Cory, Ami, Cole and Brad. Family. Forever.
Fun!!
Look how cute these Cory and Cole personalized signs are. Cole was so proud of his room! He was showing me everything and even wanted me to climb up to the top bunk of this new bunk beds. I love the innocence of children.
Look, Cory can do a push up and he’s only nine months big. Strong little guy. 🙂
I think this is the cutest family photo. So playful and real. 
We did the entire session at their new home. I always find “home photos” to be very meaningful and intimate. 
Houston. 9 Months Big.
Look how cute! With a belt on and some white penny loafers. Freaking adorable!
I love me some Houston!
The Cicora Fam. 
Adorable. As always. I love the boys in their matching shirts and Nico with his rolled jeans. Gigi even had rolled jeans under her summer dress. So cute. 
LOOOOOVE!
This little piggy went to the market. This little piggy went ….to the lake… (talk about an awesome location..the lake, bridges, rocks and beautiful paths were right behind the Cicora household. So NICE!)
Be still my heart… (session fave)
Happy boy. Drew smiled the ENTIRE session!
Safe in daddy’s arms.
A little behind the scenes. (Thank you, Jenn, for bringing your camera along and snapping this! You are so very thoughtful. :))
Paul and Alissa. Married.
These family photos were so much fun. F’real.
The bride is as radiant as the sun. 
The bride and her father walked all the way across the park. It was beautiful. This is always my favorite part of the day. Everyone stood and gasped as she walked by.
The pastor told a beautiful story about relationships and love.
Um, seriously, the backdrop of Franklin Park couldn’t be any better. Just put a beautiful bride and groom in the middle, and, wah-lah, PERFECTION. 
Tasha recently pinned a similar photo to this on Pinterest. I saw it and said, OHHHHH, I HAVE to do this!
Weeeeeeeeee!
I love it when friends and family can really celebrate love on a wedding day. You can see it all over Alissa’s sister’s face. She’s happy they are so happy.
The reception was held in the Palm House. It’s an extraordinary tropical plant greenhouse. The ambiance is so warm and lush. Alissa and Paul topped it off with 20’s themed centerpieces which included vintage books for a spin on the traditional table numbers we typically see at weddings. Oh, and matching bookmarks for the guests.
Now this is a welcoming grand entrance…
Alissa’s very proud brother had a contagious smile that never left his face.
DE-LISH!
That’s right, girl, get it!
Paul is a photographer by day. Dancer by night. (We were actually in the same photography class in high school. Small world.)
Foto Booth!
Stunning. I love the intricate Victorian architecture. It’s so dramatic, colorful and unique.
A little behind the scenes….
Pixie Jo made this beautiful bride a card. Isn’t she SO thoughtful?!
LOVE MY “JOB”. F’rizzle. (Oh, and I love it when bridesmaids so elegantly help us out. Thanks, doll!)
It’s hard to see it in this photo…but Tasha is holding TWO diffusers. She’s getting her arm workout on! (Paul, don’t kill me for posting this photo. You’re so handsome in all of the other ones. :))
Dude, I totally walked backwards and stumbled on a wine glass that was sitting on the ground. Woopsies. I love their reaction! Oh, NO YOU D’INT.
Behind the foto booth scene…
Thank you, Mr.& Mrs. Klein, for choosing Crystal Jo Foto to photograph your classy, AMAZING wedding day. It was a true honor and we had a great time. Your families are so thoughtful and just a true joy to be around. AND…the food was fantabulous! Tasha, I’m sending huge hugs your way. I know this was a hard day for you, leaving your little guy for the first time. (She just had a baby, folks!) Thank you. You are SO much help and you produce amazing photos.
Their details…
Reception and Ceremony Site: Franklin Park Conservatory (Palm House and West Terrace)
Caterer: Cameron Mitchell Catering
Cupcakes and cake: Bakery Gingham
Flowers: Fireside Florists & Gifts
DJ/Ceremony Music: Night Music
Hair and Make up: Studio Fovero
Invitations: Designed by Paul (the groom) and Kelly Keirn
Jewelry: Banana Republic
Rehearsal dinner: Schmidt’s Restaurant & Sausage Haus
Wedding gown designer: Mori Lee
……………………………
Their songs….
processional: Appalachian Waltz by Edgar Myer, Mark O’Connor, Yo-Yo Ma
bride’s entrance: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
recessional: Fanfare pour le Carrousel Royal by Lully
grand entrance: Star Wards Throne Room Theme Song
first dance: She’s Got a Way by Billy Joel
father/daughter: My Girl by The Temptations
mother/son: Forever Young by Eddie Vedder
last dance: I don’t remember : (
……………………………
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Alissa: There are so many memorable moments, but the one I always think of first is, as I stood at the end of the aisle, and the bridal entrance song began to play, I looked down the aisle only to see Paul scrunching and shading his eyes in attempt to get a glimpse of me. He had been staring into the sun for a few minutes, and by the time I came down the aisle, he could barely see anything.
Paul: The most memorable moment was the first words I heard from my wife: “slow down.” I was so excited to get on to the reception, I forgot Alissa could barely walk with her heels and dress. My first words: “I’m sorry.”
What was your favorite detail?
Alissa: Definitely our 1920s inspiration. Paul and I both love that era, and we wanted to incorporate as many ’20s aspects as possible. I chose the birdcage instead of a long veil; Paul’s tuxedo was Gatsby-like; instead of table numbers, we labeled each table with the name of a popular book from the ’20s; the D.J. played ’20s jazz during the cocktail hour and while guests were eating. I loved every single aspect!
Paul: The awesome book covers on each table were my favorite detail (and not just because I made them myself).
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Alissa: Stop and think about what you’re experiencing during various points of your wedding day. The day will pass so quickly, and it will be easy to forget if you don’t make an effort to make it memorable. You will never be able to relive your big day again, and you certainly don’t want to forget it!
Paul: My advice for future bride and grooms is to not let the excitement and fast-pace of the day burn through like a short-fused firecracker. Savor it: stop and take in moments together. As Alissa’s Step-Father told me “this is the only time this group of people will ever be together.”
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Alissa: Absolutely not. I was so happy and thankful that everything turned out the way it did.
Paul: If I could do it over again, I would eat more chicken. Boursin cheese in chicken. Bravo, Cameron Mitchell. Bravo.
Favorite moment with your awesome photographer Crystal Jo?! 🙂
Alissa: Even though I was running about 30 minutes behind schedule on the wedding day, Crystal Jo never made me feel rushed. She knew how to make up for time and get us back on schedule without pushing me through my wedding day. She understood how important it was for me to enjoy every minute of it. Oh, and she’s a super fun, wonderfully talented photographer.
Paul: Best moment with Crystal Jo was when she took our pictures outside when the conservatory was lit-up with color like Rickie Fowler’s closet. (Okay, Paul. I had to google “Rickie Fowler”. I seriously busted out laughing when his photo popped up.)
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Alissa: In the fall, Paul and I will be traveling to Germany.
Paul: We are going to Germany in autumn for our honeymoon, but we did take a “pre-honeymoon” to Niagara Falls just after the wedding.
Friends and family, if you would like to register your email address so you are messaged when all of the wedding photos are available for viewing, click HERE.
If you would like to watch the fabulous video slideshow, click HERE.
Aaron and Britt. Married. 
To view the SLIDESHOW, click HERE.
Pretty ladies!
Britt gifted Aaron a photo frame. “Our Baby”, with the wedding date, was etched into the frame. What?! Our BABY?!? The wedding frame she had ordered came in as a “we’re expecting” frame. It was a mistake by the maker, but she still gifted him the frame. His expression says it all….
I love the bubbles and the girls holding the flowers. Great capture, Nicole!
Meet our bride, Britt. She’s a real beauty. (And love the groom’s boutonniere, too.)
Here’s the handsome groom. And he is HILARIOUS. It was ridiculously easy to get him to laugh. 🙂
Now the ladies in blue and gents in black join in the fun!
I pinky swear to be with you forever. FOREVER. Pinky swear.
Aren’t they adorable?! We went to a nearby park. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful couple.
A special request from the bride and groom. Playground photos. How playful and fun is this couple!?
Funnest. Bride. And. Groom. EVER.
Cool socks!
For the love of all things ADORABLE.
Britt, you are BEAUTIFUL. I love how your groom is looking at you here. So pretty.
Time to partay!
This was the location of the reception. The Kehoe Center. So pretty.
The bridal party rocked my socks! You know the clapping game teachers do to get their students to pay attention? Clap, clap. Clap, clap, clap, clap. And the children repeat it until everyone is quiet. Well, I totally did this with this large bridal party. It TOTALLY worked and they thought it was hilarious. Thanks for all of the laughs, guys!
It’s all about the details. You may remember the table number shoot we did. CLICK HERE to see more. Aaron is a painter so his groomsmen cake was very fitting.
I love the movement and colors in this first dance photo.
Bouquet toss. It’s dangerous laying on the floor in front of these {eager to marry} ladies!
Dance. Dance. DANCE.
Cake SMASH. And yes, they did smash. It was AWESOME! 
The Dollar Dash. I’ve never seen this at a wedding before. It was a cool twist on the common dollar dance. The bride versus the groom. They ran around the reception hall and collected dollars from their guests. All of the gathered cash went to charity. The loser of the dollar dash has to cook for two weeks. The groom won by nine bucks. (Further investigation was needed and a recount. Maybe he won by a little more than nine bucks. But shouldn’t ladies always be first, Aaron?!) Either way…they raised over $400 for charity. Good stuff! 
Groom + Garter = Iced. Have you ever heard of “getting iced”? The rules are simple: If a person sees a Smirnoff Ice, he or she must get down on one knee and chug it, unless they happen to be carrying their own Smirnoff, in which case they can “ice block,” or refract the punishment back onto the attacker. In order to dupe people into stumbling across the beverage, participants have devised creative ways of presenting them with Ices, like strapping the bottle to the garter. And the groom gets ICED.
A sundae bar at the reception. Yes, please!
Our fabulous foto booth was a HUGE hit!
A HOPPING foto booth!
A little behind the scenes. (When Britt saw this photo, she said, “That’s my favorite one!”) That’s right, sister!
Meet Nicole. This was her first wedding with me. She did FABULOUS! (Even Aaron and Britt said she was fun and easy to be around. I think she’s a keeper. Wink, wink.)
Seriously. I love my “job”.
Warning…this photographer likes to get ALL up close and personal. Whaaaaa…really?! (No worries, brides, I’m happily married. Hehe)
Nicole, you’re cute. And you laugh at my lame jokes. That makes you double cute.
Meeting the bride and groom on the red carpet. I’m officially paparazzi! Papa, Papa, Paparazzi. 
We all fall down… I was taking a photo of the groomsmen and their really cool socks. I bent down to fix one of the guys’ slacks. I stood up while he bent down. We totally crashed heads together. Wo-MAN down. (I was way dramatic about it, to get a good laugh out of the guys. It worked.) No photographer (or groomsmen) hurt in the making of this photo.
Dude, I’m SUCH a foto booth crasher..
We’re fun photographers. That’s all.
Rockin’ it out.
I made a special appearance and delivered The Brill’s wedding photos to their beautiful home. I was so excited to present them with a slideshow of my faves…right before their honeymoon. Yes! (Have SO much fun in Cozumel, friends!)
The Details…
Ceremony – First Lutheran Church, Shelby, Ohio
Reception – Kehoe Center, Shelby, Ohio
Caterer – Fast Eddies, Bellville, Ohio
Flowers – Floral Garden, Mansfield, Ohio
DJ/Band – Albert Entertainment, Shelby,Ohio
Hair and Make up – Details Hair Salon, Shelby, Ohio
Invitations – Avant-Garde Impressions, Westerville,Ohio ( HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!)
Rehearsal dinner – Legends Bar & Grill, Shelby,Ohio
Wedding gown designer – Wendy’s specialty design, Dublin, Ohio
……………………………
The Songs….
Cake Cutting | Can’t help myself – Four tops
First Dance | Jason Mraz – I won’t give up
Father/Daughter | Celine Dion – Because you loved me
Mother/Son | Boyz II Men – A song for Mama
Grand Entrance – Evolution of Time processional – Night at the Roxberry, Do the Twist, YMCA, Jump on It, Thriller, Brady Bunch, Cotton Eye Joe, Ice Ice Baby (It was freaking AWESOME!)
……………………………
The Memories…
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Aaron- Honestly, when my eyes made contact with the prettiest thing God created. I looked forward to that moment for months and let me tell you, that was the best cheesecake I have ever eaten!!!
Brittany- Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing my future in front of my eyes! That and taking photos with Crystal Jo who made an entire wedding party sing the ABC’s which is very important to an educator ☺
What was your favorite detail?
Aaron – Detail? There were no details in the day. It went by so quick that it all blended together. If I had to choose something, it would be the smiles on everyone’s face. That detail, is unforgettable.
Brittany – Ummmmm a wedding day is no detail? Very hard to remember, a blur, but probably when his groomsman sang me the Gilmore Girls song “Where you Lead” while I was getting my hair done. I watch Gilmore Girls every night and he had his groomsman, who is an amazing singer, sing it to me in front of the entire salon ☺
Any advice for future bride/grooms?
Aaron – Choose Crystal Jo Foto ☺
Britt – Don’t ever choose another photographer. Crystal Jo Foto is the way to go!!!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Aaron – I’d marry a millionaire instead, but I think my school teacher with her Masters will suffice in this life time ☺
Britt – I would try to savor every moment a little bit more because it goes so fast! Good thing I have the photos!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Aaron – We went on a European tour stopping in Italy, France and Greece and then sailed over to Australia. It was a great time! Then Britt woke me up from my dream.
Brittany – Cozumel, Mexico where the water is blue and there are drinks galore. I just hope I survive the plane ride.
Friends and family, the online gallery, with all of the wedding photos, will be ready for viewing soon. If you’d like to pre-register your email address, click HERE.
Thank you, Britt and Aaron, for giving me the extreme honor of photographing your BIG day. We really had a blast. You were so comfortable and fun with each other. It was so relaxing and easy. A photographers dream, really. Thank you! Xoxo, Crystal Jo
Meg and Dom. Engaged.
Meg laughs at all of Dominic’s jokes. I love that about her.
Isn’t this just lovely?!?
It was sprinkling at the beginning of our session. My strobe umbrella came in quiet handy. Until I left it hiding behind a car in one of the parking lots we were shooting in down in the Short North. I went back for it after the session ended and was (happily) shocked it was still there! 
These two really are meant for each other. Perfectly complimenting in every fashion. He makes her laugh. She makes him smile. The perfect match.
And SO MUCH FUN!
Run Lola Run. Ha! A little tidbit…I watched this bizarre movie in German class in tenth grade. I’m not sure why…but these running photos make me think of it. Love Meg’s crazy hair.
I love her feet. And her hair. So cute. My session fave.
The couple that plays together, stays together. Duh.
I’m in love with all of these playground photos!
This is the only behind the scenes shot I have to share. Do you see me?! These were some very fun shots to capture. Also VERY SCARY!
How did you meet?
Dom: We met through some friends about 7 or 8 years ago.
Meg: We met through friends in college… it seems like a lifetime ago!
Tell us about your proposal!
Dom: I was going to propose to her while we were on vacation in the Dominican this past March, but the more I looked into it, there was too much risk of security finding the ring and spoiling the whole thing. So, I decided to do it right before. A couple days before we left, I had told her I was going out with some friends that night and instead I was at her apartment waiting for her on one knee. As soon as she open the door I was there and surprised her. She couldn’t believe it was happening.
Meg: It was a total surprise! In 4 years he has never surprised me… so when I got home from work and he was in my apartment on one knee I was speechless. I think I said “is this really happening??” 5 times! haha
When and where is your wedding?
April 13, 2013 at the Valley Dale Ballroom
What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day or being married?
Dom: Being officially married and getting all of our friends and family together. It will be a great time.
Meg: I am looking forward to officially becoming a part of his family. I am so lucky that his family loves me just as much as my own! No crazy in-laws for us! Well maybe a little crazy, but the good crazy 🙂
What’s your favorite thing about your significant other?
Dom: I would have to say her smile. It is the most genuine smile I’ve ever seen.
Meg: He makes me laugh!
What makes you guys unique?
Dom: I don’t think we are that unique, but I think we definitely fit the “opposites attract” category. We both are different in many ways, but it all works out great obviously =)
Meg: I’m not sure that we’re all that different from everybody else! We love each other and we like to laugh and have a good time.
How did you find Crystal Jo?
The Walker’s… I (Meg) have known them since elementary school and have seen the photos you have done of their milestones (and LOVED them!). When we got engaged, it was one of the first things I thought of!
(Dominic was a groomsmen in Justin and Raewin’s wedding. So…he’s been in front of the Jo Foto camera before.)
Brynleigh. 3 Months Big.
Seems like time is FLYING. Really!
Look how big this beauty is getting…
Mommy gently sits her little caboose on the scale…
And then smashes her little buns so we can get a “real weight photo”. How funny are these love buns?!
Happy baby!
With all of her little friends.
Brynleigh. Beautiful. Big. Blue. Eyes. 
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more smiley three month old!
This piggy went to the market…
Just relaxing in the shade. Hoooo hum. (My session fave.)
Mommy saw this on pinterest and wanted to replicate for her little frog.
This is how we got the shot. Who has the hardest job here? The photographer (who is LAUGHING), Grandma (helping us shade the baby and getting an arm workout), Daddy (who just had shoulder surgery, toughing it out for his daughter!) or baby (who is laying on the concrete). I vote Daddy!
The things you’ll do to get a good photo! The things you’ll do for LOVE.
Reece and James. Expecting.
This “ring shot” makes me think of their wedding. Do you remember? All Tiffany themed and fabulous. 
Pretty.
Hands down. Session fave. Reece, you are seriously glowing. SO BEAUTIFUL!
I asked James and Reece if they had any props they wanted to use for the session. James told me he had a bunch of MICHIGAN stuff along with an outfit change. And the other outfit was MICHIGAN COLORS. WHAT?!
I took this photo shortly after I told them the session had to stop RIGHT NOW. I don’t photograph Michigan fans. 
But…I gave in…
As much as it kills me to say this (as I’m a BUCKEYE, not a Michigan fan) this is ADORABLE. James was laughing during these photos because he kept saying, “I know you are going to ridicule me on your blog for this!” Yes, James. I am. Michigan fans smell like duck droppings. There you go. That’s all I got. 
Michigan fans = big babies. Here’s proof…
Cutest little baby bump. (Even if it’s covered with Michigan colors.)
Group picture! And I love the reflection in my car. Yay for self timers!
How long have you been together/married?
We’ve been together for four years…but it feels like 14. Lol
Tell us something fun or unique about your relationship.
We met in high school and didn’t like each other at all. James was a jock and I was the overly involved (sports, clubs, plays, etc) honors student.
Tell us how you found out you were expecting.
I found out by closely following the calendar. A week later I surprised James with the news at a restaurant which included gifts and help from the waiters.
What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?
Favorite: Special treatment from friends, family and strangers,
Least Favorite: Traveling restraints and diet regimen
If you know the gender/name and story behind the name and would like to share it, tell us.
We’re having a boy and he’ll be named after his dad, James as the III. We actually refer to him by his nickname, which is Ox. Ox means the third in Mayan and the Mayan civilization is where I traveled to a few years ago to study abroad. The experience was life changing.
Is there a nursery or shower theme you’d like to share?
The shower theme is “Our Little Prince” and we’re decorating with royal blue and gold everything as well as customizing all banners, napkins, and balloons with Ox’s name and an image of a vintage regal crown. The nursery will be decorated in earth tone colors with artwork, prints and images of Mayan temples and such.
A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?
What and/or whom he’ll look like 🙂
How did you find Crystal Jo?
Crystal Jo is the amazing photographer that we found to photograph both our engagement photos and wedding!!!!!. My husband and I has recently nicknamed her “our family photographer”. Lol
Bob and Sheila. Married.
Bob is a dear friend of The Holt family. Grandpa Holt (who married Jason and I) married Bob and Sheila. It was such a touching and special ceremony.
My favorite part of a wedding day is always when the bride walks down the aisle. Sheila looks GORGEOUS! And Bob…he knows it!
Randy (on the left of Sheila) is Jason’s father. And Andy (on the right of Bob) is his uncle. And the girls on the outside are Bob and Sheila’s daughters. It was a family event! 
Happiness and love. Felt by all.
It was just contagious.
The first dance was “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw with Faith Hill.
Jenny watching her daddy soooo happy.
Sheila (and now Bob’s) grandson, Mason. Isn’t he just ADORBS?!
Check out Ana and her new shootsac and fancy Nikon camera. 🙂 I (for the first time) shot in heels and a (very tight) dress…it was quite a challenge!
The Holt’s. Don’t we just look so snazzy?! I think Kristofer is REALLY starting to look like Jason’s little twin.
A couple fun cell phone pics of Jason and I. It was AWESOME to step away from the camera and have some fun at the reception. The dance floor was a HOPPING!
Vendors…
Reception and Ceremony Site – North Bank Park Pavilion
Caterer- Two Caterers Contemporary Cuisine
Cake – by brides daughter Shannon, the Matron of Honor
Cake Pops – by brides nieces Kristie and Kelly
Flowers – from Sam’s Club and SamsClub.com arranged by brides sister Sharon and cousin Ruth
Bouquet / Boutonnieres from bridesign.com
DJ/Band – Music organized and provided by Jason Holt, DJ’d by Shawn Michael
Hair and Make up – done by the bride
Invitations – from weddingpaperdivas.com
Jewelry – brides grandmother’s pearls
Rehearsal dinner – Pizza at Randy & Cindy’s house
Wedding gown designer – Alfred Sung
Songs…
Processional – Butterfly Waltz and Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Recessional – I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
First Dance – It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw with Faith Hill
Father/Daughter – Mother/Son dance – The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
What was your most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Bride: That’s tough the night was filled with them, but I’d have to say dancing with my son. It was so special.
Groom: Waiting for Sheila to come around the corner outside too see her the first time in her dress
Favorite detail?
Bride: Everything! The cake, the flowers, the room and lanterns looked just like I’d envisioned, and the weather cooperated long enough to hold the ceremony outside! Marrying Bob! I can’t pick just one.
Groom: The cake was made from scratch by Sheila’s daughter and I love all the special decorative items she added.
Do you have any advice for future brides and grooms?
Bride: Hire a wedding planner! LOL Seriously…….I wish I would have had an opportunity to attend an event at North Bank Park before the wedding. There are very few things I would change, but all have to do with how I would have arranged things at the site and how it actually worked in action.
Groom: No long dragged out engagement. We did a lot in 5 months!
Is there anything you would change about your wedding day?
Bride: My Mom would not have had to leave early because she was soooooo cold. If I’d known how the weather and the caterer going in and out of the doors at one end of the building would impact the temperature at that end I would have come up with some way to fix it.
Groom: Would have calm pills available for my bride!!
Honeymoon:
Hocking Hills
Roberta (photographer on team Jo Foto, also known as Miss Ohio) and husband Steve, happily welcomed their own crown jewel, Claire Eloise.
Born May 8, 2012 at 1:25 AM. 7 pounds, 13 ounces and 20.5 inches. A perfect little baby girl.
Meet the little queen…
Safe in the arms of Mommy and Daddy.
I LOVE the bird face. Warms my heart. I remember Pixie making this little face. She didn’t do it for much more than two weeks but I’ll forever remember smiling and kissing those little bird lips.
A little behind the scenes…
Pixie Pie meets Claire Bear. Daww.
