Brynleigh. One Year Big.
Of course this cutie has to belong to a super cute couple…
Brynleigh is always SO happy.
And she’s a FAST little booger!
The birthday girl is ready to party!
Interior design done by Brynleigh. It’s called toys. Everywhere.
And she really sparkles.
She’s fast, she’s fun, and she’s definitely one.
Mom and Dad answered some questions about Brynleigh’s first year…
What is your favorite memory during her first year of life?
Belly laughs!!!!! Brynleigh’s laughter and smile is infectious! You can not help but to giggle and smile when she walks in the room….which she has been walking since 9 months!
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in her first year that you’d like to share?
Quiet children are usually up to no good! The funniest story we have is when Brynleigh was being ever so quiet and being “such a good little girl,” playing in the corner alone. When Mike checked to see what she was doing, she had taken her diaper off all by herself and pooped on the floor!!!!
What age/month has been your favorite and why?
While I do miss the constant excuse for snuggles during the baby months….our favorite age has been 9-12 months. She is learning something new every day and changing (we swear by the second). She is really turning into her own little person. And thankfully, Brynleigh still loves to snuggle!
One word to describe your baby is…
Miracle. It may sound so cliché’ ….but Brynleigh is truly mommy and daddy’s little miracle. We fought so hard to get her, months changed to years of heartache and pain, almost losing each other until she came along. Each day is a blessing and the world seems like a brighter place with her in it. If the path was paved just for her, we would walk it again a million times to bring that little miracle into our lives.
Brynleigh’s favorites…
Animal: “kitties”, we have 2 cats and 2 dogs…..but all animals are called “kitty” and she wants to touch and snuggle them all.
Food: this child will eat EVERYTHING! thank goodness she is not a picky eater like her momma. Dill pickle spears seem to be a hit. She can finish a spear in a matter of minutes!
Toy: her babies. Mommy tried so very hard not to have baby dolls in the house (they freak me out). but how can you say no to your child when she grabs it at the store, hold it close and kisses its forehead?!?! Momma bought Brynleigh her first baby doll when she was about 8 months old right then and there, now babies are one of her favorite toys….she has 6!
Ox. 6 Months Big.
If you thought Ox was handsome at his 3 month session, take a look at this little heart throb now…
Doesn’t he just look SO dapper in the little suit he wore to his dedication ceremony at church?!
I don’t know what’s more precious, his tiny toes or his chunky rolls.
And he’s crawling!
Ox, you literally melt my heart! XO!
Project 52
Week 6 of 52: I left my heart in (insert fav place)
Okay, so I pondered this theme ALL week and I just couldn’t come up with a location that was current and fitting for “I left my heart in…”
Google says, “I left my heart in San Francisco”. We did go to San Fran in September and I thought about taking a photo of the cute little cable car we picked up at a Souvenir shop but…. I didn’t really leave my heart there. My heart is at home. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE going on vacation and I have tons of favorite places to travel. But… home is where my heart is.
Our little friend, Gavin, stopped by yesterday to drop off a sweet Valentine for Pixie. It was crayons melted into the shape of a heart and a little note that read, “You put the ART in HEART.” Adorable.
I left my heart in.. a crayon. At home. In my little girl’s hands. 🙂
Canon 5DMkII, 35mm f/1.4
ISO 400, f/2.8, 1/250 sec
See another take on this theme from Megan, HERE.
Project 52
Week 5 of 52: Self Portrait with Loved One(s)
This photo is one of my faves from the week and I KNOW I’m breaking the rules by sharing an iPhone photo but I JUST LOVE IT SO! She took her typical two hour nap in her crib and woke up still sleepy. She asked for “Momma’s bed” in the cutest little voice and I just couldn’t say no! I think she just wanted to use Momma AS a bed. She slept on me like this for over an hour. No complaining came from Momma’s bed.
So I did break out the big camera when I saw my little girl helping Daddee shovel the driveway.
And I really do love my husband, but this self-timer, freezing cold, prop the camera up on my glove on the snowy stoop thing was an EPIC FAIL.
ISO 1600, f/2.5, 1/160 sec
Ben. 2 Years Big.
Ben loved the train exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory. You can see the wonder in his eyes.
Safe in Momma’s arms. 
Those cheeks! 
Dads are so fun!
SOOO BIG!
Ben, my one wish for you is that you make a wish and never stop wishing.
Evie. 9 Months Big.
Evie has beautiful eyes but it’s ALL about the tongue right now. Cracks me up!
Evie drinks milk…
And big sister, Anabelle, drinks milk…
Evie, I love those gorgeous eyes and cute little piggies!
She’s such a big girl. Look at her newest skill. Standing.
When I see you next, you will be the big ONE.
Oh my!
Project 52
Week 4 of 52: Simplicity
It couldn’t get more simple than a Crock Pot meal. I’ve never made a whole chicken in a slow cooker and LET ME JUST TELL YOU…it was DELISH! I just added a cup of chicken broth and salt and pepper. Simple.
Canon 5DMkIII, 35mm f/1.4
ISO 400, 100mm, f/1.4, 1/125 sec
See another take on Simplicity from Nicole, HERE.
Sarah and Jimmy. Engaged.
Can you tell these pictures were taken at 8 0’clock in the morning? It was Martin Luther King Day and let me just tell you…IT WAS FREEZING!
Sarah and Jimmy really wanted snow for their session. Although we weren’t expecting snow that morning, they got their wish. Right when we started shooting, it started snowing. So cool!
It was below 20 degrees. Their love kept them warm.
Congrats on your engagement, friends. Xo!
When and where is your wedding?
September 14, 2013 at Scioto Reserve in Powell, Ohio
How did you meet?
We met through our good friends, Matt and Jennifer. But it wasn’t one of those, “I want to set you up with so and so types of situations”; we were merely introduced as friends. James asked Matt for Sarah’s number that night. A week later, we reconnected at Matt’s apartment for an OSU football game; we have spent almost every day together since.
Tell us about your proposal!
James: On a cool spring day in May I suggested that we go to a local metro park with our dog Kali. I had recently heard of the park through a friend and was told there was an overlook where we could see bald eagles along with a great view. We hiked a few miles to this site and we enjoyed the sunset together. I expressed my love for her, got down on one knee, and asked her to be my wife. She said YES =).
Sarah: We have date night every week, usually on Tuesdays. That Tuesday I had to work late so we decided on Wednesday (so I wouldn’t expect anything apparently :)). We wanted to take our dog, Kali, on a walk because it was so nice out and with High Banks right down the road we could let her off the leash and she could run. We walked a few miles to this beautiful bridge with an amazing view. He had Kali sit as he said all these sweet things, I honestly don’t remember anything he said. Then he took out the ring and got down on one knee.
What’s your favorite thing about your significant other?
James: My favorite thing about Sarah is the way she makes me feel when I’m feeling down about something. She has a way of making sure I know everything will be alright.
Sarah: My favorite thing about Jimmy is his heart. He is the most caring person I’ve ever met. He puts everyone else before himself and would honestly do anything for me.
What makes you guys unique?
Jimmy: Sarah and I are unique because our love is different than any other relationship. We have never slept in different rooms because of a fight and we’ve almost always kissed each other goodnight. It’s the little things.
Sarah: We are unique because he really is my best friend. He’s the person I go to for advice, for anything exciting that happens, for any reason I’m upset. We talk about everything and we are 100% honest with each other.
How did you find Crystal Jo?
We actually aren’t sure. We made a list of all of the photographers that we wanted to meet and talk with, and she happened to be one of them. But how she got on that list we don’t really know. We like to call it, fate. =)
Becky and Janjan. Married.
I’ll refresh your memory of their love story because it is THAT good.
Happiness meets reality for these two. They met in the Philippines while Becky was a Peace Corps volunteer. They fell in love and had a very happy relationship overseas. When Becky was finished with her duties, she came back to the US to finish school. They’ve kept their relationship alive with Skype and online messaging. A couple of months ago, Janjan moved to America for his one and only soulmate. They are so completely in love and it’s just beautiful to witness.
Becky wore her sister’s wedding gown. I really love this sentiment. 
Light Girl, amazing ring shot. XO!
The flowers are ALMOST as beautiful as the bride. These flowers were Becky’s favorite wedding detail. 
The new Hilton downtown is FREAKING AMAZE-SAUCE. A photographers dream come true! And the bride and groom, too. They opted for a First Look before the ceremony. This makes the day so much more relaxed!
Red high heels!
She’s so proud of her Filipino husband!
Um, really. How hot is this?!
C’mon sis. Let’s go get married!
At the end of the ceremony, Becky and Janjan pressed their foreheads together and shared a special moment. The first time looking into each others eyes as husband and wife. It was so romantic and memorable.
Janjan’s family was not able to come to America from the Philippines for the wedding. They were streaming and watching proudly via Skype. Becky’s Aunt nearly did the splits to get the perfect angle for Janjan’s family. 🙂
By day.
By night. WEDDING FAVE! 
Behind the scenes with Crystal Jo Foto. Where ALL the fun happens. And there was A LOT of fun to be had with this cute couple! (Ana, thank you so much for rockin’ out the double-header-wedding-weekend-right-after-Christmas-when-your-traveling-Momma-was-still-visiting. Love you bunches!)
Mmmkkk. We’ve learned NOT to throw snow directly at our brides. Sawwy, Becky! 🙂
Tasha came for some foto booth fun. 
To view a slideshow of some of my favorites from the day, click HERE. If you’d like to pre-register your email address to view ALL of the wedding photos (that will be released soon), click HERE.
Their creative team…
Reception and Ceremony Site: North Bank Pavilion Columbus, Ohio
Video: My Aunt Michel & Uncle Steve
Caterer: Berwick Manor
Cake: The Cake Studio
Flowers: Paula Bertino
DJ/Band: Chris Snodgrass
Ceremony Music: Capital City Sound
Hair and Make up: Charles Penzone Gahanna
Wedding Planner: Paula Bertino
Invitations: Invitationconsultants.com
Jewelry: My mother
Rehearsal dinner: My mom’s house, catered by City BBQ
Wedding gown designer: It was my sister’s gown
Their songs….
Processional: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional: Trumpet Voluntary
Grand entrance: Cannon in D
First dance: Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
Cake cutting: How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
Their memories…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Bride: For me, the most memorable moment of the day was standing in front looking at Janjan as we exchanged vows. I was totally “in the zone” and forgot there was a room full of people watching us. It was surreal.
Groom: When the minister announced us for the first time and we walked together out of the building as husband and wife. Also, when my nephew Ben ran down the aisle to me and gave me a big hug.
What was your favorite detail?
Bride: I loved the wild greenery in my bouquet and the table arrangements; some of the plants looked like small succulents or cacti, which I love.
Groom: My favorite detail is the rings, especially the engraving we had on the inside.
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Bride: Let it go. The wedding will happen whether you worry about the details or not, and you’ll be too busy and euphoric to notice many details on the wedding day anyways. Just enjoy!
Groom: Don’t be stressed and enjoy your wedding because it’s your day!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Bride: The only thing I wish for is that Janjan’s family could have flown in from the Philippines to see the wedding in person instead of steaming live via Skype. Also, a wider aisle to walk down. Otherwise, the day was wonderful!
Groom: I also wish my family was there, especially my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Honeymoon? What’s that? I’m finishing a nursing program in Baltimore, Maryland and classes started again January 2nd, so our honeymoon was the drive from Ohio to Maryland. West Virginia rest stops — romantic, no?
How was your experience with Crystal Jo Foto? If you have a favorite memory with her, please share it.
It was great — she was on time, calm, and collected on a wild day. My favorite memory is when we took some photos outside in the snow under the arch. We traded shoes (I almost walked down the aisle in green polka dot rain boots), and she accidentally threw snow on us. Talk about freezing!
Bentley. 9 Months Big.
Bentley is too pretty for makeup but she sure loves playing with Mommy’s.
Just look at this little Jelly Belly bean! “Oh, you caught me!”
Cutest lamb ever!
Standing so proud and showing off her two little teeth. Bentley, you are SO precious!! Love you, little bean!