In all the months I had considered having our wedding, December never entered my mind.  December in Ohio is cold. Really cold. So I will admit I was actually a little surprised when I had an inquiry for that month.  I mean, how many portraits can we actually do outside?!  You know how I love photographing outside!

I first photographed Maribeth & Jesse for their engagement session in September (one of my favorite sessions ever).  Just talking about the wedding then, I knew that I would quickly become a fan of winter weddings.  She had so many details & ideas planned that I couldn’t wait for their day.  The 5th rolled around and I updated my usual wedding attire with a long sleeves & a scarf…which I needed. It was in fact, very cold.  Guess who didn’t care?  Maribeth.  She was ready for this day, and nothing was going to keep her from going outside and taking photos with her new husband, while wearing the most fabulous dress I’ve ever seen.  We braved the cold for a few and would jump back inside for a few more.  I also made a record of the fastest bridal party photos of all time.

When I think back about the day, I don’t think of the cold at all. I think about the way Maribeth would smile & close her eyes when she was snuggled into Jesse.  How Jesse would look at her with the sweetest, and I mean sweetest look I’ve ever seen.  I think about how she planned the most romantic & beautiful December wedding I could never even dream up.  It was an amazing day, and I don’t plan to forget it anytime soon…and hey, I’ve got a few pictures to remind me ;)

It was SO cold outside, so we shot inside as much as possible…and darn it, I love how they turned out :)

**edited to add: I had a meeting with Maribeth yesterday and she said: “If I knew the pictures were going to turn out like they did, I would have stayed outside all day”.  Needless to say, that made me smile :)

Maribeth, thank you for rocking out the shoe decision.

I’m telling you, they might as well be models.

I always walk away from weddings wanting to be best friends with the bridesmaids…my brides have the best bridesmaids.  This wedding was different.  I walked in feeling like I had known these girls for years.  We even dressed alike.  Seriously, I walked in with the exact same hairpiece they were wearing, and with a scarf…which they all had too. It was so great.

Carolers greeting the guests as they arrived:

I loved all the winter details! Especially the snowflakes hung from the ceiling!

Favorite ring shot to date.

I don’t even know how to stop. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Now I promise to stop gushing.

That wedding ended the most amazing wedding season of Cassidy Dawn Photography…and while it was also the first official wedding season of CDP…it will forever be one of the best.  I will always remember those amazing 14 weddings and can’t wait for all the ones to come.  We are up to 18 this year, and still adding more!

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Make-up: Kelli Wilt Ramey (she’s so great! email me for info)

Hair: Hair: Trisha Dettwiller (740.773.2002)

Flowers: Robbins Village Florist (937.981.2012)

Church: First United Methodist Church, Greenfield Ohio

Reception: Thompson Tree Farm, Pine Lodge

Cater: Made from Scratch (937.981.3985)

Cake: Kate’s Confections

DJ: Pokey’s DJ (937.981.4290)

This amazing sunshine today has me in the best mood, and I am feeling better than I have in weeks!  It’s made me so happy that I just had to share one of my favorite images from our last wedding of 2009…

image credit: my amazing husband/second shooter, Justin (he rocks).

More on this beautiful winter wedding tomorrow!

I know, I know…I am still blogging events from last year.  November of last year to be exact.  However, I have a good reason…I couldn’t not post photos from this super sweet wedding.

Shannon & Ross were married on November 21st of last year, and it was such a beautiful day in Louisville, Kentucky!  Not only was it yet another day that Justin & I witnessed two people starting the rest of their lives together, it was also our first Jewish ceremony.  Going into the day, I didn’t expect there to be anything different…other than a fun dance at the reception.  I was wrong.  It was honestly one of the most beautiful & touching ceremonies I’ve even seen.  The traditions and symbolism involved in the wedding were so beautiful.  Well, and of course…how fun is that dance?!  When we left I asked Justin if we could get married again and have a Jewish ceremony. ;)

Here are a few of my favorites from the day…

Love this moment Justin captured.  Shannon, you are soo gorgeous! 

Justin again :)

Favorite:

I usually don’t post group photos, but I just loved the colors & the light here.

The Country Club was gorgeous! I loved the draping here…

Yep, that’s right.  Favorite ring shot so far.

Band 24/7 were so great…there’s just something about a live band!See, it’s fun, right?

Shannon & Ross…you two are so sweet together.  Thank you for having us there on your wedding day, it was so wonderful! I hope you aren’t too cold & buried in snow in Kentucky after your warm, beautiful honeymoon in Cancun!

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: In Bloom Again

Reception: Standard Country Club

Cake: Jeanne Dauthitt

Ceremony Musicians : Highland Chamber Players

Reception Band : Band 24/7

Videographer : Abell Videographer

Back in warm sunny July (can you tell, I am ready for spring ;), I photographed Jessica & Tom’s stunning wedding…remember them? Yep, the too cute couple with tons of style.  Shortly after their wedding I received an email from Emily (one of the awesome bridesmaids).  She was interested in me photographing her wedding…in October.  Needless to say that when I realized I didn’t have a wedding already booked that day, I was thrilled!  We had such a great time at Jess & Tom’s wedding, that I knew Emily’s would be just as great.

October 31 was a beautiful fall day, and for me it was filled with the most beautiful, sweet people one could know.  Both Emily & Brandon are blessed with the most kind and generous families and it was an honor to spend such an important day with them.  I knew the day would be stunning, but I really was overwhelmed by the details & styles that Emily carefully planned throughout the day.  Just perfect.  Her shoes, perfect. Her dress, perfect. Her hair, yep, perfect.  She truly was a beautiful bride!

Emily & Brandon, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to witness the beginning of your lives together.  It was such a beautiful day.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved her bouquet. Seriously, it’s one of my favorites I’ve seen all year. Beautiful work!

Doesn’t this photo make you want to go hug your Grandma? Love it.

The church was so stunning. The photo doesn’t even do it justice.

Image credit (below): Justin…seriously, sometimes I get a little jealous! He rocks.

Some people might find it strange when I am photographing at a beautiful mansion with perfectly landscaped areas and I point to the shed doors.  Not Emily, she totally understood, and I love her for that.

I had to show this photo so you could see how creative she is.  The reception area was so large, and you can only do so much with that much space…just look at what she created.  Stunning!

Of course I had to sneak a photo of sweet Jessica & Tom…you two are so great, thanks for being wonderful :)

Ah, such a perfect day.  I can’t wait for all the amazing weddings in 2010!  First one: tomorrow!!!

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: Artiflora, Evelyn

Hair: Hair by Leanna, Columbus Ohio

Church: St. Edward the Confessor Church

Reception: Bryn Du Mansion, Granville, Ohio

Cake: Cakes by Brenda, Brenda Snow

DJ: Ryan Smith

October is my favorite month of the year.  It’s not just because it’s the month I married my best friend.  It’s also not just because it’s our town’s yearly fall festival, or the month of chilly football games at my local high school.  It’s because I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth in October…we are so blessed in our little valley.  Every year the good Lord reaches down and touches the hills of our valley.  The trees turn the most beautiful colors you’ve ever seen, and we are surrounded by them all month long.  I couldn’t live anywhere that the leaves don’t turn those magnificent colors…really, I just couldn’t.  Matt & Stefanie understand this…and it’s one of the things that helped them choose their wedding date.

October 10th this year was beautiful.  The leaves were just starting to turn, the weather was a nice warm fall day, and Matt & Stefanie finally became man and wife.  This wasn’t my first wedding that I’ve photographed at the Knisley Farm.  In fact, it was my 3rd…and it is so strange that it’s my last (for at least 20 years…right Sophie?!).  I have photographed 2 out of 3 of Matt’s sister, and held countless photo sessions with the kids there (and so many more to come).  So stepping into Jackie’s bathroom and seeing Stefanie getting her hair done was a little more special than usual…it was finally their turn.  They’ve been together for years and that day they would celebrate their marriage.

This couple is absolutely perfect for each other and I am honored that I was asked to document this amazing day in their lives…thank you.  Not only are they gorgeous, and that the wedding was styled just beautifully…but I got more time for photos of them than I could have ever asked for…and it was wonderful!  They choose to see each other before the wedding – score!  But they also asked if after the wedding we could go up to the fields on the property…hmm, heck yes!  So when the wedding was over we headed up to the fields at the perfect time of day, the light was ridiculous.

*side-note: Justin (my husband/second shooter/assistant) is becoming better and better, and I’ve even become quite jealous lately.  He blew me away at this wedding…I’ve noted which below are his.  I am so blessed :)  Brides: he photographs at every wedding…no extra charge ;)

photo on right: justin (we captured these at the exact moment…love having a second shooter!)

photo: Justin (love this!)

Favorite image of the day!

photo on left: Justin

The hills of Bainbridge were just beginning to change.

photos: justin

I love this photo of Matt with his 3 sisters.  If you couldn’t tell, all 3 girls are pregnant here!  Since this, I’ve photographed both Heidi & Hayley’s little girls (Emmalyn & Laynie), and will be photographing Heather’s next spring when she is due!  Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing those pictures soon!

Cake by who else?  Erin of The Cake Kitchen!

Love these simple, beautiful bouquets by Mr. Nathan Cutright…you know how I love his work!

photo: Justin

Matt & Stefanie, thank you for allowing me to be their on your day, and more importantly, thank you for valuing photographs the way you do.  It was an honor.

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Hair: Heidi Sharp & Hayley Ash (email me for info)

Flowers: Nathan Cutright

Cake: Erin Allsop, The Cake Kitchen

Of all the Saturdays in a year, you might be surprised how many have perfect wedding day weather.  Wedding photographers know.  Being prepared is a must…but it’s really not that often that the day isn’t perfect in all aspects (when you are around that many people gathered together in the name of love…it’s hard to not have a wonderful day).  While this particular day in September wasn’t the most dry, it was definitely a perfect wedding day.  To be completely honest, it really was the perfect rainy day wedding…and it didn’t even matter that the ceremony was outdoors.

Kelsey came to my house early this year and we talked all about her perfect September wedding.  I was excited from the moment she said ’sunflowers’.  I love sunflowers.  She planned the day down to the very smallest detail.  From the sunflowers planted in various photo locations, to perfectly color-coordinated Chinese lanterns hanging above the dance floor, to a candy bar with popcorn (that was a highlight for me…I *love* popcorn).  The only thing that may not have been picture perfect may have been the rain.  When I say rain, I mean downpour.  However, it couldn’t have come at a better time because of the love it brought out of the day.

We had nice dry weather for the private moment (love those) and all of their photos together…which I am still very thankful for.  Just when we were ready for photos with the bridal party & family…the rain came.  It let up for a bit, enough time to get photos outside & on porches, but when it was time for the ceremony to start, the rain just fell, and it fell hard. Kelsey had planned this day for so long; she wanted to get married outside…and by golly she was going to.  I admire her for that.  I think her guests did too.  Everyone climbed the hill in the rain and circled around the chairs (which had puddles at this point) to watch this beautiful couple get married. It was amazing to see everyone gathering together despite the weather to witness one of the most important moments in their lives.  The rain kept falling, that is until Kelsey arrived in her horse drawn carriage…then suddenly it stopped.  It was stunning, emotional & beautiful.  I’ll let the pictures tell the rest.

The ever talented Nathan Cutright does it again!

Loved the private moment spot! The umbrella wasn’t planned until it was raining, but I think it is perfect!

Kelsey, you’re so beautiful!

This was a surprise for Mike…how fun!

Notice all the umbrellas are gone.  I told you, unreal!

Erin of The Cake Kitchen did it again with another amazing cake.  It just so happens that she is Kelsey’s sister!

Mike surprised Kelsey with a song…isn’t she stunning in this photo?! It was such a sweet moment.

Did I mention this wedding was full of surprises?  Well, when your best friends in college are dance majors…you know something is gonna happen ;)

After many of the guests left, the party turned into a cake throwing contests.  It was pretty entertaining.

These lanterns are amazing! I’ve seen them in photos, but never in person.  They are completely environmentally friendly because they just burn up in the air.  They are so beautiful as they float away..I want to get some so badly!

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Hair: Hayley Ash (email me for info)

Flowers: Nathan Cutright

Cater: Shoelaces Catering

Cake: Erin Allsop, The Cake Kitchen

Band: The Marty Ford Experience

Reminder: All Christmas orders must be placed by today, Tuesday December 1st 2009.  No exceptions (sorry!)

I know, I know. It’s been a little quite on this blog…so you can only imagine how busy it’s been around here! I’m hanging on though, I promise!  I actually have so much to show you I don’t even know where to start.  From sessions, to weddings, to albums to new products…we’ll have lots of posts to bring us into the holiday season.

Very Important!  All orders that you would like before Christmas must be ordered by December 1st.  No exceptions.  (sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but if I let you, then what about the others…).  So please, if you are planning on giving any photos for Christmas, or would just like them on your walls before the holiday, it must be ordered by tomorrow!!!  I can’t guarantee anything after that.

**Keep in mind that print orders are taking longer at this time.  If you have placed your order or are planning to, please know, I have seen it…there are just a lot of them…I promise to get them to you as soon as I can :)

And to lighten this post, here is a little sneak peak of what’s coming to the blog tomorrow!  Not all weddings are sunny & 70 degrees…but that doesn’t mean they aren’t perfect…

Have a wonderful Monday, and I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!

September 19 was the epitome of a perfect fall wedding day. Honest.  Did it help that the day was full of the most kindhearted people, a gorgeous bride & groom, special details everywhere you looked, or a ceremony under one of the largest trees this side of the country? Maybe.  All I know is that I will remember that day as one of my favorite days of the year.

I’ll admit, I knew a little what I was getting into that day.  During their engagement shoot in late April, Katie causally mentioned some of the details that she had planned…frankly, I had no idea how beautifully it would come together.  I am sure she went through a magazine or two with her mother, but everything just “said” Katie & Eddie.  Oh, did I mention that Katie’s mom wins “mother-of-the-bride-of-the-year”?  She single handily made more details for the day than many weddings combined…and every single one was stunning.

I’ll try to wrap it up because I seem to have pulled more images than ever for this post, however I do need to say one more thing.  Katie & Eddie, thank you from the very bottom of my toes to the top of my noggin for choosing me to be the photographer to document this amazing day.  It means so much to me that you would allow me to share in such a wonderful moment in your lives and I hope that you will cherish these images.  Your wedding was stunning, that’s all I can say.

I can’t describe how much I am in love with her dress.  Perfect mix of a little vintage & sophistication.

Preparations were done at the Greenhouse Bed & Breakfast in Chillicothe.  It was so great for them to all have space away from the ceremony location (bride’s house), and what a beautiful setting for getting ready!

You know how I love a good private moment :)

Seriously, I forget the facts, but it really is one of the largest trees around…maybe one of Katie’s family members could leave a little fact about it in the comments. (Edited to Add:  Justin told me that they said it was the 3rd largest White Oak in Ohio.)

Just a couple details I mentioned:

What?! Could they be any more stunning?!

A little dancing down the aisle is good for the soul…and your marriage.

Katie, you are beautiful. There is no other way to say it.

The reception was at the ever so fabulous Madison! Seriously an amazing venue…love it there!

Cakes by none other than the oh so talented, Erin of The Cake Kitchen.

They even had a photobooth!?! It was such a big hit! Even Justin & I stepped in for a couple ;)

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Make-up: Hayley Palmer (email me for info)

Flowers: Anna Dean

Reception: The Madison, Chillicothe Ohio (740.637.0126)

Cater: Kim’s Catering

Cake: Erin Allsop, The Cake Kitchen

Band: Miesha Cannaday (and a few other talented folks!)

Edited to add:  We are leaving for Washington DC (right now).  If I haven’t replied to your email, I promise to do so no later than Monday evening, so sorry for the inconvenience.  I’ve been to DC many times, however Justin has been there once (on a school trip), so we plan to use any free time we have exploring the city…if you have an urget message, please call and leave a message, I will return your call as soon as I can.  Have a great weekend!!!

I just had to share one of my new favorite images of all time.  Really.

It combines so many things I love.  Great light, beautiful wedding attire, a little shout out to the best state ever, and of course…an adorable dog. Yep, expect this to be front and center when I finally update the website ;)

More of this beautiful wedding tomorrow!!

I met Heather & Evan last February at Schlegel’s in town.  We talked about their wedding while warming up over hot chocolate (well, that’s what I had…coffee & I aren’t friends).  Heather was describing all of the details she was planning into her day.  There’s a good chance that I crossed my fingers under the table in hopes that I could be there too.  The wedding sounded dreamy, absolutely dreamy.  To my delight, I heard from them soon after our meeting and was so excited for September 5th to come around.

We had the most perfect, warm day, and guess what?  The wedding was every bit as dreamy as I had expected.  Heather & Evan did a wonderful job planning all of the details of the day.  I love looking back at the pictures and remembering little aspects of the day: Heather’s anticipation while she waited for Evan to walk up during their first look, their crazy, sweet bridal party…I think I made a few friends that day, the stunning ceremony…in one of my favorite churches to photograph.  Everything about the day was perfect…here’s a little look at what I saw.

Elliott Mathis did it again.  The flowers of the day were stunning!

You know I love when the bride & groom decide to see each other before the ceremony.  It’s also soo romantic!  One of the first things I noticed about Heather when we first met was her face when she would look up at Evan.  Adorable. For example, see bottom photo left & right ;)

The entire wedding party attire came from She Said Yes! in Chillicothe!

Heather’s gift from Evan…so sweet!

Evan’s a firefighter in town, and he had a couple visitors right after the wedding…loved that!

The poor couple got pounded with birdseed…I mean, really…it was everywhere!

I’m a sucker for a great car.

The reception was held at The Madison in Chillicothe.  It was my first time shooting there, and I was in love!  I can’t wait for more wedding receptions here, the venue was gorgeous, the staff was amazing, and the architecture…well, you can’t beat it.

Cakes from the oh, so fabulous…Erin of the Cake Kitchen!

Evan & Heather now share an anniversary with his Grandparents. They did the sweetest dedication for them.  Heather was also wearing Evan’s grandmother’s pearls that she wore on her wedding day.  The whole thing was so beautiful…and yes, I may have teared up…just a little ;)

I don’t know where to start on the reception dancing.  Hands down it was the best dancing reception I have ever been to.  I do believe it was a combination of 2 things.  One: Amazing guests that have crazy awesome moves. Two: the most amazing DJ’s I’ve encountered thus far. (plug time)  Rick & Dawn May (info below)…will here on out be the premiere DJ’s for Chillcothe and surrounding areas (in my mind)…they are so talented…and so great at what they do.

As a photographer, I am going to let you in on a secret…we aren’t big fans of the gimmicky dances.  It’s true. Dollar dance, generation dance…YMCA…ugh.  However, Rick & Dawn made them so fun!  The dollar dance contained fast paced current songs, and it was not only entertaining, but funniest thing I’ve seen in a while.  Oh, and the hats below where a huge hit during the YMCA.  They played the perfect mix of classics & down right great dancing songs.

So just know, if you are going to ask me a suggestion for a DJ…I will only have one answer.  Rick & Dawn May of May Audio Visual.  They are the best.  Oh, and I might beg you to hire them, so I can work with them again. :)

You can’t end a wedding without a little Journey. It’s just wrong not to.

Heather & Evan, you two are the best! Thank you so much for choosing me to spend the day along your side, capture memories that would help you remember this day for years to come.  I am more honored & blessed than you may ever know.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: Elliot Mathis, Chillicothe Ohio (740.775.1220)

Attire: She Said Yes! Chillicothe Ohio

Church: First Presbyterian Church, Chillicothe, Ohio

Reception: The Madison, Chillicothe Ohio (740.637.0126)

Cater: Touch of Class catering, Brian Curtis (awesome pasta bar!) (740.626.7100)

Cake: Erin Allsop, The Cake Kitchen

DJ: May Audio Visual, Chillicothe Ohio (740.701.0732)

One more thing: Brides, we are booking fast here at Cassidy Dawn Photography for the 2010 wedding year.  We are currently over half-way booked for the year…and days are going quickly.  If you were hoping we could photograph your wedding day, contact us soon so we can reserve your date!  We’d love to be there :)