Hocking Hills Portraits

07/30/2026

I NEED YOUR VOTES!!!!!

Dear friends and followers, Hocking Hills Portraits has made it to the voting rounds for the Logan Daily News Best of the Hocking Hills Readers Choice Award in the services/photographer category. If you think I am worthy of the title, please follow the link below to vote for me. Voting is totally free and takes just a quick moment. I was so grateful to win last year, it would be an honor to be chosen again. Thank you so much!

Best of Logan, Best of Hocking Hills

07/25/2026

✨ The Beginning of a New Chapter for Jared, Morgan & Willow ✨

Some of the most meaningful sessions I photograph are the ones that feel less like a single photoshoot and more like another chapter in a story I’ve been lucky enough to witness over time.

Two years ago, I photographed Jared and Morgan’s wedding at Hocking Hills Lodge.

Last fall, I hiked with them to Ash Cave for maternity portraits as they waited to meet their baby.

And recently, I had the incredible privilege of visiting them in their new home to photograph their family of three.

Their home was absolutely beautiful. Jared had just finished remodeling it, and it was easy to imagine the lifetime of memories that will unfold within those walls.

But what made this session so meaningful wasn’t simply the beauty of the space.

It was being there with them.

Jared and Morgan are two of the kindest, most thoughtful people, and watching them become parents to little Willow has been incredibly special. This little girl is so deeply loved and adored, and it was impossible not to feel that love in every moment.

When Morgan began singing to her, my heart completely melted.

There was something so beautiful about photographing Willow in the home her parents have created for her—a place that will grow and change alongside their family. A place where she will be brought home, celebrated, comforted, taught, and loved.

A place that will one day hold a lifetime of memories.

Jared and Morgan, thank you for continuing to invite me into the most meaningful chapters of your lives. From your wedding day, to your maternity portraits, to welcoming Willow into your family, it is an honor I never take for granted.

And Willow, you are one very lucky little girl to be so loved. 🤍

I can’t wait to see all the beautiful stories your family continues to write together.

07/02/2026

✨ Same-Day Previews for Madison & Dylan ✨

Sometimes the most beautiful wedding days are the simplest ones.

On a foggy June morning, Madison and Dylan gathered beneath the towering rock walls of Ash Cave to exchange vows surrounded by the people they love most.

The skies were gray, and rain gently fell throughout the morning. But tucked beneath the shelter of Ash Cave, it only added to the magic. As we made our way back down the trail, we embraced the weather, capturing one of my favorite moments of the day as the newlyweds walked hand in hand beneath their umbrellas.

One detail that kept catching my eye throughout the morning was Madison’s bare feet peeking out beneath her wedding dress.

No heels.

No fuss.

Just the cool earth beneath her toes as she married her best friend.

It felt so fitting for a wedding centered on what truly mattered.

After the ceremony, everyone gathered at the nearby shelter house for a simple picnic reception filled with food, conversation, laughter, and the quiet joy of being together.

No extravagant production.

No pressure.

Just a beautiful beginning to a beautiful marriage.

I love photographing weddings like this because they’re a reminder that your wedding doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s expectations. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be unforgettable. Sometimes all you need is the love of your favorite people, a breathtaking place, and the willingness to embrace whatever the day brings—even a little rain.

Madison and Dylan, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a heartfelt celebration. Congratulations to you both! 🤍

More previews coming soon.

07/01/2026

✨ Celebrating Haley & Justin ✨

One of the greatest gifts this career has given me is the opportunity to witness life’s milestones—not just once, but over many years.

I first met Haley and her family when she was a high school senior. Years later, standing beside her as she married her best friend, I found myself reflecting on how incredibly special it is to continue being invited into these chapters of my clients’ lives. There is no greater compliment than being trusted to preserve these memories, time and time again.

Haley and Justin’s wedding at Rockmill Brewery was a beautiful reminder that there is no one “right” way to celebrate a marriage.

Their ceremony was lovingly officiated by Haley’s mom.

There was no DJ.

Very little dancing.

Instead, the evening unfolded around candlelit tables filled with heartfelt toasts, shared memories, laughter, quiet conversations, and more than a few happy tears.

It wasn’t about following traditions for the sake of tradition.

It was about creating a day that reflected who they are.

And that’s exactly what they did.

Throughout the day, it was impossible not to notice the friendship at the heart of their relationship. Before they became husband and wife, they were simply two people who genuinely enjoyed being together—and that joy was woven into every moment of their celebration.

As a photographer, I often say that the most meaningful weddings aren’t defined by elaborate timelines or packed dance floors. They’re defined by connection.

Haley and Justin’s wedding was filled with it.

Thank you both for inviting me back into another chapter of your story. It has truly been an honor to watch your life unfold over the years, and I couldn’t be happier for you as you begin this next adventure together.

Congratulations, Haley & Justin. 🤍

06/30/2026

✨ Celebrating Jared & Tiffany ✨

Every once in a while, a wedding reminds me just how deeply intertwined this work becomes with people’s lives.

Fourteen years ago, Tiffany and her family were among the very first clients to place their trust in me as a brand-new photographer. I never could have imagined then that one day I would have the honor of photographing her wedding.

Over the years, Jared has also become a dear friend, and having the privilege of knowing both of them individually makes this celebration especially meaningful.

When you’ve walked alongside people long enough to know pieces of their story—the victories they’ve celebrated, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the paths that led them here—you don’t just witness a wedding day. You witness the beginning of a chapter that feels beautifully earned.

Jared and Tiffany traveled from Cambridge to exchange vows beneath the breathtaking cliffs of Ash Cave in Hocking Hills, surrounded by the timeless beauty of nature and the people who love them most.

Watching them together, it’s impossible not to see how perfectly they complement one another. Their relationship is grounded in friendship, strengthened by life’s experiences, and filled with a quiet joy that radiates to everyone around them.

Jared and Tiffany, thank you for inviting me to celebrate alongside you and for trusting me to preserve these memories. It was far more than another wedding on my calendar—it was the privilege of watching two wonderful people begin a new chapter together.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Milhoan 🤍 Wishing you a lifetime filled with the same love, laughter, and steadfast partnership that brought you to this day.

06/22/2026

✨ Same-Day Previews for Brandon & Destiny Samuels ✨

Some wedding days are filled with grand traditions and elaborate timelines.

Others are filled with intention.

Yesterday, on the Summer Solstice, Brandon and Destiny gathered with their closest family and friends at their beautiful Hocking Hills cabin to begin their next chapter together.

This wedding was especially meaningful to me because Brandon and Destiny became the very first couple to trust me with my new fully guided intimate wedding experience. Together, we planned their day, I officiated their ceremony, and I had the honor of documenting every moment as their photographer.

One of my favorite things about intimate weddings is the freedom to make the day truly your own.

Their beloved dog proudly served as ring bearer. 🐾

Destiny wore a stunning wedding dress that she made entirely by hand herself—a labor of love that reflected the creativity, care, and intentionality woven throughout their entire celebration.

After their ceremony, we ventured into the heart of Hocking Hills for portraits at Conkle’s Hollow and Cedar Falls. Surrounded by towering cliffs, lush greenery, and flowing waterfalls, these two were completely in their element. Quiet, laid-back, and deeply connected, Brandon and Destiny share a love that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt.

It was present in every glance, every smile, and every moment they shared together.

As I drove home last night, I found myself reflecting on how grateful I am that this is the kind of wedding experience I now get to offer. A day built around connection rather than expectations. A day that feels authentic to the couple at the center of it all.

Brandon and Destiny, thank you for trusting me to help bring your vision to life and for allowing me to stand beside you in such meaningful ways throughout your wedding journey.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Samuels. 🤍

More previews coming soon!

06/17/2026

🖤💜 There is No Right Way to Celebrate Your Marriage 💜🖤

One of the things I loved most about Luke and Natalie's wedding isn't the location, the details, or even the incredible outfits they chose.

It was the fact that they built a wedding day that felt completely authentic to them.

Luke wore a dark purple tuxedo. Natalie wore a stunning black gown. They exchanged vows surrounded by the people they love at a private Hocking Hills cabin.

And when it came to the reception?

There was no dance floor.

No first dance.

No pressure to follow traditions that didn't feel right for them.

Instead, their guests gathered around dinner tables, enjoyed cake, played games, and competed in a lively corn hole tournament. There was laughter, conversation, celebration, and connection.

And honestly?

It was wonderful.

Somewhere along the way, many couples started believing they have to follow a certain script to have a "real" wedding.

You don't.

You want to hike to a waterfall at sunrise? Do it.

Want to wear black? Wear Black.

Want to skip the dancing and host a game night instead? Go for it.

Your wedding day doesn't need to look like anyone else's. It only needs to feel like you.

Luke and Natalie created a celebration that reflected who they are, and that's exactly what made it so memorable.

Here's your reminder that the most meaningful wedding are often the ones that embrace authenticity over tradition.

Bridal party hair and makeup by the amazing 🤩 the one and only 😍 Savannah Gordon 💋

06/16/2026

🌸She is Fresh Off the Market! 🌼

💐 I had the privilege of photographing the most beautiful bridal shower anyone has ever had! The mother of the bride put together an incredible event, every beautiful detail was carefully considered. I can only imagine how magical the wedding itself will be. I am grateful I was entrusted to tell the story of this day through portraiture. 💐

I saw many familiar faces at this event. It was lovely to see you all and to visit the stunning Hocking Hills Scenic Weddings - The Hangar Wedding + Event Center. Congratulations to Madison and her family on this blessed milestone.

🌷🌹💐

06/14/2026

✨ Behind Every Great Adventure is Someone Cheering You On ✨

One of my favorite party of Luke and Natalie's wedding experience happened the morning after they said, "I do".

Instead of spending hours away from their guests on their wedding day, they chose a Next Day Adventure Session in Hocking Hills. We met at sunrise after their wedding night and explored the beautiful trails, cliffs, and landscapes that make this place so magical.

But today's post isn't about the couple.

It is about friendship.

Natalie's best friend joined us for the adventure and spent the entire morning helping carry dresses, shoes, flowers, and accessories. She helped Natalie navigate rocky trails, cross creeks, climb hills, and get safely into position for photographs. She was constantly watching for ways to help, encourage, and support her friend.

As photographers, we often witness beautiful love stories. But sometimes we also get to witness beautiful friendships.

These behind-the-scenes moments remind me that a wedding isn't just about the relationship between two people It is also about the community that surrounds them - the friends and family who show up, lend a hand, and help make meaningful moments possible

To Natalie's incredible friend: thank you for being such a beautiful example of what love and support look like.



www.hockinghillsportraits.com

06/08/2026

✨Same-day previews for Isaiah & Kristen ✨

Some wedding days are grand celebrations. Others are quiet, intentional, and deeply personal.

On Sunday morning, as the sun rose over Hocking Hills, Isaiah and Kristen exchanged vows during a private ceremony surrounded by their closest family members at their beautiful woodland cottage.

There was something truly magical about the entire experience. The peaceful morning air, the soft golden sunlight filtering through the trees, and the presence of the people who matter most created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and unforgettable.

One of the things I love most about small wedding is the space they create for genuine connection. No rush. No distractions. Just two people beginning the next chapter of their lives together, surrounded by love and support.

It was an honor to witness and document these moments for Isaiah and Kristen. Their day was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are often the ones centered on what matters most.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

I'm so excited to share these same-day previews and can't wait to show more from their magical sunrise wedding in the coming weeks.