Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Justin & Melissa | Family Love..

A little over a year and a half ago, Brad and I ventured into the Dayton suburbs for Brad to start a new career with ..Wright Patterson Air Force Base..! We were scared, nervous, excited, and ready to carve a new path for our lives. We found ourselves a spacious two bedroom apartment that we felt was the perfect fit for us for the time being. It was the only one left and we knew it felt right. On move in day, we weren’t the only ones gasping for air in the dense heat of the June afternoon…it so happened that our upstairs neighbors were moving in too! We never had a chance to introduce ourselves that day, but finally months later we did. They were outside with their new puppy…and let’s be honest who can resist puppies…right? Her name was Molly and she was the cutest little furball! In talking we found out that Justin worked on base too and we instantly connected!

In the months following we hung out on a weekly basis talking work, life, and anything else we could think of over board games, hot chocolate, popcorn, and Detroit Red Wings games. Needless to say, with us both being away from our families, we leaned on each other for support and friendship whenever needed…and believe us, it was needed!! They helped us through my pregnancy, practically packed up our apartment so we could move into our house days before Elijah was born, and Melissa has even been so kind to come over and babysit so I could get work done! They have been a true God send and we have been sooo thankful for them!

So when Melissa asked for them to have their portraits taken, I was more than obliged to spend time with them and Molly! We caught what I believe may be the last warm November afternoon, and were even lucky enough to still have a few leaves left on the trees!

ANDDD my favorite of the day…

Melissa and Justin, thank you soooo much for your love, kindness, support, and generosity in many ways. We couldn’t be more happy that you were the ones who moved next door!

..FRIENDSHIP..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Holiday & Day | We Said I Do..

In all the years I’ve been photographing weddings, this year has been the year I’ve seen the most rain! Every other year we have always lucked out and the rain dissipated, went around us, or waited until the reception to come on through. But once more the rain came pouring down over the elegant ..Nazerath Hall.. as Holiday and Day prepared for their event. That however did not put a damper on things, as it became a packed house in the chapel for the early morning wedding.

Everything was beautifully decorated and was designed by ..Gina Lynne Floral..! I love how the pheasant feathers were intertwined with fall colors and a beautiful teal sash. The blushing bride looked equally stunning as she stepped into her 1920’s best look…from her warm fur coat, bright pink lipstick, to her amazing headpiece. Holiday looked all of her Sunday best as her cousin, sister’s, mother, and grandmother prayed over her new life to come. Not one for too much pizazz, Day was casually waiting for his big moment downstairs. His brothers stood around in the guys dressing room laughing up a storm and keeping things light.

The time had soon arrived and Holiday was being escorted by her step-father Jim. On their way in, they passed a handsome arrangement in the secretary foyer paying remembrance to Holiday’s father, Ron. She said, “You can’t see him but he is here.” The walk down the aisle was both a tear-filled and ever so bittersweet happy moment for her. Day saw his bride and had a huge grin waiting for her at the end of the aisle. It was a gorgeous ceremony that was overseen by many, as it only took a few short minutes to pronounce them husband and wife.

While guests had a chance to enjoy h’orderves and a surprise photo booth, I had just a short time with the bride and groom alone. Soon after we made our way into Ladyglen, where the harpist and guitarist adorned the guests with their sweet tunes. A relaxing brunch, done in an all exciting and different way brought toasts from their closest family and friends. An exchange of cake followed, while a table of sweets could be placed in take home containers. Buttons wrapped in cellophane adorned a sign on top of the table stated “How sweet it is to be loved by you!” I could definitely feel the love around this new and happy couple!

Holiday and Day, you had such a gorgeous ceremony and brunch reception. I love how you went out of your way to put all of your unique touches on everything and not have the typical wedding day. It made it so fun to capture! I appreciate you choosing me to photograph your day and I want to thank you and your families for allowing me to be there with you! Many blessings in your new marriage…

..BRUNCH RECEPTION..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Patrick & Rosa | We Said I Do..

Nicole and I entered into the church and were fully prepared for an afternoon of fun! We had this super sweet couple, and I couldn’t wait for them to finally become husband and wife. Everyone was already in full-speed-ahead mode to get dressed and get Rosa down the aisle for Patrick. She had her pearly white smile and cute giggle in full action when we walked into her room. She said, “Your here Echo!” as she swarmed me with the biggest hug. (I just love that!) Shortly after, I found Patrick, our dapper groom of the day. He looked oh so ready, as he kept putting glances down towards his watch. I chatted with him and could see all of the love and excitement bundled up inside him. Each smile showed it just a little bit more as we talked about the moments that were quickly approaching.

Before I knew it, I found myself in center aisle. The clock on the wall boldly stated 2 p.m. as the blushing bride made her way into the doorway of the sanctuary. Daddy walked his beautiful ‘little’ girl down the aisle and lifted her veil as he prepared to give her away. Patrick was more than grinning and fully prepared to take Rosa’s hand from her father to make her his own. The ceremony was kept short, for in Rosa’s words,”There is plenty of celebrating to do!” Who isn’t ready to celebrate after such a blissful event?

The party piled into the limo as we made our way across town. Our first stop included a beautiful covered bridge and park. I had been there before and enjoyed the outdoor greenery of the location, but the second stop was enough to make me swoon! There is just something about floor to ceiling glass windows, a winding staircase, and an antique fireplace that really gets my heart a jumpin’. The girls were thanking Rosa for keeping them mostly indoors and I was kissing her with gorgeous portraits. The way the light was coming in the windows had my shutter finger in full exercise. We only had a limited time slot there, so Nicole and I were working in a beautiful harmonious way!

We made our way to the reception and I couldn’t wait until the first dances! Rosa and Patrick chose to enjoy the dance floor for a few minutes and then introduce their daughter Angelica into their moment together. It was the sweetest thing to watch the little family happily laugh, kiss, and smile. Proceeding the family dance, the floor was lit up with everyone getting their groove on. Nothing like celebrating for such a happy couple!

Nicole captured a closer look while I got the above shot…

She took the manly image above as I snapped the girls…

Ahhhh…sigh…

Nicole making our groom look like a model…

Nicole captured the following details…

LOVING some of the precious moments that I got of this little family. Had a few tears rolling in the house…

Patrick and Rosa, I was sooo blessed to have been a part of your day. It was nothing short of special and FUN! Thank you for being such a great example of what love is all about and I can’t wait to see where the journey of your marriage takes you! I wish you all the best!

..CELEBRATE..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Brad & Kristin | She Said Yes..

Back in 2007 I photographed a friends wedding with a camera that I believed was “professional.” Oh how little I knew…and how much I still had to learn! I won’t ever regret photographing that wedding because even though I didn’t have the equipment I should of had as a “wedding photographer,” I am still pretty proud of the images I captured. With all of that being said…Brad was in the bridal party at that wedding! He remembered how much fun we had and contacted me shortly after he was engaged himself. I was thrilled to hear from him and couldn’t wait to meet up with him and Kristin for their engagement session.

We set a date and just weeks before, they sent me a frantic email letting me know that Kristin’s ring had been smashed and it had to get sent out to the jeweler for repair. They weren’t sure if it would be back in time for their session. “No worries,” I replied, we will make it work! Despite the ring being sent out, we were still able to keep our original date…and boy was it GORGEOUS! As always, I greeted with hugs, even though I was meeting Kristin for the first time and hadn’t seen Brad in 4 years. After getting started I had to ask, “So Kristin, what happened to your ring?” She sheepishly looked at me and told me that while warming up for softball practice she decided to put on a glove and help her girls warm up. She replied, “I went for a catch and without even thinking about it…just like that my ring smashed.”

I thought it was pretty comical that the little instance happened, especially since the couple met on a slow pitch softball league in 2010. After their first date, Kristin was a little leery about jumping into a relationship with Brad so quickly. “However, after talking to him for a week he seemed too perfect to let him get away,” she admits. They went out on another date to see Wicked and from there they realized they were hooked on each other. Brad romantically proposed at Hocking Hills 6 months ago and this adorable couple are tying the knot in June!

Kristin and Brad, I had the BEST time and I am getting so geared up for your wedding. I already don’t know what to do with my hands?!? (Inside joke…) I wish you happy planning from here on out and thanks for such an awesome time spent together! Can’t wait for you to see the rest soon…

..SOFTBALL..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Sneak Peek to Holiday & Day | We Said I Do..

I’m overjoyed to be sharing with you today’s sneak peek of a no frills couple. They wanted their day to be simple and elegant, yet fun for their closest family and friends to celebrate their union. It was a marvelous day, even though once again the thunderstorms loomed overhead and the rain came pitter-pattering down. They did a beautiful job in creating a day to remember…I can’t wait to share the rest in a few days!

Congratulations Holiday and Day on such a beautiful start to your marriage. I hope you are blessed beyond measure! Stay tuned for the rest soon…

..NO FRILLS..

love, echo

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echoes of love