THE BASICS
Your name: Katelyn Blaney (Kate)
High school: Teays Valley High School and Fairfield Career Center Class of 2027
What are you planning to do after graduation? Become a pediatric dental hygienist.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
-happy
-motivated
-encouraging
What’s your go-to music when you’re getting ready? i like to listen to ole 60 or ty myers
Favorite movie or TV show: the summer i turned pretty
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Favorite food: chicken alfredo
Favorite restaurant: chick-fil-a
Favorite sweet treat: brownie with ice cream
Coffee, soda, energy drink, or none? strawberry açaí lemonade refresher with no berries add peach juice from starbucks
Dream vacation destination: Britian
Favorite way to spend a Saturday? i like to relax, watch tv and clean my room
Besties!
The biggest question I receive….where should I take my senior photos?!
- Franklin Park Community Gardens (my personal fave!) is a great choice for senior portraits if you love colorful flowers, lush greenery, and a more garden-inspired setting. It offers a variety of beautiful outdoor backdrops, giving us plenty of options for creating a gallery that feels vibrant and natural. Parking is easy and close!
Cons: I can’t think of one!
2. Jeffrey Mansion is one of my favorite locations for senior portraits because it offers a beautiful mix of classic architecture and natural scenery. An added bonus is everything is very close in proximity so we don’t have to walk far between areas. The historic mansion provides an elegant backdrop, while the surrounding grounds give us plenty of greenery, mature trees, gardens, and open areas for a variety of looks.
Cons: Parking is limited. Occasionally on weekends, the locations up and around the mansion are off limits to photography. They do not permit dogs/pets anywhere on the grounds.
Historic mansion & architecture — elegant backdrops for more sophisticated portraits
3. Inniswood Westerville. You’ll find colorful flower gardens, lush greenery, winding paths, mature trees, bridges, ponds, and beautiful architectural details throughout the property.
Cons: This park is more spread out to get to the good locations so a longer session (more than 30 minutes) is recommended. Lots of walking here!
Ponds and water features for beautiful reflections and backgrounds.
4. German Village is one of my favorite locations for photos because it has so much character. The historic brick streets, beautifully maintained homes, iron fences, gardens, mature trees, and unique architecture create a timeless, European feel.
Cons: Parking can be a little tricky here.
Gardens & greenery — especially pretty in the warmer months
Historic brick streets & homes — beautiful backgrounds with lots of texture and character.
Colorful doors and architectural details
The Short North is a great choice for seniors who want something urban, colorful, and full of personality. Instead of the traditional garden or park setting, this location gives your senior portraits a more modern, editorial, and city-inspired feel.
Cons: Parking. Depending on the time of day, there could be crowds of people.
Scioto Grove Metro Park is a beautiful option for a more natural, relaxed photo session. It has a peaceful, outdoorsy feel with a mix of wooded trails, open fields, tall grasses.
Cons: It is a natural park. There are not any buildings, structures, steps or much variety beyond the beautiful nature.
LOCATION IDEAS: A final breakdown to help you choose the best fit.
1. Franklin Park (Downtown Columbus): Flowers, a fountain, and a trellis—my personal favorite spot for its variety and beauty.
2. Jeffrey Mansion (Bexley): A beautiful mansion with stone walls and lush greenery for a mix of elegant and natural backdrops.
3. Inniswood (Westerville): Romantic, natural, colorful, and timeless.
4. German Village (Downtown Columbus): Quaint brick roads with an urban vibe, plus a charming park with a fountain and flowers.
5. Short North (Downtown Columbus): Urban, trendy, colorful, edgy, and fun.
6. Scioto Grove (Grove City): Natural, earthy, and peaceful, with tall grasses and open fields.
Jake and Jill. Married. (Usually I type the gals name first for the header but I just love saying JAKE AND JILL. Went over the hill.)
Same. Same. Just a few minutes apart.
Right photo. DEF A FAVE! These guys were lots of fun.
Today a Bride,
Tomorrow a wife,
Forever your
little peanut.
Jill’s dad has called her “Little Peanut” since she was a little peanut. She had an intimate moment with him right before the ceremony and gifted him this money clip. It was emotional and beautiful.
That moment. When you can’t breath. It’s all a whirlwind and so very emotional. Then the doors open. You take your first step forward. And just like that, life changes forever.
Beautiful fall colors!
Another fave… love the colors, the sky, the people. Perfection.
Jill’s number one request… FALL COLORS. This wedding was on October 11th and the trees hadn’t really changed yet. Every day, while taking Pixie to preschool, I’d drive down Holton Road and notice this beautiful tree. Bright, colorful. Changing way earlier than any of the others. When we were in the limo on our way to the reception, I asked the driver to take a different route, down Holton Road, to this beautiful tree. And although it was a very odd location to take wedding photos (see white house in bottom right) as we were literally standing in someone’s driveway, these are some of the most beautiful fall wedding photos. Thanks for trusting my vision, Jake and Jill!
Back in the limo to the Pinnacle Club.
For some fun!
And beauty.
Jill said this was the only clever/unique thing she came up with for the wedding. “It’s not on Pinterest. Yet. I came up with this all on my own!” Great job, Jilly!
Jill, I adore your father. Your entire family for that matter. So welcoming. So kind. Your mother insisted helping me carry my equipment out to my car at nearly midnight. She also sent me home with some beautiful blooms. Your father talked and talked and talked with me. With an open heart, I gathered some insight into your family. And I adore you even more! XO!
A personal wedding favorite. EVER.
The Mott Family.
Their love is sweeter than applesauce.
Ines. Quinceanera
Here are a few fun facts about Ines…
Give me one sentence that tells us who you are and what you’re all about. Have fun with it!
My name is Ines De La Fuente and I will be an incoming sophomore at Westland High School, I am a part of the cheer and gymnastics team for my high school.
List 3 songs on your musical playlist…
I hate you, I love you- Gnash (feat. Olivia O’Brien)
One Dance- Drake
Why Try- Ariana Grande
What do you do in your free time? (school and non-school related activities)
I like to watch Gossip Girl on Netflix, currently on season 2. I also like to spend time with my friends and go out with them.
What is your favorite memory from growing up?
I really enjoyed one year when I was younger when it was summer break and me and my family headed to Memphis, Tennessee. I got to spend time with my family and it was super fun.
What are you most excited about with the Quinceanera?
I am most excited to be reunited with family i have not seen in a long time especially family from Mexico. I am super excited to see my grandparents.
What do you wanna be when you “grow up”?
When I am older I want to be an Occupational Therapist.
How was your experience with Crystal Jo? And if you have a favorite memory/thing with Crystal Jo, please share.
I loved being one of Crystal’s gymnast, she pushed me to be the best I could ever be and for that I thank her so so much
Avery. 18 Months Big.
The Kemelgor Fam.
Here are a few fun facts about the Kemelgor family…
Tell us a little about your family dynamic. How you met your husband, how long you’ve been married, names and ages of the children.
Troy and I met in 1992 at Ohio University during our freshman year. We married in 1997 and just celebrated 19 years!
Leah is 11
Caroline is 9 (will be 10 in July)
Drew is 5 (will be 6 in July)
Do you have any hidden talents or something unique to you?
Caroline is a gymnast and can do 3 back handsprings in a row.
Leah plays basketball and is a hip hop dancer. She’s an excellent cook too.
Drew is our little comedian. Always making up jokes.
What’s one thing you want to learn to do?
We’d all love to learn how to scuba dive.
If you had a $100 bill in your back pocket to spend on whatever you’d like, you’d buy…
Drew-a toy that costs $100
Caroline-mermaid tail
Leah-mermaid tail
Leslie-makeup
Troy-wine or cigars
Describe the perfect weekend.
Perfect weekend–spending time with the family at Buckeye Lake. Boating, jet skiing and swimming.
Are you more like your mom or your dad? (parents even answer this one!)
Troy-his dad
Leslie-my mom
Caroline-mom
Drew-dad
Leah-mom
Sarah + Scarlett + Tagan
The Bertino Fam.
So much fun with these littles!
