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I love sharing tips and recommendations for clients! You can find location ideas for your senior pictures, wedding planning inspiration, examples of professional food and branding photography for commercial clients, travel ideas and more.

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Louisville based wedding, senior portrait and brand photographer 

johanna!

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Are you planning a proposal at the Kentucky Derby? Whether you’re a local who loves the biggest event in the state, or coming from out of state to experience it for the first time – I’ve got plenty of tips to help make your Derby proposal magical! I’ve photographed several events, including proposals, at Churchill […]

engagements

April 7, 2025

How to Pull Off A Proposal at the Kentucky Derby

A man in a pink suit jacket and fedora gets down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend, wearing a pink dress and fascinator. They stand in front of the bronze horse and jockey statue in front of Churchill Downs.
A brunette perches stoically on a large planter. She wears a periwinkle fitted dress with an English style blue hat and purple flowers.

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Planning to attend the 151st Kentucky Derby this May in Louisville, Kentucky? You’ll need to know what to wear to the Kentucky Derby to dress the part, especially if you’re going to Churchill Downs! Thousands of visitors flock to the state of Kentucky for THE fashion and sporting highlight of the year. Aside from the […]

What to wear to the Kentucky Derby: The ultimate style guide

April 3, 2025

Uncategorized

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When you’re a couple in love…and you also have dogs you’re obsessed with, it’s only natural to include them in your engagement pictures! This blog post will share engagement session photo ideas with dogs, my favorite locations, and tips to help your dogs feel comfortable during your photoshoot. Why include your dogs for engagement photos […]

engagements

March 26, 2025

Engagement session photo ideas with dogs

A sweet photo of a couple and their dog with their hands and paw stacked
A pink tulip holds an engagement ring. Many colorful tulips surround it in the foreground and background.

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Discover the best outdoor locations for spring engagement photos in Louisville that are colorful and highlight the natural beauty of the season.

Top locations for outdoor spring engagement photos in Louisville

March 12, 2025

engagements

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Make your own cute graduation cap design for cap and gown pictures and graduation with this step by step tutorial! This is a really fun senior spring activity to do with your friends, so make a day of it and get crafting. Before we start, check with your school to see if these are allowed […]

senior portraits

February 14, 2025

Graduation Cap Design Ideas and Tutorial

A close up photo of a graduation cap that says "got the tassel, now back to my castle"
A high school grad tosses her dress behind her as she stands in an open row of trees

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Find a graduation look you love! This blog post is filled with outfit ideas for high school and college grads to wear with their cap and gown.

Cap and Gown Outfit Ideas for Graduation

February 13, 2025

senior portraits

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Recently engaged? I’m a wedding photographer with tips on how to get started with planning the best day of your life!

weddings

January 9, 2025

Wedding Advice for Newly Engaged Couples in 2025

A bride to be rests her head on her fiance's shoulder as they stand in the middle of a beautiful field of tall grass and purple flowers
Two grooms sit on the staircase of the historic Brown Hotel and hold hands as they gently rest their foreheads together

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Jared and Matthew’s elegant winter wedding at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel featured emerald velvet attire, a pearled veil cape, and holiday inspired cocktails.

An emerald winter wedding at the Brown Hotel

December 11, 2024

weddings

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You only get married once, and if you’re looking for the best venue to host an elegant, upscale wedding – look no further than Gardencourt, a historic venue that is part of Louisville Seminary’s campus off of Lexington Avenue.  Overview Gardencourt is the only wedding venue in Louisville with European-inspired elegance, designed in the Parisian […]

weddings

December 5, 2024

An elegant, black and white wedding at Louisville’s historic Gardencourt venue

An elegantly dressed groom and bride embrace as the groom kisses the bride's forehead. They stand in front of the pillared staircase of Gardencourt.
A bride and groom stand in front of a hexagon shaped arch with their wedding party. In the foreground, their guests look lovingly towards the couple

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Learn what makes Hazelnut Farms one of the most versatile venues outside of Louisville, Kentucky and find out why it’s one of my favorite wedding venues to visit as a photographer!

Is a wedding at Hazelnut Farm in Kentucky worth the cost?

November 14, 2024

weddings

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It’s easy to elope at the courthouse in Downtown Louisville! Learn exactly what you need to get your marriage license, where and when you can get married at the courthouse, and how to celebrate afterwards.

weddings

November 8, 2024

Get your marriage license and elope at the courthouse in Downtown Louisville in three easy steps

A couple walks hand in hand down the steps of a downtown courthouse building with tall pillars
A groom in a navy suit and bride walk hand in hand through the colorful trees of Shelby Park in the fall

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Germantown Gables is a newer wedding venue here in Louisville, and it’s definitely one that you should visit if you’re an engaged couple planning a wedding! About the venue Conveniently located in Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood, this venue is a rare gem that is upscale, spacious and easily customizable to fit any type of design. The planning […]

A fall, nature inspired wedding at Germantown Gables in Louisville

October 30, 2024

weddings

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Find out which Louisville wedding venues are my favorite to visit as a wedding photographer!

weddings

July 25, 2024

10 Louisville Wedding Venues You’ll Love

A bride and groom stand beneath an arch in an industrial Louisville wedding venue.
A couple walks hand in hand through a tunnel of their wedding party with their hands and flowers up

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Get the most out of your wedding gallery with these six ways to use your photos! This blog post has ideas for how to view your photos for the first time, how to display them at home and how to share.

Six ways to use your wedding photos once you receive your gallery

July 17, 2024

weddings

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You’ve probably heard that some locations charge a fee if you want to have your photos taken, but is it worth it? Learn the pros and cons of locations that charge a fee and free alternatives in this blog post.

weddings

May 23, 2024

Reasons why it may be worth paying a private photo fee for your session

A high school grad tosses her dress behind her as she stands in an open row of trees
A groom crowd surfs at his wedding reception

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Entertain your guests and create lasting memories with these wedding reception ideas your guests will love!

Wedding reception experiences your guests will love

May 6, 2024

weddings

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See how this couple honored their families and cultures for their wedding, including a Catholic ceremony and a Vietnamese tea ceremony, followed by a relaxed outdoor reception.

weddings

March 26, 2024

Meaningful ways to honor family and cultural traditions at your wedding 

A couple rest their foreheads together with closed eyes while wearing traditional red ao gam and ao dai (Vietnamese wedding attire)
A bride and groom stand in a garden in Louisville before their wedding.

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Find out why Louisville’s Whitehall Mansion is the perfect venue for your springtime, garden wedding!

A garden wedding at Whitehall Mansion in springtime

March 19, 2024

weddings

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View this cozy in-home wedding and brewery reception for ideas in planning your own nontraditional wedding celebration!

weddings

February 15, 2024

A cozy in-home winter wedding and casual brewery reception

A bride hugs her groom from behind and gives him a kiss on the cheek as they walk through the woods
A curly-haired groom sports an emerald green suit on his wedding day

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Looking for more suit or tux options than the traditional black or navy for your wedding? This blog post includes a variety of options worn by grooms and suit-wearers at recent weddings I photographed!

My favorite wedding looks for grooms and suit-wearers

January 24, 2024

weddings

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Add fun to your engagement photos with these 10 ideas for Louisville couples!

engagements

January 11, 2024

10 Fun Ideas for your Engagement Photos

A couple wearing colorful clothing stops for a kiss in front of a spinning carousel
Two engaged men sit on a hotel staircase and look lovingly into each other's eyes

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Be inspired by this winter editorial engagement session at the historic Brown Hotel in Downtown Louisville and cozy flannel photos at Waterfront Park.

Winter Editorial Engagement Session at the Historic Brown Hotel and Louisville Waterfront Park

September 12, 2023

engagements

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Read this guide for a definitive timeline of wildflowers in Louisville from spring to fall for your senior pictures or engagement session.

senior portraits

June 20, 2023

When to find wildflowers in Louisville, Kentucky from spring to fall

A white flower with a yellow center
A senior wearing a white floral dress drapes her purple graduation gown over her shoulder and wears her cap.

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Have you heard of Spring Mill State Park? It’s a beautiful spot for senior pictures, see for yourself in this blog post featuring cap and gown portraits in the spring!

Graduation Cap and Gown Pictures at Spring Mill State Park in Indiana

May 9, 2023

senior portraits

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Seniors, make ordering graduation announcements easy with this step by step guide of what to include, where to order and more!

senior portraits

April 1, 2023

Your graduation announcements: What to include, where to order them, and more!

A high school senior girl leaps in the air in front of a pixel-pattern colorful mural
A bride and bride hold hands at the altar for their wedding ceremony

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Microweddings are short and sweet, but that doesn’t make them any less sentimental! Be inspired to create your ideal wedding celebration at First Unitarian Church.

A short and sweet microwedding at First Unitarian Church in Louisville

March 17, 2023

weddings

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This spring Louisville wedding at the Olmsted is filled with surprises, including a mariachi performance and an emotional gender reveal!

weddings

March 16, 2023

A Louisville wedding at the Olmsted with Mariachi Music and a Gender Reveal

The Mexican bride and her groom dance with Mariachi hats on while the band plays and sings in the background
A vintage blue Chevy pickup truck carries spring flowers and an orange Foxhollow Farm bag

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What do the images your business shares say about your brand? More than you realize. Learn how strategic brand photography creates a strong and lasting connection with your digital community.

Louisville branding photography for small business owners

February 21, 2023

brand photography

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Planning a Louisville wedding for 2025 or 2026? This official vendor recommendation list reveals the best wedding vendors in Louisville to bring your vision to life.

weddings

February 9, 2023

Best Wedding Vendors in Louisville 2025

A peach toned bouquet sits in a golden vase on a decorated wedding reception table
A high school senior poses in her cap and gown in front of a mural that says New Albany

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Spring is going to be here before we know it, start the search early for a senior photographer to take cap and gown pictures. March through June are THE busiest spring months for senior pictures! I love going back to New Albany High School (where I used to teach) for cap and gown photos! Taking […]

New Albany High School Cap + Gown Pictures

February 3, 2023

senior portraits

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Proposals are such a special moment in your relationship, and they require careful planning. Read these tips on how to make your proposal smooth and picture perfect if working with a professional photographer!

engagements

January 27, 2023

Proposal tips for soon to be engaged couples

A stunning art deco diamond ring with an oval center sits atop an emerald green vase with peach florals in the background
A high school senior wearing a black outfit and a plaid jacket poses in front of a waterfall and trees covered in yellow leaves

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Looking for a senior photographer for fall in Louisville or Southern Indiana? It’s no secret that fall is one of THE most popular times of year for senior pictures! I’m sharing everything you need to know in this blog post, from the best time of year for fall colors to my favorite locations in Louisville […]

The Prettiest Fall Senior Picture Locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana

September 13, 2022

senior portraits

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There are so many iconic locations in Louisville, it can be hard to choose between them for your senior pictures! Today I’m sharing the best photo locations for Louisville senior pictures for inspiration. These aren’t ranked in any special order, because they’re all unique locations!  Norton Commons This upscale subdivision is a classy location for […]

senior portraits

July 5, 2022

The best outdoor photo locations for Louisville senior pictures

A graduate of Male High School wearing a white dress and her purple graduation cap, sits in front of a green fountain outdoors
A married couple share a kiss in a palm tree grove

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Have you considered a tropical destination wedding in the U.S.? Maybe you’re wanting a more low-key and intimate celebration, but not one that’s going to require booking a resort or requiring guests to travel out of country. Camila and Leo both had family traveling from the US and South America, so Key Biscayne, Florida was […]

An Intimate Florida Destination Wedding

April 6, 2022

weddings

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See why the colorful Conrad-Caldwell House makes a perfect choice for this jewel-toned winter wedding in historic Old Louisville.

weddings

March 16, 2022

A Winter Wedding at Conrad-Caldwell House

A couple in wedding attire shares a quiet moment in a historic wallpapered room with natural light leaking in
A family leans in for a selfie with their grandmother

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Many people have attended weddings, but not all the people you invite to your wedding will know how to be a GOOD wedding guest. We’ve all seen someone get too drunk or heard about someone who caused drama at a wedding.  Buzzfeed even has a whole article with wedding horror stories from real weddings! If […]

How to be a better wedding guest in 2025

February 23, 2022

weddings

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If there’s one thing I love about being a Louisville wedding photographer, it’s getting to see a variety of venues and how people choose to utilize the spaces for their wedding. Wedding venues can eat up a huge portion of the wedding budget, but they don’t have to! Many couples are opting for smaller and […]

weddings

February 8, 2022

Louisville best wedding venues for intimate and small celebrations

A couple shares a private first dance in Nouvelle Bar and Bottle
A senior girl poses for a photo in front of pink flowers and greenery in St. James Court

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Discover the top 5 most requested outdoor locations for Louisville senior pictures in the spring.

Best locations for Spring Senior Pictures in Louisville

January 27, 2022

senior portraits

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The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork: A perfect place for a picnic A summer picnic engagement session is the BEST idea when the wildflowers are blooming! If you’ve lived in Louisville for a while, you know the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork (also known as Beckley Creek) is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. […]

engagements

August 3, 2021

A wildflower picnic engagement session in the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork

A couple shares a glass of wine at a wildflower picnic engagement session
A groom carries his bride in her wedding dress and veil as they walk in front of a beautiful mountain lake

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Read about Katie and Bryan’s wedding at Retreat at Hiawassee River, the perfect location for a fun, intimate celebration in the mountains!

Retreat at Hiawassee River Destination Wedding | Katie and Bryan’s Intimate Mountain Celebration

June 22, 2021

weddings

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Everyone wants to pick the perfect time of year in Kentucky and Indiana for outdoor senior portraits! You know, those 2 days where it’s not excruciatingly hot or humid, pouring rain or where we have freak snow storms? It’s a good idea to schedule your senior portraits at the beginning of your senior year for […]

senior portraits

June 3, 2021

The BEST month of the year for outdoor senior portraits in Kentucky and Southern Indiana

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If hearing about the stress of a traditional wedding makes you cringe, why not elope instead? Read for 7 signs you’re destined for a different kind of wedding day.

7 Signs You Want to Elope Instead of Planning a Traditional Wedding

April 14, 2021

weddings

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Your wedding day is what you make it. Here’s how to create meaningful moments with the special people in your life as you celebrate.

weddings

March 15, 2021

Create meaningful moments on your wedding day

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Looking for a new place to eat or a unique dining experience for a date night? Try these restaurants in Louisville and Southern Indiana!

Best restaurants in Louisville and Southern Indiana for a fun night out

March 5, 2021

food

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Skeptical about splurging on professional hair and makeup for your senior portraits? Read to find out why it could be just what you need!

senior portraits

February 26, 2021

6 Reasons to Consider Professional Hair and Makeup for your Senior Portraits

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Visiting Joshua Tree National Park for the weekend? Here are the best spots in the park to visit for a short trip.

Joshua Tree National Park: Weekend Itinerary

February 18, 2021

Travel

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Find the best locations in Louisville for your engagement photos with 5 unique options you’ll love!

engagements

February 11, 2021

Top 5 Locations for Engagement Sessions in Louisville

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Save these ideas for a date night in or out! Whether you’re in Louisville, Southern Indiana or somewhere else, you and your partner can have a great time trying the activities on this list!

Valentine’s Date Night Ideas for Couples

February 1, 2021

"The Letters" for Couples

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Check out these healthy resolutions to enjoy every moment of your senior year!

senior portraits

January 17, 2021

Senior Spring: Self Care Resolutions

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This couple joined their families in a Hindu ceremony with an Ecuadorian celebration at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel.

An Ecuadorian-Indian Fusion Wedding at the Seelbach Hilton in Downtown Louisville

January 10, 2021

weddings

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This winter holiday proposal near a horse farm in Prospect, KY was one to remember!

engagements

December 23, 2020

Surprise Holiday Proposal | Crestwood, KY

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Our favorite experiences in Santorini that you have to try in order to experience the best of Greece!

Santorini + Athens: Virtual Summer Travel Series

July 23, 2020

Travel

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How often does someone propose with a ring they MADE and the couple celebrate with a dance party on the bridge?? There are too many favorites to choose from Rose + John’s sunset engagement session!

Rose + John’s Sunset Engagement at the Louisville Waterfront and Falls of the Ohio State Park

July 5, 2020

engagements

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View images from 6 unique senior portrait sessions in Louisville and Southern Indiana, with special offers for the Class of 2021 inside!

senior portraits

July 2, 2020

Louisville Summer Senior Portrait Sessions

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In this post, I’m sharing our favorite hidden gems traveling through the cities of Venice, Verona, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, and Rome!

Italy: Virtual Summer Travel Blog Series

June 22, 2020

Travel

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Learn how to make a delicious, homemade Italian meal with just a few simple ingredients!

recipes

June 16, 2020

Make your own Spinach Fettuccine + Beet Ravioli from scratch (no pasta maker needed!)

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Kenzi + Steve’s engagement session in Louisville proves you don’t have to travel far to get beach and forest vibes – all you need is a little imagination and a great photographer!

Falls of the Ohio + Waterfront Engagement Session

June 8, 2020

engagements

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Peep these two AMAZING spots in Downtown Louisville for your senior portraits that are sure to make you stand out!

senior portraits

May 24, 2020

Perion’s Musical + Colorful Senior Portrait Session in Downtown Louisville

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Read about 3 unique ways to experience the City of Love

The 3 best Paris experiences for the offbeat adventurer

May 17, 2020

Uncategorized

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Here’s why asking about price is the WORST way to find your dream wedding photographer (and 5 questions you should be asking instead)

weddings

May 11, 2020

Why asking about price is the WORST way to find your dream wedding photographer (and 5 questions to ask instead)

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Learn to make a classic French pastry, pate a choux, inspired by a trip to Paris and an Airbnb class with a French pastry chef!

Summer Food + Travel Series: Authentic French Choux Pastries

May 3, 2020

recipes

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Jenn and Matt’s beautiful January engagement session in historic Old Louisville was filled with so many special moments!

engagements

April 20, 2020

Jenn + Matt’s St. James Court Engagement : A House Divided, United by Love

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Create your own graduation cat topper and style a ‘gram worthy graduation flatlay to celebrate your senior year!

Create your own Senior Graduation Cap + Flatlay

April 11, 2020

senior portraits

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Make bakery-quality donuts at home in 5 easy steps!

recipes

March 27, 2020

Chocoholics with sprinkles donut recipe

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Try a new recipe during your social distancing with ingredients you probably already have at home!

Try this fancy Focaccia bread recipe using ingredients you probably have at home!

March 24, 2020

recipes

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Learn how professional food photography can strengthen your restaurant’s digital presence

Uncategorized

March 17, 2020

A guide for restaurant owners during the COVID-19 closure: Four steps to strengthen your digital presence

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Recently engaged? These simple tips will make posing for your engagement photos easy, so you can enjoy each other’s company!

Awkward-proofing your engagement session with 3 simple posing tips!

March 4, 2020

engagements

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Read what two Louisville wedding professionals have to say about getting a photographer and photo booth for your reception!

weddings

February 4, 2020

Wedding photography or photo booth for your wedding reception? Why not both!

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How to enjoy your wedding day and get beautiful images without photography taking over your timeline

Prioritizing MOMENTS, not expectations, on your wedding day (from a photographer’s perspective)

January 7, 2020

weddings

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Host a #millenialNYE with young but classy DIY champagne jello shots!

holiday

December 30, 2019

Try these Champagne Jello Shots to kick off the New Year!

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Make this Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer a new family Christmas tradition!

Butterbeer Recipe just like Harry Potter used to drink

December 19, 2019

holiday

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Christmas in a Cup is the drink recipe that tastes like the magical feeling the holidays bring!

holiday

December 12, 2019

Christmas in a Cup

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Enjoy a cool, wintry mint cocktail that takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Creme de Menthe Christmas Cocktail

December 4, 2019

holiday

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Learn how easy and delicious making a Holiday Hot Toddy is! This recipe can be prepped in 5 minutes and ready to serve in 15.

holiday

November 17, 2019

Holiday Hot Toddy

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More pretty pictures from Xiaomin and Marty’s beautiful engagement session in historic Old Louisville!

Xiaomin & Martin: Romantic Old Louisville Engagement Session

October 24, 2019

engagements

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I’m celebrating my business birthday month! Read about ALL that has happened in the last year and what my plans are for the future!

weddings

October 7, 2019

1 Year in Business, Baby!

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Learn more about my fall minis, and receive a BONUS gift when you sign up for my email list at the end of the post!

Fall Mini Sessions are Here!

September 25, 2019

family

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Get an inside look at my recent senior portrait sessions in some of my favorite spots around NuLu!

Uncategorized

September 18, 2019

Meet the Class of 2020

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Bridal Inspo meets Bollywood! Perfect for those attending or helping to plan an Indian wedding, complete with henna and HMUA recommendations in Louisville!

Indian Bridal Styled Shoot

August 14, 2019

weddings

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Lindsey Joy Sweeney, of Sweet Southern Beauty, is a talented HMUA in Louisville who did Anita’s makeup for our Indian Bridal Styled Shoot!

weddings

August 8, 2019

HMUA Spotlight: Lindsey Joy Sweeney of Sweet Southern Beauty

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Learn about Louisville’s leading lady of bridal and festival henna, creating her own natural, safe henna and JessiKay’s journey to the top of the henna scene

JessiKay Henna on making her own henna, creating a signature style, and the value of her craft

July 24, 2019

vendors

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Read my 5 U.S. and International recommendations for DESTINATION ELOPEMENTS, AND take advantage of my elopement photography special until 10/31/19!

weddings

June 12, 2019

Planning a destination elopement in 2024? Here’s a list of U.S. and international destinations for you

A high school graduate wearing a knee-length white dress leans against a wooden beam. She smiles, wearing her graduation cap and crossing her hands comfortably in front of her. Behind her is a beautiful display of hydrangeas and greenery.

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Spring cap and gown pictures are coming up, and this blog post has answers to your questions like when to book and the best month to schedule for high school and college grads in Louisville and Southern Indiana.

Everything Louisville and Southern Indiana grads need to know about cap and gown pictures

February 10, 2025

senior portraits




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it's time to celebrate YOU!

senior portraits
cap + gown photos
custom announcements
location planning
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grads

from short + sweet micro weddings to destination weddings, and everything in between.

available for:
proposals
engagements
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