Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Mom + Dad | Schedel Gardens-Elmore, Ohio ..

A couple of year’s back I promised my Mom a photo session of her and my Dad for her birthday. Yes, you heard correctly…a couple of years ago! As in plural. I guess that is what happens when you move twice and have a baby. Honestly though, there is no excuse. It makes me cringe at the thought that even though this and that came up, that this session could have possibly never happened. As a photographer I am always waiting for the perfect lighting, the perfect opportunity, and the perfect yadda… yadda… yadda. I was reminded this week by a fellow photog of how short life can be, and how the perfect time is now to take a moment to photograph your loved ones!

Well the opportunity finally came. My whole family was together for family portraits {I can’t wait to share,} and my Mom asked if she could have her {SO LATE} belated birthday gift. It was the perfect spot and the perfect day!

So a little bit about them!! They just celebrated 29 years of marriage at the end of May, and man have I been so blessed to watch a couple that still loves each other after all of these years! My Dad {the cowboy} is from south Texas, he moved up here when he was young, not knowing a word of English. He learned in Kindergarten! My Mom grew up in the same home town and has lived there all of her life. They met at work and it’s the classic story of my Dad chasing my Mom down. With Dad already been previously married and with three young girls, my Mom was hesitant. In the end love took it’s course and my Mom fell head over heels for my Dad. {Such a sweet talker he must have been!} They were 10 years apart and even though not everyone agreed, they were married in the house that they still live in today! Shortly after is when they had me and my younger sister!

Needless to say, I am happy to have had the opportunity to photograph my parents, such an honorable moment for me! I love that my Dad can still make my Mom laugh!

My parents mean the world to me and I have been so blessed to capture their love for each other! Congratulations again on 29 wonderful years of marriage. Love you both so much!

..29 YEARS..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Abby + Cory | Sneak Peek to Punta Cana..

I can hardly wait to show the images from this lovely winery affair! It was gushing with excitement, hope for a future, and wrapped up with a whole lot of love!

The beautiful couple has chosen to head off to Punta Cana for their romantic getaway and I hope that you guys enjoy the beautiful sunshine and relaxing that comes with such a place!

Cory and Abby, SOOO many congratulations to you in your new marriage! I hope that every day is as happy as Saturday was!

..LOVELY AFFAIR..

love, echo

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..Levi | Dayton Children’s Photographer..

Meet Levi, one handsome little guy!! We met up last week to celebrate this little man turning ONE! {He is the son of our friends Danielle and Chris, whom we met through our church.} So you know something messy is in order! I think he knew something was up, because it didn’t take long for him to want to start moving around and exploring the new area he was in. Sure the blue balloon was interesting for a minute, but who wants to play with the balloon when there are so many other new things around? His sister Ali, did a great job in helping us capture his attention and we had fun letting him climb stairs and other cool happenings!

When we knew we hit the point where we needed some extra ‘sugar’ to get us through, we broke out the cupcake. His first bites of yummy goodness. It did not take long for him to catch on to what he had been missing the whole first year of his life. He dove in without hesitation and took a big ol’ bite into the creamy frosting! It was adorable and we knew he was hooked.

Since we too are quickly approaching Eli’s first birthday, I was interested to know how Danielle felt about one year passing so quickly. She stated exactly how I feel, I don’t know where the time went. Seems like yesterday we were in the hospital. {I can tell you that I’m not quite ready to say I have a one year old!} As for what Levi is up to, He is learning to do anything that involves moving. Currently it is learning how to come down stairs. {Which they have lots of in their home!} We love being his Mom and Dad and he is full of love and cuddles. He loves his sister Ali and loves dogs! {Especially their dog, Daisy!}

Thank you to Danielle and Chris for letting me photograph your sweet munchkin! I loved spending the time together! Congrats to you both for making it through Levi’s first year and I can’t wait to watch him continue to grow 🙂

..CREAMY FROSTING..

love, echo

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..Skylar Celeste | Dayton Newborn Photography..

It was Halloween and we had just gotten home from dinner out with our little raccoon. Our neighbors Randy and Jamie were sitting outside by the campfire with apple cider in hand, waiting for the kids whom were making their rounds. We walked over to chat with them for a little while and enjoy the cozy fire! After a few minutes, they shared the news of their pregnancy! We were thrilled for them and I could hardly wait for Eli to have a neighborhood playmate.

Jamie had a great pregnancy and I was happy to hear that they would not be finding out the gender of their baby! Everyone was on pins and needles waiting to see what Baby G was going to be. The day finally came! It was May 15th at 12:58 p.m. when little Miss Skylar Celeste joined us in the world! She weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 20 inches long.

Jamie and Randy say, the best thing is seeing this perfect little miracle every day! It truly is an awe inspiring time, knowing that your body created such a beautiful gift. Last week I was given the opportunity to hang out with this doll baby! She felt so light compared to my little guy, and I almost forgot what it was like to have something so precious and little! Here was our time together…

{Yes, they are Brown’s fans. Brad was happy about that!}

Randy and Jamie! Thank you for allowing me to hang out with your sweet baby girl for the day. Time really does fly, so be sure to soak up every single moment!

..MIRACLE..

love, echo

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..Tim + Courtney Part II | Asheville, North Carolina..

After the long awaited first look, we were off to Tim and Courtney’s ceremony and reception at the ..Crest and Pavillion... An evening breeze was starting to set in as the guests began to arrive and the sun was beginning it’s descent towards the Appalachian mountains in the distance. It couldn’t have moulded into a better evening.

The harpist began stringing her tunes of gold while the guests watched the procession begin. Finally Courtney and her Dad apeared in the distance and even though Tim saw his bride earlier in the day, nothing could quite replace the feeling of seeing her come down the aisle. Her Dad held back tears as he walked his baby girl towards the altar to give her away.

Minister Greene started the ceremony serenading everyone with such a calm, sweet voice that so delicately matched the mountain air. She took out a piece of ribbon, wrapping it around the couples hands, and explained it was an Scottish handfasting tradition. Otherwise known as, tying the knot. Tim and Courtney looked into each other’s eyes vowing to be true to one another for the rest of their lives. It was such a beautiful ceremony, and for them it felt like it happened so quick. Before they knew it they were being announced as husband and wife.

While their family and friends were sent off to the reception I took a few more images of the newly wed couple. They soaked in the moment staring off into the horizon, in awe of the new life they had just begun moments before. It wasn’t long before they were introduced into their reception and began their evening with their first dance. They each were glowing as much as the rays of the setting sun, which poured in the open air windows. Such a beautiful way to start a life together as a happy new couple.

{All the details came together so beautifully!}

{A sweet gem of Daddy and Daughter!}

{Sparkler send off!}

Tim, Courtney, and your marvelous families! Thank you so much for allowing me to spend the weekend with you! It was my pleasure to have had the chance to photograph the moments that you created and I was so honored to be with you! I wish you the best of luck in your future and I can’t wait to see you again sometime soon!

..HANDFASTING..

love, echo

{Many echoes to the professionals that made Tim & Courtney’s day a memorable one!}

Ceremony & Reception: ..The Crest Center & Pavillion.. in Asheville, North Carolina

Event Planner: Jennifer & Brittany at ..Verge Events..

Florist: Audrey at ..Blossoms at Bilmore Park..

Cake Artist: Sara at ..City Bakery..

DJ: Rodney at ..Mr. C’s..

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echoes of love