I’m back from Toledo and I had an amazing time! The entire weekend was about family and I loved having my kids with me while I was working. I’ve had a lot of destination weddings, but why Toledo? Well, my husband’s cousin, Kim, asked me to photograph her special day. It’s not often that I get the opportunity to work for family. The added bonus is that it didn’t feel like work and I got a kick out of watching my own kids dance at the reception. 

You would never know we were in just Toledo, Ohio…. we shot at so many locations, from a huge church, to the beach, to downtown, and then The Toledo Zoo. I kid you not.

I wasn’t sure where to begin with this post, but the family cookout the night before is as good a start as any….

This is Corrine. She loved her sunglasses.

My youngest, Cole, thought that this was the perfect weapon.

the day begins…. at the salon

this is the only picture I’m in the whole day.

i loved Kim’s eyes… so pretty!

The Cathedral was AMAZING! I felt like I was in Europe.

The groom. Steve.

these shoes were actually comfortable.

loved the dress!!!

 I had hours with the couple….we went all over. Here we are at the Navy Bistro.

then it was off to Maumee Bay

and downtown….

And then the Zoo!!!

We had a blast at the reception!

Of course my boys made friends right away with Dominic and Roman! So cute!

Look at Owen doing his crab dance!

my family. Lauren, Diane, and my hubby.

Probably my favorite shot of the day. The carousel.

I love a good military wedding and I love shooting in Charleston.  So naturally, I was thrilled to book with Tina and Greg earlier this year. In fact, Greg was serving over seas when they chose me… so, yet another couple I had yet to meet in person. We did finally get together a couple of weeks ago and had a blast during their engagement session. So much fun. My only hesitation was shooting in Charleston….in JULY. Typically hot and humid, but we lucked out with low 80’s on Saturday. ;) 

The day started at historic Ansonborough Inn… Ceremony at the Citadel… and a beautiful reception at the Harbor Club. My favorite part was the couple session after the reception. I ran around downtown with the couple and we had beautiful light! Anyway, I could go on and on, if you read my blog…I tend to babble. I’ll let the pictures talk. 

I’ll be leaving for Toledo, Ohio today for an awesome wedding and will be back in the office next Tuesday. All my best!

i loved little Hannah and her “friend”

fun on the limo…

what an awesome color scheme… black, white, and yellow.

serious fun at this reception!!!

i really appreciate when a couple gives me lots of time for pics… :) 

Update: I wanted to post a slideshow of some of my favorites… I’m in Charleston, SC for a wedding and will be back in the office on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Amy Wedding from Katy Cook on Vimeo.

This couple won me over from the beginning! I shot their engagement session last fall and from that moment on, I knew this would be a fantastic wedding! The love and laughter they share is addictive. You’ll see from the pictures what I mean. It was also great to see the family dynamic! Amy has two sisters who were both married within the year. I am very close to my sisters and loved watching the way they were so similar to us! Amy’s dad must be very relieved, but I’m sure it’s bittersweet giving away your last daughter. Thanks for such a great time! 

loved the dress and the shoes!

Nate gave Amy a necklace before she walked down the aisle.

the girls…

Erica got some great shots of Nate getting ready.

 the boys….

Crawford and Company decorated the church beautifully.

Fun on the van!

I made the driver turn around so I could shoot at this abandoned motel.

Wachovia….

probably my favorite shot of the day… loving the graffiti

Byron’s South End was decorated beautifully!

NC State and Appalachian united!

yummy sweets for everyone to take home!

Some serious footwork.

Amy and Nate, thanks for such a wonderful time!

I was so thrilled that my good friend had her baby boy last week! Selfishly, I love holding a little baby more than about anything so I couldn’t wait to get over there! Wouldn’t you know that I had my camera with me?

Keeley, I hope you like these quick snaps of your beautiful boy. Can’t wait to see him again soon! 

Look at the smile on him!

My boys are my everything. I just can’t get enough of them! Here’s a video for the 4th of July! Enjoy!

***seriously, aren’t they the cutest?

You know how there are those people you just can’t help but love instantly? They can literally light up a room when they walk in??

Ann is one of those people. I met Ann a few months ago during her bridal session and seriously couldn’t stop laughing with her. This beautiful lady is beyond special and I loved being there on her wedding day.

the girls were happy to see Ann!

hee hee… thanks for getting me in a pic Keicha! 

loved these guys!

Katy, I adore these photos! You are fabulous, and I will absolutely recommend you to everyone I know! Thank you for making the wedding day photo experience so much fun! xoxo, Ann

I wanted to post some of her bridal portraits! We had a beautiful session at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte. Amy congrats to you and Nate and I’ll be posting pics from the wedding soon!

so gorgeous…