One Love Story, Four Photo Sessions, Countless Memories
Lauren and Stephen on the rooftop of their wedding venue in Cincinnati.
One of the biggest compliments I can receive as a photographer is getting the email months (or years) later that starts with, "Hey! We have another exciting life update..."
Because I don't just want to photograph your wedding day... I want to photograph your STORY.
Lauren and Stephen are one of those couples whose story I've had the incredible privilege of documenting over and over again. Looking back through our photos together feels a little like flipping through the chapters of a really good book. Every session has captured a different season of their lives, and every season has been beautiful in its own way.
Chapter One: A Couple in the Early Stages of Falling in Love
My first session with Lauren and Stephen was also one of my first sessions as a photographer!
The first time I photographed Lauren and Stephen was during a trip they took to Maine in 2021.
We met in Wiscasset for a quick couples session, and I remember them worrying that they would feel awkward in front of the camera. Neither of them loved being the center of attention. (Honestly... same.)
But somewhere along the way, they completely forgot about the camera.
When I look back at those photos now, I see butterflies. Everything felt exciting and new. They were still discovering each other, and you could almost feel that excitement through the photographs.
Chapter Two: The Steadiness That Comes After the Butterflies
Our engagement session at Mt. Storm Park in Cincinnati.
The next time I heard from them, they were engaged!
Since I'm originally from Cincinnati, we planned their engagement session for one of my trips back home. We started at their apartment in Clifton before wandering around the neighborhood where so much of their relationship had unfolded, including some photos at Mt. Storm Park.
One of their very first dates had been grabbing lunch and coffee nearby on Ludlow Avenue, so photographing this season of their lives in a place that already held so many memories felt especially meaningful.
One of my favorite things about photographing the same couple more than once is noticing the little changes that happen over time.
The butterflies were still there, but they had settled into something quieter and more certain. They knew exactly how to make each other laugh. They instinctively reached for each other's hands. They knew where the other person would look before they even looked.
It wasn't the excitement of a brand new relationship anymore… It was the comfort of finding your person.
The book that inspired Lauren and Stephen to travel the world after their wedding.
Somewhere during that session they casually mentioned that after their wedding they were planning to quit their jobs and travel around the world for several months. CASUALLY! As though that's something everyone brings up during engagement photos.
I remember thinking, "Okay... these two are pretty awesome." And also, “I could never be that brave.” And also, “I want to be just like them when I grow up.”
Chapter Three: A Wedding That Felt Exactly Like Them
A photo of Lauren’s grandparents at their wedding, next to her wedding invitations.
About a year later, I found myself back in Cincinnati photographing their wedding day.
Lauren spent the morning getting ready at her mom's house with her sisters and closest friends.
Everywhere I looked there were little reminders of family history: childhood photographs, treasured keepsakes, and meaningful mementos that had been lovingly collected over the years.
It felt so special to watch her get ready for this next chapter of her story in a place that held so many memories.
Their church ceremony was beautiful, and before we knew it we were headed to their reception at Rhinegeist Brewery in OTR.
At this point, they were both feeling what so many introverts feel on their wedding day… Incredibly happy! But also a little overwhelmed after spending hours as the center of everyone's attention.
So the three of us snuck away to the rooftop while guests enjoyed cocktail hour downstairs.
We took a much-needed break from the party to do some chilly rooftop photos.
It was… so cold. One of those classic March days with bright gray skies that somehow make you feel even colder.
But I don't think either of them cared. For a few quiet minutes, they simply got to be together.
Those rooftop portraits are still some of my favorites.
Afterward they shared a private dinner together before joining their guests for an evening filled with dancing, laughter, and celebration.
One last kiss before going home.
At the very end of the night, everyone left except me and the DJ, and Lauren and Stephen shared one final dance together in the empty reception space. Then they headed home after a spectacular sparkler exit.
It was the perfect ending to a wedding that felt completely, wonderfully like them.
And in case you were wondering, they DID quit their jobs, move out of their apartment, and travel the world for six months after their wedding. Fifteen countries on three different continents!
Chapter Four: Watching Them Become Parents
Then came another exciting life update. They’d had a baby boy! We met back at Mt. Storm Park a few months after he was born (the same place where we'd taken engagement photos just a couple of years earlier, for anyone who’s keeping track).
Lauren and Stephen with their son.
Watching Lauren and Stephen as parents was so special… it kinda gave me goosebumps. They worked together so naturally. They could anticipate what the other person needed; little glances were all they needed to communicate.
It wasn’t “smooth” or “perfect” (because family sessions never are). There were wiggles, distractions, tears, and feedings. But that’s why these are some of my favorite sessions: because they’re real life.
Looking through those photographs, I don't just see two wonderful parents, I see the same couple I met years ago.
Still laughing together.
Still trusting each other.
Still choosing each other.
Just with an extra adventure buddy along for the ride.
Countless Memories
People sometimes ask me what my favorite type of photography is.
The truth is… It doesn’t matter what kind of session we’re doing. My favorite part is getting to tell a story that doesn't end after one day.
I love when I get to be alongside couples through the different seasons of their lives.
From the butterflies of a new relationship to the steadiness of an engagement to the excitement of a wedding day to the beautiful, messy adventure of becoming parents.
Photographs become more meaningful with time.
Years from now, Lauren and Stephen won't just have wedding photos.
They'll have the beginning of their story.
The chapter where they were planning an adventure around the world.
The chapter where they promised forever.
The chapter where they became Mom and Dad.
And hopefully...
Many more chapters still to come.
That's the kind of story I feel incredibly lucky to photograph.
