Tessa & Jacob are getting married next June, and we took their fall engagement session this weekend. Thankfully we are all 3 good at going-with-the-flow, because our first location choice fell through a couple hours before the session, then our SECOND location was closed for construction when we arrived! But no problem! I’m so thankful we ended up shooting where we did! We had fall leaves, beautiful light, and a pretty church to set the scene for their unfolding love story!
Unicorn Princess Portraits . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer, Midwest Photographer
My friend Angela & I dreamed up this Princess Unicorn Portrait session! Her family owns the adorable pony, and I brought the rest. It turned out SOOOO CUUUUUTE!!! We will definitely be planning some Princess Unicorn Mini Sessions in the spring! So be on the look out for sign ups if this is something your little lady would love!
Pope Family . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer, Midwest Photographer
The Pope family WON a portrait session with me when Krista entered a fund raiser raffle for the Troy Center School! I’m so glad our mutual love for the Troy Center brought us together for a family session on their beautiful property in Columbia City! 
The kitty really wanted to join in on a few photos! 😉 
This pond is pretty special to the family, as Krista’s dad gifted the land to them shortly before he passed away last year. Now it holds so much sentimental value to them! I’m so glad we could take their family photos in such a significant spot!
The jacket Krista is wearing belonged to her dad.
Also! If you’re looking for a lab puppy for Christmas this year, these beautiful pups are having a litter very soon! And they’ll be ready to join your family for Christmas Eve!
Nathan & Sydney Engaged! . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer, Midwest Wedding Photographer
Nathan is my husband’s cousin, so these two are pretty special to me! I love being the one to photograph family members special moments!
Bishop Family . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer, Midwest Photographer
This is the 5th year I’ve photographed the Bishop family! And they’re basically professionals at Valerie Joy Photography sessions now. Take a look, you’ll agree!
This one is classic boy-dad interaction!
Eric & Cayley’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer, Midwest Wedding Photographer
I was the second shooter for Eric & Cayley’s wedding last month, for lead photographer Morgan Ruth Photorgraphy. So I spent the morning with the guys, while Morgan was with the ladies. (So you’ll see my photos below, of mostly groomsmen at the beginning.).
They had such a beautiful day, at multiple locations, ending up at Union 12 for their reception! And they’re SERIOUSLY just so sweet and mature! It was a pleasure spending the day with them! I’ve got A LOT of favorites! Take a look…
Eric’s brother, and best man!
Once we got to the church we did a few groomsmen portraits before the girls arrived. 
Eric & Cayley chose not to see each other before the ceremony. But they did have a blind prayer time together. So sweet!
It’s go time!
The bridal party took a trolley from the church to the reception! So we grabbed a few photos of them in the parking lot before the left.
Once at Union 12, we had portrait time with the whole bridal party.
Things get crazy after a trolley ride. 😉 
I just love shooting with the groomsmen! They always have a lot of fun!!
But MAN! These bridesmaids were like a group of models! So gorgeous, they sparkle! And Cayley chose all of their dresses, which I just L.O.V.E.D.!! Well done, girlfriend!
I loved this photo of the parents together!
Cayley’s sister/maid of honor is getting married soon too!
Union 12, always killing it!!
Eric & Cayley had a cigar roller at their reception! So legit!!
And these are the most beautiful and hearty Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever seen!
Bridal Party Entrances!
A funny & tearful speech from Cayley’s dad!
This was different….and so fun! They had 5 food trucks parked outside for their dinner options! Guests had a ticket and could choose whatever truck they wanted to get their dinner from! I love it!
Morgan and I stole the bride & groom for about 10 minutes during sunset for a few more portraits….
Back to the party!
Congrats Cayley & Eric! You are precious! And I pray God blesses your union!
Ally Hamilton, Senior Portraits . Ft. Wayne IN Senior Photographer, Columbia City IN Senior Photographer, Midwest Senior Photographer
Lakeside Park in Ft. Wayne does not disappoint! And neither did Ally & her sisters! These girls are just stunning, with their joyful smiles! 
Maggard Family . Indiana Apple Orchard Family Photographer
The Maggard Family has a pioneer side to them! This hard working couple owns and operates an apple orchard in Larwill, IN: School House Orchard! They sell their apples, honey, and home pressed apple cider at our local farmers market. But their biggest accomplishment is raising these two beautiful boys! They’re full of energy and you can tell they love growing up in this little slice of midwest paradise! 
Jordan Family + Hale Senior . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer, Midwest Photographer
Today I’m sharing the Jordan family at their beautiful historic home in downtown Columbia City! AND their oldest son, Hale’s senior portraits at a friends home in town. We did back to back sessions, Senior & Family, which ends up saving you $100, as opposed to doing two separate 1 hour sessions!
Alli & Sid Engaged – Styled Shoot . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer, Midwest Wedding Photographer
I had an itch to do another styled shoot the past few months! And I’m super thankful so many beautiful pieces fell into place to make this GORGEOUS engagement session a success! I have lots of people to THANK!
To my friend and fellow photographer, Shannon of Simple Joy Portraits for brainstorming, shopping, setting up, and shooting this alongside me! This was such a fun creative outlet for us!
Thanks to Alli & Sid for being the beautiful models that made our vision a reality! And to Karina for suggesting them! (They REALLY are engaged, if you were wondering.)
The talented ladies at TNT Floral created a wild bouquet for us, AND Alli’s greenery crown, AND Sid’s boutonniere! (And now I’m a firm believer that we should all walk around with floral crowns, because Alli looks magical in hers!)
The Hooley family brought out Dotty, the appaloosa horse, as a beautiful accessory to our sweet couple! If you’d like to have a horse in YOUR photo session, I can connect you with them!
Jessica Godlove of Studio 3 Hair Company was the talent behind Alli’s hair (with Halo extensions added for an even more epic look!)
And my dear friend’s, the Fergusson’s, who allowed us to shoot in their breathtaking vineyard! Thank you so much for your generosity!
Okay, now you can enjoy this fairy tale session!
Alli had never been on a horse before, but she pulled it off gracefully! 
TNT would love to supply all of your wedding flower needs! Give them a call!
We had some good laughs trying to get a fun champagne popping shot! Shannon and I didn’t realize we’d bought champagne with a TWIST TOP! No cork! (face palm). So we improvised!
1. Twist off cap. 2. Put thumb over bottle opening. 3. Shake a little. 4. Pull your thumb off a little and let it fly!
