Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Ashley & Derek | She Said Yes..

I pride myself (in a humble way) to give my clients nothing but the best customer service, but when your sister-in-law is involved…step it up 10 more notches! Last weekend, despite the cold and nasty weather we have been having, Brad and I got settled in our car for a nice 4.5 hour drive up North to Michigan country. We arrived on Friday night PRAYING the rain would stop, just so we could have a nice day for their engagement session on Saturday. To no avail, we woke up on Saturday morning and the radar only gave us partially good news. Although rain was forecasted all day, we were lucky enough to get a few breaks in between those looming clouds.

Meet my beautiful sister-in-law Ashley, and her fiance Derek. After graduating from THE Ohio State University, Ashley moved up to Michigan to work for Whirlpool Headquarters in Benton Harbor. She was there for over a year when she attended the Halloween party that Derek walked into her life. The two of them hit it off and officially started dating in December, right before Christmas. Our family is pretty close-knit, so when Derek came home for the first few times, we really gave him a run for his money. We wanted to make sure he absolutely knew what he was getting himself into! He ended up handling us just fine, despite a little bit of shyness. Most times shyness isn’t an option when your around us.

In March, Derek and Ashley took their first big vacation together to visit Grandma and Grandpa Dearsman in Florida. While in Orlando, they enjoyed time at ..Universal Studios.. and ..Disney World.., where Derek was secretly carrying a ring in his pocket all day. The night they were in Disney World, they decided to stay and watch the Main Street Electrical Parade and enjoy the fireworks show by Cinderella’s castle. In the dark, under the lights of the fireworks and cheering of the parade, Derek proposed to Ashley. Of course she said yes and stated, “At Disney, dreams really do come true.”

So back to the stormy weather…We started out at Silver Beach, where their reception will take place at ..Shadowland.. I’m already excited, because what this reception has in store for the guests will entertain many! We made our way to the pier, wishing the passing wind was about 50 degrees warmer. Runners and fisherman were all suited up in pants, sweatshirts, ear muffs, and all, and here we were taking pictures on the wet, misty, very windy pier. Looking out onto the water, there was nothing but a dense fog that laid like a blanket over Lake Michigan and Silver Beach. I was determined that despite the weather I was given, that I was going to make the most of the day as best as I could. On the beach it was just a little warmer, but after awhile we decided to take refuge and get warm before the next outfit change.

Once our toes had unthawed and our bellies were full, we made our way to ..Fernwood Botanical Garden..! Luckily for us the weather had warmed up a little, and for a split second we thought we would get a break in the clouds revealing just a little bit of sunshine. We didn’t get any sun, but at least it wasn’t raining. We dashed through the gardens finding all the little hidden spots. I think they instantly become even more beautiful once you put a couple that is in love in the picture. These are some of my favorite images, not that I don’t have fun shooting on the beach, but because I absolutely LOVE greenery and color!

Just as I was snapping this last image above, it started to rain. Perfect timing as we were just about to leave. We went back to Ashley and Derek’s house and waited out the passing storm, before their final outfit change. St. Joe is one of the cutest towns I know of, it has the perfect view over looking Silver Beach bluff and the most adorable shops lined on the cobblestone streets. Not too far from downtown there still are brick streets…I LOVE brick streets. They are so original and fun! We even brought Denali, aka “Fuzzy Butt” along for the last few shots. He did just as good of a job as Ashley and Derek!

Thank you to Ashley and Derek for allowing us to spend the weekend with you and for being so patient with the storms. We were able to have a great session even though the weather was cold and rainy! Love you both and can’t wait to enjoy this special time in your life! Enjoy 🙂

..WET WEATHER..

love, echo

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..Cravings | Just Because..

It’s inevitable, a pregnant woman craves some pretty crazy things. I get the question all the time whether I have had any outrageous cravings, the answer and truth be told…not really. I’ve heard of the pickles and ice cream, salsa on hot dogs, or dousing mustard on everything that goes down the esophagus. None of which sounds good to me. Actually, those women’s cravings would classify as grossly in my book and more like aversions than cravings for me.

Some women also crave everything that isn’t good for you, french fries, chocolate, lots of ice cream, etc. I won’t lie, I have had some of those cravings myself. Many of them I have distinguished with mind over matter. One of the cravings I have had to deeply ignore is Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. I use to eat them a lot at an old job during my high school days, and when I got pregnant the taste for them resurfaced. At times, I feel I could eat a whole box as extremely unhealthy that is! That is why I have chosen to stick to mind over matter…let’s just say those are calories that I don’t have to burn off later. However, the main craving that I have had is fresh fruit! I can’t get enough of it! I’m talking about all of the good sweet stuff too! Like savory melt-in-your-mouth pineapple, fresh picked strawberry’s, the oranges that are so juicy that you have to lick between your fingers, and the bittersweet Granny Smith apples laced with an insane amount of peanut butter! Yummmm….enough said.

I’m happy my cravings will benefit me and Baby D! I think he/she likes the oranges the best 🙂 Happy Monday…here is to a great week!

..SWEET STUFF..

love, echo

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..Jeff & Tatiana | She Said Yes..

You may remember the post of images I photographed for ..CLC.. and their worship night to benefit Swaziland, Africa. Shortly after that post I received a message from Jeff asking about an engagement session. He explained to me that they already had their photographer for their up coming July 30th wedding, but would like to have some additional photos taken. I was so honored that they decided to give me the privilege, so we set up a session in Yellow Springs at ..John Bryan State Park.. and downtown.

This adorable couple actually met at CLC in the young adult group about 2.5 years ago. Afterwards, Jeff convinced Tatiana to go out to eat with him just a few days later. They chose to meet at Panera and hit it off, talking for hours until Tatiana had to go to work. It didn’t take long for them to become official, and as they say, they have been inseparable ever since. Back in December, Jeff planned a surprise trip to New York for Tatiana. During their time there, exactly 2 years from their first date at Panera, Jeff got down on one knee in the ever famous Central Park, and proposed to the love of his life. Which brings us to today!

I was ecstatic about meeting the both of them! Lovely Tatiana was born and grew up in the Ukraine. Eight years ago she was adopted and made Dayton her new home, while Jeff has lived in this area all of his life. Both of them absolutely love the outdoors and enjoy being at the park just spending quality time together. So that is where we started! I had so much fun bringing out their personalities, I could truly tell just how much love Jeff had for his stunning bride-to-be. I loved how he kept kissing her, making her laugh, and wrapped his arms around her never wanting to let go. Not to mention Tatiana began to really work my camera, what a great model she makes! We moved on to downtown Yellow Springs where we had a ton of fun in front of the brightly painted store fronts and buildings!

Jeff & Tatiana, I wish you the best on your wedding day! I’m so sad that I won’t be the one there with you! I had a total blast meeting the both of you and can’t wait for our paths to cross again in the near future! Thank you again.

..PANERA DATE..

love, echo

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..The Columbus Zoo | Just Because..

I can’t explain it, but the kid inside of me LOVES to go to the zoo! I know this is a super late post, but last September Brad and I went to the Columbus Zoo just because we could. No special reason, nothing to celebrate, we just wanted to hang out at the zoo! He worked half a day, and after he got home we packed up our things and made the hour ride east to the zoo gates. I was all giddy like a kid. After all who doesn’t like to see exciting, dangerous, and curious animals up close and personal?

Both of us rushed from section to section like we had never seen some of the animals before. Some, such as the reptile section I could go without seeing for all eternity. So when we passed by the largest snake in captivity to date (which has passed since our visit), I buried my head in Brad’s shoulder blade and kept walking with my eyes closed. I would much rather watch the fighting bats that we right next door, although not my first pick. My ALL TIME favorite section to visit was the manatee exhibit. They have been my favorite since my endangered species project in 4th grade. I use to have manatee collectables all over my room, and even sponsored one through a protection program for awhile with my allowance money. Surprising right? I was OBSESSED! I know they are also known as giant sea cows, but I love how calming they can be to watch. We were lucky enough to sit and watch them for awhile, that is until the humidity of their habitat was more than both of us could stand. Although they are my favorite, I wasn’t able to get a good shot of them, they were all at the back or at the bottom of the tank. So instead, enjoy some of the other animals we were able to encounter that day!

I think this turtle was a little upset that I was taking his portrait…

…where this stingray smiled for me!

Love this one of the two birdies…

and this one of the lazy cat!

I love gorillas, they are so interesting to photograph!

Creepy!

A very sleepy rhino…

and a bear making a silly face!

I can’t wait to take our kid to the zoo someday, hopefully he or she will be as giddy as me when that time comes!

..MANATEE..

love, echo

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..Boundaries | Just Because..

Do you feel like your running yourself in circles? Do you find that you can’t keep up with the things you know you need to get done in a 24 hour day? Do you find yourself so busy sometimes you can’t even think? If you have answered ‘yes’ to some or all of these questions, you are probably in the same downward spiral of that all encompassing ‘Yes’ that I was in too! It is a destructive state to be in, but last year around this time I felt like I couldn’t keep my head on straight. I was working two jobs, trying to keep the house clean, make dinner at least once a week (enter sarcasm here), and spend time with my husband, family, and friends. The sad part about all of it is that I wasn’t being effective really at any of the above, some area was always lacking. I knew it, I just didn’t know how to change it.

When Brad and I moved I was determined to get my life back under control. I HAD TO! My mental health was teetering on it, not to mention the physical stress pounds that it put on my body. I knew that I had to make the changes right away, and to not waiver one second in starting towards whatever path would get me there. I had heard of the book by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend that was ‘life altering.’ It is just what my mind, body, and spirit needed. It didn’t take me long to get the book titled “Boundaries” off of the book shelf and in my hands. Therapy as I could also call it. The front of the cover said it all, “When to say YES, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life.” Please and thank you…settled!

This book has been a Godsend. After flipping through page after page, I have found so many ways in which I was wrong with boundaries in my life. Things that I didn’t even realize that I had succumed to. It has shown me how to set boundaries with people I love, in the work place, in the church (yes- it is okay to set church boundaries), and boundaries even within myself. Townsend and Cloud have revealed to me that taking responsibility for my boundaries is my problem and not everyone else’s. They explain how to learn how to create boundaries in all facets of life, and how to say no to people who don’t have the boundaries you wish they had. It is a slow process and a book that isn’t sometimes easy to digest, but that is why it has won ‘The Gold Medallion Book Award’ and has over 1 million copies sold. The line that has hit me the most is, “If you can’t say no, then we can’t say yes.” It shows that your being compliant, trying not to hurt someone’s feelings, or doing something because you feel obligated. The hidden fact is, sometimes it isn’t your responsibility or you just can’t squeeze one more ANYthing into your schedule. If I don’t feel like I can say “Yes” right away with a motivated and excited heart, then I am better off just saying no. The person asking whatever from you is better off finding someone else. Colossians 3:23-24 solidifies, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

If you have read this marvelous book hopefully the words within has hit home to you as much as they are for me. On the flip side if you decide to pick up Boundaries because this hit home for you, I would love to hear all about it when your done! Here is to boundary setting and slowing life down to take control of what is yours…your life. Happy Monday!

..LIFE-ALTERING..

love, echo

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