Toledo Photography » Personal

Matt and Rachel~Engaged {Toledo Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:46:06 +0000

It's true..my baby sister is officially getting married. It seems so weird and I don't know why. She's the youngest one…she's not supposed to do grown up stuff. She found the one for her, and he's the only guy I'd be willing to give her too. He's nuts about her and I know he will take great care of her. Plus he loves Bean a ton….sign of a good man right there. I think I went overkill on the photos but I was suddenly nervous….didn't want her to be disappointed! Rach….hopefully you didn't get the E.P. about photos

He makes her laugh so much and that's what we all wanted for her….a lifetime full of laughter.

They are really alike…I asked them to sit here….and the both started collecting leaves because they didn't want to get dirty haha.

I remember in the beginning of their relationship Rachel was taking it slow, trying to figure him out. One day he had flowers delivered to my folks house for her. He learned that she wasn't actually going to be home that weekend, she was house sitting for Tabitha…he went over to my parent's house and picked them up and took them to Tab's so Rachel could enjoy them all weekend. That's when I knew he was the one she'd been waiting for. She once told me she had been waiting her whole life for a boy to send her flowers…and here he was. Sending her flowers for no reason at all and double delivering them just so she could enjoy them.

So I know she reads my blog…when I was explaining this to them she said "Oh I know that one….no smiling Matt…it's dramatic" Gotta love a good blog stalker.

Yes…that is an amazing ring….that he ::cough cough:: designed himself!! Yowza!

Matt and Mini Me….I couldn't be happier for you guys. I can hardly wait until your big day, it's going to be wonderful! You guys will be so happy together!
PS Hopefully Dad doesn't think I made you kiss too much!

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

Bean Has HAIR!!! {Toledo Baby Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:37:04 +0000

My Bean is already 6 months old! (single tear). I can't believe how much he has grown and in such a short time! I have loved every minute of being his Momma and as much as I look forward to watching him grow I do wish he would slow down just for a minute! He has been sitting up for about a month now and he is crawling and rolling every which way! He's a big boy now, sleeping in his own room (yes I had some empty nest syndrome and perhaps withdrawal at night!) and he is such a sweetie. He laughs and smiles and tries to talk already. He's wild and snuggly, rough and tumble and clever. He and Rufus keep stealing each other's toys and just love playing together. I never know what funny thing he will do next! Here are some shots of him from his six month session (this was actually split up but hey…he's a photographers kid….can't find the time to sit down and do them all at once!)

He is an outside baby! We walk every day (sometimes twice!) He loves swimming, sand, grass, swinging and watching Ryan wash cars!

I'm a big believer that every kid should have at least one photo in a sailor suit…I know old fashioned.

I am also a big believer in nakey baby pictures…I personally think there is nothing more precious than a baby in his birthday suit!

He's getting very chubby!

I think he might have Mimi's eye color…we will see what happens!

He has enough baby hair to 'hawk it! I've been waiting for that for 6 months now!

A close up on that beautiful 'hawk!

Had to throw these in the for Yayas! Check out how much he has grown!!!

Think he has changed much in three months?

Still LOVE that profile…wow!

Oh little Bean…you've changed our lives way more than you will ever know! We love you more than anything! Wish I could bottle this time up and save some of it for later!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

His First Party {Toledo Event Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:38:10 +0000

Well, it's true…my Bean is 6 months old (well he will be this week!) I feel like it was just yesterday that he was born. (Still can't thank Tabitha enough for those photos). Somehow it's true, he is getting to be a big boy now. He has been rolling over for awhile now and he can sit up and he inch worm crawls….he can get out of his bumbo (yes I know I have a houdini on my hands). In my family we celebrate anything and everything and that includes 6 month birthdays! I decided to go with an all American pastime as the theme..baseball!! It feels summery and hopefully one day he plays (yes it's my favorite sport!) He also had his very first food yesterday,he had avocado! He did pretty great with the spoon and he cried between bites because I wasn't feeding him fast enough! There's tons of photos (of course) so here we go!

This was Jack's mood board…I had this ready to go when I was getting details together for his party. It's a trick I learned from Nikki at Elite Events, she makes one for every client. Granted she is a professional at this and hers look way more awesome..but it definitely helped give me direction!

This was the first thing the guests saw, the invitation! I made 3D invites that looked like cracker jack boxes but the inside was all the party info!

Some of these ideas you might recognize from a party thrown by Elite Events…yes I tried to steal those ideas! Those girls do a great job and I cataloged ideas!

I got mason jars here. Added some grass for a centerpiece…can't bring in the whole ball field so I brought in a piece of the ball field!

I got this bucket from here. She makes decorated ones but I knew a plain one would be perfect to keep the coca cola cold!

I used these as favor bags! I got them here. She has some really cool stuff too!

These are actually cupcake toppers but I figured they'd look just as cute in the cookies! I got them here. You gotta check out her stuff, she does all kinds of great birthday details! You could get your whole party from her practically!

So the left photo was to let everyone know they can sign his baseball (that was his 'guestbook'…I learned normal guestbooks are out and you have to do something creative! …again from Nikki!) I got the tin from here. I used it to keep potato chips in! We kept the food simple, hot dogs, chips, lemonade and coca cola. It felt like ball park food!

I got these as favors for everyone (adults included) and so everyone got a prize! I did get one for me too, figured I could use a party favor! My prize inside was a little puzzle piece! So cute!

Each kid also got a baseball for a favor!

I got the coca cola caps from here. Thought it added a cool element. I also added the actual photo of him so you all know I didn't actually put a blue photo in a frame on display!

The banner I made, couldn't find one I liked!

I don't own six of the same chairs so we went ahead and mix matched chairs! Everyone had a different chair, gave it kind of an eclectic look!

Here are some of his cute guests!!

I like how half of Bean's guests are missing teeth and growing new ones!

Of course Aunt Tabitha came She did all the action shots of his first feeding below!

haha, feels like a coca cola ad!

Bean was wearing a cracker jack shirt to match his party theme! His shirt was made by Big Daddy graphics! I'm going to do his six month photos in it so you can get a really good view of it. They did a fantastic job!

Then it was time for his first ever bite of food, avocado! He just loved it!

He had quite the audience!

I was feeling joy watching him eat and love it so much! He just makes my heart melt and keeps my face so smiley!

He seriously would not let go of that spoon!

yup, all gone! Might be time to begin baby sign language!

Playing with his new toys!

Sweet angel boy, you have made these last 6 month of our lives the best ones yet! I am so glad you are mine and I am loving watching you grow and learn! We love you so much!!

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

The Best and The Rest {Toledo Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Thu, 26 May 2011 02:56:31 +0000

I am starting a series of things I love vs. things I hate. I thought it might help all my readers and clients get to know me a little bit better! Plus I'd love to get to know my clients better too! Sometimes posts like these spark conversations and I think we all know I am a talker! So here we go!

1. Number one my list is Ryan. He is such a great husband. He supports me everyday and he sits and smiles through my fast talking when I get so excited about my big hair brained ideas. He laughs with me, comforts me when I am sad and he gave me my son. Life would be empty with him, he really is my best friend and I'm so happy he works two feet from me.

::SIGH:: Who knew you could find true love at 14?

2. Seven Thunders. It is hands down the best book I've ever read. Once I purchased this baby I did nothing else from the time I started until the time I finished except read! I am not one for horror novels (mostly because I scare easy…not even just scare I startle easy. I jump at my own reflection in the mirror!). But seriously this book rocks. It is one of those books where you can't see the twists coming and even down to the last page you can't believe what you are reading! Even if you are not that into books you gotta get this one. It is for sale for Kindle as well as computers. The printed version isn't out yet. Go get it here.

PS. Copyright is Phyllip Edmund.

3. Big shout out to the boys at Savvy Giraffe. They created our new logo with the tree. We LOVE the tree! It's modern and whimsical. Perfect for our brand! We were lucky we found them and that they charge reasonably. They work with a lot of famous people so I know they are busy. They still let us give our input and guided through what they thought looked best design wise as well. They are helping us with some other major projects as well! Go say hi from us and if you need help with social media, marketing etc they are THE dudes! Go get Savvy. PS I think I might start working the word savvy into casual conversation.

1. Ok first diss of the week…tornados. They are scary and really? They are ripping through this country. My heart goes out to all the families in their time of need. If everyone could keep them in their prayers (and maybe pray that the tornados cease?). Enough nature…let's have a happy spring now!

2. Season finales. Granted I really don't have time for TV (which is why we divo it and watch it waaay later than the rest of America) but I love my weekends of modern family and office catch ups all snuggled up on the couch with the hubster. I guess we will begin our rounds of monopoly on his iPad and rummikub that looks like it is from the 70s. I don't know who will we make fun of when there is no new Phil Dunphy material!

3. Presidential campaign….it's already bugging me. I'm not a straight ticket voter. I like to read and I really do vote for who I think will do the job best….so I'm throwing it out there I am neither republican nor democrat. I do have to give a diss to the republican party. So far the two biggest doofuses (doofai?…what is the plural of doofus) have got to be Newt and the Trump. Yeh. 'Nuff said.

If you all want me to keep posting The Best vs. The Rest let me know. Thought a little [extra] fun on the blog can't hurt! Don't forget about my FREE SESSION GIVEAWAY. I have gotten some amazing drawings of Rufus. You guys have NO idea how much it brightens my day to get these! I love seeing YOUR creativity. Whoever has the best rendition of Dr. Rufus the pug wins a free session. Runner ups also will win prizes so keep 'em coming!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

One More {Toledo Baby Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Wed, 04 May 2011 02:07:31 +0000

Ryan took this photo. I had to share. It compels exactly how I feel about my little Beanstalk.

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

Dr. Rufus the Pug {Toledo Pet Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:07:13 +0000

Ask anyone and they will tell you I LOOOVE my puggie! She is a year old now, and everything I wanted in a dog. I read Cesar Milan's raising the perfect puppy and I'm so glad I did! I followed as best I could and we did tons of behavioral training and not once was a rolled up newspaper used. She is proof that how you feel is conveyed to your dog and that is all that is necessary. She's the cutest pug I have ever seen (of course I am biased) and she loves everyone she meets (even if they don't love her back like that big egyptian hound that she sees downtown). Some of my brides and grooms have seen her try to leave with them after only knowing them a few moments!

She is a curious little puppy, follows me all over and always seems like she is trying to learn English! Although she does know quite a bit. My Bean has this educational video and when it says Tiger she goes and gets her stuffed tiger She's pretty much a genius.

She is the family comedian. We never know what she will do next. She does smile like this alot. Sometimes she just gives a have smile with her mouth closed.

Yes her snout is deliciously flat!

HAHA this was the hubinator's idea. He wanted a comparison. They are about the same length and Rufus weighs 7lbs more than Bean!

oooh the drama!

Oh chubby puggie girl! You are too cute. Hubster and I know how lucky we are to have such a great dog and baby! We are just having a grand old time in this life!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

My Bean is 3 Months Old! {Toledo Baby Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:13:16 +0000

Hey everyone! I know I promised this post for yesterday but I had some clients to take care of. Here they are…photos of my boy. He is three months old already. I can't believe how time flies. I feel like he was just born yet, here he is. One quarter of the way through his first year of life. I am loving every minute of it (even the crying ones which are few and far between).

My Bean has also earned the nickname Turtle. He makes this adorable little expression that looks like a Turtle. He does it when he concentrates, which makes it cuter. He began rolling over around four weeks, he pulls himself up to stand if you hold his hands and he can stand for like thirty seconds. He smiles and laughs all the time. He is getting rather chunkaliscious (which I could not be happier about!!!) Anyway here he is. I now know what I put my moms through. It IS hard choosing photos to print of your own child. They are all cute to me, even the 'boo boo' photos. PS check out his birth and his newborn photos to see how he has changed. I so appreciate all my readers and clients asking about him. Makes me feel the love!

He's been smiling like this since the hospital I just haven't been able to capture it! Thank goodness Daddy works at home too so he can goof off behind my camera for me

He kept rolling over so Ryan had to help me balance him! I love that precious face! By the way, I am an advocate for naked baby photos:) I say they are only little so long and why not? Who doesn't love a cute squishy naked baby?

I can't decide between these two which one is my favorite. I just love when he laughs! And, yes, that is a turtle embroidered on his polo!

Oh, Bean. I you are so incredibly loved! I am thankful you are mine and that I get to smooch you everyday! You keep me smiling and laughing right along with you! You have changed our lives for the better and I really have no clue what we did before you were here!

For those of you who have been asking about our fat pug I will post sometime this week! I so appreciate you all checking in on me!

Be sure to shoot me an email if you'd like me to come on out for photos! I am getting very busy so I hope to hear from you soon!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

My Bean {Toledo Baby Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:19:43 +0000

This month I am officially enamored with his lips. I can't stop smooching them…they are so kissable! I love knowing how all my clients feel about their own little beans and even their big beans! This is just so fun and I love learning about him everyday (and watching him learn about everything else!). So here they are…my little bean's exquisite lips!:

Even in profile they are soo squishy and kissable!

April is beginning to fill quickly! If you want spring photos be sure to shoot me an email. I'm also booking into May as well. I hope you all enjoyed another peek at my new little one and I suppose I should post some of Rufus….she hasn't made a debut in quite a while and let me tell you she is as chubby as Buddha now!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

Baby Bean {Toledo Newborn Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 04:33:08 +0000

Ok so here is his newborn shoot! Have to say of all newborns I’ve photographed he was the most stubborn! :) Think he just likes being snuggled too much and of course I oblige I probably am posting too many but what can I say? I just think he is handsome!

He is always sucking on that finger

My two favorite guys!

The next few photos are courtesy of my hubby…had to say I was impressed!

Hope you all enjoyed photos of my beanie baby!

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com

Sneak Peek {Toledo Newborn Photography}

Bethany Leisure — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:15:13 +0000

ok so I know I’m technically on maternity leave however, had to get photos of my precious bean! I am only posting one tonight because hubby is having a cow to show off our super cutie! I wanted to leave our birth documentary up longer but….he is right….our kid is gorgeous!

ahhhhh, I am so in love with that incredibly sweet face! :)

~Bethany

wellspringphoto@gmail.com