great guy who I know is going to be an amazing husband to Haley. I truly wish the best for you two and cannot wait to see what amazing things are in your future!

Keep smiling!

Kaylina


Hair: Mandi Hartman (614.604.2851)
Makeup: Shawna Windle
DJ: DJ Dru (614.778.6225)
Catering: Columbus Corporate Catering
Venue: Clearcreek Country Vineyard (740.969.1308)
Tent: Personal Touch Party Rentals

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