Stephen + Courtney | Wedding

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-12Stephen and Courtney are sweet friends of mine who happen to live in beautiful Ireland. They had a ceremony in Ireland in July but wanted to share their love with friends and family in Cincinnati. Although I would have loved to capture this day in Ireland, it was still incredibly beautiful, full of love and laughter. Stephen also brought along some of his Irish family, and I could listen to them talk for days.

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-1 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-2I spent the morning with Courtney and her bridesmaids, getting ready and relaxing before the day started. Courtney was incredibly relaxed, and I loved being able to spend some time with her on her wedding day. This image above is a perfect representation of Courtney’s spirit. She is incredibly positive and happy, and it is contagious.

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-3 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-4 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-5 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-6 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-7Courtney was a stunning bride. Her style is so classic and timeless, and the details of her dress were perfect.

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-8The ceremony and reception took place at the Krohn Conservatory, which was a perfect location on this chilly November day.

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-9 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-10I mean look at these two…so adorable together!

breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-13 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-14 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-15 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-16 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-17 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-18 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-19 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-20 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-21 breannaelizabethweddingcunningham-22Stephen and Courtney, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your lovely day. It was beautiful in every day and a perfect representation of how much love others have for you. I saw many tears and laughs throughout the day. As much as I wish you lived closer, I am so excited for your adventures across the Atlantic. The next time we get together should be in Dublin!

Eric + Lauren | Engagement

breannaelizabethengagement-2I caught up with Lauren last week and talked wedding plans, so I thought it would be a great time to post this session we did back in November. It is hard to remember that lovely weather after the snowstorm that came through today. Lauren and Eric both have a love for buildings and wanted to capture that in their engagement photos. I loved their vision and am so excited about how they turned out! As an architecture student, I was thrilled to capture some beautiful spaces around Cincinnati. Their adorable pup also joined us. He looked so regal with his bowtie.
breannaelizabethengagement-1breannaelizabethengagement-4Every time I asked Eric and Lauren to kiss, Lauren would try to pull away and laugh. Eric was more than happy to sneak a kiss on the cheek, and those are some of my favorite images. It is obvious that these two are in love and make each other so happy. It makes me smile!
breannaelizabethengagement-5breannaelizabethengagement-8breannaelizabethengagement-10breannaelizabethengagement-11breannaelizabethengagement-12breannaelizabethengagement-13breannaelizabethengagement-14breannaelizabethengagement-15breannaelizabethengagement-17breannaelizabethengagement-19breannaelizabethengagement-20Eric and Lauren, you two are so much fun to hang out with. I cannot wait to photograph your beautiful destination wedding in the spring!

2013

As I reflect on this year, I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. Grateful for the incredible friends and family who have encouraged me. Grateful for the incredible photographers who have mentored me. Grateful for a husband who showers me with so much love. And grateful for a Savior who has blessed me beyond anything I could ever imagine. Here are a few of my favorite images from the past year. I cannot wait to see what is in store for 2014.coors6Coors family, you are all so beautiful. I loved capturing your joy and can’t wait for next year when there will be another addition to your lovely family.
newman-7Andy and Becky, you two are so adorable. I love your hearts and your smiles. I am honored to call you both my friends and family.
a-16Amber, thank you so much for joining me on the hottest day of the summer. You have such style, and I can’t wait to see where photography takes you.
breannaelizabethwedding-9Huge thank you to Lukas and Suzy for inviting me along for this gorgeous Kentucky wedding. The details were straight out of a magazine.
harper-11I spent several summer days with this sweet girl and her big sisters. Brought back sweet memories of growing up with my two sisters.
breannaelizabethwedding-3This wedding was photographed with the lovely Darlene. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have taught me.
t-9This boy. There are no words to describe how thankful I am to call you my husband.breannaelizabethengagement-3Matt and Arielle, it was so good to catch up with you. I can’t wait to capture your upcoming wedding.moriarty-37I was thrilled to finally meet Caitlin and help her with this Irish wedding. She is such a sweetheart.
n-2These kids make me laugh so much. Newman family, I love you all. Thank you again for inviting me to spend an evening with you.adams-33Megan has a huge heart and was great to work with on this fall wedding. I am looking forward to second shooting for her more this year.ericlauren-64Eric and Lauren, you two are perfect together. I loved making your vision a reality, and I can’t wait to see how beautiful your wedding will be.cunningham-14This photo was from my first solo wedding. Courtney and Stephen, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your day. It was beyond beautiful, and I am honored to call you my friends. And a huge thank you to my second shooter, Todd, who also happens to be my handsome husband. breannaelizabethportraits-7Lastly, this is my sister. She is beautiful inside and out, and I am so proud of all that she has done this year. Ashten is heading to Australia next week. Ash, I will miss you a ton, but I can’t wait to hear about your incredible adventures.

Matt + Arielle | Engagement

breannaelizabethengagement-1Arielle and I were roommates in college, and I was thrilled when she asked me to take some photos of her and her soon to be hubby. I had never met Matt before, but I quickly approved. Arielle and Matt are perfect for each other. I have never seen her quite so happy :). It also helped that he opened my door and bought my lunch…such a gentleman!

breannaelizabethengagement-2breannaelizabethengagement-3breannaelizabethengagement-4breannaelizabethengagement-5Arielle asked if they could get some shots at Devou Park overlooking the city. Matt proposed at this very spot, and I thought it was the perfect location.

breannaelizabethengagement-6breannaelizabethengagement-7breannaelizabethengagement-8breannaelizabethengagement-9breannaelizabethengagement-10They also told me they were nervous in front of the camera. I was shocked. I mean look at Arielle. She could be a model!

breannaelizabethengagement-11Arielle and Matt, thank you so much for inviting me along. I cannot wait to celebrate your wedding!

Looking Ahead | 2013

Sorry I have been quiet lately. We have been enjoying the beautiful holidays with friends and family, and I have been soaking up this slower season. I hope to get back into a more regular schedule soon.

I love the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on all the goodness from the past year, but we often get caught up in a list of goals that must start on January 1st. And how long do those goals last? One week if I’m lucky. Life catches up, and I find myself disappointed in my “failures.” My friend, Lara, recently blogged about goal setting and making things happen. She gives step by step instructions on how to put pen to paper in looking forward but also being grateful for the past twelve months. Thank you Lara for your inspiration! Instead of making a list of specific goals, I am going to spend the New Year focusing on my vision for 2013. Here is a recap of my reflections so far.

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Step 1: Evaluate what did work in 2012.

This past year has been beyond amazing. Todd and I have been blessed in ways we never thought imaginable.

1. One full year of beautiful marriage. I love my husband. A lot. And it keeps getting better every day.

2. Health and happiness. Other than a few sick days, we have been feeling great.

3. One year closer to graduation. It is hard to believe that I am in year six of seven. I am ready to be done, but the time has flown.

4. Our small group. We took part in a church journey this fall with our same group from last year. It was incredible to grow stronger and create great relationships with other married couples.

5. Writing down my dreams and taking baby steps to make them a reality. Going to Chicago for Making Things Happen was truly life changing. I knew what I wanted, but I kept pushing it off for “someday.” Saying things out loud to a room of thirty amazing ladies, helped me to face my fears and just go for it.

6. Second shooting with a good friend. Darlene has been so gracious with her time and knowledge, and I am so thankful for her friendship this year!

7. Photographing beautiful friends and family. I have been incredibly blessed with the opportunity to “practice” this year. Thank you everyone for taking a chance on me and believing in my future.

8. Developing friendships. I have grown closer to new and old friends this year and am realizing how beneficial it is to surround yourself with people that inspire and encourage you.

9. Starting this blog. I have loved journaling for years, but I have truly enjoyed crafting each of these posts to share. It is like sharing a little piece of my heart each week.

10. Spending each day with my amazing husband. He supports me in a way no one else can. I never would have made any of these other things happen without his love and encouragement.

Step 2: Evaluate what didn’t work.

1. I am still fearful of becoming a full time photographer. I know it is going to be a ton of work, and doubt continues to creep in.

2. I didn’t spend nearly enough time in the Word. I know I need it desperately, every morning. But I often allow other things to take precedence.

3. I settled. In schoolwork, business, and life in general. I want to be done with being “okay.”

4. I didn’t cook as often as I wanted. You know that my husband does a lot of cooking (and I am so grateful), but I want to spend more time in the kitchen, making healthy meals for our family.

5. I didn’t run/workout like I needed. The first step is always the hardest, but I always feel amazing after a long run. We did a few races this year, but nothing that truly challenged me like I crave.

6. I wasted too much time comparing myself to others. I’m sure you’ve heard the quote “comparison is the thief of joy,” but I’ve truly felt it this year. It is so easy to think you are finding “inspiration,” but really I am just draining myself and feel like a failure. I need to spend more time developing my own style instead of trying to copy.

Step 3: Pinterest Vision Board.

You can see mine here. I am a visual person, and putting pretty images together helps me so much!

These three simple steps have brought so much clarity and focus. As I look ahead, I want to align my focus with my Creator. God has been teaching me to slow down, enjoy the little things, and trust Him completely. But most of all, He is calling me to love. To love my husband, my family, friends, and strangers. To allow my business to be focused on showering my clients with love. To give freely and love on the poor. To see through His eyes. He is teaching me little by little every day, and I am continually praying that I can truly love unconditionally. Because He loved me first.

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Thank you for your love and support this year. This blog would still be a mere dream without the help of incredible friends and family. I am forever grateful for YOU! Enjoy a sweet kiss from someone you love tonight, and tell me what you are looking forward to in 2013.