Erica+Eric | Dayton, Ohio Wedding Photography

I’ve been SO excited to share these images with you guys! When Erica and Eric asked to meet up to discuss their wedding photography, i was over the moon! I’ve known erica for about 8 years now, ever since i did her senior photos! I caught up with her a few years ago to photograph her and her siblings as a surprise for their mom and dad and had such a fun time with them, i was so excited to work with this amazing family again. And of course, photographing eric and erica’s engagement session was so much fun. I knew this wedding wouldn’t disappoint! Enjoy some of my favorites from this gorgeous winter wedding!

note to brides: if you have a dress w a ton of buttons, crochet hooks are a life saver!their first look was one of my favorites of all time.. they were both SO excited to see each other!i need to give a big huge thank you shout out to my girl, Faye, for being there for me for this wedding. I was a little nervous going into the day as i was 7+ months pregnant at the time. I made it thru pretty easily but having Faye there made everything that much better. Plus she caught some amazing images like this one! <3 erica, you are so beautiful. i love it when you laugh! MARRIED!!the dance floor was pretty much packed the whole night. everyone had such a fab time!especially Erica! i LOVED seeing her and eric on the dance floor all night, and having such a great time together as new husband and wife!

e+e, thank you guys so so much for trusting me with your wedding photography! i had such a wonderful time with you and your families and i am so over the moon happy for you! love love you guys! xxJBZ

Beavercreek, OH

erica+eric | together  April 2014 | engaged 09.08.15 | wedding 01.02.16

how they met, as told by erica:

I’m very grateful every day that Eric and I met because it was complete fate! We both work at Wright-Patterson AFB and often use the gym located on the base to workout. Inside the gym, they also have a smoothie stand where I would often visit simply to grab lunch. On the most perfect Tuesday, I decided to go to the smoothie shop with a friend and grab lunch. Little did I know I would meet the love of my life! Eric was in line ahead of my friend and me ordering his smoothie. My friend knew Eric and immediately introduced us. We left the gym and I knew I had to talk with Eric again. Two days later we went on our first date … and the rest is history!

erica | hometown: beavercreek, oh | Program Manager, WPAFB | 5 words (as described by eric): intelligent, ambitious, beautiful (inside & out), selfless, family-oriented

eric | hometown: scottsdale, az | USAF | 5 words (as described by erica): loving, ambitious, patient, adventurous, seriously-handsome

the proposal:

Traveled 3,507 mi to Ireland’s famous (and Erica’s favorite) Cliffs of Moher.  We journeyed along the rim with a 2 mile sunrise trek, to an abandoned medieval watch tower.

Dropped to one knee and she said “YES!

most memorable part of your day: When we first saw each other! Also, about half way through the party we both were caught in the moment of soaking in everyone’s presence around us and feeling very blessed knowing they were there because they love and support us!

funniest memory from your wedding day: The microphone was being passed around for dancing and impromptu karaoke … definitely made for a great night!

any advice for future brides and grooms: Always remember why you fell in love!

if you could do it all over, would you change anything:  No! We would relive our wedding day every day if we could! We spent the day with all of our loved ones, celebrating our marriage, and partying all night! It was perfect!

best part about being married (so far!): Waking up every morning knowing we are forever committed to one another!

where did you honeymoon: We are currently planning our honeymoon, but we did take a week off of work to relax and soak in our marriage

Their Songs

first dance: Love of the Century, The Elders

father/daughter: Forever Young, Rod Stewart

mother/son: Somewhere over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

cake cutting: Sugar Sugar, The Archies

Vendors that helped make it all happen:

hair: Barbara Mayer

makeup: Pinned Up Ltd, Megan Gough

florist: Floral V Designs, Cady Vance

officiant: Deacon Gerry Dupree

ceremony venue: Saint Luke Catholic Church

reception venue: Country Club of the North

DJ: Party Pleasers, Tim Fritts

cake: Ele Cake Company

catering: Country Clubs of the North

rentals: Prime Time Rentals

gown: Lillian’s Bridal

bridesmaids: Lillian’s Bridal

tuxes: JoS. A. Bank