Krystal + Kyle

This couple!  They’re my dream clients!  Kyle and Krystal are just the kindest people around.  They are so genuine, and I’m so honored to have been their wedding photographer.  

Their venue was perfect!  Both the ceremony and reception took place at a wedding venue called Skyview Lodge in Brunswick, Ohio.  There are so many great little spots to shoot around the property which meant we didn’t have to spend time traveling to other locations for the formal photos.  I LOVE having everything in one place.  It eliminates so much extra stress. 

We started off with the first look which was EPIC!  One of the most beautiful first looks I’ve ever done for sure.  For those who aren’t sure what a first look is, it’s a way for the couple to see each other for the first time before the ceremony, in a more intimate setting.  Some couples want a private experience with just the two of them and the photographer, other couples allow friends and families to be there to experience it as well.  I love when couples decide to do this because the schedule is typically much more relaxed this way. 

My second shooter and I were able to get the group photos wrapped up seconds before the rain began.  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.  The rain ended up being a blessing because it forced everyone to sit and relax.  The wedding party got a chance to grab some food and rest before the ceremony. 

The rain stopped at the perfect time and the outdoor ceremony was absolute PERFECTION!  We truly could not have asked for a more beautiful day. 

We even got some amazing night shots with the venue in the background.  Krystal and Kyle chose some of these images for their wedding album and they looked stunning in print! 

Andrew + Vanessa

We had originally planned to shoot Vanessa and Andrew’s engagement session in October but the weather just wasn’t cooperating.  Luckily we scheduled for a beautiful day in November and everything worked out perfectly. 

Downtown Cleveland is one of my favorite spots for an engagement session.  I was born and raised in Cleveland and I love it!  I spent a lot of time downtown as a kid so I’m really familiar with all of the best spots to do a photo session. 

The only unfortunate part about the day we chose was the fact that there was a Brown’s game going on downtown…and it just so happened to end at the exact time we had planned to start the photo shoot. 

 As we were trying to get photos, huge groups of very drunk Browns fans were yelling things and causing all kinds of traffic disruptions.  But I’m a wedding photographer; I’ve dealt with my fair share of drunk and yelling individuals.    

We started out on E. 4th and got a few shots before making our way around and past public square.  Unfortunately, they were in the process of setting up public square for Christmas so my typical shots locations in that particular area weren’t available to us. 

We made a big loop and headed back to E.4th once we got some great golden hour shots.  And it only made logical sense to end the session at the casino.  Night shots on a rooftop are pretty amazing.  I always recommend that my wedding clients give me at least 10 minutes on their wedding day to do a few night shots as well.  They always end up being some of the very best shots of the day. 

Vanessa and Andrew will be getting married in September next year and I can’t even wait! 

Xpressions Magazine

I am very excited to announce that my photos of Justin Jones are featured in this month's publication of Xpressions Magazine!  My photos are featured in JUNE ISSUE – VOL 2 – LITTLE MISS INKED COVER #122.  

The photos are from a doudoir session we shot together a couple of months ago.  We did this session at the perfect time of day.  The natural lighting in this Ohio City studio is so stunning.  It's one of my favorite indoor locations in the Cleveland area!  Mention this studio when you book your next session with me!  You will absolutely love it! 

MODELS IN THIS ISSUE:  Little Miss Inked, Tasha Blu, Kayla Wagner, Miss AliKay, CANDICEStyles,

Joyce Liu Huan, Shey Assar, Jamie Lynn, Ashley Pitzer, Erin Leigh Pribyl, Gina Pearson, ElleyCat,

Justin Jones, Prettypixy Kirsty Louise, Anna Katarina, Natalie, Kalee Maria Andres, Penny Lane,

Lexii Shepard, Elaina D., Tymika, Skidget, Lauren Amber Jones, Ashley Dermott, Juliet Frew,

Rachel Berkman, Francesca Flame, Cassidy Dias, Jazmin Gontiz, Mary Ramirez, Tina Marie Duran,

Brittany Dana Taylor-Clark, Rozlin Gomez

Check out Xpressions Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.  To purchase a copy of the magazine CLICK HERE.

Retro Rosie

I recently connected with a badass business owner in Lakewood.  Miranda's shop is called Retro Rosie.  If you haven't been there before you need to stop by!  The shop is located in the heart of the city.  Not only is it in a great location on Detroit Road (right next to Cleveland Vegan) but it's so adorable inside! 

Retro Rosie has the cutest lingerie too!  These outfits would be perfect for your upcoming boudoir session!  They also carry a variety of sizes that are perfect for all body types.  Stop in and try some pieces on!

I love what this shop is all about!  Women empowerment, pampering yourself, being original, all of the things I emphasize with my boudoir photography.  Plus Miranda is one of the coolest people you'll ever meet.  The vibe of the shop is super inviting because of her very warm and welcoming personality.  You'll love everything about your experience at Retro Rosie!  

Here are a few of my favorite outfits at the shop!  I recommend these to any of my boudoir clients.  Many people try to hide behind loose fitting clothes to hide "problem areas."  In reality, there are many tighter fitting options that look much more flattering.  High-waisted pieces look great on everyone!  

Check out Retro Rosie on Facebook and Instagram!  

Taylor + Christopher

I had the opportunity to work as a second shooter with Amilia of Amilia Photography this past December.  Taylor and Christopher's wedding took place on December 29th.  It was a very cold day but the snow provided a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor wedding photos.  

The day began at The Bertram Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio.  It is such a gorgeous venue.  Taylor and Christopher used this venue for getting ready photos and for the wedding reception. 

The ceremony was held at St. Mary Church in Hudson.   What an incredible place for a wedding ceremony!  The church is GORGEOUS!  To top it off, the church was still decorated for Christmas.  The decor was an incredible addition to the wedding celebration.  

The reception was the party of a lifetime.  Darryl Cameron of Flash Jam Entertainment kept the dance floor packed with his amazing talent.  The music was a great mix of old and new, slow and upbeat.  The crowd couldn't get enough of it!  I really love being a photographer at receptions like this.  

Madeline + Kishan

I'm OBSESSED with Madeline and Kishan's engagement gallery!  This couple is absolutely adorable and I'm so excited to be shoot their wedding at Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland, OH July.  Can't. Even. Wait.  

We decided to do the engagement session at one of my favorite photo shoot locations - The Cleveland Museum of Art.   I'm so happy we chose this location.  We had the most beautiful weather that day and we were able to get some amazing photos both inside and outside of the museum.  

We started the session with some ADORABLE shots that included their dog.  What a perfect little model!  

The chemistry between Madeline and Kishan was so much fun to capture.  They are just too cute together.  They RADIATE love for one another.  Sweet couples like this are the reason I love my job so much.  I'm so honored that they chose me to capture their special day this summer.  

That's a wrap!

I learned a lot about myself this past weekend.  I learned that I’d much rather be the one pointing a camera at someone than be the one it’s pointed towards, I learned that I get really stressed out knowing I have to look really presentable for a photo shoot, and most importantly I learned that I have ABSOLUTELY NO future in being on television or in movies!  I never realized how difficult it is to sit in front of a camera and talk to it while it records my voice and the way I’m sitting and every movement I make and the exact way my hair and makeup looks (without the ability to Photoshop it later.)  It was probably the most nerve wracking experience I’ve had in a long time.  It was on par with interviewing for medical school, only it was wayyy more embarrassing.   But I made it through that portion of the filming and we got to the part where we actually film me in action, doing what I love to do. 

There was only one problem....I picked a location that happened to have a giant winter festival taking place in the exact spot I wanted to film the video!  That was a little bit of poor planning, but I didn’t get this far in life without being a great problem solver.  I quickly chose a new location and we got there in time for golden hour.

While the Cleveland Museum of Art is a really gorgeous place to film a promo video, the Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse is equally as beautiful.  One thing that went even better than planned was the weather we had last Sunday!  I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect December day in Cleveland.  It.  Was.  Perfection. 

Another amazing part of the day was working with Tiffany and Greg.  I did an engagement session with them this summer and LOVED how their gallery turned out.  I knew they would be the perfect couple for my promotional video.  They’re an adorable couple with great chemistry, and it shows on camera!  They do a great job with my goofy prompts and we all have a really great time when we work together. 

After a lonnnng do of prepping for the video and filming, I immediately went home and edited the gallery.  To say I was happy with the results is definitely an understatement.  Seeing the finished gallery from Sunday makes me so excited to see the final promotional video. 

I hired an incredibly talented woman named Amanda Ellis of Amanda Ellis Photography + Films.  She specializes in newborn photography and film making.  Her promotional videos are captivating and moving.  She is amazing at what she does.  Her attention to detail makes everything come together in the most perfect way.  I can’t wait to see the final product! 

Working with couples brings me an incredible amount of happiness.  I love it all – engagement sessions, anniversary sessions, working with married couples, working with couples on their wedding day, and couple boudoir sessions.  Photography is a career that I can see myself immersed in and loving for the rest of my life.  The joy this job brings me is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.  It makes every day exciting and fuels me.  My photography company motivates me to set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them.  I’m so thankful for the ability to pursue a career that is my passion.  And while running a business can be quite challenging, I can’t imagine a job doing anything else. 

Hair and makeup by Jackie of Jax Hair Salon & Kaelyn of My Fair Makeup Artistry.

Your life become a masterpiece when you learn to master peace.

I had the opportunity to do a dream yoga shoot in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens this summer.  I have been following Ashley’s yoga journey with amazement.  Her progression has been really inspiring so I was so excited to be able to do a photo shoot with her!

“It both empowered me and challenged me – deepening both my practice and my relationship with my physical body.”

“Yoga is good for the soul, embrace it and you will be amazed at where it takes you.  Pairing beautiful flow with marvelous photography creates some breathtaking images.  I’m so grateful for Dana’s artistic eye and ability to create masterpieces.”

“Working with Dana was such a pleasure.  Her bubbly personality shows how passionate she is about her work.  Her positive attitude is contagious.  It really makes a difference when your photographer is as excited as you are!  Dana made me feel like a professional model, encouraging me and complimenting the shoot as we went on.”

“Dana has a knack for choosing great locations and poses, while still allowing the model to express herself too.  Most people are really stretching their comfort zones during a photo shoot, and because of that it’s so important that your photographer can make you comfortable.  I’m happy to say Dana’s confidence and gregarious attitude let me relax and feel totally at ease posing in front of her.  I can’t wait to work with her again!”