Look at little baby Micah in his map themed nursery!! I told his mom Erica I wanted her to come over to decorate my house like this.  It was so precious.  Little "baby bean", as he is known, is growing fast, so we took some in-home newborn photos to freeze this moment in time.  He did super well, other than being a bit hangry at times :-p (Don't feel bad, bud. Happens to the best of us.). Wishing this little family of three the very best! You are so loved!

In mid-March, I went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with Pete and his family, and it was amazing.  It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and truly a breath of fresh air for the soul.  We stayed at Now Onyx Punta Cana, went on a couple excursions, ate lots of pineapple, and enjoyed some time in the sun.  Here's a recap of our trip and my favorite photos that I took while there.

I will admit it.  I have no chill.  Absolutely none.  So when I found out Caleb was going to be proposing to Shannon and I would get to photograph it, I very excitedly looked forward to the big day for the entire week.  The two are involved with the young adults group at The Chapel in Akron, so it was fitting that Caleb proposed during one of the monthly gatherings at a family home in Akron.  Caleb led Shannon into the backyard, got down on one knee, and of course, she said yes (accompanied by hoots and hollering from the young adults on the back deck). Congratulations, you two!!  December will be here before you know it!

If you live in Northeast Ohio and are in need of a cake, have I got the girl for you!  This is Pearl of Pearl's Cakery, and she is whipping up sweet treats for weddings, birthdays, and all other kinds of celebrations.  You may have seen her at Wildroots Markets, but when she's not decorating cakes and cupcakes with her homemade buttercream, she is a stay-at-home mom to her daughter Hazel (with another one on the way) or sangin' (singin' with an "a" because the girl can sang) with me on the East Hall Worship Team at Christ Community Church.  Check out some of her Easter creations below: Coconut Cream, Carrot Cake with White Chocolate, and Strawberry Shortcake.
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Find Pearl's Instagram here:  @pearlscakery
Or her Facebook Page here:  @Pearl'sCakery

Crystal and I finished out our 2018 wedding season with Maria and Bryan's fall wedding at the Welshfield Inn in Burton, OH.  The two lovebirds exchanged vows on an October afternoon underneath a wooden, flower-draped pergola behind the inn.  One of my favorite moments of the day was watching Bryan's face as Maria started her walk down the aisle beside her dad and step-dad (ok confession, that's usually one of my favorite moments of the day, but Bryan's was particularly endearing).  The Best Man patted him on the back and gave him a knowing look as the groom's eyes teared up. The sun came out following the ceremony for some glowy, golden hour portraits, and the wedding guests proceeded into the reception tent which was decorated with shades of burgundy, dusty rose, and gold, sequin table runners, white pumpkins, and of course, cupcakes (rejoice!).  The evening was chilly, but inside the tent was warm, with guests basking in the glow of (dare I say it) young love, and also space heaters, lots of space heaters!