Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Brian + Carolynn | An Adoption Journey..

They are self proclaimed lovers of art and music. And it’s what brought them together. Their company was helping a fundraiser for the ..ArtsWave.. in Cincinnati when they met. Brian entered some of his artwork and I played fiddle on Devil went down to Georgia. We had a blast, and afterwards got to talking about life. We would catch lunch and go to local concerts and from there on out, we couldn’t imagine life without one another.

As a couple you will find them anywhere but the indoors. They love to hike, backpack, kayak, rock climb, and anything else where they feel at home. When he made her laugh until she cried (happy tears of course) and she kept their lives full of exciting new adventures each and everyday, they knew they were meant to be. Shortly after, they were engaged and then married. In their amazing wedded bliss, they started to try for a family. Month after month came with no positive sign. It was hard, but each of them were pulling each other through. Some days one stronger than the other, or collapsing together on their knees in prayer.

Brian and I always knew we wanted to have have children, it was a dream we both shared from day one. Shortly after being married we learned that having children may not be in our cards. We had already planned to adopt from Haiti before we learned of this information but knew due to regulations, that journey would be a long term goal. Our dreams were shattered and our hearts felt like they were in pieces. What we didn’t realize was that God had an amazing plan unraveling right under our own eyes, we were just too consumed with the bad news to see it. We underwent a rough year of failed IVF experiences which drained every ounce of our lives. We were told it could take many times for a success but we just didn’t feel right to continue trying. As many couples going through this experience, we felt alone and lost. Even those who love you the most don’t always know how to react or what to say. As we were about to proceed with our last round of treatment, something in our gut just screamed “stop” and we knew deep down this was not the path for us. God knew our pain, but also knew we would grow closer in our marriage and that with time, the plan to reveal our little miracle would unfold perfectly.

I love that. Let’s read that again…God knew our pain, but also knew we would grow closer in our marriage and that with time, the plan to reveal our little miracle would unfold perfectly. So they have begun their journey with adoption. Brian + Carolynn have been helping foster dogs for years, and at one point Carolynn mentioned to me, that it made perfect sense. Their hearts were already set up for that task. Our hearts are open and ready to love no matter color, background, or bloodline. After all, Love is what family is all about. We are excited and blessed to have a wonderful group of friends and family who are as ready to love and cherish this child as we are!!!

During this process, Brian + Carolynn need to provide portraits of their family for a birth mother to chose them. So I was excited when they asked me to help tell their story. At first, I felt overwhelmed knowing just how big of a task this is, but then I quickly remembered that God will reveal their little miracle perfectly.

In Carolynn’s words, Our adoption journey has been amazing. There are moments of chaotic bliss and moments of peaceful harmony. God has been with us every step of the way and we are overjoyed to have the opportunity to adopt and share our story. I am overjoyed to bring to you, the love of Brian + Carolynn and their families!

Brian, Carolynn, McClure + Billman Family!! Thank you so much for allowing me to tell your story. I will be praying alongside you during this time of preparation and waiting. I am thrilled for you and your step of faith that you are taking, and I know God is going to bless your obedience immensely. Pray and wait in expectation, that is His promise! I too, can’t wait to meet your little miracle, much love and blessings!

FAMILY + FRIENDS!! I would love if you could take the time to just OUTPOUR your love on this couple in both prayers and well wishes! Leave a comment below as they boldly came forward to share their story. My prayer is that it encourages my readers and anyone else out there that may need the same word of truth that comes from this post!

..HEARTS ARE OPEN..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Caleb + Lollie | Hocking Hills Take Two..

A few weeks ago, {yes I am behind on blogging} I had the opportunity to travel with parents, my sister, her new husband, and my family out to Hocking Hills. It was a time for family, food, and a Take Two session!! Before Lollie + Caleb tied the knot she knew that she wanted to do this, so we took advantage and made it a family get away.

Growing up my parents took us to Hocking Hills year after year to enjoy the real beauty that this land had. We usually went in the winter between Christmas + New Year’s, and there was always snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. In a way it was refreshing because most of their popular go to spots were usually abandoned during that time of year. We loved it and it was a way to experience the park like most people experienced it. The waterfalls were usually frozen over and the snow lay perfectly on the ground as we tried to keep quiet and look for ‘bambi’s.’

But then there were usually the occasional times that we would make it down during the summer or spring time. It was always packed then as most of the kids were usually out of school. So it was always a bit harder to enjoy the time outdoors without all of the hustle and bustle. All in all, we learned at a very young age to appreciate life and landscape and how it was nice to step and breathe it all in.

So when Lollie was looking at college’s she found Hocking College. A small college, but it was within a few miles of our family’s favorite go to getaway spot. It was perfect for her. She spent hours hiking in her down time, taking friends that would come visit, or even just to go up to some of her favorite spots to study and watch the sun go down over the cliffs. {Or in general find cell phone service!}

It very quickly became a no brainer that Hocking was the perfect spot for her Take Two session. We walked out of the cabin as the sun was rising over the horizon and as the morning dew still laid on the ground. The deer that had been feeding in the brush across from the cabin at dawn and dusk were present. We followed the curves of the hills towards some of her favorite trails and made a morning out of it and then moved on towards the water. It was cold, but after awhile our bodies just became numb to it. So enjoy!!

Caleb + Lollie, I had a total blast and I hope despite the early morning and chilly water temperatures that you are more than pleased to have these ultra sweet images! Enjoy them for years to come! XOXO!

..FAVORITE GETAWAY..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..The Walz Family | Two Year Old Adventures..

I can hardly believe this little man is about to turn 2. Roman and Eli were born the same week, so we truly looked at each other wondering if it could already be. This sweet little family has been in the same stage of life that I have been in, and it’s been such a blessing knowing that we can talk about toddlerhood and relate. So many wonder filled moments and at the same time some of the most patient pending times one could go through.

Morgan summed it up like this, Roman’s second year… where do I even start. I had no idea that the 12 months leading up to his second birthday would be so big. I look back at videos from last year and see his personality developing then, and realize how much his little light is shining through now as a 2 year old. I love to see his face when he is learning something new, and watch him get frustrated because he so badly wants to learn to do something on his own and be independent. I know I am going to have quite the little “do it myself-er” on my hands. Maybe the best thing about having a 2 year old, you can teach them whatever you want, and they get it fast. I love to hear ” Love you mama, and Thank you mama” Every time I hear it it makes me smile inside and out.

During this year Michael and Morgan are going through some big changes in life, amongst raising Roman. They moved out of their house in January and are awaiting the keys to their newly built home any day now. Since then they have squeezed themselves, two big dogs, and Roman into an apartment and it has been a true test of endurance. It has been rough on all of us. I remember the first few nights here Roman was confused and not comfortable. He had his first tantrum when we moved out of our home, it broke my heart. I am really looking forward to giving him a house and a home again. We visit the house most days and Roman knows when we are pulling into the neighborhood. I am trying to familiarize him with the house and his new room, in hopes that he will have a better transition. I can defiantly tell that this little boy needs his space to run, and jump ( which he does soooooo much, he is also a very heavy walker, and we are on the 2nd floor, hahaha) Mainly though we all need to nest in our own ways again and have our own space, I am now realizing how important that really is!

But not only do they have a new house to look forward to, but Michael is actually joining Morgan with his real estate license! They plan on moving towards a partnership and that is such an exciting step for them! {So if you need a realtor, I can hook you up!!} I love the few weeks we have already had together, seeing him spend so much more time with Roman has been amazing. Boys need their daddy, and now Michael will be around for more dinners and can play in the yard with him and ride bikes, and coach him in sports whenever he is ready. I’m sure any mom would agree, there is nothing better than watching your son and husband interact, it will never get old!! I would like to point out however, that Roman is still a major mamma’s boy… and I am loving every min of it ( most days 😉 I feel SOO blessed in all aspects of my life right now, and I plan to take this year to JUST ENJOY!! As a family of 3, or 5 if you count the dogs, I want to live and love and laugh, and just have fun with them…. then maybe after Mr Roman turns 3, we can talk about a second baby. For now, this little family feels pretty perfect!

Having not seen this perfect little family in awhile, we met up on a beautiful evening. The sun was shining perfectly through the trees giving us some gorgeous light. As Mr. Roman had the toddler jitters and couldn’t sit still too long, we found fun in the small things such as tickles, bubbles, and overhead airplanes. AND cake!! Who can forget cake? Or for Roman at least, the frosting!

Michael, Morgan, + Roman! Thank you so much for allowing me to capture your family memories in such an important stage and transition in your life! I’m so excited for all of you and I can’t wait for all of your amazing adventures to come! Many blessings to all of you and can’t wait for the opportunity again!

..ADVENTURES..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Jesse + Alexandra | An Old Town Atmosphere Engagement..

She’s a coffee + tiramisu kind of girl and he loves BBQ. His favorite movie is The Last of the Mohicans and well, she just can’t decide. They both love summer, basketball, and Charleston, South Carolina. They wish they could spend all of their days there.

In April of 2006, they were introduced by mutual friends and somewhere in the in between really hit it off. They found mutual love in music, good food, family, and vacations. It was a love that clicked. Six years later, Alex was wondering why {with so much in common} Jesse hadn’t proposed. She was ready for that question. And so was he.

Come to find out, Jesse was fearful of picking the wrong ring. He looked several times and yet couldn’t decide on the perfect one. It was a big decision. Something he didn’t take lightly. Finally he found it. To him it was perfect and he couldn’t wait to put it on her finger. Much to Alex’s surprise their boston terrier, Dexter came up to her with the ring on his collar! She could hardly believe it was there in front of her. Because she couldn’t wait to become Jesse’s wife, she said yes!

Which brought us to this gorgeous {yet humid} afternoon! The sun was breathing down all of it’s July warmth and I was playing with it’s golden rays. I couldn’t help but capture the gorgeousness of what was seeping into my camera lens. Although Jesse + Alexandra have a quiet love, I couldn’t help but make them cuddle up together. {Such great sports with it being so sticky out!}

Since they are planning a vintage rustic wedding, we used the old town atmosphere and covered bridge areas to match in with their theme. After hearing about all of their sweet little details, I know this September wedding is going to be a good one! So stay tuned because their wedding is coming fast!

Jesse + Alex, thank you for braving the humidity with me! I was so great spending the evening with you and I know that September can’t come soon enough for you!! Until then, I pray that the weeks of planning become easier and that they are care free!

..OLD TOWN ATMOSPHERE..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Eric + Ashley | A Summer Wedding..

You may remember this couple from a few months back! They rocked their ..Engagement Session.. and I could tell then, that this was going to be one of those days that was going to be a special one.

I usually don’t have very many quiet brides, but Ashley is the epitome of a subdued classic bride. She is beautiful, laid back, and has a special place in her heart for Eric. If you read their engagement session blog, she knew that turning down the key to his new home was the right thing to do, that is until she was sure she would be there for good. {Click on the link above to hear the rest of the story! Eric had no doubt in his mind from the beginning that she was the one.} Ericon the other hand has a contagious smile, he’s sweet, and his love language is loving on his bride. {Which makes her all sorts of nervous!} They compliment each other very well as he too has a laid back and easy-going personality!

So when the storm clouds were in the distance on the day they had been planning for over a year, neither one panicked. They both went about their morning hours as happy as could be. She was all gentle smiles with her ladies and roars of laughter poured out of the guys room. Each one at ease in their own special way. Before they both knew it, Eric was being led to the altar as the bridesmaids made their way in. The guests let out the most adorable awe when the ring bearer came down the aisle with a sign that stated Uncle Eric, here comes your bride. Eric smiled and read the small note that was passed on to him. Only a moment later would he see his beautiful Ashley walking towards him. His face welled up and I knew in that moment he was the happiest he had ever been. In the crowded church filled with all of their closest family and friends, they became the united one they were meant to be.

As they walked out as husband and wife the clammering train came from a distance, only masking the thunder that lay beneath. We only had a short window of time before the rain was going to come. We managed to get family portraits in and headed off towards our portrait site only to find lots of rain. So Nicole and I thought on our toes quickly, remembering this awesome barn in the area! She stood over me with an umbrella while they had fun and stayed perfectly dry! Luckily the rain passed through and we were able to venture out and use the rest of the landscape, and watch Eric love all over his bride!!

The rest of their evening ended in style and romance. Being the perfectly laid back couple they were, they left the decorating of their venue completely up in the air. The coordinators definitely did not disappoint, nor did their cupcakes!! Each perfect little morsel of a cupcake was amazingness in itself and it only left us wanting for about a 1000 more! The DJ rocked the dance floor after dinner and the party never stopped.

Eric + Ashley!! Congratulations on your marriage, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see two beautiful people inside and out come together as one! I wish you nothing but the best and blessings in the years that follow this day. Thank you again for allowing me to be with you on such a special occasion!! {P.S. AND Thank you for my chocolate covered fruit!! They were delish!}

..STYLE + ROMANCE..

love, echo

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echoes of love