As I was working on these photos this morning I found myself getting a little emotional.  I just adore the beauty and symbolism of a couple totally in love, on the edge of being able to experience the major life change of a first child.

Lauren and Mark seemed so happy and at ease…..of all the times in a person’s life, I think this is one of the most beautiful.

I am starting with a favorite of mine.

sweet little belly!

:)  Does this make you smile like I am right now?

Lauren is such a beautiful Mama!

Everything Mark did on this shoot was incredibly sincere and natural.  He is so sweet to Lauren, and I know he is madly in love with the baby girl in the belly.

Another favorite!

Lauren and Mark, you are such an adorable couple.  I am so glad you asked us to do photos for you to document this amazing point in your life!  We wish you peace and comfort this last month of pregnancy, a safe delivery, and a healthy baby girl!!  I will be waiting to hear when she arrives!  I know she will be a precious punkin.  :)

All the best,

jess + brett

I am not even sure where to begin with Jenny + Dan.  They are such a sweet and special couple that I have known individually for years.  You see, both of them are bestest friends with my little sister Ashley, and they are in a very tight circle of friends so I have watched them all grow up.  I also watched along with my sister as Jenny + Dan each toyed with the idea of  one another, but being such good friends, they never pursued it.  I had an inkling that they would end up dating at some point- they seemed so ridiculously perfect for each other…..so whenever I was hanging with Ashley and we were talking about her friends, I always asked if anything had happened yet.  :)

So how did it finally work out?  Well, Jenny was so kind as to try and hook her good friend Dan up with another friend of hers.  Ummm….girls, you know how this goes.  :) As soon as she saw him with her friend, it was over.  She knew she wanted him.  And the rest, is beautiful history.  Doesn’t that sound like an episode of “Friends?”

Jenny and Dan chose a beautiful place for their wedding and reception.  The Inn at Oneonta was new to us, and we are so glad we know about it now!  Located about 20 minutes south of downtown Cincy, it is a hidden jewel in Melbourne, KY.  It’s an old historic home on the Ohio river, with gorgeous gardens, a chapel and endless other treasures scattered about the large property.   Brides, if you are looking for an outdoor venue, this place is worth the look!!

Back to my Jen + Dan….

When I walked in the room where Jenny was getting ready, I saw these roses laying there that Dan had given her the morning before he would marry his bride.

Jenny was getting all dolled up, and I knew she would be a pretty bride, but DANG, she was HOT!

Her dress was perfection in the form of fabric and beads.

As she opened her gifts from Dan, my jaw dropped.  One of them was a surprise horseback ride at sunset on a beach in Oregon, to take place the week after their wedding.  How insanely romantic!

Her shoes rocked.

Dan the man…Looking mighty FINE!

Seriously??!  WOW to three beautiful brothers!  I kinda have a special place in my heart for three brothers.  :)  I think this could be an ad for Ralph Lauren.

Mom and the girls help Jenny get the dress on….

Bling and berries. :)

A couple bridals and groomals that I fell in love with.

The girls getting sassy!  And yes, there are *10* bridesmaids.

The boys being goofballs.  What’s new!

When they met up for the first time, it was so emotional…I don’t normally cry, but my eyes were not dry with these two.  Such a precious moment.

Prayer before the ceremony….

This sweet little flower girl walked right down the isle perfectly!!  At the end she got this huge grin on her face, and I turned around to see her Mom holding her barbie doll!  Brilliant Mama!!  :)

Jenny was so stunning.

You two are ridiculously good looking.

Reception details!!

First dance.

LOVED their cake with the bride pinching the groom topper!!

We loved that Jenny and Dan cut out little portions of their day to slip out and grab portraits of the two of them.

This is SO them.

These guys LOVE to dance, like crazy love!!

Oh, and I have to mention that I had 4 “studio3z” brides there that night!  I was bummed that I didn’t get a shot w/them all.  :(  But, how cool seeing my girls there!

A couple night shots to end on….

Jenny and Dan, it was such a pleasure to be there on your big day!!  Brett and I are so over the moon happy for you two, and we can’t wait to watch your love (and family) grow as the years go by!!  :)  You guys are such a super rad couple.

We love you, and pray that God blesses your new life together.

jess + brett