Joy + Kyle | Engaged | German Village + Schiller Park

Joy + Kyle
Engaged
Schiller Park | German Village

It is crazy how people from your past can pop up out of nowhere. Joy reached out to me about wedding photography after being referred by a mutual friend. Only, I hadn’t talked to this friend in YEARS. Seriously… since my skate slingin’ days.

How cool is that? I love how this industry is constantly connecting me and reconnecting me to such awesome people. And I am so happy Dom sent these two my way! I met Joy and Kyle over coffee and we easily connected!

I looooved this engagement session and getting to know Joy and Kyle more! I cannot believe their wedding is just a little over a month away!

Joy and Kyle are high school sweethearts. And you can tell. These two are just effortless together; something that only comes with time.

Joy loved the pond at Schiller Park, so we decided to do photos around gorgeous German Village. We had to reschedule once because of rain, but this night was so perfect! I’m glad we waited because the sun became super dreamy as the evening went on.

Kyle immediately understood how to “nuzzle in.” Sometimes guys look at me like I am nuts when I ask them to do this, but Kyle made it look like he always whispers sweet nothings in Joy’s ear! Haha! He was seriously so good at this! The way he looked at her just melted my heart!

This couple is motivated and I love seeing how hard they work to make their dreams, including their upcoming wedding a reality. I’m so excited for their big day!

I have to brag on these two for putting up with me, too! They already had not one, but two engagement sessions and they somehow agreed to do a third with me! It’s so important for me to do engagements sessions with my bride and groom so that when we go to do bridal portraits on the wedding day, everyone is good to go! So thank you guys!!

Joy, you are going to look absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to see Kyle’s face when he sees you for the first time on your big day! Not much longer!!

Here are some of my favorite photos from their (final) engagement session!

Brandi + Michael | Engaged | Arena District + Huntington Park →

Brandi + Michael
Engaged
Arena District | Huntington Park

I cannot believe I just shot Michael’s engagement photos! What is this life? I have known Michael for quite a while. I first met his older sisters back in high school and we became fast friends. I totally credit being the youngest and only boy in a family full of sisters to how amazing of a man he has grown into. Haha (; But seriously, I am so impressed by who Michael has become. He’s always been hilarious, caring, and just so much fun to be around, but watching him with Brandi, I saw a man I was so proud to know.

I kept seeing Michael post photos with this pretty little girl on Facebook, and I could just tell. I think everyone could tell. His smiles were of complete happiness and you could see the joy in his eyes. This wasn’t just another girlfriend.   

I have to give credit one more time to the sisters! Michael’s sister Marilee was working with Brandi at the time and told Michael, “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Michael proposed one day outside the steps of Huntington Park with a beautiful beautiful beautiful diamond ring. And as they say… the rest is history.

Brandi is incredible, just the girl I would want for my own little brother (if I had one!) to marry. I had heard so much about her already, and was so excited to meet her last year when Michael reached out to me to talk about photos after their engagement. Brandi is beautiful, kind, intelligent and she just fits in so perfectly with this wonderful family. I got a little emotional even when I first started shooting their photos!

For their engagement photos, Brandi and Michael chose the arena district, right back to where they got engaged. I loved how they incorporated Michael’s uniform and Brandi looked drop dead gorgeous in her dress! Seriously, check this dress out! Obsessed. She rocked it.

And you might be wondering, what the hey with the cake pops?? Oh you know, Brandi is just AN AMAZING BAKER. I’m always seeing her work on social media and everything she does is so beautiful. I was dying to try her famous cake pops! SO… She even made some extra cake pops for me to take home after their session. I LOVE HER. I popped those babies open as soon as our session ended and was in cake pop heaven. You can check out more of her cake popos and other yummy work here.  

I am so excited for their late summer wedding! Seriously, this wedding is going to be FUN! I am so happy for the two of you, Michael and Brandi. Thank you for the opportunity to capture your love story!

Maddison W | Pickerington High School North | Class of 2017 | Story Told Photography Ambassador

Maddison
Class of 2017

Pickerington High School North
Story Told Photography Ambassador

Everyone meet Maddy!! She is my first Story Told Senior Ambassador for 2017 and I couldn’t be happier that she chose me to take her senior photos. This is My Maddy. You see, I met her when she was in junior high, when she started taking ice skating lessons from me. So, this post will be a little more personal than most! 

I love this girl and I have been privileged to watch her grow into such a beautiful young woman. I must tell you, Maddy has always been different than the other girls. Let me explain! Maddy is an old soul. I swear there is a free-spirited woman from the 1920s inside of this modern day beauty. She listens to old music, and her presence and demeanor just makes you feel like this is not a normal sixteen-year-old girl. There is so much more to Maddy! She’s a classic beauty. She’s delicate but also strong willed. She is deep and thoughtful and so caring. Everyone loves her.

This might be my favorite session I have ever photographed. Of course I love all my seniors! But this was so fulfilling to be a part of. Not only did we have beautiful golden hour light, but this session was so perfect for Maddison. 

One day… Well, I should say, one extremely early morning at the ice rink, Maddy wasn’t hitting her moves just right.  Maddy is a perfectionist and the one student of mine that reminds me so much of myself. I relate with Maddy on so many levels, especially of being a people-pleasing perfectionist. If she didn’t get it just right, she would be so hard on herself.  

So one day, towards the end of my coaching career, I got it out of Maddy. I could tell after a couple of attempts at a move that she was about to lose her cool. I could see it in her eyes. I know this look because I’ve had that same look in my own eyes. But there was more. I asked her what was so wrong. She finally told me, “I don’t want to do this.”

Hellooooo heartbreaaaaak. I stared at her as tears started to fall down her cheeks. I felt my chest tighten in pain. Was it me? Did she not like her lessons with me? Was I not what she wanted in a coach? “What do you mean?” I asked.  “I don’t want to ice skate.” Oh my God. It’s me. Get it together, Ali. “What do you want to do, then?” I asked rather directly. “I want to ride.” Oh…Horses. She loves her horses.  “Then go ride.”

I believe that was the last lesson I ever had with Maddison. Maybe one or two more to finish up what we had worked on, but that was the one I remember the most out of all of those mornings, afternoons, and evenings on the ice. I remember her crying as she told me what she really wanted, but that she kept coming because she didn’t want to let anyone down. My God. I love this girl. I told her to go talk to her mom and to tell her what she wanted, to do what made her happy. I’m so glad she did.

That same feeling I have when I’m on the ice, the feeling of complete happiness, fulfillment, and pure freedom, is what I saw in Maddy as she showed me around her new arena. This is what Maddy loves.

I am so happy for Maddison as she takes on a different kind of senior year. No, she won’t be going to Friday night football games, dancing the night away at prom with her friends, or participating in senior tag. Instead, she’s off to Germany to immerse herself into an entirely different culture through an exchange program. I not only believe that Maddison knows this will be a once in a l lifetime, one of a kind, unforgettable experience, but I also believe Maddy wants to go because of her genuine love for all people. She loves meeting new people, asking them questions and learning all about them, and making lasting friendships.

Maddy’s mom texted me after I posted sneak peeks of her senior portraits. She said Maddy told her she’s never looked so good in photos before… that she doesn’t normally look that good. But that’s why I am here. You do normally look that good, Maddison. This is how I see you, and this is how the rest of the world sees you. You’re beautiful, kind, fun, with a heart of gold. I cannot wait to see all the photos you take in Deutschland. Have a fantastic senior year, Maddy! Love you.  xo

Large Flower Crown by Dalay Ket
Small Flower Crown and Bouquet by Janet Clayton

2017 Senior Ambassador Program

I am so excited for my 2017 seniors! Last year was my first year shooting seniors and I absolutely loved it!! Meeting so many new faces and creating memories and friendships was such a blast- I know senior photography is where my heart lies! I am so thankful for my 2016 seniors, especially my ambassadors! For 2017, I already have a few ambassadors, but I am looking for several more seniors to become Story Told Reps! If you book your session with me before the start of the school year, you'll receive the following:

$50 off your session
40 Wallet Prints
A $25 gift card for each referral you send my way
Story Told Photography Freebies/Gear

I'm so happy to keep creating and getting to know families in my community. I love incorporating your personal style into your senior session, whether it be with sports, a special location, including a friend or pet, etc. Your senior session will reflect your personality! If you would like to learn more, ask questions, or schedule your session, contact me this summer! 

I got my senior reps together from 2016 to do an end of the year shoot. Here are my favorites!

Kyrstin + Joe | Engaged | Everal Barn + Uptown Westerville

I will be kicking off my 2017 wedding season with Kyrstin and Joe’s winter wedding! You all know how much I love my winter weddings! In a world where people are meeting on Match.com, Facebook, even Tinder, I love love love that these two trusted their friend to set them up on a blind date!! Yes!!

I met Kyrstin and Joe for Starbucks earlier this year and I loved hearing about their wedding plans, but I loved hearing even more about their relationship. These two are so in love. You can tell it in the way that they talk, touch, and look at each other. It’s incredible. I typically shoot lifestyle photography, but most of their photos were just them being them, which was amazing. I would start to instruct them on a pose and then Joe would do something sweet, like kiss Kyrstin’s hand or whisper in her ear. Forget I’m here!! Seriously, I loved photographing these two and getting to know them more.

We went to Everal Barn in Westerville and then stopped at a park, and ended up in uptown Westerville. The evening was so beautiful, just like these two. When I got in my car, I had the sudden realization that I had pronounced Kyrstin’s name wrong all night long. I sent an email as soon as I got home, seconding guessing my every move now! Yup. I had mispronounced her name ALL NIGHT LONG. She’s an angel for thinking it was no big deal.

Here are a few of my favorites from their fun engagement session! I cannot wait to see you both again in January! xoxo

Ryan Siesel | St. Charles Prep | 2016 Senior | Xavier Bound

Whoohoo! I was so happy to get the text checking if I had any availability to take Ryan’s senior portraits this month. Of course! I can always make time for the man, the myth, the red-headed legend that my sweet friend has been telling me about about for years! I feel like I knew Ryan already from all the wonderful things I had heard about him, and I was so glad I was going to finally get to meet him, and better yet, take his senior portraits!

Ryan is a senior at St. Charles Prep and first off, a stepladder was absolutely necessary during the making of these photos. He is TALL… Super tall… The tallest senior I’ve ever photographed. I’m certain he has no issues seeing the stage at concerts. For this, I am jealous.

But anyways! Ryan is also an amazing bowler for St. Charles. Seriously, you can Google him and stats start popping up (Yes, I did!). This guy is seriously good and I got to witness his strikes and precision at the bowling alley myself! He’s SO GOOD! And, get this. If you have seen the movie Kingpin, you will know the ball that Ryan uses. He has an exact replica from the movie of the clear rose ball! It was custom made, so it’s one of a kind!

After we got some action shots at HP Lanes, we headed to St. Charles and the Franklin Park Conservatory. Ryan showed up with an entire wardrobe in his backseat, so we definitely put it to use! A Burberry tie! I died.

Ryan’s dad even showed up with Heidi! Yes!! I love all of the dogs I have been getting to meet recently! If you want to bring your dog to a shoot, the answer is: ALWAYS! Heidi was so good. She was always ready for close up and the way she looked at Ryan made my heart burst!

Ryan is headed to Xavier this fall to major in Finance.  “Oh yeah? And who are you, Alfred Einstein???” Congratulations, Ryan! And good luck at XU!

Christi + Keith | Hocking Hills | Intimate Bohemian Spring Wedding

Oh my word. Christi and Keith's wedding day was so perfect! When I pulled up the hill and saw the beautiful ceremony sight, overlooking the water, I knew it was going to be an amazing day! Shoot! I knew it was going to be an amazing day just driving down to Hocking Hills. The ceremony sight was very close to where we used to live, so driving down that county road was like taking a trip down memory lane. Southeast Ohio is one of my favorite places to be, so I knew that with this couple and this location, the day would be unforgettable. With a little help from etsy, Christi designed the entire wedding on her own. Can you believe that? I felt like I was in a styled shoot, but it was a real wedding! From the florals to the tablescape, she did it all! Keith's sister even created custom bow ties for the guys - it was all handmade and my heart was overjoyed with it all! Christi was completely stunning. I was seriously girl crushing so hard. Her bohemian bridal style was incredibly gorgeous. My favorite part of the day though was the ceremony, which Christi's grandfather officiated. Christi and Keith looked at each other in complete admiration, their interactions so easy. They laughed and even high fived during the ceremony. Christi's grandpa spoke about the joys of marriage, but he also talked about the struggles that married couples face, which touched my heart as a newly wed myself. He was so realistic about giving 100% in marriage. He spoke about keeping no record of wrongs. When you are first married, you're on cloud 9- on top of the world, but then a hardship may hit. How will you handle it? You'll fight, you'll cry, but the love you have for each other must rise above all. It was the perfect explanation of II Corinthians: Love is patient, love is kind. He explained marriage so well. This was honestly my favorite wedding I have ever shot because of its simplistic beauty and intimacy. Only 22 family members and friends were present, which made the day so much more special, with the focus on the bride and groom. Christi wears her moms engagement ring and her mother-in-law's wedding band. Congratulations, Christi and Keith! I hope your first year of marriage with your sweet little Lorelei brings tons of joyful memories. Thank you for allowing me to document your love story. 

Hair by Charlie.

Rachael | Olentangy High School | 2016 Senior

RACHAEL | SENIOR

OLENTANGY HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2016

OSU BOUND

This girl.

I remember watching Rachael on the ice. I had just started coaching and Rachael was a teeny tiny little thing with the cutest glasses. Her eyes popped. You could tell how much she loved being out there. She wasn't just cute though, Rachael was amazing to watch skate. She had spunk and charisma and I am in complete disbelief that I just took her senior photos. She has grown into one of the most beautiful young women I know. She rose to the top tests in figure skating and she is so smart and funny and I am totally gushing over her because she's just awesome and seeing her smile brought back amazing, wonderful memories from the ice rink. Rachael hasn't lost her spunk at all or her amazing talent on the ice. She is so so so funny and I love her laid back attitude. She's such a hard worker- I don't know how she has time to do all the things she does! She is beautiful and fun and smart all wrapped up into one. She asked me a couple of years ago to take her senior photos and she was serious! How awesome is that. Her mom told me that one of the most exciting things for Rachael to see at OSU was the library. I cannot wait to see Rachael continue to shine after graduation. We actually split her session and did a winter shoot and a spring shoot! We used the amazing outdoor rink downtown and then we went to Creekside for her spring photos! I know this girl has some big dreams and I know she will succeed. I'll stop gushing. Here she is! I have a TON of favorites!

Caleb | Pickerington High School North Senior | 2016

CALEB

PICKERINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH SENIOR

2016 SENIOR PHOTOS

Caleb's mom was so sweet when I spoke to her on the phone about his session. I love that she had a vision for these images and we even spent time choosing a location that would suite their home well. Print your pictures, y'all! Looking at a print is so much better than on the computer, I'm telling you, but I didn't have to tell Caleb's mom. I love that about senior pictures. The seniors may not fully understand the meaning behind them, but the parents, especially the moms, always do. This is your baby! Print the pictures. Anyway! When Caleb hopped out of the car, he had on his suit jacket and tie and really looked like he would rather be hanging out with anyone other than me for an hour - haha!! Caleb was quite, but I could tell there was more to his personality. We started at Victory Park then made our way over across the street to Sycamore Park for Caleb's more formal portraits. I made some small talk, trying to find out more about Caleb to let his personality shine through in his portraits. He was so polite and respectful, but his mom told me he was a jokester at home! Caleb plays the violin and needed photos with his violin for orchestra. I loved incorporating the violin! And for not liking having his photo taken, this guy is SO HANDSOME! Seriously loving his dark lashes and half grin! When Caleb changed from his suit to his hoodie, I found Caleb!! I can totally relate. I could live in a hoodie and jeans. This was his style and I loved it! Caleb isn't sure exactly what he wants to do after graduation, but he wants to knock out his core college classes as a start, and I think that's so smart! Good luck with the rest of your senior year, Caleb, and enjoy life's adventures! Here are my faves!