Megan and Rob. Married.
Megan and Rob were married in a small town church and had a HUGE reception with 400+ guests at Robbie’s parents farm. The details to make the family barn look like a warm wedding location were AMAZING! A church pew to hold the gifts. Great idea!
Um, yes, THAT is a beer truck! At a wedding reception!
Their daughter and nephew. <3
Megan’s shoes, yessss!
I just LOVE the back of her gown.
This is right before the first dance when an inappropriate song referring to “older women, are beautiful lovers” came on instead of their first dance song. (By Robbie’s request, that jokester.) Here’s Megan taking off her wedding band. Ha!
You guys, how beautiful did they make this barn look?!
Megan, your smile is contagious!
Love is sweet. So is sharing this moment with your daughter.
An all time wedding fave, right here..
Megan, thank you so very much for thinking of me. This sweet gift, I will cherish forever.
Megan gifted me a repurposed leather belt bracelet with the very fitting saying, “Capture life’s moments.” Thank you, thank you, thank you. For being you. For being so sweet. For making us feel like friends and not just a vendor. We had a wonderful time and were seriously honored to be there. Wishing you ALL of the happiness in the world. XO!
Tasha, thank you for always being my right hand girl. For sweating all day and for carrying all of my heavy stuff (the stuff I don’t wanna carry). For reading my mind and understanding when I need something before I even ask. I love you so very much!
And thank you to my peeps who always refer Crystal Jo Foto. Adore you guys!
Here are a few fun facts about Meg and Rob….
Vendors…
Reception and Ceremony Site- St. Paul Lutheran church, McCarley farm for reception
Video- Ryan Sanderson videography
Caterer- Backyard BBQ catering
Flowers- Melissa Blaies barker florist
Ceremony Music- Ellery elick organist
Invitations- Peabody paper in grandview for invitations
Tents- Personal touch tents and rentals
Linen – Linen care plus
Rehearsal dinner- PBJ
……………………………
your songs….
grand entrance – Entrance dance John legend all of me
first dance- First dance older women Ronnie McDowell ( joke) Meghan trainor and John legend like I’m gonna lose you
father/daughter- Father daughter heartland I loved her first
mother/son- Mother son boyz 2 men a song for mama
……………………………
Fun Questions to answer…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Megan- Best part of the day…. Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Robbie watching me.
Rob- Most memorable part of my day was seeing Megan for the first time in her dress when she was coming down the aisle
What was your favorite detail?
Megan- Best detail… I loved the reception…. Everything about it. The bride and groom backdrop, memory table, ladder above sweets table, chandelier and the banner hanging from the combine!
Rob- Favorite detail was chandelier in middle of barn
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Megan- Advice! Enjoy each minute of your wedding day, it goes by so quickly.
Rob- Advice for future grooms is say “yes dear” and if you can go to the courthouse and get married lol
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Megan- Nope, It was perfect!
Rob- Our day was better than I ever anticipated. I wouldn’t have changed anything
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Megan- Honeymoon in Aruba! Divi Aruba resort
Rob- We went to Aruba on our honeymoon. It was very beautiful.
How was your experience with Crystal Jo Foto? If you have a favorite memory with her, please share it.
Megan- Favorite thing from photos. I am so glad crystal has an eye for things. I love the old barn pictures and the middle of the road one! We knew we wanted crystal ho photo when we met with her and saw her work, we knew we didn’t want to worry about our photos and we didn’t! She took care of everything and got every moment on her camera!
Rob- My favorite memory with Crystal Jo was our engagement session. We didn’t know what to expect and she made it a very comfortable and fun experience.
Parker. 6 Months Big.
His expressions..
Little wild thing.
Those rolls!
A little behind the scenes. Marissa brought the cute little books for a prop. I remembered I made my daughter this adorable garland from books for her library themed first birthday. TAADAAAHH…
William and Graham. Newborn.
“SSSHHHHH, you talk way too much! I’m trying to catch some zzzz’s!”
Strong boy, Will, showing off his big guns.
Proud big sisters, Lauren and Harper.
I think it looks like Graham is smiling here!
Here are a few fun facts about the Grundey Twins…
Tell us about that first moment when you saw your baby.
There are no words to describe the moment we met our twins. Even though they are our third and fourth children, it felt just like the very first time we became parents. It was just breath taking to see their little faces for the very first time.
What was your babies birth weight and lengths?
William, the older brother by 2 minutes weighed 4 lbs-10 ozs and was 17 inches long. Graham weighed 6 lbs-8 ozs and was 19 inches long.
Is there a story behind your babies name?
William Jude-William is named after his grandfather and Jude is a patron saint. Graham Nicholas-Graham is a name that has been on our list of baby names for 6 years that we always liked and Nicholas is Daddy’s first name.
Give us the scoop. What has surprised you the most about parenthood? Are there any funny stories or firsts that you’d like to share?
Nothing can prepare you for four kids-it’s insanity at times, but a fun kind of insanity. We are cherishing these moments because our babies will grow up in the blink of an eye. Our first two children are girls so we are not used to boys at all! The first night we were home, Graham peed all over the wall and floor during a diaper change. Needless to say, we quickly became pros about covering it up!!
How are their sibilings reacting the the joy of the new bundles of joy?
The big sisters just think they are the cutest things-some of the time that is. Really though, they are the best helpers. Lauren loves to read to them and talk to them when they are awake. Harper likes to hold them and is good at telling them apart.
What did you like best about your experience with Crystal Jo?
We’ve had a pleasant, positive experience with Crystal Jo in the past, so we chose to use her again. She values your input during the session and provides quality photos. She was able to get not one, but two babies to cooperate for the pictures!
Rachel and Jack. Married.
The first look with her father. One of my favorite moments of the day!
The handsome fellas. These guys were hilarious!
SOCKS!
Laughter and love, right here…
Jack wanted these figurines to go on that small cake. He did get his way despite everyone telling him it wouldn’t work. You’ll see later on the blog.
The location was AWESOME! This is The Beverly Mansion found about an hour from Columbus. They were married outside by the water under a huge tree and had the reception inside this beautiful mansion.
Right before walking down the aisle…
When they were announced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Purcell they pulled in really close to each other and enjoyed a moment. It was, hands down, the sweetest moment I’ve ever witnessed during a ceremony.
I love you guys! ALL SO FUN!
Toasts!
Jack wins! Figurines on the cake. It did only last two seconds before they fell off but look how happy he is!!!
Rachel’s face here… (Mom, don’t watch!)
There’s one in every crowd! 🙂 “The hired guy.”
Serenaded! 
Who has karaoke at their wedding?! Fun people!
Rita, my beautiful gymnastics friend, thank you so much for giving me the honor of photographing your sweet daughters wedding. Everything was wonderful and I loved spending the day with you. Now move back to Ohio so we can share long car ride conversations again! XOXO!
Some behind the scenes…
Lindsey, thank you so much for all of your help! I’m in love with all of the images you captured. XO!
Rachel and Jack, here’s to a lifetime of wonderful memories together! XO!
If you’d like to see the video slideshow, click HERE.
Their creative team..
Reception and Ceremony Site – The Beverly Mansion — Marengo, oh
Caterer -taste of the best catering
Cake – bess cakery
DJ/Band – JT Michaels
Hair – rosemary and pine salon
Make up – arc artistry
Wedding Planner – ME!
Rehearsal dinner – BRAVO crucial italiana
Wedding gown designer –Eessense of Australia
Their songs….
A very large chunk of this is a blur. So I am not sure all the songs we used but here is what I do know:
Processional – Marry Me by Train for the Bridesmaids
Danger Zone for the boys
First dance – I don’t dance – Lee Brice
Father/Daughter – Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
……………………………
Fun facts about their day…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
B: Coming around the tree and seeing jack at the end of the aisle.
G: the hilarious, yet slightly inappropriate comments made by the brides mom
What was your favorite detail?
B: omg the cupcakes. They were incredible.
G: the brides dress
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
B:Don’t get caught up in all the details. At the end of the day you are married whether it was perfect or not.
G: happy wife, happy life
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Not a thing. It was perfect for us.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Catalonia bavaro – punta Cana, Dominican Republic – the resort should be condemned. Don’t go.
Abigail. 6 Months Big.
Look at these baby blues!
Sweet baby just loves her toes!
Here are a few fun facts about Abigail…
What is your favorite memory during your child’s first 6 months of life?
ALL OF THEM! Anytime when she’s fallen asleep nestled in my neck (makes my heart skip a beat- my favorite snuggles). Mom
Today, when I was able to get her to belly laugh for a sustained period. Dad
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in her first 6 months that you’d like to share?
(From moms eyes): dad was watching Abigail while mom had her “me” day- pedi, massage, hair. Poor Abigail started to get an ear infection, & was vomiting frequently & In high volume. When mom got home, dad was covered in baby vomit, with a look of terror on his face. The next day, the video went viral with the dad with a vomiting baby. I felt terrible for Abbs, but mom couldn’t help but to laugh at dads plight.
What about this age has been your favorite and why?
Watching her eyes take in everything around her with a sense of wonder and curiosity on her cute little face!- mom
Watching her become a little more mobile every day. Each day she learns a little more that will soon allow her to crawl. Dad
One word to describe your baby is… HAPPY!!!!
What is your child’s favorites…
Animal: kitty cat (our meow is Millie- she always knows where Millie is)
Food: carrots
Toy: a big orange fishy that shakes and makes fun noises with the different material.
Song or Book: the going to bed book
How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
Always a fun, pleasant experience!
Margaret. Newborn.
Proud big sisters! I’ve photographed all of these girls when they were newborns! (Thank you for the honor, Mindy, xo!)
Evie’s eyes!
The model sister!
And just like that, three girls!
Here are a few fun facts about Margaret…
I had a c-section, so the doctor showed me the baby over the curtain and then she was whisked away by the nurses. Brian got to bond with Margaret while the doctors finished with me. I didn’t get to hold her until I was in recovery.
8lbs 6oz, 21″
We told Anabelle that I picked her name and Brian picked out Evie’s name. So, she came to the conclusion that she would get to name the baby since she was the next oldest in the family. We laughed it off. But then Brian didn’t like the names I picked and I didn’t like the name he picked. Anabelle ended up suggesting Margaret. We both liked it and were surprised by the suggestion. I didn’t know how she came up with it until she was playing computer games on PBS kids and I heard her and Daniel Tiger taking care of “baby Margaret.” We kept the name despite the cartoon inspiration.
The biggest surprise has been how much love grows. I was so in love with Anabelle that I was afraid I wouldn’t love Evie as much when she was born. I was wrong. Same fear when Margaret was born and I was wrong again!
Crystal Jo has now photographed all of my children starting with newborn photos. She knows my tastes pretty well by now. And I can trust that she will take whatever vague items I’ve brought with me to the shoot, take inspiration from them, and turn them into magic.
Katie and Ryan. Married.
The nuzzle.
The first look.
GORGEOUS. JUST GORGEOUS!
SOOOOOO HAPPPY!
Left photo, love the sisters little love kick which was totally unprompted.
Bingmer girls, I have to tell you this. You all do this cute little nuzzle at the best times. I saw it multiple times throughout the day, from sisters and mom. So I’m, from now on, calling it the Bingmer Nuzzle. You now have a FANTASTIC pose named after you. Congratulations. 🙂
My ALL TIME favorite groomsmen sock photo of ALL TIME!
The Ceremony…
This is Katie’s dear friend, who is also a photographer, capturing a photo. She was VERY helpful during the busy moments of the day, knowing exactly where people were and exactly what we needed when we needed it. I’m hopeful you all will see her on my blog helping at future weddings. 🙂
After the ceremony, Katie and Ryan shared some special moments…
And this is one of them. Absolutely candid. I’m not even sure they knew I was hiding nearby. I just love it so..
The M&M’s were significant as they were on every table. Katie’s grandmother always had a bowl of M&M’s out at her house. Memories of these chocolate candies and Grandma’s house go hand in hand. A wonderful way to remember Grandma!
Introducing the newlyweds!
That moment when the three sisters are together. And the middle sister tells everyone she’s the favorite because she was the chosen maid of honor. Made us all laugh.
The sweetest cake smash I’ve ever seen..
Because they are tuba players…
Behind the scenes with Crystal Jo Foto. Where we snuggle babies and share photo memories.
Where we have purple hair and our fabulous Bride’s don’t care.
Here’s Tasha looking all hot in her maxi dress. <3
Meet Alyssa (Katie’s photographer friend mentioned above). Best designated helper of all time!
Katie and Ryan. My people. I’ve adored you since we became so well acquainted during your sisters labor. You pressed your heads together and watched Elise holding her son for the first moments of his life. You looked at each other with so much love. Ever since that day, I knew this day, your wedding day, was going to be a good one. I knew I’d see that same kind of overwhelming love. I knew I’d catch those sweet glimpses of exhilarating love. Thank you for sharing the love, for being yourselves, and for letting us document it. It sure is beautiful. XO!
CLICK HERE to view the video slideshow.
Here are a few fun facts about this awesome couple…
Vendors…
Reception and Ceremony Site: The Vue
Caterer – Metro Cuisine
Cake – Elise Sullivan, sister of the groom
Flowers – Sheila Wiens, aunt of the groom
DJ/Band – Buckeye Entertainment
Ceremony Music – Buckeye Entertainment
Hair – Amanda from Style for the Aisle
Make up- Kirstin Bingmer, sister of the bride
Dance Lessons – Invitation to Dance
Invitations – Vista print (lol)
Rehearsal dinner – Columbus Brewing Company
Wedding gown designer – Perfect Weddings
……………………………
your songs….
Processional Canon in D on piano, Pas de Deux from the Nutcracker
recessional This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) Natalie Cole
grand entrance Raise Your Glass by Pink
first dance Mean to Me by Brett Eldridge
cake cutting Felt Good on My Lips by Tim McGraw
father/daughter Call My Name by Bruce Springsteen
last dance We can’t remember… too drunk.
……………………………
Fun Questions to answer…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Bride: We escaped into the bridal loft right after exiting the ceremony, and
having that few minutes alone with my new husband to take it all in and just
be together was amazing. (And Crystal Jo got sneaky photos of this and
they’re my favorites!)
Groom: Seeing Katie for the first time. Doing first look photos was the best
choice for us and I will always remember seeing Katie for the first time in
her beautiful dress.
What was your favorite detail?
Bride: My family has a (quirky) tradition of always having a bowl of M&Ms
set out for guests whenever they visit. I loved our personalized M&Ms set
out at every table as a sign of welcome and to remember those in my
family who were not able to celebrate with us.
Groom: My brother-in-law home brewed craft beers for our wedding.
Having unique beers just for us was a nice touch to our wedding.
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Bride: I just encourage everyone to have fun. A wedding is really just a
party with everyone who loves you, so enjoy it! If you’re having fun,
everyone else will, too!
Groom: Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things will probably go wrong, but as
long as you and your guests have a good time that is all that people will
remember.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Bride: One detail I was apprehensive about was taking all our pictures
before the ceremony. We had to do it that way because of the timeline of
the day. I was worried that the ceremony wouldn’t feel as special if my
groom and I saw each other before. I was so wrong! I loved the time we
had before the ceremony! The whole bridal party was relaxed, we had tons
of time for Crystal Jo to work her magic, and the ceremony was still perfect.
If anyone is considering a first look I strongly recommend it!
Groom: No.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Sandals resort in Jamaica! Shout out to our vacation planner Joellen
Poncheri!
How was your experience with Crystal Jo Foto? If you have a favorite
memory with her, please share it.
Bride: I loved how fun she was, but I really appreciated how dedicated she
was to getting great pictures. I had an idea of where I wanted to shoot first
look pictures, but Crystal Jo convinced me that we would have better
pictures in a different location, due to lighting and other factors. She of
course was right, and the pictures turned out wonderful! I’m so glad we
trusted her to capture our day!
Groom: Crystal Jo was fantastic! She photographed my sister’s wedding so
we already knew her style and she did a fantastic job again. Katie and I are
not the most photogenic people ever, but she did a great job encouraging
us and taking some amazing photographs!
Jenlynn. One Year Big.
THESE LOOKS, RIGHT HERE! (Just wait until you see the next photo!)
Cracks me up! She did this the entire session. It’s like she’s saying, “no Mom, I’m the star of the show!”
A couple of months ago, I asked folks to share their Easter baskets on my Facebook fan page. I randomly chose a winner for a free session and this little doll won. Super excited to finally meet you, Jennlyn. XO, sweet girl!
And we headed back to the studio for a cake smash…
Here are a few fun facts about Jennlyn…
What is your favorite memory during your child’s first year of life?
Dad-when she came home, her first smile, her first laugh, first time saying dada
Mom- geting to hold and kiss her for the first time. We had to wait a while since she was so premature. Then getting to bring her home after 51 days in the NICU and knowing we were in the clear.
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in her first year that you’d like to share?
She’s recently has been told ” no” when she tried to put the remote control in her mouth. After being told ” mommy is going to take it from you if you do it again” she rolled her eyes, stared mommy down and chucked the remote.
What age/month has been your favorite and why?
They all have been wonderful, each stage bringing new and exciting firsts. However the stage she’s currently in is our favorite because she has so much personality and is entertaining and fun!
One word to describe your baby is…
Dad-spunk
Mom-PERFECT
What is your child’s favorites…
Animal: haha a lion. She growls anytime she sees a toy lion.
Food: bread or puffs
Toy:rubber ducks
Song or Book: Ten Little Ladybugs, Fox in Socks
Bea. 6 Months Big.
Ben.
Henry.
The many faces of Bea…
Real life, friends.
Here are a few fun facts about Bea…
What is your favorite memory during your child’s first six months?
She rolled over for the first time (back to front) on Mother’s Day! So it felt really special.
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in these six months that you’d like to share?
It’s been a whirlwind but I love watching her interact with her brothers.
What has been your favorite about stage and why?
Since she’s our last baby, I’ve been savoring the snuggly stage. And the rolls! And the soft soft baby skin!
One word to describe your baby is…
Happy. She embodies the meaning of her name – bringer of happiness.
What is your child’s favorites…
Animal: pink bunny
Food: nursie milk – not loving the solids so far
Toy: her car seat dolly or bunny
Song or Book: Baby Beluga
How are the big brothers taking to their new little sister?
It’s pretty much always a love fest. Ben coos – “Bea bea” and Henry loves to show off his “baby” especially at our Music Together class.
How was your experience with Crystal Jo Foto?
Excellent as always. She’s always smiling and the kids love her.
Hannah. Newborn.
Amelia is a BIG sister!
Here are a few fun facts about sweet Hannah….
Tell us about that first moment when you saw your baby.
I was so excited to finally meet her. I couldn’t believe how tiny she seemed and how much she looked like her older sister, except she definitely has daddy’s nose. Daddy was shocked by how much hair she had.
What was your baby’s birth weight and length?
6 pounds, 15 ounces and 20 inches long
Is there a story behind your baby’s name?
Hanna is my mom’s maiden name, so we wanted to incorporate that family name but we liked it better with an H on the end. Mae is the middle name of two of my paternal aunts.
Give us the scoop. What has surprised you the most about parenthood? Are there any funny stories or firsts that you’d like to share?
I’m surprised by how much love Hannah’s big sister Amelia already has for her. I’m also surprised by how little infants sleep and how much they poop…I can’t believe how much you forget in 3 years.
What did you like best about your experience with Crystal Jo?
The experience is easy and the photos are amazing. Crystal Jo seems like a friend we’ve had for a long time; she is a natural at making you feel comfortable and soothing babies!