Adventure, Destination, Weddings Cameron Braun Adventure, Destination, Weddings Cameron Braun

Lauren + Max - Put-In-Bay Wedding

Lake Erie Coast

"Ohio."

"Why Ohio?"

We get this question often, and the answer has never been entirely clear, even for us. I didn't grow up here, so I don't have that innate sense of "home." At the same time, our kids were born here. Mindy's family is here. There's something special about this place. The closer we become with our neighbors, our church, and our photography community, the more the question becomes irrelevant. But besides the people, we're consistently surprised by this amazing state. The more we explore, the more we come to discover, and the more we appreciate where we live.

And so it was at Lauren + Max's wedding. Seeing the western coast of Lake Erie for the first time, and riding the ferry to Put-In-Bay, we had visions of our travels to the Pacific Northwest, and even in a sense, our trip to Italy's coast. This is a landscape that we honestly didn't know existed right here in our backyard. But unlike the PNW or Europe, being at their wedding still gave us a feeling of belonging, which is a comfort that anyone can relate to.

Ohio. Because this is home.

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Columbus, Engagements Cameron Braun Columbus, Engagements Cameron Braun

Daniela + Tim - Columbus Ohio Engagement

October has been good to us. We usually have too many shoots and not enough sunny days. The stars aligned and this year the sun has been shining bright on just the right days. The light in Columbus on this evening with Daniela + Tim couldn't have been any better. 

We spent our evening strolling through Inniswood Botanical Gardens, sipping some wine and then chasing the sun downtown for some long boarding. Best part of the night, we ended it together at Condado. Our favorite tacos, and two new friends. Nothing better. 

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Weddings, Destination Cameron Braun Weddings, Destination Cameron Braun

Leah + Graham - A Backyard DIY Wedding

Michigan

This one was special. Leah + Graham invited us up to Saginaw, Michigan to be a part of their wedding weekend, which took place in Leah's mom's backyard (aka garden). They planted wildflowers which were used for the bouquets, they planted vegetables which were used for dinner, and they planted goodwill and joy in the hearts of everyone who attended.

We just love the all-hands-on-deck approach to weddings. Getting your family involved produces a genuine response of love, commitment, and care from the people closest to you, and this was so evident all weekend. Leah's sister picked veggies, while Graham's mom mixed sangria. Graham assembled the sweetheart tent while his best friends set up the ceremony audio. Leah's mom delicately arranged the decorations lining the aisle and the cocktail party. Her uncle smoked a pig. It was beautiful to witness.

Add to all of that a threat of rain, and you'd think panic and frustration might take over, but the way their families handled everything was graceful and patient. The rain also gave us an excuse to come back the following day for portraits in the sun.

Proof that simplicity wins and family is first.

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