InHOME LIFESTYLE/Maternity: He's come at last

They've waited...

they've sacrificed...

they've waited some more...

In those moments, when it seems like a dream will never come true, you have two choices...you give up or you pull closer & continue to dream...

These two have hearts that are bonded...they not only lean on each other, but I have seen them champion each other...it's as if, by the other person happiness, they attain their own...and with each of them looking out for the interest of the other...well, you can imagine the type of committed marriage they have worked to achieve!

I was honored to photograph their moments together...the celebration of a dream come true for them both...

and if you keep scrolling you'll see that dream come to fruition in the form of sweet little baby who has captivated them both heart & soul!


















And now a sweet family of three!

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FAMILY SESSION: Life with Preschoolers

I remember well when all 3 of my girls were under the age of 5...one fully in diapers, one just getting out of them, one wanting to do everything by herself...each their own personality and temperment...

It takes a lot of energy, patience and a little bit of "crazy" to manage through that "season" of life.

And yet...

I believe we are all given the measure of grace needed to not just survive but recognize opportunities to choose to thrive in those power-zapping moments...

Family sessions with littles can be ones in which I need to get those running shoes on...

but, it's worth it...

I know it's cliche' when people say that "time goes by so fast"...

and yet, it's somewhat true...

This couple recognizes that and even amidst the energy and the play and the constant of moving...they wanted the moments captured...this is THEIR family...THEIR home...it's the belonging and the walking hand in hand...being it in together that makes the LIVING it worthwhile!

Some of my favorite images came from this session and I'm positive you'll find a few favorites as well!










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FAMILY SESSION: committed

I wrote a post yesterday about authenticity...

(can you tell I'm reading a bunch of philosophy/psychology books here lately???) 

Being authentic means being vulnerable...letting your guard down...taking the chance of getting "beaten down" and yet being able to rise up again in strength if that does happen...

There is such freedom and safety in being authentic when you are surrounded by people that are  cheering you on no matter if you fail or succeed...

and when you have that, you can't help but feel that love bubbling up inside...and then you become decided, committed...to give it your all...

I've watched this couple for a few years now...and that idea of "committment" comes to mind everytime I see them...

They cheer each other on...they look for ways to connect, to give it everything they've got...

and then that translates into their parenting...into their family life...

It's a power house family I'm tellin' ya!!!

What a pleasure to hang with them!







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FAMILY SESSION: Authenticity

Does anyone else sometimes just long for authenticity?

I am bombarded daily through social media and regular media, and doggone it, by even the people I meet in everyday life...

People that seemingly know how to keep their houses spotless, their children eating organicly healthy foods, while retaining a youthful glow & taut skin even over 40, exercising daily to keep their waistline trim, living fiscally responsibly AND having extra money to clothe everyone in name brand items, whilst also giving generously to those in need...to top it off...they also are having quality dinners around the table, heart to hearts each evening with each child and no worries in the foreseeable future except, "my child got a full ride scholarship to 5 Ivy league schools and we're just at our wits end knowing where they will choose!"

I sound crabby...

I don't mean to be...I truly want to be happy for people that have figured it all out...that have it all together...that don't get distracted by everything and therefore burn pancakes on the stove while trying to do a quick load of laundry so that baby girl will at least have clean underwear to wear that day (although it may be a bit damp because it doesn't have enough time to go the full dryer cycle)

I'm not good at balancing things...I'm also not a good actress...if I'm having a bad day, unless you don't want to share in my "misery", you may want to pretend you don't see me and walk the other way...it's not that I'm trying to be a negative nelly...I'm just being real...and being real for me means that I haven't seen my bedroom floor in about 2 weeks because I just keep dumping the clean clothes (praise Jesus we at least have clean clothes) onto the carpet or they get dumped there after being somewhat thrown into piles on the bed but we're too tired to put it away, so back on the floor they go...

We have a teenagers in the house and this whole parenting thing is different and I'm scared that I'm not going to do it right...scratch that...I am NOT going to do it right...I can't...I'm completely imperfect, so I suppose my fear is, "HOW badly will I mess them up?"  I can have great motives up the wazzu, but even the best intentions don't mean the "right" decisions all the time...

We've been married almost 17 years now...and we're in our 40s too...and though we are committed it doesn't mean that it's always a piece of cake or that we live with rainbows & happy talk 24/7!

WHEW...that's a lot to spew at you on a Monday!

Let me sort of "switch gears" but hopefully it will be a smooth transition into this train of thought...

Authenticity...Being REAL...Transparency...Integrity...Confidence...Connecting...

I know there has to be a level of Confidence inside one's self to be able to state to the world, "this is me...take it or leave it" and I think with that confidence comes the ability to be transparent and therefore living boldly and thus demonstrating Intregity, because decisions aren't based on what others think, but rather what is right, even if it doesn't "feel" good...

when it all comes down to it...after all that, we CONNECT...we don't feel alone...we have a sense of belonging because we link arms and walk through life together...

And that can be scary, I get it...because we can't control other people's perception of us...we try, but ultimately we can't...and sometimes being "REAL" means getting kicked in the pants a couple of times along the way...

When I took this picture of this family, I can't say that this "blog post" popped into my head, but I remember smiling and thinking, "THIS is real...this is a moment in time..."  It's hard and messy sometimes...and you feel pulled in all directions...

but, here is this family living it out loud...no pretense...just letting loose and saying, "we love fiercely, we love deeply...we go a little crazy...but we're here together...take it or leave it!"

I want to continue to challenge myself and my family...to, even if it makes us look dorky or maybe if others look at us and say, "thank good we're not like them!", live authentically...Because, I have found that connections made with others of like minds are often the most bonded & worthwhile relationships...









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FINALLY FRIDAY!!!


It's Finally Friday for Senior Week at CT PhotoMemories!!!  This week has been all about showcasing upcoming Seniors and getting a bug in your ear about scheduling YOUR Senior Session!
Here are a few tips and suggestions:

1) If at all possible, plan to schedule your session before school starts in the fall...First off, the price packaging is set at a deal right now and you want to take advantage of that while you can (before mid August) Secondly, things get hectic with school, sports & extra curricular happenings...combining that with unpredictable Ohio weather, most often the summer is when your schedule is most flexible.

2) Check out the CT PhotoMemories Senior Gallery to get some inspiration with regards to outfits & location! You can also go to @ctphotomemories Instagram and search for the hashtag #ctphotoseniors for more examples!

3) Read about all that's included in a Senior Session with CT PhotoMemories HERE

4) To get an idea about me and what a session might look like, you can read about my "Behind the Scenes" adventure HERE or pop over to the ABOUT ME section!

4) In case you missed something and want a step by step guide to getting your name on my calendar, check it out HERE


That's it...you've got all the info and I'm here at ctphotomemories@gmail.com to answer any further questions or concerns!!!  I can't wait to meet & celebrate with you!!!

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SENIOR WEEK: Turf Thursday

You've all heard "Location, Location, Location" ...

And while I agree to a point, I hope all my seniors remember that more important than location is timing and personality!!!

let me explain...

One thing to keep in mind, especially as the new school year approaches in August, is that not only will this year be exciting, FUN, and memorable...it's going to be BUSY!!!

Depending on what sports or activities you are involved in, it may behoove you to consider scheduling your Senior Session before school starts so that you can have it taken care of and one less thing on your plate...

Be sure to check the link HERE on information regarding Summer Scheduling and "the steps" to follow to get on the calendar!

However, if Fall attire is really what you were going for, that is still fabulous!  And no matter the season, the most important thing to bring to your session is YOU (and your personality)  

Remember, this is a showcase of the true you...all the sides: serious, funny, studious, sporty...everything!

Location can help enhance that...Typically, I have a handful of optional locations that cover the realms of nature, rustic, urban, classic, and even school! 

Once you receive your questionaire and we discuss the settings where you feel most comfortable, that's where we were head! 

Our last Upcoming Senior Featured for Senior Week: 
Grant will be a Senior at Olentangy High School this year. He's the oldest kid in his family and has already been on a few college visits this Spring.  I was so impressed by his demeanor!  Can't wait to meet back up with him this Summer!


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SENIOR WEEK: What to Wear Wednesday

Jeans, boots, peasant shirts, dresses, hats, bangle bracelets...what you choose to wear and accessorize for your Senior Session contributes to the overall look and feel of your images!

If you need some inspiration you can check the CT PhotoMemories Pinterest Board OR check out the Senior Gallery!

The main idea is to choose outfits that make you feel like YOU, that you feel show the best side of WHO you are...if you aren't one to dress up, then choose comfy clothes that make you feel cute & daring!  If you are into accessories, please bring them along...a special ring or necklace given as a gift...a favorite book that changed the perspective of your thinking...these all provide insight into who you are becoming!

Featured Upcoming Seniors:

First up is McKensie!  She is so excited to enter her Senior year at Olentangy High School.  Words that would describe McKensie would be: Confident, Compassionate & Loyal. She has a smile that lights up the room!



Her bestie is Jessica!  Jessica has a style all her own. I loved that she had a hat that captured her fashion sense and style!



Another "accessory" that is super fun to incorporate is: YOUR BEST FRIEND!!!

Besties bring out the best in us...they help us relax quickly in front of the camera and they bring out the natural...not to mention, it's much more fun when you get to share an experience with someone you love!


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SENIOR WEEK: Tasty Tuesday

I love SWEETS!  

I've always had a sweet tooth...I'm pretty much up for all things SUGAR and I'm not shy to admit it!

The Suisse Shop Bakery is a quaint little shop just east of the Polaris area and it has delectable treats! This year, they donated a bunch of tasty morsels for my Senior Day event!  Cupcakes, brownies, cookies...you name it, and they were delicious!  They specialize in CAKES, too...perfect for grad parties and other celebrations!




Featured Upcoming Seniors: 


First up is Alexandra or "Boogie"!  She's the oldest of 4 girls, participates in track and golf and is always up for anything!  I called her about 45 minutes before my Senior Day sessions because I had a last minute cancellation due to sickness...she didn't bat an eye and even grabbed a sweet friend to join her! 

Next up is Madison!  She and Boogie have been besties for many years, even though they attend different high schools.  Madison is at Olentangy Orange HS, while Boogie attends OHS. She's into golf as well and has a natural beauty and smile!

A great part about Senior Sessions with CT PhotoMemories, is that you are encouraged to "bring a friend"...they bring out the best in you anyway...why not have them come along!!!

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Blog Archive

How can I reach you?

The best way to contact me is either through Facebook Messaging or emailing me at ctphotomemories@gmail.com

I can't wait to hear from you!
"Teach us to number our days, (savor the moments) so that we may gain a heart of wisdom" ~Psalm 90:12

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