Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Lifestyle: Fanning Fam

Family. I feel immensley blessed to be apart of a big one. One where cousins act as sisters, friends, fellow troublemakers, and in our case, bomb-weilding mermaids.

{Bomb. -verb (used with object)
1. To hurl stockpiled stuffed animals in the direction of younger sisters/cousins while they sleep.}

I'll just preface this by apologizing for any confusion regarding this post. It's just that when you've known people since birth, stories and experiences take on new personalities the more time passes, the more you reminisce. Many of these memories are only hilarious to us. Because we lived it, understood it, and took it very, very seriously. Playing Little People, being the Little Mermaid. Competing for the sacred title of Ariel. Annual Bombings of Ridge Side and Sylvan Drive. You-just-had-to-be-there memories. Moments we constantly re-live at every family gathering, where eating whatever deliciousness our mamas have prepared and laughing until our stomachs ache is just the tip of the fun iceberg. Oh sure, we can be adults. Grab and beer, catch a Blue Jackets game. We appear normal, put together, mature. But you better believe that once we're settled comfortably in our seats, we will immediately begin counting lady mullets. Normal people might wonder, but fortunately, we have no reason to hide. After all, we share genetics. And therefore, have an lifetime pass for ridiculous behavior. The Excuse of Our Ancestors.

A couple of weeks ago, my Aunt Molly corralled her crew so I could shoot family photos before the school year begins, the college girls leave, and life's hectic stride picks up. My aunt also needed a few new headshots for her business, and I was so excited to do the honors! For more on Doncaster, head over here: http://www.doncasterstyle.com/ . We did the shoot around their home, laughing, posing, and enjoying a sun-drenched evening. This was a new level of fun for me. I was able to step back, camera in hand, and freeze moments of a family I've known since birth. Removing myself and the cousin aspect allowed me to see the love these six people have for one another, laughter radiating through photographs. A beautiful family. Six people I'm blessed to be related to...

...unless one of the lady mullets catches us. Or only one of us can be Ariel. Or another bombing occurs. Then it's everyone for his/herself! Love you all!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Boris & Lauren: Photo Guestbook Shenanigans

I'd been sick with a wretched cough. One that was far too loud and just wouldn't quit. I was beginning the poor, pitiful me routine that began with a cough, and ended with a tear. That kind of day. I pumped myself full of all the cold medicine I could get my hands on, and headed across town to Franklin Park Conservatory for Lauren and Boris's wedding. And the day that began with blah, ended in hahaha-ing until my stomach hurt!

I've known both the bride and groom since college. Lauren, being my little sister in our sorority, and Boris, her sweet, hilarious boyfriend, who always seemed to liven up a room. The day was beautiful, the bride stunning, and the air filled with happiness and laughter. And a really great band, which, let's face it, is always pretty amazing! As the night wore on, the Photo Guestbook became ridiculously hysterical, somewhat inappropriate, and immensely entertaining.

Lauren and Boris, may your marriage be as happy as you've always been. It's good to see good things happen to good people! You're just perfect. For each other, and as a team. I couldn't be happier for you two. Love and best wishes always!

And now..  

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Nick & Kyndall: Married!

I wish I could bottle the feeling we felt as we left the reception at Clintonville Women's Club that day. Bottle it, pour it into the bathtub, and dive into it each morning. Words cannot describe the beauty, the love, the warmth that seeped through each of the hearts gathered to celebrate a truly wonderful beginning. Kyndall and Nick were joined together at the Park of Roses on a scorcher of a Saturday in July. The skies fended off forecasted rain, allowing us to revel in sunshine, and wipe occasional beads of sweat from our brows.

If you asked me to describe the day in two words it would be these: Big Love. These two love big, love loud, and as evening set in, they vowed to love forever. After spending this day with their loved ones, it's obvious how their hearts got so big- their families. What an incredible group of people. Warm. Welcoming. Fun loving. We walked in, cameras in our hands, introducing ourselves, and left, hugging these same individuals goodbye.

Nick and Kyndall, thank you, THANK YOU for allowing us to capture your beautiful day. You two have grabbed big pieces of our hearts. There is so much real love, honesty and respect between the two of you. You have amazing families and safety nets to carry with you always. We couldn't be more excited for you; may your life together, with your beautiful son, bring you nothing but continued joy. And so ya know, you have forever friends in us.

We are pretty excited. Thrilled, actually. Did you catch it? We. Matt and I shot Nick and Kyndall's wedding together. Side by side. That amazingly handsome man let me boss him around all day, while wearing a tie. Not only did he smile while doing it, he took some incredibly creative shots. I knew I hired him for a reason! Wink, wink. We ended the night with a late night run to BW3s, because I sincerely believed I wasn't going to make it if I didn't get a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, and he rarely turns down opportunities to watch sports and drink beer. We clinked our glasses together in celebration- for Nick and Kyndall's marriage, and for discovering a really cool thing about our own marriage: we work really well together! Wa-hoo! Bring it on world!

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