Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Matt + Lynn | A Winter Sunshine Wedding..

After the beautiful ceremony, we finished up a few portraits in Matt + Lynn’s gorgeous church! The bridal party was already gearing up for a great time and they loaded up on the party bus!! We then headed out into the windy, very cold day where the new couple was ready to break forth and celebrate their new life together. We went to a family friend’s little farm to get some portraits with some barns and log cabins on the property. What a charming little spot! We realized very quickly that the wind whipping across the open field was not our friend, and proved to be bone chilling for the ladies. We used the cabin to find warmth and Aaron and I moved as quickly as creatively possible with camera and video to keep everyone happy and warm!!

Usually I save the bride and groom for last so that the bridal party can enjoy the party bus, but it was so frigid that I made the guys hang out all the way to the end. They were good with it, after all they had a tux coat on that Lynn didn’t. Even though it felt like the air just went right through you as if you didn’t exist, Matt + Lynn were awesome sports!! It wasn’t hard to keep them close, and it certainly wasn’t hard for them to love on one another. Matt was enamored. The happiness was just painted across his face and he could do nothing more than continue to kiss the woman he could now officially call his wife. The wind continued to take Lynn’s veil and some magical moments began to unfold as the sun streamed into my camera. The sun flare that came as a result was more than perfect. It reflected exactly the warmth that their hearts were feeling.

We moved on to the reception and Matt + Lynn wrapped up their night in sweet wonderland fashion! The tables danced with turquoise table runners and sparkling centerpieces of candles, white trees, and silver ornaments. The head table backdrop was adorned with hanging jewels, uplighting, and swag, which looked fabulous. The elegant cake stood in the middle of the room and was decorated with turquoise ribbon, jewels, and swirls. Everything came together so nicely, and all it needed was a party. And believe me when I say, they were ready for a party! After introductions, the cake cutting, and two heartfelt toasts by the sister of the bride and the brother of the groom, the room began to light up. Formal dances had just finished and the dance floor became electric. A magnet to everyone ready and willing to have a good time. For Matt + Lynn, the day couldn’t have gotten any better. Their day was real. They were each other’s other.

Matt + Lynn, thank you so much for having me join you on your super special day. What sweet memories you have made and such a special way to start your life together!! Thank you so much for hanging in there with me and everything that had/has been happening with both of my Grandma’s! I wish you both nothing but absolute happiness from now until the end of your lives. You’ve found each other, have made each other, and will always be there for one another! Remember those long walks, and let these images always bring you together when things of this world try to pull you apart! Blessings and love always!

..WARMTH OF THE HEART..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Matt + Lynn | A Cherished Wedding..

Winter is often known as a dreary time, one where blue skies are covered in clouds and the light is barely peeking through. That wasn’t the case for Matt + Lynn’s big day!! The sun was out and although it didn’t help warm much of anything up, it at least brought a different perspective to the ‘normal’ Ohio winter wedding.

Lynn greeted me at her parent’s doorstep, ready for me to start, she was so excited! I wish I could have captured her spirit in a bottle and given it to them for all time. She led me into the living room where her stunning dress hung. I dropped everything to the floor just so I could go look at it. The tiny frame that hung from the Mrs. Elwer hanger was beautifully adorned with lace and a flower beaded sash. I. could. not. wait. to see her in it!!

After some last minute touches, preparation, and her ladies in waiting getting dressed, it was time. It was her time!! Stepping into the gown where her toes found the familiar carpet on the ground, one leg in, then the other. The dress came up and just like I was her best friend, behind the camera I had tears in my eyes. She was so beautiful. So radiant. So happy. She wasn’t even to Matt yet and her spirit and demeanor said it all.

When we arrived at Matt’s house, he was much the same. Very excited to see us!! Him and his guys rallied around each other, ties were being straightened, vests were going on, and cheerful laughter filled the room. Right before we left, Matt left his video message for Lynn, and even their dog Charlie had to say hi.

At the church, guests were beginning to pour in the front doors. As they were seated, they were greeted by the most gorgeous architecture and the faint smell of the red and white poinsettias. A quiet whisper amongst family and friends filled the pews and they filled so quickly. Row by row, smile after smile, all ready for the ceremony to begin. Matt was in the back and he couldn’t wait to see his bride. The ladies hid in the choir loft and looked on, Lynn getting more anxious to see her groom.

When it was time, Matt emerged. Nervous. Excited. And when those doors revealed his wife-to-be dressed in the most gorgeous gown he had ever seen her in, he was brought to tears. Sweet, sweet, tears. As Lynn watched her Dad hug Matt, all of them crying, she knew even more that she had picked a good man. One who cherished her. One that was going to love her for all time. One that was going to protect and take care of her. Till death do them part.

They entered into the marriage ceremony as two separate people, two separate hearts. As they said their vows, exchanged rings, and lit their unity candle, they became one. God now saw them as one. One, together in Christ. How much sweeter can it get? To witness something so beautiful! Matt + Lynn are now one!

Matt + Lynn, thank you so much for allowing me to be with you on your wedding day. To tell your story and capture it in a light that you both understand so clearly. I pray that your marriage stays just as strong as it was on this day. Many blessings to you and your future together!! Part II coming next week!!

..SPIRIT IN A BOTTLE..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Derek + Ashley | Expecting Baby K..

Today’s a special post, one that is near and oh so precious to my heart. If you think my heart is going to explode with love, just wait a few more weeks. It’s only going to get better! On this winter afternoon, I get to share my sister+brother-in-law and their journey through pregnancy. One they’ve never taken before, but are highly anticipating!

Only married a year, we weren’t quite expecting them to be pregnant so soon. So when Brad + I announced that we were pregnant at Elijah’s birthday party in August, we fully expected to be giving the Dearsman side grandchild #4. After celebrating our announcement, we continued with opening lil’ man’s gifts. Behind the scenes, my MIL kept pushing Derek + Ashley’s gift to the back. Little did we know that that gift was going to hold another rare and special surprise. Only having seen them the two previous weekends, it wasn’t even on my radar! Ashley + I both were hiding pregnancies, and she had her suspicions :)) Finally, the last gift was opened, and I held up a shirt that read, Big Cousin 2014. It never even hit me. Sitting in front of me, Laura {my other sis-in-law} was due any day. So the year never even entered into my thought process. They prodded, look again Echo. I looked at the shirt, puzzled. Call it my own baby brain…or something. And then, it registered! I screamed out, WHAT?!?!? in heavy excitement. Brad still clueless, No way!!! Still freaking out, everyone at the party got it along with me! I jumped out of my seated position and hugged them both in congratulations. I couldn’t even believe it, it was such a surprise! {Everyone at the party joked about not drinking the water!} Derek + Ashley were due in February and Brad + I then in April!!

So here we are 4 months later after the big family reveal, celebrating this time in their life. Ashley’s 34 weeks and has this to say about how she is feeling, I cannot complain with how I have been feeling. Honestly, though I am ready for the baby to be here. It’s definitely getting a lot more uncomfortable, and I am ready to have my body back! Like every pregnant Mom, there are always favorites and not-so-favorites about the journey. Ashley says, My favorite part about being pregnant is hands down the food. I didn’t have that many issues with the morning sickness (more like afternoon queasiness in the first trimester, but as long as I ate I felt fine.) My worst part is the no self control around food!

Even though I was completely taken by surprise of their pregnancy, I was even more surprised to hear that they weren’t going to find out the gender of Baby K. Like myself and my husband, they are planners and had always wanted to know. It was so incredible to hear their change of heart, I {Ashley} am one that loves to surprise people, and loves to be surprised myself (even though I always ruin those surprises for myself.) Because of being planners we always said we would want to find out what the baby was, so we could plan ahead. But when we got pregnant everything changed. I told Derek I did not what to know what it was, and that I wanted to be a surprise! {Fact: So far all 5 Dearsman grandchildren have been/and will be a surprise!} They chose together to keep it a surprise, and because of that Ashley is very much looking forward to her delivery. Not only because they will be meeting their little boy or little girl, but because Ashley is looking forward to a very special moment. One of the things I am most looking forward to is the moment the baby is born and Derek gets to tell me what the baby is. I think that is such a private experience that you can share as a couple and I want to have that, not the ultrasound where they tell you what your having. The actual birth and surprise to find out what that little bundle of joy is after so many months of carrying it. To me it’s comparative to the moment you walk down the aisle and anticipate your husband’s reaction to seeing you, becoming his bride for the first time. I want that experience and memory of us having this baby together and finding out together that our lives will forever change with a little boy or girl.

Ashley went on to say, I also cannot wait to just grow my family with Derek. I know that he will be a wonderful dad, and I cannot wait to experience all the lasting memories we will make in the many years to come. We will be able to share the tremendous love that we have for each other and life with a child, and I know it will help to make our life more complete. Derek agreed and shared, I am looking forward to being a big kid again! I can’t wait to share new experiences with our baby and see the enjoyment on his/her face! I am looking forward to it all, the good, the bad, and everything in between. I am looking forward to the bedtime stories, riding bikes, playing sports, being in his/her life, and see him/her grow. He added {and I laughed,} One thing is for sure Ashley already has the Mom voice down and it will be intense!! She will be a great mom, always being caring and passionate.

So without further ado, join them in the cold December weather!! We were lucky enough to have the sun peek out through the winter cloud cover, and it made everything seem at least a little bit warmer! So many of these that I love. I have to say that it was pretty awesome that I captured these images in the woods were Ashley grew up!

Derek + Ashley, I love you three so dearly and I can not wait to meet Eli and Baby D #2’s cousin! I look forward to our children growing up together, to shower Baby K in hugs and love, and to know what your having :))) The weeks are closing in and we couldn’t be more excited for the both of you!! Many prayers and blessings as the coming of your babe draws near!! I.can.not.wait!! XOXOXOXO!!!

..EVERYTHING CHANGED..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Adam + Kala | When You Know, You Know..

After Adam + Kala were sent off by their guests, we moved into portrait mode. We were in a race against the sun, and the wind wasn’t on our side. Moving quickly, Nicole went on to capture the details of the reception and cocktail hour as I covered the last of the new Mr. + Mrs.! We had such a beautiful backdrop with the town courthouse and I could have photographed there all day.

The sun was dropping quickly, and we safely rushed across town to their reception. There over the beautiful open scenery, the sun shone its gorgeous colors dancing across the sky. Adam + Kala stayed close as the wind whipped around them. Even though their bodies told them they were cold, their hearts were boiling over. How happy they were. How in awe they were of each other. They could hardly believe that they were each other’s spouse. Finally. At last.

After the sun fell, and darkness took over, we moved inside so they had the opportunity to greet their guests. Cocktail hour was warm, cozy, and being enjoyed by all. Drinks were flowing and laughter filled the room. Amongst the tables filled with organic flowers, honey favors, and chalkboard greetings, Adam + Kala were in a dream. If only time could have stopped, so that each and every single moment, every happening, could be recorded in their memory for all time.

Introductions led to memorable toasts, and one that is hard to forget. Adam’s brother, Steve, shared about the conversation where Adam told him he was going to propose to Kala. This was only months after meeting her. Steve went on, Are you sure? Just a little over a year ago you were saying that you weren’t even wanting to get married. So like any brother would, he was skeptical. He asked him why all of a sudden the change of mind? Adam replied, When you know, you know. After seeing Adam + Kala together, and how happy she made him, there was no doubt in his mind. Steve said, I’ve never had my mind changed so fast. I went from skepticism to completely knowing that Kala was the person for Adam, and the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He toasted to them and their forever and everyone rose their glasses in agreement.

An evening of emotions as the bride’s father took the mic, sharing his time with Adam when he asked for her hand in marriage. As he put a stern hand on his shoulder, he affirmed that what they talked about that day was to be upheld. To take care of his daughter, to make her happy, and to never hurt her. He then bowed his head, prayed for the food and for the marriage of the newly weds. Across the room, mom kept her eyes open, tears filled them as she soaked in the moment.

The rest of the evening they shared in their special dances, the cutting of the cake {where Adam thought about saving some for later 😉 }, and a dance party that was to not be forgotten. Immerse yourself in the second part of their day and enjoy the memories that were made.

Adam + Kala, every part of your day was beautiful. You were both beaming from head to toe and I was so blessed and honored to be such a huge part of your day. Like so many times before, I wish you both only the best!! I can’t wait to see where life takes you and you can bet that I will be continuing to follow your love story through ..Kala’s blog..! Praying for you both always and I hope that these memories are cherished for a lifetime!

..MIND CHANGED..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Adam + Kala | A Day of Pure Joy..

In I walked, the smell of hair spray, fresh fruit and pastries filled the air. I rounded the corner of the living room and found Kala finishing up her hair and makeup. A sign across from her spelled out in DIY letters and ribbon, Keep Calm & Marry On. Kala was calm, but filled with excitement and joy. A joy that wasn’t hard to capture. It had been a whirlwind of planning, only a couple months time. But it.was.here. The day that her and Adam had envisioned, to become one.

She swept across the room, finishing up every last possible detail before she stepped into the gown of her dreams. Zipped up, and one by one her buttons were done. Her smile becoming more true, more evident, and more aware that this day wasn’t a dream. It was happening. In a little under an hour she was going to meet her groom. Her mom said goodbye, and with a hug and some tears left to get ready.

Just a couple blocks away Adam and his guys had the game on. Chuckling away on guy things as they figured out their ties and buttoned their jackets. Adam was smiling, but the nerves were beginning to set in. He was anxious to see his bride. After his tux jacket was buttoned and his hankie was in his pocket, we loaded up and took off for their first look.

The wind was whisping by, it was a chilly November day with the sun in and out of the clouds. Adam’s back facing the entryway to Kala’s arrival, he laughed nervously. I kept updating him letting him know that she had arrived, he would rub his hands together, and then place them in his pocket to stay warm. Kala was finally out of the car and walking his way. He could tell by my smile and my nod that she was getting closer. She was steps away and as she tried to hold everything in place, her veil flew off in the wind. Her face of shock made me chuckle, but she tapped his shoulder anyway. He knew no different, as he turned around and faced the woman who was to become his wife. Excitement took over. Sweet smiles and laughter danced across their faces. And then a breath. Adam soaked it in. He took her in his arms and he kissed her forehead ever so soft. He took her hand in his, and they avoided each other’s lips as they snuggled close. They wanted to share their first married kiss when they were announced husband + wife. But he wanted to.kiss.her.sooo.bad! She only giggled, as they hung in time together.

It wasn’t too long before we headed out to that next appointed moment, the becoming of husband +wife. But not until Kala had that special moment with her Dad. Like Adam, he had the opportunity to see her before the ceremony. He embraced her like the first time he held her, fresh and new. All grown up, today was the day he was giving her hand over in marriage. Kala presented him with a hankie, made especially for him with a note, Of all the walks we have taken together, this one is my favorite… he buckled in tears. So did she. He used the hankie to wipe away the tears, and then Kala grabbed the other end and wiped hers too. It sent them both into a sweet jolt of laughter. And then, something that will always be cherished, he asked her to pray. There in the November wind, he held her close and whispered a prayer in her ear. One of joy, one of blessing, and one of love. How special it was, and one of my favorite times of the day.

Their ceremony did not disappoint, and while it was freezing outside, the joy on the in could have kept everyone warm for a lifetime. They were asked to look around the room, to see the people that were there to support and uplift the marriage they were to enter into. How overwhelming, the love of the guests as they smiled back at the happy couple. She laughed, he chuckled. She cried, and he got choaked up. They wrote their own vows, and oh.my.precious.heart, you have to hear them. You can hear them ..here.. and see their gorgeous sneak peek of a video as well!! Their day couldn’t have gotten any more beautiful, and then it did. Stay tuned for Part II coming soon!

Adam + Kala, thank you for hanging in there with me over the holidays and the family tragedies over the last few weeks!! I am so preciously thankful for your hospitality, your gratitude, and the blessings of your love. I adore you both and the love you have for each other. May you live by the solemn vows that you took on this gorgeous day and may they always remind you that marriage isn’t always easy, but to cherish and keep true the love you have for one another! Thank you again!

..SOAK IT IN..

love, echo

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echoes of love