three

So… I am a little behind on blogging, but I have good reason! My son was born back in October and we have been busy loving on our two littles. I am back from maternity leave and ready to share.

My little Violet turned three back in November and I’d like to just brag on her for a moment. I took these back in November and she has grown even more in these past few months. She turned three, became a big sister, and a preschooler.

So many emotions run through me when I look at her gorgeous face. She made me a momma and she makes me a proud momma everyday. She is so independent, smart, sassy, sweet, sassy (as the day is long), and funny! Vi is a problem solver through and through, she is always trying to put things in their place, find the right fit, and trying new angles. I really love that a one of her new favorite things is jigsaw puzzles. It’s really cool to watch her work them and do them with her.

These are a few of her favorite things: unicorns, kittens, tiny little toys to hold onto, being our official chocolate taster, baking, school, jigsaw puzzles, restaurants, spicy drink (sprite), Incredibles movie, recognizing the letter “V” everywhere, road trips, spaghetti, anything pink, jumping in puddles, swinging, going to the mall and zoo, ballet, paw patrol (Marshall & Rubble), burritos with chips and salsa, and getting her brother to laugh.

Watching her become a big sister just melted my heart. She is so sweet and caring with Arlo. Seeing them play and interact together bring me more joy than they will ever know. My heart is so full! Vi can get Arlo to laugh and he hears her voice and will start looking for her now. Uggh, the best! I am so excited to see them grow together.

Happy Birthday Violet, we adore you and wish you many more wonderful birthdays to come and may the dear lord bless you! <3

Source: ave23photography.com

Elizabeth - Senior

Wishing my senior pictures looked more like this! Liz rocked her senior session and picked some awesome looks that she absolutely owned! It was an absolute joy to get to know and work with her! Such a natural, fun, smart, confident, and beautiful person inside and out. Liz, I wish you a wonderful senior year and volleyball season! You with out a doubt will go on to do big things! 

Source: ave23photography.com

David & Katie - 5.26.18

I've been busy this spring with weddings and capturing the love between some beautiful couples. I actually have a little break between now and my next one in September and then I will be taking my maternity leave in October! We are so ready for our little guy to arrive!

I had the pleasure of photographing David & Katie's wedding at the Franklin Park Conservatory (The Wells Barn) and it was a gorgeous celebration full of laughter, happiness, and even a little rain for good luck! I tend to have a few favorite moments with my couples and for David and Katie, two particular moments stand out. To me, "first looks" are wonderful intimate moments shared between the bride and groom before their ceremony. It's a chance to be alone and celebrate, cherish, and enjoy one another before they walk down the aisle to a room full of their favorite people. It's in those tender moments that I tear up... every single time! A "first look" is often the only time the bride and groom get to just enjoy each other without being surrounded by all of their guests. If you are on the fence about a "first look" I encourage you to think about it and ask other brides about their experience. I had one myself and I LOVED having those moments alone with my Husband and wanted him to see me first before guests and even family. I would do it again in a heart beat. It didn't diminish the big walk down the aisle, but intensified it as I got to stare again at the love of my life. My second favorite moment was when Katie called David into the bridal suite right before the ceremony for a quick hug, kiss, and few words of love and support. David and Katie, there is no doubt you two were put on this earth to be together. Congratulations, you are such wonderful, kind, and loving individuals and are so perfectly paired as a couple. Enjoy the new adventure that awaits you together and I can't wait to see where it takes you! They are spending their honeymoon making a big move and help me in wishing them all the luck in the world in their new home! <3

Please enjoy some of my favorites from David & Katie's special day! 

Hotel: Renaissance Downtown Columbus

Ceremony/Reception: Franklin Park Conservatory - The Wells Barn

Coordinator: Sarah Mynes

Source: ave23photography.com

Brian & Rebecca - 5.19.18

It's all about the details these days. They make each wedding personal and unique. The details in this wedding were so sweet, thoughtful, and carefully crafted. I always love seeing them come together after months (and in their case distance - sates away) of planning. They certainly didn't dissapoint. The bride created these beautiful origami balls to decorate the tables with (I immediatly knew I wanted to use them for a few ring pictures), her mother sewed her wedding dress hanger sleeve, and her grandmother sewed the ring pillow. Aren't they gorgeous?!? And don't get me started on the delicate gorgeous lace and tulle gown. Ooo La La!

Congrats Brian & Rebecca! It was a beautiful day that I adored being part of and celebrating alongside you both and your family and friends. Thank you for the honor and pleasure!

The happy couple is now off to France to celebrate again with her side of the family. Wishing you two a wonderful trip and a lifetime of happiness, you're a beautiful couple inside and out!

Source: ave23photography.com

Stefan & Erin - 4.7.18

It is truly humbling when friends ask me to photograph their wedding. To be behind the scenes and see all the little wonderful intimate moments they share together along with their family and closest friends is a an honor and privilege. Congratulations Stefan and Erin, you both looked absolutely stunning and truly are a perfect pair. I'm so excited to see whats to come in your new journey together. 

Stefan and Erin love hiking, gaming, and being outdoors. As you'll see, The Grand Barn at the Mohicans was the perfect setting for their happily ever after. The details were gorgeous and provided by Perfectly Planned Weddings & Events and Madison House Designs. It was a beautiful day and event.

Source: ave23photography.com

Adalynn - Newborn

I apologize in advance for giving you all room envy! ;) Sweet little Adalynn has one talented family surrounding her with love. Both grandmas handmade the blanket, quilt, floral headband, and bunny outfit you'll see below. Having tried both quilting and crocheting, my hat goes off to them, such beautiful work and gorgeous keepsakes! We knew they needed to be included in Adalynn's newborn session. Her talented momma also put together the most adorable room and handmade paper flowers. I swear they should all team up and create some Etsy listings.

Adalynn, you are so very loved and were such a joy to capture and snuggle with. She slept like a champ and has the sweetest little lips, fingers and grin. Congratulations Andrew & Valerie, she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I couldn't be happier for you guys and all the adventures, love, and joy that lie ahead! <3

Source: Ave23photography.com

Charlie - Newborn

Happy one month birthday Charlie! His little grin is so contagious, don't you think? 

In home newborn sessions are so wonderfully intimate, comfortable and personal. I love seeing and capturing their rooms and them in their cribs. It never gets old to see them look so tiny in there! Big brother had to pop in and check on his little brother a few times too, such sweet moments I can see happening now until forever. Charlie, you've got a great big brother in Graham and I think Graham will enjoy his sidekick and rebound buddy. ;) 

I couldn't be happier for my sweet friends Nick and Katie! Congrats you guys, I'm so excited for you and can't wait to watch your little men grow and see the adventures they have together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me into your home once again to capture your beautiful family, it was a joy to spend time with you all and get to meet Charlie. Lots of love and hugs!

Source: ave23photography.com

Mira - Newborn

I can already picture these two playing dress up, swapping secrets, and sharing some afternoon tea. Mira has one amazing big sister and Bella couldn't be happier have a little sister. Bella was my little assistant for the day, with every "coo" she asked if baby was ok and was quick to retrieve her pacifier. I think the love between siblings is the sweetest thing and to watch these two was an absolute joy! Little Mira welcome, you are so loved already! Even her fur sister Rizzo wanted in on the family portrait. Thump Thump <3! Congrats Sean & Christi, you have a beautiful family and I look forward to watching your sweet girls grow and become the best of friends as well as sisters. Enjoy all the wonderful new snuggles!

Source: ave23photography.com

Wade + Hannah - 10.28.17

The day started off with snow and ended with an "I Do"! It was a magical day celebrating two sweet friends. Congratulations Wade & Hannah, you were an absolute joy to capture and celebrate with. Their love and excitement was felt by all! I'll admit, I'm not a big cryer, but there were a few moments that made me tear up. One being their "first look" and another when Hannah walked down the aisle to Wade, and their new life together. First looks are so wonderful and intimate and then the walk down the aisle is so powerful and moving.

Cheers to the happy couple, I wish you both all the joys in life!  Love and hugs! <3

Source: ave23photography.com

Oliver - One Year

Look at this face, just take all the candy and stay up as late as you want! Am I right? Lesley and Jon, what a handsome little man you have. All the heart eyes for this cutie pie! <3 Happy First Birthday Ollie! 

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Cook Family

One of my favorite lifestyle family shoots to date... Cook family, you are the cutest! <3

The Cook family has a tradition, every Sunday morning they snuggle in bed with coffee and cartoons. Sounds heavenly right!! They also love story time, Gianna will even flip through a book to look at the pages on her own. She recently turned two and is just the most caring, loving, and sweetest little lady. Gianna introduced me to her baby doll "Nora" and then proceeded to change her diaper, feed her, burp her, and love on her. It was so stinking adorable, and to watch her rocking her "baby" made me tear up a little. They grown up so darn fast and are such amazing little people already. Happy second birthday Gianna, you are an absolute delight! <3 

Source: ave23photography.com

Hudson - Two Years

"Clink"... I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon, "tea for two" with this very adorable, funny, and fancy two year old. Hudson loves to blow bubbles, be tickled, play with Penelope (little mouse doll), play peek a boo, and have tea parties with her stuffed animals. She steals my heart every time, you gorgeous sweet girl you! Happiest 2nd Birthday Hudson, it has been a joy watching you grow!

Source: ave23photography.com

Levi - newborn

Doesn't he just give you all the feels! Gah... nothing beats capturing (I mean snuggling) one of these little guys. Levi, you are such a sweetheart, happy birthday little buddy! I look forward to watching you grow. Lisa and Brian, I couldn't be happier for you two! He is absolutely perfect and you will make wonderful parents! Levi has the cutest long fingers and toes. Check em out! <3

Source: ave23photography.com

Elias - Newborn

Christmas came two days early for Jared & Tanya, they welcomed little Elias into the world on December 23rd. Talk about the best Christmas present EVER! Congratulations you guys, you have a beautiful family and I know you are enjoying all the snuggles! I loved spending the afternoon with you and learning his little features, noises, and movements. Elias is such a joy, so sweet and calm. Gahh, I love newborn sessions!

Jared and Tanya, you guys are naturals and will be wonderful parents! You will fall deeper in love with him everyday and each new stage will be exciting and amazing! Enjoy your new handsome little man, he is just precious!

Source: ave23photography.com

Jared + Tanya - Maternity

I think I have a new favorite session! Recently, I had my last outdoor session of the year and I can't stop staring at this adorable couple and their cute baby bump. So much anticipation, excitement, and love to be shared. Baby M, you are so loved! Jared and Tayna, Congratulations! I am so happy, excited, and honored to be able to capture these special moments for you guys! Baby M is one lucky little man to have you for parents and I absolutely can not wait to meet and snuggle him very soon! Tanya is due next week, doesn't she look amazing!?! 

Source: ave23photography.com