January 27th, I got a message request from the sweetest lady inquiring about getting some couples phones done. Yes, absolutely, I’d love to. Then I found out she lived in Ohio. Yes, even more absolutely let’s do this. One thing about me is if I have an opportunity to go, I’m going to take it. We planned ahead to shoot May 20th, during the better weather in Ohio and spent the next few months fostering an Instagram friendship while the anticipation of meeting and shooting together became nearly unbearable.

Now here’s another thing about me. I LOVE my family and I do not like to burden them with my absence. My husband works, my mom has to help, my kiddos miss me, so I make my trips as short as possible to accommodate the needs of everyone in my life. I used to hate these quick trips and now I thrive in them. Thrives in chaos and pressure? We can dive into that another day.

I booked my flights for May 19th to May 21st, told you, quick! Then immediately booked my airbnb (Grandmas Attic) and my car through Turo. If you haven’t used Turo for car rentals, you’re missing out. It is so easy, you get to pick your vehicles, and so far every host I’ve had has been incredible.

I arrived just before dinner time, stopped at a CVS for snacks and immediately went to crash at my airbnb for the night after a long day of travel and a stupid fast layover at O’Hare that forced me to run to make my flight. Whoever designed that place should be shot.

After climbing three stories with my camera bag and Beis weekender, I was absolutely beat and curled up on the couch to wind down and watch You’ve Got Mail before our shoot the next day. You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally are my go tos.

Since we didn’t plan on shooting until later evening I had the day to just relax. I went to Target to build a gift box of snacks and things A & G love then headed back to prep, rewatch their video interview, and watch Monster-in-law. Are you catching on to the theme of my movie choices yet? I’d planned to explore Cleveland but it was super hot and I was feeling beat from the time change and jet lag.

A & G had previously decided they wanted to shoot on their property which is always 100 percent okay with me. While I love an amazing mountain, beach, or view, there is an intimacy about photos taken at home that is unrivaled.

When I arrived it was like seeing an old friend. A is so kind and calm has a dry humor and wit to match my own. She may actually be my soulmate? G was a trooper while we decided on outfits and was willing to change however many times A asked of him. A loves my spicy work but is a bit conservative. I just reminded her that you don’t need to be nude to be vulnerable or have spicy photos. Spice level is about your own comfort and I will never ever push a couple or client to do more than they are comfortable with.

We started with her perfect little cream bug in their backyard to ease them into photos. I had them spend some time snuggling, laughing, and getting comfortable in my presence. Once we shot here for a bit, we stopped so they could change and eat from the snack basket I brought for them. Popcorn, all different types of fancy nuts, water, and lemons. Don’t worry, they weren’t sucking on lemons. Lemon’s were an inside joke I latched onto after hearing about a time she threw lemons at him during an argument. Your weird little moments matter to me. They make you uniquely you.

I saw A & G blossom during this set. The way he loves her and is devoted to her was so apparent and I saw his love for her easy her nerves. They told me about scorpions in Europe, their favorite game, and the competitiveness that it brings out in them. I fell in love with their enormous hearts, their love for their children. Their chickens were pretty awesome too.

Sometimes the best part of traveling is the people you meet. The worst is having to leave them. Thankful forever for clients who become friends who become family. Can’t wait to get back to Ohio. It’s definitely a place for lovers.