Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Sneak Peek to Fostoria | We Said I Do..

“Don’t you be having that baby yet,” were the last words that Kelly said to me as we hung up the phone. We discussed all of the final details of her wedding day and she couldn’t be more excited for her upcoming event. That was three weeks ago.

Fast forward to last Saturday and she was one beautiful bride! Baby safe and sound still in my belly and only 4 weeks to go, I had the privilege of photographing Kelly and JT’s B-E-A-U-TIFUL wedding day! Kelly’s family has been friend for years and I was so excited to take part!

So here is today’s sneak peek before they head off to the gorgeous Riveria Maya….

Sooo excited to share more images from this splendid Saturday. Stay tuned!!

..FOUR WEEKS..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Aubrey | Star Senior..

Just a few short weeks ago when Brad and I were in Wyoming, amongst the worst cell service known to man, I received a voicemail from Aubrey. She had found my work through ..Jeff & Tatiana.. and was wondering if I would be interested in capturing her senior portraits. Thus trying many times to gain enough bars to call back, I relinquished defeat. It just wasn’t happening.

So upon my return, I spoke with Aubrey’s mother and made all of the necessary arrangements to meet Aubrey and grant their request! We chose to meet at Carriage Hill, an amazing little metro park that encompasses just about all the backdrops a photog could hope for in one area! We started early in the morning to avoid the heat wave that was suppose to swallow the day, and despite both of us being more than a little warm, we ROCKED the session. Aubrey came into the morning saying, “I don’t know how to be, I’ve never done this before.” I assured her and every other client that feels that way, just be yourself! I don’t want to capture anything that isn’t anywhere close to being you. I think that was enough said, because this girl gave me just about every great possible expression I could have asked for!

We had so much fun perusing the grounds and chatting up a storm, that is between my huge gasps for air of course. (I will be one happy girl when I don’t have to share my air supply anymore! I love being prego…but I’m just saying…) She told me how much she has a heart for missions and how she can’t wait to get out in the field and accomplish her calling. She plans on attending college, although hasn’t specifically decided which one. Aubrey may be undecided where and what actual degree, but she knows she wants to get both her undergrad and graduate degree. It’s all too exciting and I can’t wait to see where everything takes her! Congrats on your upcoming senior year girl!

Seriously ?!?!

Definitely one of my top picks! Love the slanted light…

I’m in love…ahhh…

Aubrey! I had the BEST time with you and although you thought you didn’t know how to be in front of a camera…you worked it! I wish you all the best in your senior year! To everyone else….show this girl some serious love…was she not beautiful, gorgeous, amazing, and more?

..MISSIONS..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Charlie & Bridgette Part II | We Said I Do..

We couldn’t have asked for a better day. Their was a blanket of clouds over the Bay Village sky, but the best part was there was no rain in sight! After Bridgette and Charlie’s beautiful ceremony, everyone gathered on the party bus and headed towards the Lake Erie shoreline. Nothing better than having an excuse to kick my shoes off on a wedding day…how good the sand felt in between our toes! Everyone was in good spirits and we had a blast on the beach making memories of the new couple’s friends.

After the bridal party made their way back to the bus, I had Bridgette and Charlie all to myself! OHHHH the cherished time of a couple alone on their wedding day. It’s like no other! This is the time where things tend to slow down and they realize the events of the day that have already occurred. Usually, they step back and realize their day is half over. As I told the Mr. & Mrs. of the day, live in every moment, because it’s here and gone in a flash. Another realization is that they are no longer separate, but one! They have officially committed themselves to each other for the rest of their lives. Catching those realizations in smiles, tears, or intimate moments makes me a very happy girl. I’m glad that I had the chance to capture some of those for Bridge and Charlie, amongst their goofy selves!

I was really excited to get to the reception when Bridgette shared with me that they were going to surprise their guests during the first dance. (I love being in on these secrets!) I couldn’t wait and I knew it would be good. Charlie led his beaming bride out onto the dance floor and romantically spun her around. Doesn’t that sweep a girl off her feet? Ahhh, sweetness. I captured the moments of them just being close together, and then….eeeeerrrnt….insert music switching gears….Charlie and Bridge broke out in the revolution of dance! Instantly everyone who wasn’t already paying attention had their eyes glued to the dance floor. Just the way they wanted it! It made for an entertaining first dance and a buzz around the room when they greeted all of the tables later in the evening! Enjoy….

LOOOVVVEEEE Bridgette showing off her attitude in this pic!

And just because I can…I have added our ever so special college roomie picture. Steph, your next….after two new babies of course 😉

My dearest Bridgette and Charlie, thank you soooo much for giving me the pleasure to be with you on your big day. You both have been anticipating for a whole year, and now it is over! I hope that I was able to capture everything your heart desired and more! Can’t wait to show you the rest!

..EEEERRRRNNNTTT..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Charlie & Bridgette Part I | We Said I Do..

As if I hadn’t done enough traveling in the month of June, we added Cleveland as a stop on our list! On Saturday, June 25th, Brad and I arose early to make our 3 hour drive to North Olmstead. I was excited to meet up with my bride for the day, she is one of my good friends and was a college roommate! Hear more on how we met and see Charlie and Bridgette’s ..Engagement Session..!

As I arrived in Bridgette’s neighborhood, we pulled into her driveway where she was already out to meet me! She looked beautiful with her long veil flowing over her shoulders. It was the same veil that her mother wore on her wedding day! I gave her the biggest hug when I got out of the car, with Baby D sandwiched between our long squeeze! I followed her into the house where family and friends were wrapping up and preparing to make their way to the church. She was anxious to get into her spectacular white gown and I couldn’t wait to see her in it! The gown hit the floor and Bridgette slipped her feet in one at a time. The gown came up into place and the biggest smiles swept across her face. Everything became a reality within a few short moments. Tracy, Bridgette’s sister made her way to the back to lace up her bodice.

Once the dress was in place I was requested to photograph the very same shot that Monica, the mother of the bride, had with her father on her wedding day. Simply enough it was of her father helping her down the stairs. Bill reached out his hand to his first born and what a proud father he was. Bridgette looked absolutely radiant. After everything was gathered, the Benson family whisked their bride off to the church riding together as a family. This would be the last time they all remained Benson’s.

When we arrived at the church, it was definitely ready for a ceremony! Flowers were in place, vocals were being practiced, and the guestbook was being attended and signed. It wouldn’t be too long before Charlie would see his blushing bride. The music began and out she came, grinning from ear to ear. They were both elated that the time had finally come!

So many more images to share, stay tuned….more later this week!

..BENSON FAMILY..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Tim & Courtney | She Said Yes..

She is from Cleveland and he is from North Carolina…After meeting in North Carolina through a mutual friend they hit it off immediately. Tim says, “We talked over the phone for a few weeks and realized that our senses of humor matched perfectly!” So much that Tim drove 2 HOURS to take Courtney out to dinner for their first date! What an incredible feat and what a looonnngg ride. I bet Tim was so nervous!

After that date and many others, Tim knew that Courtney was his bride-to-be. Which is why he chose to go out and purchase a ring. Tim wanted to take Courtney out on an all day date in the North Carolina mountains. After walking around aimlessly doing a bit of window shopping in town, Courtney was slightly annoyed that there wasn’t any plan for the day. Tim convinced Courtney to continue on and view the changing leaves while driving the ..Blue Ridge Parkway..! After stopping at various outlooks, Courtney and Tim agreed that one in particular was the best over all the other stops. While watching the sun set, Tim walked towards the car and pulled out the ring box. He got down on one knee next to Courtney and asked if she would be with him forever. Of course Courtney said yes!

Shortly after the proposal in January, Courtney contacted me wondering if I would be willing to travel to North Carolina where Tim proposed. I of course am answering the email with enthusiasm, I absolutely LOVE to travel and was so excited to even entertain the opportunity! Courtney and Tim chose that I was the best option for them, which is still to this day humbling.

With much coordinating, we decided to meet in Cleveland for their engagement session while Courtney was home with Tim. It was the first time we were going to meet each other, and after so many emails back and forth, I felt we already knew each other! It was like we had been friends for years and had a great connection. This adorable couple made my job easy, and I could barely withstand the cuteness that was oozing out of them. Not to mention the flawless backdrops of ..The Cleveland Museum of Art.. and ..The Cleveland Botanical Gardens.. for the session and Courtney’s gorgeous red hair!

Once our time together was complete, Courtney stated, “I didn’t know what to expect today and whether or not it would be fun.” I of course taking several deep breaths, one for the comment and two because I’m 8 months prego. Tim quickly relieved my anxiety as soon as he said, “I’m glad we picked you. Your fun, and I can’t imagine not liking you. Your creative art is just what we are looking for on our wedding day.”

Tim and Courtney, thank you so much for picking me to be with you for your North Carolina wedding! I am so honored to be traveling down to share in your special day! Both of you are wayyy to sweet and I can’t wait for May!

..OOZING..

love, echo

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echoes of love