Statira & Chris | Kettering Polen Farm Wedding

When I met with Chris and Statira, I was immediately drawn to their down-to-earth, genuine demeanor.  As self-professed nerds, their plans for a Harry Potter themed wedding sounded fun, and admittedly, I was intrigued by the table centerpieces designs and their vision.  The thing that got me was the way that Chris looks at Statira and the words of love that Statira used to describe him.  I thought to myself, I want to photograph that feeling.

I.  Want. This. Ring.

I'm not saying I dislike my wedding ring.

I'm just saying my right hand is bare.

Kettering Mayor Don Patterson officiating the ceremony and dressing the part.

That moment when Mama thinks, "It went by so fast."

A glue gun, a little imagination and a determined bride and Viola!  Harry Potter Cake Topper

 Wedding Party:  "You should have a shot."

Me:  "Well, if you insist... Also, I'm gonna need to photograph those bottles."

They decided to skip the traditional DJ and dancing.  It was an awesome idea!  The bride & groom could actually visit and socialize with their guests without having to excuse themselves for the next item on the itinerary.  Brilliant!

This little girl was in awe of the "princess".

 Chris & Statira, thank you for trusting me with your wedding memories.  You are both kind, genuine and warm people.  Meeting you both and spending the day with your lovely friends and families is the reason that I love my job.  Wishing you many years of happiness!  

xoxo Val 

Venue: Polen Farm

Gown: Gold "Snow White" Disney Fairytale Wedding Dress by Alfred Angelo

Tuxedo:  Gregory's Tuxedos

Hair/MUA:  Pinned Up LTD

Catering: City BBQ

Laura & Ryan | Beavercreek Engagement Session

I met the lovely Miss Laura a few years ago when my then 10 year old daughter began dance lessons with her.  She is a kind, gentle, thoughtful and inspiring teacher, and my daughter blossomed under her instruction.  I've always admired the natural, easy way that Laura teaches, and I was thrilled when she approached me about engagement and wedding photography.  I mean, helloooo... not only is she funny, sweet and smart, but she's got those Grace Kelly sort of good looks.  Yeah, I'm down with that.

Then there's her fiance Ryan.  He's a little reserved, but sharp and quick-witted and hunky ... but he doesn't get that he's hunky which makes him even more adorable.  The two of them giggle and melt when they look at each other which makes me so damn happy for Laura.

Still, the neatest part of being the one chosen to document their love story is this story that Laura told me.  During their courtship, she visited Ryan's parents house in northern Ohio.  There on the fridge was a snapshot of Ryan coaching a youth soccer team several years ago.  As she studied that photo of the man she would marry, one particular freckled face caught her attention.

Her student and my daughter.

Yep.  They both taught my daughter.

I knew then I had to tell their love story.

First Birthday Milestone Session | Dayton Family Photography

Meet Cameron.

He enjoys cruising along furniture, putting everything in his mouth, banging cabinet doors and chasing his best pal, Bella The Chihuahua.

For his first birthday, he is wishing for a real pony (or another larger dog that he can ride), a swing set and the immediate dismantling of all baby gates so that he can explore without parental restrictions.  

He would also like more teeth so he can try pizza.