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! 

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.

Wish of a Lifetime

I had the amazing opportunity to work with an organization called Wish of a Lifetime.  Wish of a Lifetime is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to seniors in the community.  Their mission to is shift the way society views and values our oldest generations.  They envision a world in which society embraces aging and the inherent wisdom that accompanies it, where seniors are celebrated for their accomplishments and sacrifices, and where intergenerational connections are part of our daily lives.  Wish of a Lifetime started in Colorado but the organization fulfills wishes all across the United States, including beautiful OHIO.   

I had the pleasure of documenting a wish for a woman named Jane.  She attended Canton McKinley High School and played in the marching band.  She read in the local paper that the stadium had been fully renovated.  Her wish was to visit the stadium and see the marching band play. 

Wish of Lifetime went above and beyond with her wish!  And the staff at Canton McKinley High School was absolutely phenomenal.  Everyone did such an amazing job in order to make Jane’s day so special. 

I arrived at the Canton Symphony Center and met with Lisa Reicosky, the Canton McKinley Communications Manager.  She did an exceptional job at welcoming me and Jane’s family.  We then waited for Jane to arrive. 

Shortly after she arrived we all took the elevator up to the 7th floor of the stadium to get a better view of the field.  Canton McKinley High School even welcomed Jane with a message on a sign overlooking the stadium.  Jane was thrilled when she saw it! 

A few staff members stopped by to say hello to Jane.  The school principal even stopped by.   While he visited, Jane took at look at the yearbook from her senior year. She showed him her senior picture and read her senior quote to the group.  The high school band director also stopped by to talk to Jane.  We all listened as she reminisced about her days playing in the marching band. 

The next surprise was from the high school marching band.  They performed their halftime show just for Jane.  Watching her during this performance brought tears to my eyes.  It was such a special moment for me and I had never even met Jane before this day.  There was so much joy there at that moment as I looked at the faces of Jane’s children and the people who had coordinated this day for her.  It’s one of those rare moments in life where happiness is all that exists and the whole world feels perfect. 

After the performance, the band director presented Jane with a certificate thanking her for the time she had committed to the band during her high school years.  And since she played the flute in high school, he brought one for Jane to try out.  She told us she hadn’t played in over 40 years but she gave it a try anyway.  Her children were all smiles as they watched her. 

The final part of Jane’s day was a tour of the new stadium.  The renovation is just breathtaking.  It is THE most beautiful high school stadium I’ve ever seen in my life.  Jane got to see a luxury suite before we all went up to the rooftop deck to see an amazing view of the field.  (Note: if you’re afraid of heights I don’t advise looking over the railing.  Boy were we high up!)

We retuned back to the 7th floor to have some Canon McKinley themed cookies that were specially made for Jane’s day.  They were delicious and a giant platter of them was sent home with Jane. 

I love that being a photographer gives me the ability to participate in events like this.  Though I operate out of Cleveland, I'm constantly traveling all over Ohio, and into the surrounding states, to work.  I'll travel nearly anywhere to do photography.  I love the adventure!

Loved hearing about Jane?  Follow this link to read more amazing wish stories:  https://wishofalifetime.org/wish-stories/

Know a remarkable senior who deserves a wish come true?  Follow this link to submit a wish application: https://wishofalifetime.org/what-we-do/submit-a-wish/

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!”