emilyophoto

**Heads Up**

Hey Ya’ll-

I’m currently in the midst of trying to clean out/get rid of/pare down things in my life. Partly, because I’m moving and I don’t want to cart all my junk with me yet again (I’m going three for three. Three years, three moves. Argh.) and partly because I am so very aware lately of the abundance and sometimes extravagance I live in in contrast to most of the world. It saddens me, and I don’t want my attachments to be entwined with material things. I’ve cleaned out my closet and have four garbage bags full of things to give away- I trashed three bags full of magazines… and it feels wonderful. I still have more to go…. but this is a good start.
In the spirit of this, I’m also about to clean out… Facebook. I have hereby decided that if I do not personally KNOW you, or have not personally MET you (and feel like we’re pals) I will be deleting you as a friend.
This is not to be mean. I went through a phase where I just started accepting whoever, rationalizing
‘They probably want to see my photos’
and, yes, I know this may be true, and I truly appreciate it- but I have a facebook page for that. ‘Like’ my Emily O. Photography Facebook page. Become a friend and frequenter of that. My personal Facebook shall hereby be regulated to friends and family. I post family photos, personal (ish) statuses, and I’m not into my life being an open book. If you want to keep up with my photography, visit the blog, website or official Facebook page.
Again, please don’t be offended. Please redirect yourself HERE: Emily O Photography on Facebook or my website: www.emilyophoto.com
Thanks!

Pretty Brunch Photos

Just a few pretty photos I took on the point and shoot from an impromptu brunch this past weekend…


Eat.Drink&Be Merry: Part III, The Details

So, the whole idea of the this party started on the fact that me and Hannah:

(Photo by the amazing Kate McKallagat)

…well, we kind of love doing creative things together. Hannah is like the younger, hipper and more gorgeous Martha Stewart, and I adore all things photography, styling and creative…
I’ve always wanted to attend AND photograph a gorgeous dinner party, with beautiful details, amazing food and good friends… but you don’t get a whole of those here in Ohio… so, we decided to make it for ourselves.

I think we started seriously planning in early June, and set our date for August 20th. Hannah’s parents have the most gorgeous house and they graciously allowed us to host our party there. There were so many stages to the planning, but first and foremost, we needed to get the invites out to our guests!
We kept the party size fairly small, which allowed us to put hand-done elements into the invites. I designed the invitations in PS, printed them on vellum, and used one of my photographs as the back layer. We then stitched them with gold thread and hot glued on silk rose leaves. We purchased the vertical envelopes at a small stationary store, hand-wrote little disclaimers to take the formality down a notch. We then finished them with more gold thread and silk rose leaves.

Part one down.

There were lots of little things, menu planning, ideas, decor brainstorming that went on in between… but most of the work happened last Wednesday (sorting glassware and place settings, serving dishes, arranging chairs and figuring out places at the table)

Cue Friday. Grocery shopping, cooking and set-up:
Hannah made the most delicious bread. We had to smell it baking and rising all day…. so tempting…
We spent the next chunk of time working in a chocolate covered pretzel factory… or something like that… we then wrapped them in wax paper, ribbon and ‘Eat Me’ tags… (the final product I forgot to photograph! Too much to remember…) and… proceeded to neglect to hand them out to most of our guests… good intentions are what matter, right? They looked pretty though…. and Ben and Jonathan stuck around long enough to get theirs. Sorry to everyone else who left early!

Some of our decor choices and inspirations were gleaned from this site. We had originally planned on using pears as our place cards since Hannah’s parents had a pear tree… but a sneaky raccoon decided to foil our plans… so we purchased green apples.

Our glassware and place settings were a combination of vintage, thrifted and our combined family collections… Hannah’s mom has an amazing collection of dishes and glassware…

We stuck with a general theme of green and white, a light summer feel. Tissue paper rosettes, chandelier crystals, white twinkle lights, clear cut glass…




we used garden greenery (Rub barb, Hasta leaves, Mint, Lemon Grass, Ivy, Morning glory vines…)

We had drinks in the dining room, with my collection of vintage glasses, wines, Pink lemonade, Sweet tea with frozen peaches, Berry Green Tea icee, and ice cubes with mint leaves…

Appetizers consisted of cheese, crackers and red and green grapes. We used my vintage/handmade cake plates, grape leaves and Hannah’s new cheese labels to accent.


Dessert was homemade peach sorbet that Hannah’s mom had prepared for us ahead of time, garnished with a little cookie, frozen peach slice and mint leaves. (the photo was before the mint leaves)

Dessert was followed by garlic popcorn, brown-bag caramel corn and Mexican cokes while we watch our movie in the theater…. by that time, I was too tired to photograph anything else… which was fine with me, it gave me time to enjoy the evening.





Eat. Drink&Be Merry: Part I, The Portraits

Good friends, good food, good times… a picture is worth a thousand words, no? (please note that I am barefoot in half of these photos, using the self-timer + running in heels=hazardous to Emily’s safety)

Props… and possibly one of my favorite photos of the entire evening…
Sopranos/Mafia style…
Candidly…posed? Not sure what happened here…
Awkward Family photo! (and it came so naturally)
Yay- a nice one!

The Couples:
Andres&Allison…. awkward, awkward- lovely!
Hannah&Ethan- seriously folks…
Rachel&Nate

The Non-couples:
Jonathan & Ben- I should probably hire these guys to do some modeling work for me… if guns or ‘cheese’ is ever required…
Val& myself (I feel so awkward in front of the camera- times that times like, 50, when people are watching!)

Personal Session Preview: Leanne

I spent my Saturday morning and early afternoon photographing the gorgeous Leanne. We met up at 8am in an attempt to beat the heat.

I was super excited to shoot for her- Leanne’s house is absolutely gorgeous and fabulous- she has impeccable taste, plus, she adores Anthropologie (we’re making a date to shop soon!) so, we’re friends right off the bat. We had all sorts of ideas, she had all kinds of beautiful outfits chosen, plus she plays the cello (she played me a song and I almost cried- I told her I was going to hire her to sit in my house and play cello for me all day)

Not only is she gorgeous… She’s an amazing person. We’ve spent some time talking and getting to know each other better these past few weeks (I’m also blessed to have her in my quad) and its been amazing getting to know her heart and the way she loves Christ.

Without further ado… Leanne:

I’m going to have to find some place to submit some of the photos I took of her and her home… blog ideas anyone?
Little Everett was deeply afraid of the camera and all the clicking noises it made…

Stunning.




Photos

I have a shoot at 8am tomorrow- so, by all logical reasoning I should have been asleep a long time ago- but…. I’m not.

so- I thought I’d share just a few more shots of my beautiful sister… enjoy.

The Weekend…

Listened to Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs’ all weekend long in the car. Really solid album… I remember playing their album ‘Funeral’ for a couple of my friends when it first came out years ago… they looked at me and said: “Who is this? They’re weird.”  But I knew they were going to stick around…

Shot some photos with my sister tonight after a long afternoon nap…

She’s kind of amazingly gorgeous…
I have all sorts of ideas flitting around in my head for shoots… let me know if you’re interested in photos.

Preview: Trowbridge Family Session

Okay- part II of Michelle and Justin’s wedding will be up tomorrow… promise. To make up for it, here’s a couple shots from the family session I shot tonight in Yellow Springs…


Meet the good looking Trowbridge family:


Wedding ‘Tease’

Here’s just a couple more from Michelle and Justin’s June wedding… full blog post coming soon… I promise. The photos are almost completely done and getting ready to be shipped to Michelle and Justin….I always get nervous before sending the final product out- but that’s part of the fun, right?

I have a ridiculous obsession with softly focused shots- for some reason they just grab me- there’s a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance… its more like a piece of artwork than a crisp, sharp realistic photograph….

….and I adore the serene look on Michelle’s face here… gorgeous.


Parties and Such

My friend Andres asked for my assistance in planning a surprise birthday party for his lovely wife (and my friend) Allison this past Friday night- I accepted of course.

Andres ordered a gorgeous cake from Ele Cake Company in Dayton, and I put together a few decorations and sent out the invites…Allison was tricked into coming to a ‘movie’ night at my place. (Which, she totally believed as I have people over fairly often)

I’ve decided I really love decorating and throwing parties. If you need any assistance with this type of thing, let me know!

The gorgeous cake.

paper good details…

Call me weird- but I was super excited when I found polka-dot streamers. So cute. The tissue pom-poms were from a shower I decorated for earlier this year. They just happened to go with the colors on the cake.

All my glassware is thrifted, along with the drink dispenser that my mom found earlier this week… I may have to steal it from her. The candle holders are from Ikea.

I cut the Happy Birthday letters from a catalog and stapled them to some twine

Helium balloons were a hit for the kids and adults alike.(which is good, I don’t have a lot of children that frequent my apartment, so I don’t really have a stash of toys for them to play with.)


Finally- some photos.

So- I haven’t been keeping up with the photo aspect of this blog lately- sorry. I’m able to do some writing at work occasionally- so I can think out posts that consist of words- not so much with the photos. I’m also way behind on my photography e-mail, so if you are waiting on a reply from me, expect one this weekend if all goes as planned! With vacation, a new work schedule and it being summer, I’ve been swept up in a crazy whirlwind of activity and business!

Here’s a few photos from my vacation to Massachussets…

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The beach. I fell in love with the New England beaches. The West Coast was beautiful- but there was something about the East Coast that captured my heart.

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My beautiful sist-in-law and I on our Duck Tour

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All of us at the beach in Maine

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…yes. I’m wearing a scarf at the beach. And, no, I didn’t get a sunburn on this vacation! Thankyouverymuch. Just label me eccentric- you know you already have been.


Oh- hey, I still take pictures and play dress up…

Yeah- mostly, the dress-up takes place over at the Tumblr nowadays… but the lovely Miss Kara featured me on round two of her ‘Fashion Faux Pas’ feature… you may remember round one? (that was back when I was a redhead!) I was excited that she asked me to participate again. I chose the faux pas ‘White after Labor Day’ (does ANYONE really adheare to that any more!?) I am not one for packing away ’seasonal’ items… yeah. Right. I’m a firm believer that white looks pretty in any season…. so I thought I’d give you a heads up in case you wanted to check out the feature- and if you’re into pretty things and sweet photography just check out Kara’s blog in general- I recommend!

I’m sporting a thrifted dress that I hacked off, tights from who knows where, Chinese Laundry boots, a Forever21 cardi, H&M earrings, a cowl scarf from Etsy, and one of my very own EmilyOH! headbands.


Wedding: Robin&Philip- Part III

Showing off the adorable shoes!

Directly after the ceremony, we snuck outside to shoot a few shots with the beautiful sunset….

We all know I love me some sun-flare

So excited for Robin and Philip to look through their photos- this wedding was definitely a highlight of my year!


Wedding: Robin&Philip-Part II

Sometimes shooting the groomsmen is the hardest/most fun part of the day. Hard- because I’m not a guy and I have to keep them on task- and fun, because I’m not a guy and they are usually sort of crazy and ridiculous.

All I had to do was mention: ‘model’ and this is what I got….

Handsome groom

Love this one

and then… the groomsmen asked if they could pick up Philip- “sure” I replied, and Philip seemed to agree…. so, they picked him up. And then? They….dropped. Him. On. The. Ground. I didn’t know whether to laugh or gasp. Philip was a great sport- after a brush off and laugh we were set to proceed with photos….

Robin and Philip decided on doing a ‘First Look’ and take all their photos pre-wedding ceremony. I love shooting this way- because it always allows plenty of time for shooting, and lets the bridal party proceed to the reception quickly after the ceremony!

First sight…

then we snuck off to get a few bride and groom photos sans bridal party….

Into the car and onto the ceremony!


Wedding: Robin and Philip- Part I

My lovely friends Robin and Philip said ‘I do’ in June. I was super excited to share their day with them…. from the delicious cupcakes at the reception to taking photos with our Team 1 band members, to bridesmaid dance parties and photos with Robin and Philip at sunset- it was a beautiful day. Enjoy!

From the rehearsal:

…wedding day:

Robin made a bunch of cake-plates with vintage cups and plates to serve goodies on at the reception! (like I did here) Such a great idea.

Yum…and that’s the best I’ve seen the Missions Cafe at Apex… that’s all I have to say about that….

So delicious- plus, check out their ‘logo’…. creative!

Robin is known for her fabulous shoes…. these did not dissapoint.

Is Robin GORGEOUS or what?! Seriously, beautiful lady.

So many smiles- so many wonderful ladies!


Future of Forestry

Last Wednesday I went with some friends to see Future of Forestry in Columbus while they were on their Travel tour…. (I highly recommend Travel I, II & III) I was able to pick up Travel III while at the show…and that’s pretty much what I was listening to all last week in the car.

Here are a few blurry shots from my point-and-shoot, if you want to see some better ones- head over to my friends flickr & check them out. (they are way better than mine) I’m not really one for toting around my camera/gear at a show… I know- what’s wrong with me?

The drummer/computer techie/ bassist/ guy who played every instrument played a toy piano at one point (and a trombone) and I took some video of it, however, I filmed it….sideways. Because I’m awesome like that….so, I’ll have to figure out how to rotate it so I can post it.


Recap: the FOURTH of July

The morning was spent at Apex playing for both gatherings, the evening included a cookout and swimming at my parents- then Yellowsprings for fireworks….um, and this time? We had an ABUNDANCE of sparklers!

my mom made a ‘Patriotic Pudding’- and she proceeded to call it that the whole night

it was a group of old friends and new friends….

and Joe.

we had to flag down a few more of our friends…. this did the trick

K for Kari

…infinity….

K for Kim

cuties

I believe that I was threatened with blackmail if I posted this photo online…..but I had to show proof that he really hung out with us

Joe and his jorts…..


Recap: The 3rd of July

I spent the 3rd of July down at Riverscape with my new house church family (they’re an amazing bunch! I’ve been blessed these past few weeks with all the new friendships I’ve formed) and we celebrated with sparklers and the downtown fireworks….

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Its too bad I only brought one box of sparklers- we ran out way too fast….but we had fun while they lasted!

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These girls are amazing…and of course- beautiful. Obvi.

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thanks to whichever lady shot this of me and my sister- check out how pale I am! I’ve even been in the sun, and only I’ve only used SPF 15 so far this year (as opposed to the usual 30+ I’m accustomed too!)

I like to take photos of the fireworks out of focus on purpose.

The sparklers were a definite hit.
love this photo!
Lovely new friends, fireworks, sparklers…. pretty great 3rd of July.

Wedding Preview: Michelle&Justin & I got to ATTEND a wedding too….

On Saturday morning I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding out in the country. A beautiful couple with adorable smiles, Michelle and Justin were a great couple to photograph. Michelle’s dress was GORGEOUS and Justin wore Chucks & I was happy.

One of my favorite moments was when one of the grandparents wanted a photo with them and saw Justin’s sneakers and asked if they should just take a photo from the waist up, then, realized he was wearing them for the ceremony! Great. I love grandparents.

More to come of course…

…and Sunday evening I had the joy of attending a wedding where I didn’t have to lug a heavy camera and lens bag around. I wore heels, a fancy dress, and got to sit during the ceremony…. although, come to think of it, I ended up taking a LOT of photos…but, I mean, they were with disposable cameras, so, it doesn’t really count, right? My table at the reception sort of borrowed a lot of the cameras (in our defense, the other guests just weren’t putting them to use!) and did a few impromptu photoshoots with them. Allison & Andres… you will have LOTS of memories…of our particular table.

But seriously, Allison’s dress was, again, GORGEOUS… it was a weekend of beautiful dresses. They were adorable during the ceremony, giggling and so happy.

And when the photographers came around to all the tables to photograph couples, I posed with my purse- I mean, since I didn’t have a date….that’s how I roll.

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Heels! (um…and the bottom of my feet are totally bruised today. I don’t think I’m cut out for fancy shoes?)

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Andres’ face when Allison came down the aisle. Priceless. Its one of my most favorite moments of wedding ceremonies- watching the groom.

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Sunset….

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Sisters! (Kari went with me to the photobooth so I wouldn’t have to take photos by myself- that’s a true friend)

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What then ensued can only be labeled ’silliness’ and ‘fun-with-as-many-disposable-cameras-as-we-could-get-our-hands-on’… I snapped a few with my digital camera so I would have the memories as well….

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Pretty, pretty Allison following the bouquet toss- she looks like a movie star…gorgeous!


Robin&Philip Wedding Preview II

Another shot from Robin & Philip’s wedding:

expect more soon!


Innocence

Job 11-

“If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.
Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.
You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.
Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
Having hope will give you courage.
You will be protected and will rest in safety.
You will lie down unafraid,
and many will look to you for help.


Etsy

If you like my flower headbands (I sport them quite often!) please take a moment and check out my brand new Etsy. I’d appreciate it ever so much! I went the way of Etsy because I felt like it was the easiest, tidiest way to go about this… seeing as I’m not a business person!

There’s a few headbands listed- and I will definitely be posting more if the interest is kept up- I can also custom make headbands in a specific color if desired. Message me and let me know!

My Etsy

P.S.- a HUGE thanks to my gorgeous models Allison, and my sister Val. Aren’t they gorgeous!? And they were such good sports, trekking through tall grass, risking chiggers and creepy bugs, and fashioning a goose-beater-stick for the crazy drunk goose that was running us down. (I’ve seriously never seen such a weirdly behaving goose. Scary. And no, we didn’t use the stick. We just waved it around un-menacingly while squealing and running away. No geese OR girls were harmed in the taking of these product shots)


EmilyOh! Preview Photos

So its taking me longer than I thought it would to get my headbands photographed and the details together for purchasing, but its coming together. Tonight I had a lovely new friend join my sister in modeling the headbands, and here’s a preview…. stay tuned for details on how to order/purchase your own fabulous EmilyOh! Headband.


The Heart

More than anything… God is teaching me what it means to be content in Him. I am the eternally awful student, lacking in self-discipline and failing miserably on a daily basis- but He’s working on my heart.

Its a hard lesson to learn, one that I know will never be fully achieved until I draw my last breath and am with Him for eternity… but to even have a glimpse of contement here on earth, in my life…

Not because I have ’stuff’, not because I have ‘achieved the dream’, but to know and cherish Christ dearly and to have that outpoor on everyone I am in contact with…. and to be happy. To be full of joy, to hold strong in the hard times, and be grateful in the good.

*added later*

I was getting ready for bed last night, after I had posted this, and Psalm 23 popped into my head. Its one of those memory verses my parents drilled into my head from a very young age- a WHOLE chapter… it became just sort of mundane and like a meaningless recitation for so long, but when it popped into my head, and I took the time to read over it in the NLT translation… wow. THIS is why my parents wanted me to learn it. To memorize it. To be able to quote it in my sleep.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.