Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Eric + Katie | Finally, Their Wedding Day..

I felt like it was just yesterday I was with Eric + Katie, standing in front of them for their engagement session. I can remember being excited, not only to see them, but to share with them the news that my husband and I were expecting. The news was so fresh that not even our closest family members knew yet. They shared in that joy with me and rejoiced that my due date was 4 weeks prior to their scheduled May wedding!

Fast forward to May 3rd. I now had a little girl that was 6 weeks old and I was on my way to my first wedding of the year! The first wedding is always nerve racking and thrilling all at the same time. It’s like the dormant stage of winter comes to life and I have a new spring in my step because my camera is in hand again!

With Eric + Katie, this day was a long time coming. They had met in high school while they both worked at ..Grater’s Ice Cream.. After making that connection over black raspberry chip goodness, they were finally getting married. She was finally walking down the aisle to the man that had scooped up {pun intended} her heart all those years ago. The day was just beautiful and they couldn’t have asked for anything better. The sun was out, the wind raced the clouds across the sky, and in their separate rooms each were with the ones they call the most dear.

She slipped into her beautiful gown, her sister and mom helping her in. In a swift moment as the zipper went up, a smile flashed across Katie’s face. Her girls told her just how truly radiant she looked. And she did. Across the room, her mom stared in awe of her. She came in front of her ‘little girl’ and said, I know I’m not suppose to wrinkle the dress, but I have to give you a hug. The most delicate hug ensued. And then her eyes filled with tears as she tried to scurry away. I wouldn’t let her, that moment was too precious. Something that couldn’t be forgotten. A moment that as a momma of my own little girl now, I would want to hold and keep some day. Across the court yard, Eric was having his own moment with his mom. Almost dressed, he couldn’t quite get his tie right. He flustered with it and tried and tried again. Finally they were able to conquer it together.

Before long, the church pews were being filled. Family and friends flooded in to witness what Eric + Katie called love. They were there to support, up lift, and hold them to the commitment that they were going to make to each other. The music filled the gorgeous cathedral style ceilings and Eric was led out with the pastor. He looked on as each of their attendants made their way down the aisle. But the one girl he was waiting for was just about to make her grand entrance. The doors closed and within moments they were swept open. Katie and her father moved towards the front altar. Eric anxiously awaiting. He couldn’t wait to take her hand. He was grinning from ear to ear. She was beautiful.

In the hour that passed by, Eric + Katie listened to readings from family members, choked through their vows, exchanged their rings, and finally became husband and wife!

Eric + Katie, what a beautiful day you were blessed with! It unfolded perfectly and I couldn’t have been more excited to be apart of it! There is plenty yet to come, so stay tuned!

..FINALLY..

love, echo

Photographers | Echo + Andrea

Church | ..St. Joseph Catholic Church..

Videographers | Jeff + Tatiana @ ..Studio58Media..

Florist | ..The Flowerman..

Brides Dress | ..White of Dublin..

Brides Shoes | ..Badgley Mischka..

Bridesmaids Dresses | ..Alfredo Angelo..

Mens Tuxes | ..Mens Warehouse..

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..Madi | CRCL.DYTN Senior Shootout..

When I moved to Dayton almost four years ago {I can’t believe it’s been that long already,} I was just like any new girl…new. Brand. Spanking. New. I knew no one in the local area and I felt overwhelmed and lost. That was until I began introducing myself to some of the local togs. Expecting pure rejection, since it’s a dog eat dog world, I was blown away with what came next. I was invited to a monthly meet up for the local Dayton photographers. FORTY plus of them. Where I came from, that was unheard of! Who in their right mind would get together with forty plus of their closest competitors and share information on business, client relations, products, gear, and any other advice that was needed?!?! I mean c’mon, that’s feeding your competition, right?!?

WRONG! Because they were there to make each other better business owners. Better photographers. And overall to improve our market as a whole and to teach our clients how to view our work as art.

And to be completely honest, we love it! It’s some of our cherished time as photographers. To step away from all the demands of what we love, and sometimes struggle with, in the usual late night/early morning hours. To come together as a group each month has been a breath of fresh air for a lot of us. To keep each other accountable in our goals, lean on each other when there are client issues {because yes, that does happen,} and even to swap + borrow gear from time to time.

Over the last 4 years these photographers of CRCL.DYTN have been my rock. We have become amazing friends and I’m so blessed to know each of them individually, follow their work, dine with their families, and become a stronger unit of support for each of them.

Coming to the close of my maternity leave, I joined them for our April meet up. Everyone was suppose to bring their camera and lenses to have the opportunity to test out, swap, ask questions, and have a hands on feel to what maybe someone else didn’t have or had been looking at. {Kinda nice instead of paying to rent it.} What we didn’t know was that there was a surprise shoot-out planned for us by our leaders! Thrown off guard, we were all super stoked to meet Madi and work with the crew that had pulled this all together {credits below.}

So needless to say Madi rocked it out for about 20 of us photographers and we all had a blast!! Take a look.

I couldn’t decide if I liked the color or b+w better…

Thank you so much to Madi, Jen, + Ebony for all of your awesome work to make the shoot out happen! To my CRCL.DYTN peeps, nothing but love! OH! And a huge thanks to Michael for letting me borrow his Canon 135 2.0 L to test it out! It was a pretty snazzy lens!

..THROWN OFF GUARD..

love, echo

Model | ..Madi Perez..

Stylist | Jen @ ..Rumorless Threads..

Hair + Makeup Artist | Ebony @ ..Shear Hotness..

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..Evelyn Kay | One Sweet Little Girl..

Just a few short weeks ago, Brad and I were highly anticipating the arrival of our new niece or nephew. Having been told around 9 p.m. that labor was slow going and that another check of progress wouldn’t happen till morning, we were surprised when our phones kept us up through the night. Just around midnight we received notice that Ashley’s water had broke and that her labor had essentially started on it’s own.

Fast forward to earlier in the day! Ashley + Derek were suppose to check into the hospital on February 27th at 7 a.m., but due to a busy labor and delivery floor, they pushed it back to 11 a.m.! At 11 a.m. it quickly became 3 p.m. before they were even able to get her in. Trying not to get frustrated with the lack of progress her body was making, they gave her a 12 hour sleeping pill at 9 p.m. and said to get some rest! Well, according to momma, Little Miss Evie had other plans! Contractions started to come quickly, and after only 5 hours in active labor, and a half hour of pushing, Evelyn Kay Kovalcik made a fast entrance into this world.

Even though Ashley had the epidural and sleeping pill in her system, she still recalls the moment that they held Evelyn up and asked Derek what the gender was! Derek quickly announced it was a girl! My precious little girl!

Evelyn made her entrance on February 28th at 4:32 a.m., becoming the first grand daughter amongst 3 boys on Brad’s side of the family! She weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches long! Everyone was thrilled, and when we received the phone call of her arrival at almost 5 a.m. we were more than ready to meet her! The most special part for us was to hear that she was being named after Brad + Ashley’s grandma, Evelyn! Ashley writes, She is named after one of my hero’s and someone I have looked up to since I was young. My grandmother is one of the hardest working people I know and I am so very blessed that I was able to grow up with her so near. I love her incredibly!

That evening we had the opportunity to drive to Michigan, and couldn’t wait to meet our sweet little Evie the next day! Surprising Ashley + Derek, Brad and I couldn’t wait to get our baby fix in before our own little blessing arrives! I was so enamored with the awe and love that new daddy Derek had for Eve. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight and was already keeping tabs on her wherever she was. Ashley told us, From the moment she was born, he never let her out of his sight, and is SUPER protective already! That’s a daddy for you!

Ashley says she loves how Evie just melts into her arms. She went on to say, My favorite thing about Evie is the bond we already have, and how I can feel her relax and calm down in my arms. Its amazing how you can feel the love between us in those instances. Being a brand new parent to Evie is a full time job, one that’s scary and amazing at the same time. Its scary because we want to make sure we are doing everything possible to take care of her, we are terrified of messing something up. And of course its so rewarding seeing her growing every day, and how she has bonded completely with Derek and I. Its amazing the bond you have with this little child immediately.

Her big brother, Denali wasn’t quite sure what was happening at first, and probably wanted her to leave. But I knew after a couple days when I told him to go see his sister, and he threw the ball in her lap, that he knew what she is and already wants her to play with him! When we got home from the doctors, he didn’t give me kisses first, he shoved his head into her car seat to give Evie kisses with that I now know he loves her.

So without any more waiting, I give you our sweet little niece Evie!

Derek + Ashley! We couldn’t be more blessed to call you family! We are overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving that Evelyn arrived safely and healthy! I can’t wait to continue to spoil her and to be the best Aunt I can be in her life! We love you all more than words can say, and I can’t wait to help add another little blessing to our growing family! Thank you for allowing me to take these few images before we had to dodge the winter blizzard, so glad I had the opportunity to capture her tinyness! It’s only that way for so long!

..SUPER PROTECTIVE..

love, echo

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..Caleb + Sarah | Cooking Up Something Special..

Anymore, time has escaped me. For this reason, that reason, or another. Poof! There it went. And I didn’t even realize it had gone. That’s how I felt when I was with Caleb + Sarah! They are such an easy-going couple that it wasn’t hard to spend a portion of the afternoon with them. To let them be in an environment that was totally them! Something relaxing. Something chill.

Living in San Francisco, there were only a handful of times that they were going to make it back to Dayton prior to their August wedding. With winter constantly rearing it’s ugly head, they decided that they wanted to do a lifestyle engagement session. Something that brought both of their personalities into play. So they chose cooking, some wine, and some of their favorite California beats. There in the heart of her parent’s home they prepped for calzones. And all the while, they had no problem with flirting here and there. A look from him would send her in giggles, and he couldn’t help but kiss her.

In 2006, Caleb + Sarah met at work in Cali. With being from Ohio, she only expected to be out there for a few years. Her + Caleb became friends and they enjoyed working on projects together. They worked so well together. Maybe it was work and the not wanting to get involved. Or maybe they both just had wool over their eyes, but somewhere in the mix they realized there was something. Several years later in 2010, Sarah says, We started dating and everything just clicked.

They enjoyed their time together, even outside of work. They both love adventure and a good view, and they had no problem traveling to find it. As we waited for their calzones to brown in the oven, they reminisced about the trips they had taken. They laughed about the time that they got caught camping in the middle of a huge storm and how although it didn’t turn out as planned, it was one of their favorites!

Then they talked about the proposal. How Sarah was completely oblivious to what Caleb was trying to tell her. That she kept peering over the vast view of the Pacific Ocean. The sun was shining and the wind whipped through her hair. Caleb was trying to tell her how much he loved her, as she continued to take in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of the gorgeous day. Then he took her hand at the end of the the Monterey Pier, and caught her eye. He told her how much he loved her, and how great the time they had already had together. And then it hit her. Like a ton of bricks it hit her. Caleb pulled out the ring and asked her to be his wife. To be with him in one step, in one beat forever. She was so excited as she hugged him, and told him yes!

Stepping back, I let them talk. They smiled at one another. A sweet smile of remembrance. I let them sip on the wine that they were enjoying as the smell from the kitchen leaked into the dining room. Then the timer went off, and they were instantly reminded that there was some food spoils to enjoy! They went on with the rest of the afternoon, and needless to say it didn’t get any less fun! They ended their afternoon with a perfectly good little snow fight in the backyard! You know, the white stuff that doesn’t appear in San Fran!

Caleb + Sarah, thank you so much for allowing me to come enjoy a Sunday afternoon with you. To taste in the amazing dish you guys cooked up, and to celebrate all the good news that was to celebrate! Here is to wine, cooking, and a good time! I’m very much looking forward to your August wedding and I know that it’s going to be an absolutely beautiful one with the two of you in the midst of it! Blessings from now until then!

..TON OF BRICKS..

love, echo

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..Maddex Robert | They Knew It Was a Boy..

You may remember a few months back I shared Matt + Ami’s ..Maternity Session.., and how in awe and wonder they were that they were about to become parents. How they couldn’t believe that God works the way that he does to create a human being so perfectly. So matchless.

Matt + Ami finally have their little wonder. In arms. Maddex Robert was born on January 10th at 4:01 p.m.! He weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. and 21 inches long. Ami wrote, I had tears streaming down my face, and Matt was grinning from ear to ear. Finally after 9 months, Baby Mo, I mean Maddex, was here. HOLY COW!!!! We were parents! Our world was instantly changed, love filled the room so full that it was amazing to breath it in. I knew in that moment that Maddex was loved more than anything by Matt and I. And I thought of how much God loved him, even as he was in the womb. WOW (breath taking)! This baby is loved!

In a routine appointment on January 3rd, after quite a bit of growth, Matt + Ami’s doctor suggested an ultrasound to take a look at their little babe. On January 8th they went in for their ultrasound only to find out that sweet Baby Mo was measuring approximately 9 lbs. 6 oz.! With my size, Baby Mo’s size and the residual issues I was having from the car accident in October, we were given the option between induction and a C-section by the end of the week. Baby Mo was coming into this world one way or the other. After chatting amongst themselves for a few minutes, they decided to go with a C-section and scheduled themselves for January 10th at 3 p.m.!

To ease some of the anxiety that was beginning to emerge, Matt + Ami asked the nurses and doctors to place bets on the gender and size of Baby Mo. Most bet Baby Mo was a boy EXCEPT our OB. Matt and I were convinced Baby Mo was a boy from early on, so we looked at each other nervously. Our doctor as thought the baby would top 10 pounds. Luckily she was wrong on both accounts… Baby Mo now is known as Maddex and was definitely not a girl. Our hunches were correct!!!

Shortly after Maddex made his entry into the world, I had the opportunity to meet and photograph this sweet little bundle. He was so precious, so cute, and for goodness sake’s I. Can’t. Wait. to meet my baby!! {Only 8 more weeks, give or take for me…} Honestly though, nothing can fill a heart more than holding a baby that was made in the image of God. I’m so overjoyed to know that Matt + Ami understand that, and that they give all glory to him for Maddex!

Ami gushes, I love when he’s sleeping and I can just stare at him. His perfect little angel face takes my breath away. And I love his eyelashes. They are amazing. He was born with eyelashes. How does that happen? God created him so perfectly that he was born with eyelashes!! So delicate and tiny and perfect. That is no a coincidence, that is Intelligent Design. Matt says, I love his innocence. He loves to snuggle with Maddex curled up on his chest, and the best part is when Maddex snuggles up under his chin. Ami confesses, That makes the world melt away, and it melts my heart.

In our time together, Maddex was a champ!! I hope you get to enjoy this adorable little man that Matt, Ami, + God created. He is a cutie!

Matt, Ami, + Maddex, thank you so much for asking me to be apart of this special moment in your lives!! It’s hard to believe that I photographed your wedding only two short years ago and now you have started your family! What a beautiful addition and I am so ecstatic for you!! May you have strength on days where you need it the mos,t and that God gives you both the knowledge and wisdom you need to raise Mr. little man Maddex. I pray that he becomes the godly man that he is called to be through your teachings. Many blessings to the both of you and congratulations once again!

..DEFINITELY NOT A GIRL..

love, echo

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