Lexi. Senior.
STUNNING!
Lexi is GORGEOUS inside and out. AND SHE’S A VERY TALENTED DANCER TO TOP IT OFF!
Hair and makeup by the wonderful BLOW-DRY CAFE where you can find Lexi working. Xo, Lexi. Wishing you the best of luck in your senior year!
Give me one sentence that tells us who you are and what you are all about. Have fun with it!
I am a senior at Olentangy Orange High School who loves dancing and spending time with friends and family.
List 3 songs on your musical playlist…
Any song by Beyoncé, Bohemian Rhapsody and One Dance.
What do you do in your free time? (school and non-school related activities)
In my free time I am a competitive dancer and work at my two jobs! I’m a receptionist at a hair salon as well as a sales clerk for Pandora Jewelery.
What is your favorite memory from High School?
My favorite memory of high school is going to Friday night football games.
What are you plans for post graduation?
After graduation I hope to major in Business and outside of college, have a professional commercial dance career.
What do you wanna be when you “grow up”?
When I grow up I want to be a dancer and own my own dance studio.
How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
My experience with Crystal Jo was amazing. She made me feel immediately comfortable and also made me feel beautiful.
Bea. 9 Months Big.
Pretty girl!
THAT DRESS! Swoon!
Miles. Newborn.
BIG SISTER Sofie meeting Miles for the first time. 
A special gift..
The first time holding him.
Sofie, you are THE SWEETEST little girl. So happy and joyful. XO, sweet girl!
Now look at this little guy!
This little guys grandpa worked for Coca-Cola for many, many years. How cool is this?!
Football baby!
Ten toes, ten toes!
Here are a few fun facts about this family….
Tell us about that first moment when you saw your baby.
The moment we saw Miles, it was pure love. We had waited so long for his arrival and the time had finally come for us to meet him. The moment of anticipation was extremely emotional as to what to expect. When he arrived, he entered this world with loud cries that brought tears of joy to our eyes. He was perfect in every way…10 finger, 10 toes, big eyes, a head full of hair and a face that we will love forever. He had our hearts at that moment.
What was your baby’s birth weight and length?
Miles Ethan was born at 12:13pm weighing 7lbs 8oz and was 19.75 inches long
Is there a story behind your baby’s name?
When we discovered that we were having another baby, I desperately hoped for another daughter. Her name was to be Mila. When the call came that we were having a boy, it was a surprise and we needed to rethink everything. We decided on Miles which is a more masculine form of Mila. His middle name of Ethan was picked as that was to be our daughter Sofia’s name if she were a boy. Sofia finally was onboard with the name after months of ‘mommy begging’ her to like the name. If it were up to Sofia, her little brother would have been ‘Ari’ or ‘Bunga’…
Give us the scoop. What has surprised you the most about how your family dynamic would change? Are there any funny stories or firsts that you’d like to share?
So far, it has been a great family time for us. As we lay in bed at night with our 2 children, life seems perfect and we are finally complete. We were scared about how everyone would adjust but it has been an amazing experience so far. We are a true family unit with everyone helping out and figuring out how to be a family of 4. Sofia is the first one running when Miles cries. She runs to grab a diaper when it is time for her brother to be changed. She loves every minute of him being here and we love the bond they are forming. He looks at her and we can already see that he loves her.
When we were at the hospital for the first night, Sofia did not want to leave. She said that we were family and she wanted to be with us. We let her stay at the hospital that first night and it was amazing. When Miles would wake up, Sofia was running to help. At one point she was staring in his bassinet and told him how much she loves him and that she will always take care of him. That moment made the 2am feeding so worth it!
What has been the most memorable moment of your children meeting?
I had worried about Sofia not loving her brother and regretting us having him as she has been our life for the past 5 years. When she walked into the room, her face had the biggest smile and the excitement she had filled my heart with joy. She was so happy he was here and she could not wait to touch him and hold him. I knew at that moment that Sofia and Miles would be friends for life…
What did you like best about your experience with Crystal Jo?
Crystal Jo is amazing to work with. On a very hectic day in our life, she arranged her schedule to be at the hospital even when we pushed her back a couple of hours. She knows how to make everyone feel comfortable and brings out the natural side of our family. I cannot wait to have her capture the next year of Miles life!!!
Aubrey. 10 Months Big.
Session fave! Oh, GOODNESS THAT’S CUTE!
CHOO CHOO!
Adore you, BIG GIRL!
Monaghan Fam. Baby Bump.
Amanda, you are the prettiest purple haired pregnant chick I’ve ever seen. I adore ALL of your spunk and ALL of that bump!
Brynleigh, my sweet girl, you are about to become a BIG SISTER. I couldn’t be more excited for you.
Cute family alert!
Session fave. It just makes me stare at it.
Here are a few fun facts about this family…
Tell us something fun or unique about your relationship.
Mike works days and Amanda works night shift. Finding the time for “making the magic” happen can be tricky…..but clearly we somehow found a way.
How did you find out you were expecting?
We thought we were done with one kiddo. There was an undisclosed deadline. “If Brynleigh turns 4 and there isn’t 1 on the way or we weren’t actively trying, she was going to be it.” She turned 4 Feb 8th, 2016. I went to day shift for a month in January 2016 to prove to Mike it wouldn’t be any easier with me working days to make a baby and be a family. I was exhausted and mean and cranky….all the time! I thought it was the day shift wreaking havoc on my system. Nope, I found out 15 days into my trial month of day shift that we were expecting a surprise! I was 5 weeks pregnant.
What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?
I love baby kicks. There is something special about feeling all the movement happening inside. I missed it so much after I delivered my first little one. This time around, I felt a little jipped. I have an anterior placenta (it lies in the front of my belly). So it blocks a lot of movement I would normally feel. But I hold onto what I can feel because I know it will be my last. I make Mike feel the kicks because it will be his last time to feel them. I have Brynleigh feel my belly kicks too. She thinks her sister is a karate kid. This pregnancy has come with a lot more aches and pains. Everything from sore hips, more contractions, to peeing every 10 minutes, and chronic insomnia. But I would change any of it knowing I am part of our own little miracle.
Did you find out your baby’s gender?
I am too much of a planner not to have found out. We are having another little girl. Her name is Cora Elizabeth. Apparently Mike is really amazing with producing and loving the women in his life.
Is there a nursery or shower theme you’d like to share?
We are doing a dandelion theme. There is something sweet about little one’s wishes as they blow away the dandelion bulbs.
A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?
Watching Bryn bond with her new little sister. Seeing how she loves her so much already has me so ready to watch them grow up together.
How has your daughter adjusted to the news of a new baby?
Brynleigh is so ready. Or at least she thinks she is. She has already told me I won’t have to lift a finger. She plans to feed, rock, change, etc the baby. I think the problem in our house will be, “ Who is actually the Mommy.”
How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
We LOVE Crystal Jo! Our 1st bump package was a gift from my sister in law. I knew we could not pass it up again. Thankfully my sister in law loves us and gifted us Crystal’s services. Crystal is so engaging and really loves what she does. You can tell in the pictures she takes. We will always be return customers!!!!! Love us some Crystal Jo.
Anabelle. 9 Months Big.
She’s holding her ear. Look, Linda, look. Just listen, Linda. I’m cute okay?! Buy me a baby doll.
OHHHHMMMMGEEE!
I adore you all so much. Can’t wait for that cake smash session coming up ever-so soon! XO!
Maria and Jordan. Married.
Maria and Jordan saw each other for a very intimate first look in the middle of the woods. 
Maria, you are stunning. I love that you kept your natural look with minimal makeup. You DO YOU ever so beautiful!
SAYYYYYY WHAT! An all time favorite wedding photo right here…
A wool tie. LOVE the texture!
A perfect bouquet for the overall feel of the wedding day. Organic, whimsy, fresh.
Another favorite…
And of course some go-pro action!
Maria had a first look with her father right before the ceremony. Such a touching moment.
Sigh. I LOVE THIS PHOTOGRAPH SO MUCH. It’s like Maria is looking up and saying, THANK YOU, SWEET BABY JESUS, for blessing me with this man.
Cake topper. SWOON!
A sweet moment captured during toasts.
The babies dress matches her Momma’s dress!
For Maria and Jordan’s engagement session, we went to a brewery where they made their own batch of beer just for the wedding. Check out the custom label…
Maria, you have the exact same mannerisms as your mother. Even your voices sound the same! Look at your mouths here. SAME, SAME!
Maria and Jordan, little matters in life more than the promise you both gave each other on this special day. I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter. Keep those sweet smiles on your faces, friends. XOXO!
A little behind the scenes with Crystal Jo Foto.
Tasha and Alyssa, thank you so much for dedicating your day to make this such a wonderful experience for everyone. You are both ever so helpful!
To view the slideshow, CLICK HERE.
Their creative team..
Reception and Ceremony Site: Taylor Mansion
Caterer: The Upper Crust
Cake: Costco
Flowers: Taylor Mansion
Ceremony Music & DJ: Jeff Madama of Millennium Mobile DJ
Hair: Suzanne at Kenneth’s Hair Salon
Make up: me & my Matron of Honor Lindsey
Invitations: Anne’s Bridal Bargains
Jewelry: the Africa necklace is a family heirloom and represents where I grew up & my late grandmother, the earrings are from Gazelle Jewelry, an Etsy seller in Israel
Rehearsal dinner: The Crest Gastropub in Clintonville
Wedding gown designer: Galena
All the extra details like the programs, gift card box, cake table decor, wood slabs and so many other things were kindly put together by our family, thanks everyone!
Maria: There were so many great details that day… Our family really helped to bring together a lot of beautiful and thoughtful details that totally helped to tie it all together. Our venue was gorgeous and romantic. Also, our wedding party looked so good!
Audrey. 6 Months Big.
Snow White was just replaced…Audrey is the fairest of them all!
I’m a little teapot short and CUTE!
She’s a darling little beauty isn’t she?!
Here are a few fun facts about Audrey….
What is your favorite memory during your child’s first 6 months of life?
There’s so many. Certainly the mornings when we walk in to wake her up and she greets us with the biggest smile like she’s so happy to see us.
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in her these 6 months that you’d like to share?
We were excited to introduce her to “solid” foods. However we ended up not being nearly as excited as her. We gave her a spoon full. She gave it a try, thought for a second, then shouted in glee and kicked her legs wildly. We’ve learned the more she likes the food the louder and higher pitch the squel. Mealtime at our house requires earmuffs!
One word to describe your baby is…
Super-happy (hyphenating makes it one word right?)
What is your child’s favorites…
Animal: dog
Food: avacado or sweet potatoes
Toy: Sophie the rubber giraffe
Song: You are my Sunshine
Book: Children’s Treasury Nursery Rhymes
Jackson. 9 Months Big.
Check out this little stunner right here…and I think he knows it!
Yummy, Yummy in my tummy!!! Boy, I sure hope he has an appetite later.
Ashley and Frank. Married.
This is Kinsale Golf and Fitness Center and let me just tell you, IT IS GORGEOUS!
Kathy’s Floral Kreations, Kathy, a dear friend of mine, made these GORGEOUS kreations for Ashley. I adore her and her work. Go check her out if you are looking for a loyal florist.
Ashley opening her gift from Frank. Diamond earrings.
Showing her soon-to-be MIL.
I just love how Ashley’s little flower girl is looking up at her. 
Going to the chapel…
LOVE THESE COLORS!
Frank, your HUGE smile is contagious! I couldn’t stop looking at you the entire day!
Reflection, reflection.
Ohmygoodness, look at these delicious cupcakes!
Wearing Aunt Ashley’s shoes. 
There’s one in every crowd. And it just so happened to be Frank’s hilarious brother!
Ashley and Frank, you both have beautiful personalities that compliment each other oh-so-well. Everyone around you can feel the love. Thank you for giving me the honor of documenting your first day as husband and wife. It was a glorious one and I can only wish for ten gazillion years of happiness and bliss. XO! Crystal Jo
A little behind the scenes with Crystal Jo Foto. Where all the fun happens.
My favorite helpers.
Tasha loves the littles and they love her just as much. And I love her purple hair. I hope you keep it, Tasha. The littles wanna see MORE purple hair!
Here are a few fun facts about the awesome couple….
Their creative team…
Reception and Ceremony Site- Reception was at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ceremony Site was Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Caterer- Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club
Cake- Mariah Miah
Flowers- Kathy’s Floral Kreations (Kathleen Whipp)
DJ/Band- Tommy Nutter presents Diamond Entertainment
Ceremony Music- Suzanne Rippel and Eric Saupe from Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Hair and Make up- Charles Penzone Polaris Pkwy
Wedding Planner- None
Invitations- Wedding Paper Divas
Jewelry- Alfred Angelo
Rehearsal dinner- Mezzo Dublin
Wedding gown designer- No designer, but I got it at Alfred Angelo
……………………………
Their songs….
processional- not sure
recessional- not sure
grand entrance- Black Eyed Peas Tonights Gonna be a Good Night
first dance- Sara Barielles I Choose You
cake cutting- Sarah MacLachlan Ice Cream
father/daughter- Leann Womack I Hope You Dance
mother/son- Celine Dion Because You Loved Me
last dance- Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran I Was Made for Loving You
……………………………
Some fun facts about Ashley and Frank…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Ashley- When I first saw him
Frank- When I first saw her
What was your favorite detail?
Ashley- I loved our reception venue, it was beautiful and the patio outside was perfect for our guests at night. I also loved the cupcake tower.
Frank – Dancing through the night together.
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Ashley- Try to enjoy every moment of the day because it goes by fast!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
I wouldn’t change anything- it was a lot of planning, work and stress, but the day of the wedding everything came to fruition and was worth all of the work.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Santorini Greece!
How was your experience with Crystal Jo Foto?
Crystal Jo did an amazing job with the pictures! She was very patient and creative with how to keep us smiling throughout the day. The slideshow during the reception was wonderful because our guests were able to see the pictures from earlier in the day. I loved having a flash drive to take home at the end of the night so we could relive our day! The “rough cut” pictures look amazing, so we can’t wait to see the finished product! I would highly recommend Crystal Jo Foto for anyone who is getting married! She did an amazing job!