If ever two people were made for each other it is Naomi & David. Seriously, they have to be one of the sweetest, cutest, in love couples I know. They may be young, but their love for each other has been over more years than most couples I photograph.  David fell in love with Naomi the first time he saw her, and as his best man said in his speech…it’s a good thing he didn’t ask her to marry him then…she was 11.

We did the engagement pictures last fall and I was so excited for their wedding after we met. I knew it would be filled with the most amazing, loving people…and boy, they are loved.  Not only was it our biggest wedding party to that date (had another the same this summer), but there were so many guests they had to re-configure the church layout. It was so beautiful to see so many people come together for something that had been years in the making.  When we arrived there was an “army” of family and friends putting everything together…it was touching.

Here is a little peak into their wedding…it was an amazing day to say the least.

David’s dad is an amazing artist & teacher at CCAD, and he made this box for their rings…beautiful!

Her dad was also the Pastor, I love this shot of them.

Sweet as can be.

I know it’s early, and you are young, but my word, you will have beautiful children.

Dear brides & grooms…want to make your photographer instantly fall in love with you. Plan a true outdoor reception. The light was amazing all night long!!

*we will love you even more if you have a rain plan, just in case ;)

Right after the dances, this happened.

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: Suzie Brown

Church: Grace Fellowship Church

Reception: same as ceremony…just outside!

Cater: Cyndi McMahan

Cake: Ice Cake Design, Carrie Vantresca

Wedding days are really something else. You have a woman looking more beautiful than ever, a handsome man, amazing locations infused with their style, & the most moving part…every single person in attendance is there for them because they love them. Yep, that’s exactly how I have been spending most of my Saturdays this year…by the end of 2010 we will have had 21 Saturdays/Fridays & Sundays that are just that.

May 22 was no exception. I knew it wouldn’t be.  I was really looking forward to this wedding because there is a family/group of friends that I have been running into quite a bit in my 2 years of full time shooting.  I am thrilled that when I have been able to document these awesome days for them…and that day, it was Paige’s turn.  We had shot Paige & Dan’s engagement pictures back in February, so I already had an idea of how important pictures were to her. It was clear they were important on the wedding day as well because they allowed me plenty of time to create beautiful photographs for them. You can hire me because you love my work, but in order to get those fun/romantic/special pictures of you two, I need to have time with you to make them happen. 5 minutes won’t cut it. Paige & Dan decided to see each other before the wedding, thus leaving an ample amount of time to get the pictures they wanted, and after the wedding…it was time for the party!

This was actually my first wedding ever without Justin. He had a conference to go to, so the ever talented Jenny Beck there along with me! She’s so great, and I hope to have her along at more weddings in the future!

Ever talented, Nathan Cutright created the flowers for the day…stunning as usual!

The first glance…soo sweet!

Favorites of the day!!

Love this bridesmaid shot by Jenny!!

Seriously Paige. You. are. stunning.

Yummy cake by Erin of The Cake Kitchen. (I don’t think yummy really expresses my feelings about her cakes. oh my.)

Had to get a photo of some other CDP clients! Here’s Jamie & Adam from last year, and Kim & Greg, whose wedding will be in a couple weeks!!

Photography : Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Location : Sunroom @ the Brick, Frankfort, Ohio

Flowers : Weddings by Nathan, Nathan Cutright, 740.649.6065

Cake : The Cake Kitchen, Erin

DJ : Shawn Martendale

*Today we are heading out of town for a wedding in Kentucky this weekend…I’ll be back in the office on Monday!!

Oh, and Jenny caught this shot me, so I thought I’d share…

In May Justin & I traveled to Lapeer, Michigan to photograph Ashley & Curt’s wedding. I couldn’t wait to get there because the wedding day was actually the first time Ashley and I met in person.  Ashley and I had talked many times on the phone and by email, but we hadn’t had the chance to meet until her wedding day.  It was such an honor to photograph their wedding day and know that she was so sure that she wanted us there just by what she’s seen online.

The day was gorgeous, and the locations…perfect! It was really all a surprise to me, we hadn’t done much talking about what the colors were or the flowers, and I obviously wasn’t familiar with the locations.  A perfect day with little surprises all around.

Here is a little peak into Ashley & Curt’s lovely May wedding day.

The church was so beautiful and had the most amazing light during the ceremony!

I love bride & grooms. I also love birch trees. And great light…..

Simple sophistication.

Ashley & Curt, thank you so much for bringing me to your beautiful town. The day was just perfect and we are honored to have been there.

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: Burke’s Flowers

Church: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lapeer Michigan

Reception:Devil’s Ridge Golf Course, Oxford Michigan

Cater: Devil’s Ridge

Cake: Sweet & Savory Bake Shop

Music: Soulstice Band **awesome band!!

Way back in the beginning of May, we started our wedding season for 2010. Yes, I am aware that it’s July…and that I’ve had 6 weddings since then. What can I say, it’s been a little crazy ;) However you can rest assured that I wont run out of blogging material for quite a while ;)

I had been looking forward to this wedding for a while. After our first meeting, and then engagement session, I knew I would be in for a treat that day.  Not only are Mark & Emily as sweet as they come, but their families are so great. Justin and I felt at home surrounded by all those wonderful people. I already informed them that I’ll be joining in at Thanksgiving ;)

Here is a look into their May 8th wedding:

Justin’s great first look shots…

It was such a beautiful church.

You’d never know from the photo, but these girls are freezing here! It was so chilly that day!

They are so sweet I can’t even handle it.

The cake was so delicious and it was the inspiration for their custom Save the Dates that I designed!

Mark, I wont tell everyone what your favorite song is and why you look so into it…even though I really want too ;)

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Flowers: Cua’s Florist

Church: St. Agatha Church, Columbus Ohio

Reception: The Jessing Center at The Pontifical College Josephinum

Cater: Mass Appeal

Cake: Cakes by Anita (Anita Kline, 614.766.8288)

Music: Night Music (Steve Ransom)

I obviously have lots more to share, so keep coming back ;)

I couldn’t think of a better way to start our 2010 wedding season then photographing a beautiful wedding in good ole’ Columbus.  Angela & Jerry got married January 16th and it was another stunning winter wedding (I’m quickly becoming a fan of those).  Not only were the locations amazing, but they allowed for plenty of time between the ceremony & the reception for portraits.  If you aren’t planning on doing photos before, this is a must if you want great photos of the two of you and all your loved ones!

Angela had found me online and during our initial meeting we discovered how small a world we live in.  Her family actually lived in Chillicothe at one time and she went to school with my brother-in-law Matt! I just love those unexpected connections.

Here is a little look into their January wedding…

The church was so beautiful!

Crazy good-looking couples make my job waay too easy ;)

We stopped by The Florentine before the reception.  This is were Angela & Jerry had their first date!

*love these*

Michael Sutherland was soo great! Amazing voice!

The Loft at Smith Bros is so beautiful! I’ve photographed at their other area – The Venue, but this was my first time at The Loft.  The setup is fantastic, dinner is served upstairs and dancing is down.  Just so people don’t feel like they aren’t part of the events, there is a big opening looking down to the dance floor.  That way people could stay upstairs for conversations, or head downstairs for dancing & drinks and everyone still knows what is going on.

Thank you Justin for this photo:

Angela’s dad is so sweet, I just loved this photo of him. Is he having a good time or what? :)

Vendors:

Photography: Cassidy Dawn Photography ;)

Hair : Charles Penzone Grand Salon, Dublin

Flowers: German Village Florist (614.443.5296)

Church: St John the Baptist Catholic Church

Reception: The Loft at Smith Bros (614.464.9999)

Cater: Zuppa Catering (614.464.9999)

Cake: Anita Kline (614.766.8288)

Music: Michael Sutherland (614.596.4354)

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