Ace of Images

Update-- "YOU win it; THEY win it"

2012-01-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

We are now taking votes by email at :

alaina@aceofimages.com

Some participants have been able to post comments on here and some have not, so please feel free to send up an email with your vote :D

thanks,

Alaina

"YOU win it; THEY win it"

2012-01-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

Contest!!!!

The time is here! We are happy to release our "YOU win it; THEY win it" contest.

All of our 2011 brides had fabulous floral decor. We couldn't choose a favorite bouquet, so YOU,the voting public get to.... for a PRIZE!!!! :D We are listing three photos from each wedding that includes these gorgeous bouquets for voters to compare and decide which is their favorite. The couple with the most votes (comments) will win a special gift featuring one of our favorite photos from their wedding day. We will randomly choose a voter from the pool that supported our winning couple. THE VOTER will win a TWO HOUR FREE PHOTO SHOOT and our favoriteTOP TWENTY jpeg images with printing and online photo sharing copyrights released.

Brides: email / share this blog link with anyone and everyone you know to increase yoursupport!

Voting public:

1) Please only one vote/comment per person. (btw... no requirement that you know the couple whose bouquet you vote for!)

2) Did you get family photos recently but know a Senior, family, aspiring actor in an upcoming play, worthy non-profit event, musician with a gig, star athlete, or newly engaged couple who you'd like to give the winning prize to instead? Feel free! Vote now... we will credit your loved ones after you are informed of the results.

3) The photo shoot will take place in a location as agreed upon by both the participant(s) and Ace of Images in one of the following counties:

Williams - Ohio
Defiance - Ohio
Paulding - Ohio
Henry - Ohio
Fulton - Ohio
Van Wert - Ohio
Steuben - Indiana
Dekalb - Indiana
Noble - Indiana
Allen - Indiana

Winners do not have to reside in these counties, this is just the list of photo session locations.

4) Votes may be cast until 12:00 am February 1st, 2012. Check back in with blog OR find us on Facebook for updates on who's in the lead each week :D

Now for our contestants (in order of wedding date):

Hancock - Orange Lillies!

Strine- Tulips!

Stubblefield- Peonies!

Herman - Iris!

Dennis- Diamond studded red roses!

Jacobs - Hydrangea! (more sneakpeeks!)

Special thanks to assistant Elizabeth Weddington of Studio Seventy-Nine! Head on over to:

http://www.studioseventynine.com/ to see more of her work!

Let the voting begin!!!! Good luck to all of our candidates (who I can safely say are MUCH prettier than those in that "other" election going on this year ;D ).

-alaina

Fave Ceremony Venue - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Fave Ceremony Venue

Well kids we are down to our final look at 2011. I could just be honest and say, "all of them" haha. Seriously, we were blessed to be a part of some beautiful ceremonies at gorgeous sites. My personal top two are very different from the size of the venue to the weather.

Kristina has such a vibrant personality; it was only fitting that the Dennis wedding colors were royal red, white, and blue. She and Dustin's ceremony at the home of "Aunt Gaylea" and "Uncle Jim" Guilford was absolutely gorgeous featuring hundreds of red roses and bouquets created by the bride's cousin. Rosaries were hung in a nearby tree in remembrance and to honor faith. Members of the Guilford family even provided vocal music for the ceremony. I believe it was Gaylea who mentioned how special it was to see Kristina pass through such a revered right of passage beside the pond she played in as an adolescent and had formed so many other happy memories already. Planning for this wonderful event was provided by

Baci Designer Stationery + Events.

Switching gears from an outdoor fall wedding, we have the Hancock wedding held at St.Mark's Lutheran Church of rural Defiance, Ohio. As previously mentioned, Nicole wanted a small, intimate affair that was as tastefully simple as possible. She more than succeeded! :) This venue was a natural fit for the couple as it is where our groom, Rod, serves as a deacon. The stain glass windows of this small country church and its cream walls definitely created the perfect mood for their ceremony.

Please click the photo below to view a slideshow of these two venues. Congrats again to our couples! and more importantly, THANK YOU!

Fave Reception Venue - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Fave Reception Venue

Our couples in 2011 had swanky taste and knew how to make the most of their reception venues, that's for sure!!! We would like to highlight two in particular that are memorable!

1) the Strine wedding chose Founder's Hall (Archbold, Ohio) partly because of its on-site location with Sauder Village and the Village Inn (fabulous place with a huge pool room and loads of gorgeous woodwork!). What stands out most to me was the FABULOUS customer service of the staff. We like to check out locations for the ceremony and the reception if at all possible prior to the wedding day so we can get our gear list set accordingly for any lighting situations and learn the do's and don'ts of shooting locations and so on.

Shanon, Cory and I were able to meet at the inn, then travel across the parking lot to visit the hall and even step inside the actual banquet hall under staff escort who was very informative.

On the wedding day, Elizabeth and I were more than welcomed by staffers on hand for food preparation, daily operations, and event coordination. Every employee we encountered was more than helpful, genuinely took the time to answer questions and offer suggestions, and helped us get situated before the festivities. As if this were not enough, the hall is very spacious with beautiful wooden architecture (staying true to the rustic feel of the Sauder campus) and features a GORGEOUS, massive iron chandelier!!!!! :D So spacious, in fact, it was also the wedding venue -- a definite perk for guests. No finding the way to the hall in a different town, guests remained seated and the Sauders staff commenced serving the hors d'oeuvres !

2) The Hancocks preferred to keep their day as no-fuss and low-key as possible. Their choice location -- Kissner's restaurant in downtown Defiance, Ohio offered a relaxed atmosphere for classic dining. I LOVE Kissner's antique feel (not vintage, not retro... it's antique.... ) with its tin ceilings, beautiful dark wood and Victorian, tall and slender windows. Nicole and Rod's reception was held in the second floor banquet room available for rental. The base level of Kissner's (site of daily business) is frequented by locals looking for that hometown feel and is a lunchtime hotspot attracting area businessmen and women (right before the golf course on somedays! lol).

Kissner's

524 Clinton St.

Defiance, Ohio 43512

See this link for reviews on this area business as posted on Urbanspoon:

or:

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/240/1134971/restaurant/Ohio/Kissners-Defiance

Please click on the image below to view a quick video of these two locations :D

Fave Reception Decor- 2011 Weddings

2012-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lighting!!!!!!

I'm very excited to put on my Art Major/nerd hat and so let's be blunt and just jump into this:

The Stubblefields and the Hermans!!!!

Fill empty space and transform a venue's walls with lighting! Let's face it, color is the best way to make people FEEL differently! Ever look at a photo and think, "WOW! she looks REALLY cold!" chances are... the photo has a blue cast, hue, or tint to it- evoking the viewer to feel chilly. It's the same reason every designer on HGTV warns guests of painting a small kitchen bright red, yellow, or orange and making a heated space feel hotter. It's psychology... seeing warm colors makes people feel warmer the more intense the color. Probably no wedding designer is better known for successfully using lighting to transport people to a fantasy land for a reception than David Tutera on his WE network show,"My Fair Wedding". Tutera doesn't just think of light as "something to keep us from bumping into each other in the dark", but rather as a tool for helping people feel happy and festive or romantic with his down-right painterly use of colored lighting. See Tutera's work:

http://davidtutera.com/event_photos-new.php?g=14&a=91

The Stubblefields transformed what is already a spectacular venue, the Auburn Cord Duesenburn Auto Museum of Auburn, Indiana and punched some pizzazz into the reception hall with purple and gold, and white lighting from multiple light sources (including the incandescents with which the hall is equipped), namely around the hall's entrance. Add those gorgeous white feathers to reflect the light (remember elementary and middle school art class? the color white reflects all light back at the eye while the color black absorbs all) and a lit dancefloor canopy and you have spectacular decor! Notice the shot from the outside of the Museum... it was a drab gray day (good luck rain! :D), but instead of shoving guests into a dreary, windowless box, this hall features a mirrored primary wall of faux windows to reflect all of the light yet again.

link for the hall: http://www.acdmuseum.org/BanquetCenter/Pages/default.aspx

And THE Hermans! As an artist, it is so refreshing to work with people who "get it" and understand the technical aspects of the trade. Eric, our groom, and bride Christina met while working for the Bryan Municiple Utilities video and communications department. This dedicated groom also rigs the lighting for the Bryan theater and was able to bring some work to the party by setting up lighting that changed throughout the evening! Again, it filled space and really dressed up the Williams' County Veterans' Memorial Building at the county fairgrounds in Montpelier, Ohio. The changes in lighting just took the site to a whole new level and kept the energy going. Even with natural light filtering in through windows and a set of doors, I have never seen this hall look so festive and spectacular! And as for the technical aspect: the more light the better the photos/video. So remember kids, there are exceptions to rules, but for the most part: Don't just Dim the lights for "mood" , ADD the Right Light! Well worth it!

link for the hall:

http://williamscountyveteransmemorial.com/

Fave Guest Activity - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-06T09:19:00.001-08:00

Guest Activity

Most couples have a "kiddie table" or "teddy bear/candy toss" to help spare the little ones boredom at the reception and incorporate them into the fun and games.

Though I have not seen the animated feature, "Tangled" (I know... so many of you are gasping in surprise), I am told our favorite guest activity is in the film.

What to do with kids and kids-at-heart? give them fire! haha, even better... FLYING FIRE! :D Seriously though, guests at ..................................the Dennis wedding! had a great time lighting paper lanterns ("sky lanterns" or "wishing lanterns"), making a wish, and setting them off into the night.

Fave PhotoVenue - 2011 weddings

2012-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Say "Cheese"! - Photo Venues

As mentioned in previous posts, from the very first moment we sit down with a couple we try to get a feel for their unique interests and personality as a couple. Incorporating this makes photos memorable for couples and guests. It also helps we photographers flex our creativity and get pumped for the big day.

Some of our favorite photo venues for bridal party portraits after and before the ceremony include:

The Hancock wedding! Nicole and Rod had a blustery March afternoon shoot that took us to the rolling landscape on the campus of Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. Opting for a more more geometric and abstract landscape, naked trees and weathered vegetation looked GREAT, and complimented the bride's dress perfectly.

See the campus at: http://www.defiance.edu/pages/info_campus_map.html

The Strine Wedding! The Historic Sauder Village and Museum of Archbold, Ohio was a treat to visit as an adult. Probably every person who attended elementary school in one of the surrounding counties can recall that exciting field trip to the museum as a child. I'll admit it, at 28, I still enjoyed photographing and strolling around the quaint little workshops that, when in season, are home to period artisans and re-enactors. Shannon and Cory were a big fan of the covered bridge on-site, a standard for any wedding shot at this location, as well as a large weeping willow next to it. We really wanted to incorporate the willow once we spotted it since a large willow graces the couple's font yard of their Bryan, Ohio home. Elizabeth and I both fell in love with the wooden doors on one of the museum shops!

For more information please visit:

http://saudervillage.org/History/default.asp

It's those Hermans again!

The Home of mama and papa Herman (Bryan, Ohio) had a huge hill with a valley wooded with many tall and beautiful deciduous trees. As the July afternoon sun dipped low, the golden hour lit the scene and made for a wonderful backdrop (random sticks were also used in centerpieces for tables at the reception)! Thank you again Diane!!!! :D

And finally... The Stubblefield Wedding! In our previous blog Fave Gift: Pay it Forward, we shared Kate and Jeremy's love of baseball. With the help of the Auburn, Indiana Parks and Recreation department, we were able to take the boys to the field and snap some great shots to reflect their shared bond. AND we even beat the rain! :D No game delay for us!

Thanks again Auburn Parks and Rec!!!

http://www.ci.auburn.in.us/index.php/residents/parks-and-recreation/

Fave Remembrance - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Honor Thy Loved Ones

2011 was probably the most memorable year for Ace of Images (so far ;) because it was chalk full of emotion. Every step of the way there was a story worth telling. Being a part of the bride and groom's day really is special as a photographer because we get to see some of the most intimate moments between those involved. Whether it be pinning on some family heirloom jewelry or just taking a moment to pause and say a prayer, we are grateful for the opportunity to witness and capture these intimacies which are, in my opinion, the purest and most genuine examples of love.

Again, all of our events this year were happy occasions; we would like to reflect on our favorite remembrances of those who have passed and could not physically be present at the couple's ceremony.

The Hermans incorporated materials from their grandparents' homesteads noting,

The wood planks for the cake table were cut from his grandparents back yard tree

that was a favorite climbing tree when growing up.

Jacob Rausch - Cousin of the Groom did the grandparents memorial flowers and he

is an award winning floral designer who is a freshman at University of Toledo. He

has fun doing it on the side as a hobby. and has worked for a florist during the

summer.

*** a grandmother's favorite flower and wheat-- a staple grown by a grandfather

were incorporated in the bouquets

while the Dennis wedding featured a wonderful poem shared by the bride's aunt before the dinner blessing as well as symbolically placing a red rose on each of two chairs left unseated in the front row of the ceremony seating. Jim Kozumplik, best man of the Jacobs wedding, shared memories of the groom's parents and noted that he knew one of the reasons Natalie was the perfect partner for Mike was the bride's shared traits with the groom's mother -- kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love. As you may guess, Elizabeth found ourselves weeping often.

Fave Gift - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Pay it Forward

Kate (Neidhardt) Stubblefield has always been a sweetheart (sassy if you listen closely) so it only seemed fitting and natural to see her use her big day to help others. While most couples look forward to any dollardash that will fill their pockets for a little extra spending money on the honeymoon, Kate and Jeremy remembered to help others. I wish more people had this much heart and empathy during a time that is so focused on planning for a day all about their relationship and their love and their future, to remember those who need a helping hand. It does not surprise me to see Kate marry a man equally dedicated to a cause near and dear to him...

While discussing photo options, I always ask what the couple has in common that we may use for photos, to make it more than just a portrait, but something relating directly to what makes them "THEM". The Stubblefields enjoy sports, softball and baseball in particular. Most of Jeremy's groomsmen, I learned, were buddies he grew up playing ball with. As a sport photographer for the Crescent-News for 5 years now, I can attest to the lifelong bonds kids form during sports seasons (it's great to see and one of the biggest life lessons learned through athletics in my opinion). He also coaches softball.

Information about the Stubblefields' donation graced each table on materials designed by the bride's sister-- a PROFESSIONAL Graphic Designer in the corporate world by day who got to flex her creative muscles and the more "fun" side of her education for her little sister's big day. Fabulous work I must say! See the links below for more about their chosen charities -- "Wish Upon a Wedding" and "RBI" (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities).

www.wishuponawedding.org

courtesy the Wish Upon a Wedding site:

"The world's first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation"

http://web.mlbcommunity.org/index.jsp?content=programs&program=rbi

courtesy RBI site:

MISSION:
Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a Major League Baseball youth outreach program designed to:
Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth
Encourage academic participation and achievement
Increase number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues
Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game
Teach the value of teamwork

GREAT JOB Mr. and Mrs. Stubblefield!!!! The world and Ace of Images thank you! :D

Fave Hams-- 2011 Weddings

2012-01-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

Fave Hams!!!!

As photographers, we absolutely LOVE people who cut loose and get silly in front of the lens! They are the groomsmen who corner the bride to serenade her with a rendition of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", spunky kids, and even spunkier grandparents who know how to kick up their heels. Thank you to these people who helped lighten the mood on the dance floor and quell those wedding day jitters with jokes and little grins that scream, "betcha can't guess what I'm going to do next... "

Herman Wedding

Meet Andrew Herman, Bestman and brother of the groom who not only can pop bubbles but also play practical jokes in the middle of the ceremony. When asked for the ring this jokester whipped out a HANDFUL for poor Eric to have to sort through to find the actual wedding band for Christina! Just wondering, is a future in priesthood still likely? lol. Can't wait.

Stubblefield wedding

This couple was the first on the dance floor!!!! So adorable and they were whipping around like teeny-boppers! Such a treat to watch (and I am so jealous... all my husband does is sway ala junior high dance style)! Did we mention the dj played a remix that was at least 5 minutes long!? And they made it NONSTOP the WHOLE TIME!!! If that does not motivate you to keep with the "be more active and get fit" New Year's resolution, we don't know what will! :D

Dennis Wedding

Drayden, the bride and

groom's son/ringbearer can sport a mohawk and definitely is NOT camera shy! (but then, with fun parents like his... we're not really surprised ;)

Jacobs Wedding

At first Alexis was a shy little flower girl but after a few formals- WOW!!! DIVA! ahahahaha. And we were not complaining. I caught her peeking at me in the beginning while smelling her hydrangea bouquet and got a flashback of watching Bambi, "you can call me flower if you WANT to..."

and finally, the most limber groomsman we have seen!!!!! (I can't even do this... he did like 3 of these and cartwheels!!!) Also from the Jacobs wedding:

Fave Getaway- 2011 Weddings

2012-01-02T12:49:00.001-08:00

Fave Getaway Mobile

Sometimes it's an antique car, often a limo, upon occasion a Hummer, but our favorite mode of transportation after the wedding ceremony is a hands-down winner...

The Dennis Wedding!

Fave Centerpieces - 2011 Weddings

2012-01-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

Fave Centerpieces - 2011 Weddings

Attention brides, mothers of the bride, fathers, or anyone else footing the bill for a large wedding. What to do when you have a large reception venue and a limited budget? Larger halls can fit many tables to accommodate guests; to keep things festive, one trick of the trade is to alternate height of centerpieces. High pieces can fill all that empty space between table and the average adult's eye level, creating a fuller and more finished look to the party. Our brides did a wonderful job this year using unique objects including branches from trees on their own property for a rustic feel (and FREE), but our favorite centerpieces with the most "bang for your buck" were from the ........

Stubblefield wedding!

When I sat down with Kate Neidhardt and Jeremy Stubblefield at their consultation, she told me I was going to LOVE the centerpieces and mentioned they were "feathers". I thought they were incorporating feathers, but take a look at these gorgeous PLUMES!!!! :D What a great way to fill the empty space in their venue! And with the feathers all being white, any lighting was reflected back to the eye and just looked SHARP!!! Table numbers for guest seating (seating place cards on a front table in the foyer between the actual hall and the classic car museum [ACD museum, Auburn, IN] ) also acted as a low centerpiece. Clear glass vases held all those fabulous feathers while still allowing guests to see and interact with those seated across the table.

Great idea Kate and Jeremy!

Fave Fine Dining and Music- Weddings 2011

2011-12-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

Food and Tunes!!!!!

I love Frank Sinatra. Ol' Blue Eyes caps off any wedding for me and is the perfect background music for wonderful dinners.

Put them together and you have our Fave Dining and Music of 2011:

The Dennis wedding! Showtime Mobile DJ provides excellent (and timely -- love any dj that

can keep the flow moving along) Master of Ceremony services and a great mix of tunes as well as professional lighting and more, Ace of Images looks forward to continue working with these guys in the coming years! contact info: www.gottadj.com 419.630.0385. showtime@gottadj.com

Food? Kim Brown's Classic Catering of Defiance, Ohio. My first employer in the wedding industry (All Occasions Plus of Defiance, Ohio) worked many events alongside Kim. I have respected her dedication to her craft as well as fulfilling her customers' expectations as best as humanly possible and without reservation recommend this wonderful company! 419.782.7100

Fave Cake- 2011 Weddings

2011-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Time to welcome a new beginning, a fresh start, another chance (note to self: another calendar I need to find on clearance...).

Ace of Images will be posting several blogs featuring our favorite facets from the celebrations we were happy to be a part of in 2011. ALL weddings were AWESOME!!! Literally, it was a FABULOUS year! So much, in fact, that it took days of trying to decide which wedding fit each category. After much deliberation, we have come up with our selections. IT WAS SO DIFFICULT! lol. How difficulut? We didn't worry about narrowing down to #1 in all categories... some things are just too good to leave out! We just want to hammer that home -- all of our couples did a splendid job and were a delight to work for you! And please remember everyone was "best" in each category... these are just our personal highlights that feel deserve a second look :D

And please stay tuned for a forthcoming contest! (cue the Carly Simon, "Anticipation") A "YOU win it; THEY win it" opportunity as our way of saying thank you and sharing some photolove. :)

But now to begin the 2011 results:

Cake:

The JACOBS wedding! Our most recent shoot, this wedding is still in editing but we found it an absolute must to show off an outstanding cake (and plug an awesome, creative, ubernice vendor-- Kristy Clouse of The Bake Shop in Fayette, Ohio)

Introducing Elizabeth!

2011-09-09T12:34:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!!!!

It is my great delight to officially introduce Ace of Images assistant Elizabeth Weddington (at right in photo)! As a fellow Defiance College graduate, Elizabeth is a wonderful addition helping out with wedding day coverage. From organization, to making sure I stop to eat and don't lose track of photo lists, equipment or my sanity, she is a great asset to the team.

Though many people with a genuine interest in digital photography have offered to assist I decided to go with Elizabeth as my #1 Go-to-gal/right hand lady for many reasons including her before mentioned education (we both are classically trained in the basics of darkroom and film processing as well as digital formats) as a Graphic Design major, sound business ethics and moral compass which I believe are key for quality customer service, and a genuine, sweetheart personality. During her assistance this season, I have received many compliments and great appreciation for her efforts and special contributions both for her work and her customer service. Sometimes buttons pop off dresses or groomsmen need kept on task while organizing for formal photos and Elizabeth is always there to help with a kind smile and professional manner.

"...our families have been looking at them (wedding photos) and they said what a nice job you and Elizabeth did. Again thanks for everything!!!" - Shannon (Richter) Strine, April 2011 bride

"I just wanted to say how impressed Tom and I are with the pictures! They are incredible. From the random shots, to the formals in the church and in our backyard, to the reception ... they are wonderful. What a great job you did to enable us to remember this most special day in Eric & Chrissy's life, and ours!!" - Diane Herman, Mother of the Groom, July 2011

Not to say this gal is a stick-in-the mud, au contraire... here is an introduction from the lady herself:

Hi! I'm Elizabeth and I'm a photographer because I love it. Pure and simple. Documenting moments, places and of course people became a passion of mine early in life. Something about being behind the camera and capturing life with just one little click always intrigued me. I am inspired by The Beatles, summer, thrift store fashion, 70's art, the color yellow, a good book and Conan O'Brien. I enjoy Bill Cosby, jell-o pudding and surrounding myself with people who make me laugh. This is me. Enjoy!

Please take a look at the link BELOW to view a slideshow featuring some of Elizabeth's latest work for Ace of Images, and if you are in the Findlay, Ohio area, please contact her via Studio Seventy-Nine to book a portrait session with her studio! www.studioseventynine.com

Also, please respect that all images are the intellectual property of Ace of Images and Elizabeth Schoonover.

http://web.photodex.com/view/x29k928

Thank you Elizabeth for all your efforts!

Alaina Carnahan- Ace of Images

Recap.

2011-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's been over a year since you've heard from Ace of Images via blog. Why? I'm a picture gal! Remember!?!? While some future posts with fun and informative features are in store, here is a bit of what has been taking up potential blog time:

Family portraits, senior portraits, volunteering, sports, you name it!

Thanks!

Alaina Carnahan

Underwood-Herman Engagement

2010-06-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Touring around Bryan, Ohio was a treat with this couple, despite the frigid morning, light rain, and HUMID heat that followed (welcome to Hoosierhio, right?lol). I had the pleasure of meeting Christina and Eric when their relationship was still in its beginning stages while working at Bryan Municipal Utilities in the video department years ago. I think it was during that awkward newness stage that is so cute to everyone else! :) I was new to the group and after seeing them together one day doing everyday things as usual I figured they were an item. Talking with a coworker later afterhours I asked in passing how long they had been a couple, figuring they were high school sweethearts for sure. I was suprised to find out they weren't even official/admitting it yet! lol. That's when I knew they would be, just had to give it time. Two cute people and an adorable son Josh = one of the sweetest families I have ever seen! More to come, but here are some highlights so far.

Steele Wedding

2010-06-13T11:16:00.001-07:00

A wedding without pink! Haha, it was a nice change up to shoot Mike and Ginette's big day colored with hues of blue and teal. Quite the tomboy, Ginette's softer side was showcased in an a-line spaghetti-strapped gown with a very clever lace coat that allowed for spiffy coverage without added bundling that can accompany layered ensembles. Since the coat had a train, there was no hasseling with a bussel at the reception! And oh, those boots!

Defiance, Ohio's Restoration Tabernacle served as the ceremony venue with the reception immediately following at the park in Edgerton, OH (near the couple's residence). And yes, that's the groom's truck all cleaned up too!

It was a windy and chilly Spring day but happily also a sunny occasion :)

Time to catch up on a rainy holiday

2010-05-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well, my blogging absence has definitely been productive!

Just created some new promo cards for distribution and mailing to potential clients. I still get nervous and excited/like Christmas Eve:D

To play catch up: I am relieved to have summer here! No more shoveling snow. Now it's on to mowing (oh wait... my reel mower is broken and I have a landscaping servant--er-- husband >:) to take care of that).

Winter and spring were chalked full of sports photos. My favorite highlights were: seeing the Edgerton lady Bulldogs upset teams in basketball tournaments. I had the pleasure of taking their team photos for the paper this season and really liked these kids from

the get go. A couple of tiny girls with a lot of spunk and a hard-working tall pair made for great entertainment. This photo is of the three that put the game into a hardearned overtime. I arrived at half-time with Edgerton

down by over 30 I believe. and they WON in OT. THAT is what sports is all about. Great stories. The old adage, "the thrill of victory; the agony of defeat".

Most exciting track story: the Defiance Bulldogs (wow, northwest Ohio needs more mascots.lol.) outright won the Western Buckeye League Title at Lima Shawnee. The girls had an awesome year and in an exciting race, the Murry boy took a close second, staving off an Ottowa Glandorf runner and snagging the title with those precious last few points.

Well, enough about sports for now (see the Crescent-News photo gallery). Though I really could go on.

Ace of Images has also been a busy little hive of photo activity on the couple's side! It's always a pleasure to play a role in love's momentous occasions :D A couple of weddings down, more to go, and engagement shoots keep the ball rollin'!

Seperate blogs of these sessions to come soon :)

In memory of all those who aren't here this Memorial Day, enlisted and civilian, I say, Thank You; thank you for your advice, courage, smiles, and we love you. That never fades.

2009-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Byler Wedding

2009-11-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Zwayer wedding

2009-11-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

Time to catch up!

2009-11-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Why the silence? We moved! :D

Yay! and the same week i was in the smack dab middle of shooting my three big weddings and sports for the Crescent-News (Defiance, OH). YAY! (that's sarcasm)

Luckily, we made it and now are trying to catch up on work, get the house unpacked, and gear up for the holidays.

So the next few posts will just be images mostly, sharing all the great events I've been privileged to play a part in. :D

kickin' this off

2009-08-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog for Ace of Images. I am asked quite frequently, "how's business?" and "are you doing okay?" (okay...that last one is really just from the grandmas, concerned with my well-being as a young newly wedded entrepreneur in a recession! ya know....it's love...), so to answer those questions I have created this blog.

So what's up?

I've had a GREAT time shooting so far this year!
Some highlights:

Guilford-Thompson (Hicksville, OH) Valentine's Day wedding http://http//www.aceofimages.com/guilfordthompson/

the Red Oak Outfitter's Little League baseball team of Albion, IN http://www.aceofimages.com/sports/

Maumee Valley TriAdventure Race - Independence Dam State Park, Defiance, OH (The Volunteer Connection of Northwest Ohio) http://www.aceofimages.com/sports/

Gene Stratton-Porter Mother and Daughter Tea (Rome City, IN)

Rodriguez-Varner wedding (Defiance, OH) Noemi with father below

Defiance Triathlon (The Volunteer Connection of Northwest Ohio)

http://www.aceofimages.smugmug.com/gallery/9078856_Dv8cN#604670178_Vy2ig

Carnahan kids' portrait shoot (all five nieces/nephews!)

http://aceofimages.smugmug.com/gallery/9201911_M6HWT#614272407_XeYjG

It's back to school time and I am getting requests for info on senior portraits. I have not been focusing on this aspect of photography, but am at a good point where I can say, "Bring it on!". I am an onsite photographer. Have camera, love to travel!

I would LOVE to shoot any seniors in sports fyi. I miss being out "in the trenches". There's a certain bonding among we photogs and refs/line judges as bodies are stepped on and flying elbows caught in the face while getting that perfect shot :D So if you want action shots during the heat of competition, please give me a holler.

My main focus right now coincides with our projected move time (God has a great sense of humor!): shooting three weddings in four weeks. While this will be a very busy start to fall, I am SO excited to shoot these couples' precious days! EEEEEEeeeeeeeee! Really! THAT excited! My brother, Chris, used to get me to squeal with excited anticipation on Christmas Eve every single year when we were younger; I apparently still get this excited. lol. ;D

The first up in late September is Andrea Cagle (soon to be Mrs. Corey Zwayer- ya she's gonna have a name that goes from A to Z! ). She is not only one of the kindest people I know, she was my rock through the ridiculous high school days and community college. How close were we? So close that my now husband had to try multiple times I am told to catch me alone so he could ask me out :D I am honored to play such a key role in her big day! Location: Bryan, OH.

Next up is the wedding of Rachel Hall and Eldon Byler, of Auburn Indiana. This couple is going to throw the party of Dekalb county!!! I won't give away details, but it's going to be a really fun, unforgettable day, for an equally fantastic duo! A beautiful church ceremony and reception at the Auburn Cord-Duesenberg Museum = great times to be had by all!

I will be headed to the homeland of Sherwood, OH for my final fall wedding -- Jamey Russell and Andrew Hinschlager. Having known the groom since he was a kid, I feel 1) old - haha- and 2) so darn proud to see such a humble, nice, and upstanding young man marry this sweetheart of a gal! I am happy to be shooting a nice, traditional northwest Ohio country chapel wedding! And with the bride's sense of style, this cute couple is sure to have a darling day filled with lots of tender moments! The kind that make you cry and butterflies flutter in your belly.

And after all the marital hub-bub it'll be time to focus on the Christmas season and fine art primarily. The Gene Stratton-Porter site also has a Victorian Christmas event and fall tea that will be great fun! After sampling food from the Mother Daughter Tea this past June, I whole-heartedly recommend reserving your place NOW at these events!! Oh, and the Owl-o-ween for the kids in October!

Coming back to the present, I invite you to check out this weekend's event, Chautauqua, at Gene's place on gorgeous Lake Sylvan! I will be there shooting both Saturday and Sunday. Event time is noon until 4pm both days. It's a great staycation option and will keep the kids busy! so come help us celebrate Gene's birthday -- walk the gardens, tour her custom built turn of the century two story home, and enjoy some birthday cake! Plenty for young and old. The following exhibitors have been invited (some may not be able to attend both days):

Soarin' Hawk -bird of prey rehabilitation

Going Bats - bat rehabilitation

Antique Auto Club of America

Veteran Motor Car Club of America

Horseless Carriage Club of America

Miss Limberlost

Dani Tippman- Native American cooking traditions

Ft.Wayne Camera Club

Indiana Plein Air Association Painters

Jim Gust- soap making

Scott Beam - tin smithing

Caroline's Cottage- quilt making

The Nature Conservancy

ACRES Land Trust

GoFishIN - family fishing event

LaGrange County Parks

Special Note: Perseids Meteor Shower tonight and best tomorrow night midnight til 5am!!! Happy 55th birthday MOM!!! :D http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/