Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Johnathan + Brynna Part II | Cleveland Wedding Photographer..

Having most of the day over with John and Brynna’s first look and all of their portraits, we drove right down the road to get them married! That’s right, all of the portraits were finished, and for all of us it felt good. A sense of relief that there wasn’t going to be any rushing around after the ceremony. We tucked the bridal party in the back parlor while they awaited for the many guests to be seated. Hushed conversations took place while sweet voices sang them in. The guys gathered in the back corner waiting for the pastor to guide them to the front.

In the back parlor, Brynna kissed her Dad on the cheek while the girls tried to hold back some of their emotions. Each took their turn to make their way down the aisle, and while Brittany {Sister + MOH} could barely keep it together, she proudly made it to her position. Brynna and her Dad stepped into the doorway and although Johnathan had been with her all afternoon, he couldn’t help but carry the largest grin on his face. She was wrapped beautifully in white and headed his way. The moment they had been waiting for was taking place, and then it was gone and then John escorted his wife down the aisle.

Arriving at the reception, guests enjoyed cocktail hour while John + Brynna had the opportunity to mingle and thank everyone for coming. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres floating all around accompanied by laughter and stories of remembrance. Inside the ball room, the waiters were putting their final touches on the elegance that was about to greet the guests. Once inside, they had stepped into a lavish champagne vintage affair. It was beautiful!

It wasn’t long until the new Mr. + Mrs. was announced into their party. They made their way through their standing ovation, past their stunning cake, and up into their seats of honor. During toasts, Brittany reminded Brynna of their dance parties and had her in laughs and in tears. But then, even I behind the camera became choked up as Britt {BM + John’s BIL} pulled out Blake’s {John’s Brother} football jersey. He stated, Actually I should be one seat over today. {Blake had fought leukemia for 19 months and went to be with the Lord in 2009.} They toasted to him and remembered that even though he wasn’t there to celebrate, he was there in spirit. Although remembering Blake was a quiet moment, it didn’t take long for Britt to have everyone laughing again. He shared that John believed bigfoot was real and even interrupted a very important meeting to let Britt know so. So as a wedding gift, he bought John a large bigfoot statue to proudly display in the front yard. {I would love to see if this gets the approval of the new Mrs.!} It was quite comical.

After dinner, the rollercoaster ride of emotions continued. John held Brynna ever so tightly as they sang to one another around the floor during their first dance. Each smiling to one another and then holding on tight to the few minutes they had together. He swirled her around and brought her close again as they hugged one another and parted with a kiss. Brynna then took her father’s hand and led him out to the middle of the floor. The song of their past pulling on his heart strings and his tear ducts. He sang to her and then she leaned back her head and sang out at the top of her lungs back at him. Just enough to get them both laughing again. John then joined his mother, they swayed back and forth. Softly enjoying the music. And then she seemingly buried her face in his chest, as one hand wrapped behind his head and the other lay on his cheek. Pulling him as close as she could. Not wanting to let him go. A moment that wouldn’t happen again.

Looking around the room within those moments was one thing that I couldn’t do. Focused in on the dance floor, I knew that I wasn’t the only one fighting back tears. Holding down that knot in my throat that seemed to swell to the point it was hard to breathe. But it’s moments like these that only make me fall in love with my couples, their families, and the stories that make their day. Enjoy Part II for the rest will soon be on their way!

Johnathan, Brynna, + your amazing families! Thank you for inviting me to come and share in your day, both as a friend and as your life documenter. The images I captured I can only hope that they bless you for lifetimes to come! I wish nothing but the best upon your marriage and I pray that it only becomes more fruitful as your love for one another continues to grow!

..ROLLERCOASTER RIDE..

love, echo

{Many echoes to the professionals that made Johnathan + Brynna’s day a hit!}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Cinematographer: Aaron from ..Showcase Video..

Florist: ..Reilly’s Originals.., Akron, Ohio

Reception: ..LaCentre.., Westlake, Ohio

Wedding Consultant: Donald Knowles

Cake Artist: ..Wild Flour Bakery.., Rocky River, Ohio

DJ + Photobooth: ..Troy Entertainment.., Strongsville, Ohio

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echoes of love

..Johnathan + Brynna | Cleveland Wedding Photographer..

I walked into what seemed like an empty house. It was quiet. Peaceful. Something that was pretty unusual for the morning of a wedding. After calling out, I found Brynna and her Mom upstairs in her master suite bathroom. They were working on putting up her hair. She looked beautiful sitting in her satin robe and I could barely wait to have her in her gorgeous dress.

As Aaron and I began working, across town Nicole met up with Johnathan in his hotel room. He was about to get dressed. He dressed in his tux and began putting on all his fixings. Straightening his bow tie, fixing his cuff links, and looking dapper…it was time to relax. The OSU vs. Purdue game was about to begin, he had a few minutes before he needed to leave to meet his bride.

Running a few minutes behind, Brynna was ready to slip into her breathtaking lace gown. The bright afternoon light lit up the room with just the perfect glow. Johnathan’s Mom came in to help secure the fitted dress to Brynna’s perfect hourglass figure. Her birdcage veil fell across her face and it was a gorgeous touch to her vintage look. She finished putting on her jewelry as we made the call to let Johnathan begin his way to the house!

The excitement was beginning to build. Downstairs the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way into the house as Brynna touched up her makeup. Soon after, Johnathan arrived. I hugged him and congratulated him on his day. He was a little nervous, but his anticipation was high. As a couple they had chosen to see each other before the wedding and their first look was nearing.

Johnathan stood in the corner of their almost empty living room. They had just bought their first house together and it had the most gorgeous light. Brynna was descending down the stairs. He could hear her heels clicking on the wooden floor. They were coming closer as she made her way down the hall. Ever nearing, we gave Johnathan permission to turn around to see his bride. They started with a hug. Each with large smiles on their faces. Then a kiss. They complimented each other and Johnathan told her how stunning she looked. They talked for a little while and then family and friends poured upstairs to see Brynna all dressed. Tears flowed. Hugs went all around. And happiness was evident for their two families were just hours from becoming one.

With a quick lunch in order, everyone mingled before we were to start with the portraits. Johnathan + Brynna wanted to complete all portraits {even family} before they were off to the church. They wanted to make sure they were able to greet all of their guests and talk with them during cocktail hour. {With the fall timeline and it getting darker earlier, it was a good thing we did so.} With their house so near to the lake, the wind was pretty chilly. So we took turns with the guys and gals outside to make sure everyone was staying warm. The guys didn’t complain too much, during their breaks they would give us updates on the game. After the limo bus arrived, we went to another location to finish up the bridal party as well as John + Brynna’s portraits. The time their was surprisingly a little warmer as the sun came in and out of the clouds, giving us just a tad bit of warmth. I don’t think they would have traded the weather for the world as the leaves also had their amazing wardrobe on!

So check out the Mr. + Mrs.-to-be’s morning and early afternoon. I feel like I am spoiling you, but there are plenty of beautiful moments to come in Part II.

Johnathan + Brynna! You both were equally stunning and I was so thankful to have shared each of the moments with both of you. I hope that your first month of marriage has gone well and that your honeymoon was a dream destination come true! Stay tuned, because Part II we get to show off the best part of the day. You two becoming husband and wife!

..SPOILING YOU..

love, echo

{Many echoes to the professionals that made Johnathan + Brynna’s day a hit!}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Accomodations: Courtyard by Marriott, Westlake, Ohio

Cinematographer: Aaron from ..Showcase Video..

Florist: Reilly’s Originals

Dress: Demetrios {Brides by Demetrios}

Ceremony Headpiece Veil: Demetrios

Brides Jewelry: Meg Jewelry

Bridesmaids Dresses: Alvina Valenta

Tuxes: Vera Wang Black Collection

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echoes of love

..Hanna Family | NorthWest Ohio Portrait Photographer..

They met 10 years ago when he became friends with her best friend Cara at University of Findlay. They would occasionally hang out when she would come visit Cara. They were just friends. After she graduated from The Ohio State University, he sent in her resume to the President of his company. Long story short, I got hired! They started dating one week later and never looked back! That was in 2005, and on September 6, 2008 Jason and Sarah became husband and wife.

Here they are 4 years later with two absolutely beautiful children! Cooper is 2.5 and Claire is 6 months old and they were as sweet as could be! When I asked them how they knit together as a family, Sarah says, Our family is ruled by our kids! They are the loves of our lives and we would do anything for them. They love to sing and do silly dances together. {I would love to see this video taped :)} We like to have fun and as parents, we try to play with our kids as much as possible. {That is such an important thing these days with so many other distractions that they have ‘now a-days.’}

I had the opportunity to meet up with Jason + Sarah and their cuties just a few short weeks ago. It was a blistery day and unfortunately we weren’t able to take the little ones outside. Lucky for us, Jason works in this really cool old building with exposed brick walls, big windows, and even a cool train door. The perfect spot for a session on a yucky fall day. It was the second time I was away from Eli, and playing with Cooper and Claire made it a tad more enjoyable to be away from him. So enjoy the time that we had together!

Jason, Sarah, Cooper, + Claire! Thank you so much for allowing me to capture your family photos. I was so blessed to have met and worked with you! Your kids are so charming and you two are so sweet! I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy it with you and yours!

..NEVER LOOKED BACK..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Ben + Jenelle | NorthWest Ohio Wedding Photographer..

The weather called for rain all day. It was pretty evident that it wasn’t going to disappear. Nicole and I wound our way back into the heart of the woods, our windshield wipers swaying from side to side. Walking in the front door, I would have guessed that it was 70 and sunny out. At least that is what Jenelle’s face looked like. She gave me the best hug as we rocked back and forth in excitement! The warmth of her smile was enough to displace the dreary weather that was outside.

Her parents log cabin was the perfect spot for her to get ready. Something about the sweetness of her childhood home. The dress hung so beautifully as we began to capture it and all the wonderful little details. Jenelle’s mom and sister joined us when we were ready for her to slip into her dress. They all broke out in laugher as the rooster’s outside were a little more than noisy. {Especially when it startled Nicole + I.} Before long Jenelle was a perfect bride from head to toe and couldn’t have looked more beautiful. Her peacock accents were just enough to bring out the glimmer in her eyes, and then she painted her lips red. It was the perfect pop of color and staple for her vintage charm. Below, Ben came into the house to pick up his daughter as Jenelle tried not to combust in anxious awaiting. You could see that so many words wanted to leave her lips, but in tradition, she refrained from speaking any.

Thankfully, we were able to get some quick images of Jenelle inbetween a pocket of rain. It was a small one, but we safely returned her under the porch covering where we finished out the rest of the girls portraits. The girls had to pack everything up and Nicole and I headed to the church to get images of the guys. Ben was found sitting in the very spot that he would stand when his bride would walk down the aisle. Amongst his friends and family, they had been joking around. Outside, it was no different. They each had their own way to have Nicole and I in stitches, while we were trying to corral all of their personalities. A light drizzle was coming down, so we finished as quickly as we could to get them inside.

Ben + Jenelle’s guest arrived as Ben’s band played some grandiose music. Downstairs, Jenelle and her parents made their way up in the elevator. She was all smiles one minute and then just moments later she had tears in her eyes. Like a ton of bricks, she began taking in the last moment as a single women. Before long the doors were swinging open as the guitars serenaded her down the aisle. Ben couldn’t help but smile at the love of his life, his bride. Once the ceremony began, they read each other their own written vows, exchanged rings, and poured sand into a unified glass. What followed next was such a humbling experience. They each washed the other’s feet. The pastor reminded us that as husband and wives we are each other’s servants. Companions whom love each other enough to wash each other’s feet. Just as Jesus did for his disciples. It brought tears to my eyes as I witnessed the simple love that these two had for each other and it was more than displayed for their friends and family to see.

Finally, Ben was given permission to kiss his bride. As they locked lips, her painted red lips soon became his. When they pulled away, everyone let out a slight chuckle as Jenelle reached over with her tissue to wipe the red off of Ben’s lips. It was a moment that they won’t ever forget. Being pronounced Mr. + Mrs., they smiled their way through the guests that came to support them. Even though the rain stopped some of the unique events of the day, there was never a happier bride + groom.

Ben + Jenelle {and families!} Thank you so much for letting me capture your wedding day. I was honored that you chose me to be with you. Even though it was raining all day, in the end you were still able to become husband + wife and what a special day you will always cherish. I can’t wait to see where God takes the both of you and your marriage. May you always remember your wedding day, the promise to be each other’s servants, and the people that you celebrated with!

..SERVANT..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Eric + Nichelle | Cincinnati Engagement Photographer..

She was with family and he was with friends. Their tables side by side. It was karaoke night in the Bahamas and they were all enjoying the night. He left the table and went to sing a song, which everyone enjoyed. After returning to his seat the table of ladies complimented him on his talent. After a little bit of prodding, they encouraged him to sing another song. Eventually Eric gave in and went back up. In the midst of this, the older ladies at the table asked, Is he single? The guys table replied, Yep he is! {Apparently he was the only one at the table who was.} This is where Nichelle was then told, You have to talk to him Nichi! Once Eric was finished, with a little coaxing from the ladies, they began to talk. They found out that talking was easy.

By the end of their trip, they exchanged phone numbers and agreed to keep in touch. She went back to Pennsylvania and he to Illinois. Something had began and they knew they didn’t want it to end. They stayed in touch and eventually began to date long distance. They soon figured out that wasn’t enough and that they needed to be closer. After Eric received a job in Ohio and he knew that he didn’t want to be there alone. After two years, he knew it was time.

In April of this year, Eric woke up at 3 a.m. and made the drive to Scranton, Pennsylvania. {Office lovers rejoice!} He was to meet with Nichi’s parents for lunch. I can imagine the ride there was a long one, rehearsing exactly what he would say and how he would ask. He definitely had some time to reflect and think about it! After lunch, with the blessing he sought after, he made his way to Nichi’s apartment to surprise her. Standing dressed up and in a tie when she walked through the front door, she was excited to see him. With flowers and his guitar, he began to sing a song that he wrote for her. Finishing up he dropped to his knee and asked the sweet girl he met at the karaoke bar, miles from home, to be his wife.

Eric + Nichi! I am so happy to have met the both of you, shared your sweet story, and document your relationship! What an awesome thing to have found each other miles from home! Your September wedding is going to be beautiful and I can’t wait to share in it with you! So excited we were able to hangout before winter set in.

..MILES FROM HOME..

love, echo

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echoes of love