We’re photographing Chase & Karina’s wedding later this year at Canyon Run Ranch outside of Dayton, Ohio. During one of our preliminary phone calls, they expressed interest in a destination adventure engagement session. They both love the outdoors and nature, so what better way to have the best of both worlds for their photos?—A wedding near home with the ones they love AND an epic adventure to capture their love in a place that they hold so dear. In fact, in 2019, Chase proposed to Karina in Grand Teton National Park on the shores of Jackson Lake. It was fortuitous that we were going to be in Jackson Hole in June for some weddings/elopements. It didn’t take any convincing, without hesitation they booked a session with us and their tickets to the Wild West.

Engagement Pictures at Old Man's Cave

For the second part of our session together, we ventured down the trail from Old Man’s Cave to Lower Falls and back. Melting ice sickles still lined the outcroppings so we had to proceed with caution, but as a result of these conditions, the water was a beautiful, milky blue. In the summer, like most Ohio waterways, the creek in this canyon turns murky and muddy, so seeing it this pristine was a treat.

engagement sessionseastlyn brightMarch 23, 2021Hocking Hills, Sunset, Golden Hour, Ohio, Waterfall, Hiking, WinterComment

Engagement Pictures at Ash Cave

At Ash Cave, ice and snow still surrounded the cascade pool, and the low winter sun’s beams glistened through the waterfall, making it seem as though it was raining diamonds. It was breathtaking and created the perfect backdrop for portraits.

engagement sessionseastlyn brightMarch 18, 2021Hocking Hills, Ohio, Waterfall, Hiking, WinterComment

Outdoor Wedding in Yellow Springs Ohio

Seth & Hailey’s genuine hearts, devotion, and unbreakable bond made their wedding at Wirrig Pavilion in Yellow Springs, Ohio, a day no one in attendance will ever forget.

The forecast called for rain for the entire day, but until late afternoon there was nothing but sunshine. Seth & Hailey were able to have their first look and take bridal party portraits with us in the warmth of full afternoon sun. When we were finished with portraits, a thunderstorm rolled in and it poured; but the rain only stayed long enough to cool off the August heat. The skies cleared in time for their beautiful outdoor ceremony.

weddingseastlyn brightFebruary 25, 2021Summer, Rain, Ohio, Dayton, Outdoor, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

5 Reasons We Love Basic Invite for Marriage Invitation Card Sets

We’re always happy to share resources that are applicable, helpful, and give inspiration to our clients. So when we found the brand Basic Invite and saw hundreds of beautiful options for marriage invitation card sets, we knew this post needed to be included as a new resource for our couples. 5 Reasons we Love Basic Invite…

wedding inspiration, reviewseastlyn brightFebruary 22, 2021Wedding PlanningComment

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Engagement Session

When Meg & Rainer were trying to decide on the best location for their adventure engagement session they tossed around multiple ideas, including the Redwoods in California and the Arizona desert, but Meg told us that her heart kept coming back to the sand dunes in Michigan. It’s a special place for them; they didn’t feel like any other place would feel as much like who they are.

They’re getting married at a castle in Charlevoix, Michigan later this year, and so it was quite fitting that we kept to the theme of their day by remaining in the Great Lakes state for their engagement pictures.

engagement sessions, destination sessionseastlyn brightFebruary 4, 2021Michigan, Lake, Outdoor, Summer, CoastComment

Golden Hour Anniversary Photos in Dayton Ohio

We love engagement sessions—couples are so eager and excited about starting their lives together, and it’s always a special time to share in with our couples. But there is just something so powerful about working with couples whose relationship has already stood the test of time. Michelle and Marco have been together for twelve years, and at the time of the session, married for four. Relationships take hard work, and they were so candid about their own struggles to make it to where they are today. Because of their willing openness, we were able to create authentic environments that in turned helped us create images personal to them.

engagement sessionseastlyn brightDecember 16, 2020Englewood Metro ParkGolden Hour, Atmosphere Aerosol, Sunset, Summer, Dayton, Ohio, OutdoorComment

Backyard Fall Wedding in Cincinnati

Melanie always dreamed of getting married at her childhood home, but with the amount of people they knew that they wanted to include in the celebration, she never thought it would be possible. However, because of the pandemic and the need to cut the guest list short for everyone’s safety, her childhood dream actually became a reality.

Melanie & Josh held their lovely intimate ceremony next to her parent’s home on top of a hill that overlooks a stunning view of the lake. It was a pleasantly clear and warmer day for mid-October, so the sunset gave off a beautiful glow through the peak fall foliage that lined the driveway.

weddingseastlyn brightDecember 1, 2020Lytle Park HotelIntimate Wedding, Backyard, Fall, Autumn, Cincinnati, Ohio, Outdoor, Golden Hour, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

THE JOURNAL

Real wedding and elopement stories, heartfelt moments, and location guides from Ohio, Jackson Hole, and beyond.