Rustic Winter Wedding at Strawberry Acres Lodge // Megan & Josh

Photos by Kristen Nicole, Ohio Wedding Photographers

Wedding day coordination : Your Perfect Day

 

Schedel Gardens Wedding // Deborah & Matthew

Photos by Kristen Nicole, Wedding Photography Toledo Ohio

GIVEAWAY | VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE 2014 COUPLE!

It's already 2 months into 2015, so before we begin our busy wedding season I wanted to say thank you to all of our amazing 2014 brides and grooms, it was a fantastic year!  We were so fortunate to have the most kind-hearted, down-to-earth, fun-loving couples to work with.  I enjoyed being with each and every one of you and your families on your wedding day! We so appreciate you trusting us to document such a special occasion, and to show our gratitude, we'd like to offer a giveaway.  

We chose one of our favorite images from each wedding, which are displayed below, and we will give away one of the following items to the couple who has the most votes:  16x24 canvas gallery wrap OR 8x8 - 26 page coffee table album

To increase your chances of winning, encourage your friends and family to participate and vote, either by emailing them or sharing this page on Facebook.

Voting takes less than one minute, so please complete the following steps and vote for your favorite image!

HOW TO VOTE

1. "Like" our Facebook page by clicking the button below, or at the bottom of this post.  (If you can't see the button, please wait a moment for it to load on your browser, votes won't count without completing this step)

2.  Enter the names of the couple you choose in the comments box at the end of this post.

That's it!

VOTING ENDS ON MARCH 14th, 2015.  Winners will be announced within a week of the contest ending, after votes are counted. 

ALLISON & STEVEN

REBECCA & TYLER

DENISE & MITCH

ELIZABETH & DAN

SHANA & JIMMY

LORI & EZEKIEL

ROSANNA & PAUL

JULIE & JACOB

AMBER & CHRISTOPHER

KATIE & MATT

AUDREY & JEFF

DEBORAH & MATTHEW

KRISTEN & ANDREW

BRITTNY & GERALD

JENELL & TYLER

SARAH & NATE

TAYLOR & DAVE

KARA & BRAD

JAMI & JEFFREY

JEANETTE & CHRIS


STEP 1 : CLICK THE LIKE BUTTOn BELOW

STEP 2 : ENTER THE NAMES OF THE COUPLE YOU'D LIKE TO VOTE FOR IN THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW

 

if you'd like to help your favorite couple earn more votes, share this post on facebook to spread the word!

ThornCreek Winery Wedding in Aurora Ohio /// Shana and Jimmy

I had the privilege of traveling to Aurora, Ohio to Photograph Shana and Jimmy's wedding back in August. I  met the couple in person for the first time on the wedding day, and they were an absolute pleasure to work with.  After getting ready at the Bertram hotel, we hopped on a trolley to The Arcade in downtown Cleveland and Voinovich Park to capture some photos of Shana and Jimmy the bridal party. The ceremony took place at The Church in Aurora, complete with a petal toss exit, and the reception was held at the lovely ThornCreek Winery.  I was so impressed with Shana's planning and attention to detail, which helped us create some truly beautiful images. Hope you enjoy viewing them!

Photos by Kristen Nicole, Wedding photographers Toledo Ohio

Other Vendors:

Reception: ThornCreek Winery, Aurora Ohio

Florist:  Nikki's Perfect Petal Designs

DJ:  Encore Sound

Caterer:  Hudson's Restaurant

Wedding Dress:  Enzoni (Vow's Bridal Outlet)

Cleveland Botanical Gardens Engagement Session // Lori & Ezekiel

Engagement Session Tips // Ohio Engagement Photography

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Now that spring is finally here after the never-ending winter we've had, we're preparing for upcoming engagement sessions!  There are several benefits to planning an engagement shoot before the wedding.  First, it's a great opportunity to get to know our couples and build a relationship and trust.  Photographers will sped more time with the bride and groom than any other vendor on the wedding day, so it's important to feel comfortable working together.  It also helps those who don't necessarily enjoy having their photo taken to warm up to the camera before the big day, without being surrounded by crowds of friends and family.  In addition, engagement photos cans be used for "Save the Dates", guest sign-in books, reception decorations, or even wedding invitations. To help in preparing for your engagement session, here are a few tips!

WHAT TO WEAR

When planning your wardrobe, think about what you'll feel most natural and comfortable in, and what will best reflect your personality and style.  If you normally wear jeans and t-shirts, wear jeans and a comfortable shirt.  If you prefer dresses or formal attire, then wear that your to your session.  Some couples like to bring along one casual and one formal look for variety in their images.  And don't be afraid of color!  Bright pops of color look great in photos, although try to choose colors that coordinate rather than match.  If wearing patterns, avoid choices that will compete and create a busy look.  Accessories can also add flair to your outfit, so feel free to bring hats, scarves, necklaces, and fun shoes.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

If you plan to use any of your engagement photos for Save the Dates or for display at the wedding, we suggest scheduling your shoot at least a few months in advance of the wedding.  All sessions are done outdoors on location, so you'll also want to consider what time of year to plan for.  Spring and Fall are our favorite seasons, but we're not opposed to a snowy winter session either.  Most often we'll try to schedule your session towards the end of the day during the last couple hours before sunset for the most flattering light. Early mornings are also ideal before we approach high-noon sun.  

LOCATION

The location you choose for your engagement session is important in setting the "mood" or "feel" of your photos. Before offering location suggestions, I like to find out if there are any places that are special or meaningful to you as a couple.  A few examples are where you first met each other, at the place he proposed, or doing your favorite activity.  Below are some additional ideas.

  • At your favorite restaurant or coffee shop
  • Along your city skyline
  • A downtown urban session
  • Your local park
  • During your favorite season

If you're still stumped, we'd be happy to collaborate with you to find the perfect location for your session.

PROPS

Although we prefer sessions that are very natural and organic, occasionally using props can add an element of fun and originality.  Some of our couples have opted to bring items such as books, board games, antique bicycles, sports gear, umbrellas, quilts, food, or balloons.  We're not opposed to hearing any ideas you might have to create a session that is unique and meaningful to you.  We also love animals and consider our dogs to be part of the family, so if you wish to include your pet we'd be happy to accommodate!

CONSIDER HAVING HAIR & MAKEUP DONE PROFESSIONALLY

Although not absolutely necessary, having your hair and makeup professionally done will help you look and feel your best for your photoshoot, and can also give you a boost of confidence if you're slightly uncomfortable with being in front of the camera.  Even having a close friend or family member help you prepare or offer a few suggestions may be helpful.  Keep in mind that matte makeup looks best to avoid appearing shiny or oily.  You can also apply makeup slightly heavier than usual on eyes, lips, and cheeks, since it often looks much more toned-down on camera.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, RELAX AND HAVE FUN

Being a bit camera-shy myself, I can relate to couples who feel awkward in front of the camera. But remember, this is a great opportunity to get comfortable with having your photo taken, which will help immensely on the wedding day!  Our job is to help you look your best in your photos, so we will give you as much or as little direction as you need in order to capture photos of the two of you that are natural and relaxed.  Being engaged is an exciting time, so approach it as a fun date where you can hold hands, laugh, and just be together.

We are Toledo Ohio Wedding and Engagement photographers, available for travel to any city in Ohio and Michigan.  For further information on having us photograph your engagement session or wedding, please feel free to get in touch using the links below.

INFORMATION | GALLERIES | CONTACT

Ann Arbor Art Museum Wedding - Lynley & Sheldon

Lynley and Sheldon's wedding took place in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. What I enjoyed most about working with Lynley & Sheldon was that they don't take themselves too seriously.  From the beginning, they mentioned that they were not comfortable with "posed" or "staged" photos; they consider themselves to be a bit offbeat and unconventional.  Had it not been for Lynley's mother, they may not have even hired a photographer (they initially thought iPhones and disposable cameras would suffice!). On the wedding day, the somewhat reserved, yet fun-loving couple was nothing but smiles and laughter from start to finish, and photographing the love between them was effortless.  

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Lynley and Sheldon's Wedding at UMMA Ann Arbor

Lynley and Sheldon's Wedding at UMMA Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Art Museum Wedding

Ann Arbor Art Museum Wedding