Goodbye to 2009, Welcome 2010!

So begins the time of year when I do a LOT of scribbling when it comes to dates. And this year is going to be particularly tough since we're changing two digits instead of just one!

As I sit back and contemplate the things I'd like to accomplish in the coming year, I also like be thankful for the year that's passed. 2009 has been an incredible year in so many ways...

Personally, I'm blessed with an incredible family... two children that amaze me and make me laugh every day, a husband who drives me places I can just as well drive myself just so we can spend the extra time together.

Professionally, I get to work with the most awesome couples on the planet. They make my job so much fun, and their smiles make me smile! You can check out those smiles in this little slideshow I put together...The Year in Wedding Photos!

Some fun facts about 2009 weddings:

Most popular bouquet color: A tie between red and white
Average number of attendants: 5
Average number of tiers in a wedding cake: 3
Wedding that took place the furthest from my home office: Brent and Leaha's wedding in Boynton Beach, Florida
Wedding that took place the closest to my home office: Heather and John's wedding right here in Grove City!

Thank you to all my '09 brides and grooms! May 2010 bring you much happiness! :)

A Very Claypool Christmas...

Yeah, my family may shoot me for this, but I couldn't resist.

Initially, I hadn't brought my camera to my family's Christmas Eve gathering. Initially, I thought "what did we ever do with all the pictures we took from Christmas last year"?

Then, as the kids and grownups alike were unwrapping gifts and hugging and laughing...I realized I wanted those smiles on camera! So here are just a few of the faces and smiles that make me so happy to have as my family...

Merry Christmas!

Stephanie and Brice...Married!

Every season has it's own beauty. And what could be more beautiful than a wedding set against the backdrop of Christmas? Stephanie and Brice's wedding was just that. With a wedding at the beautiful First Congregational Church in downtown Columbus and a reception at the Vault...their wedding was everything you would expect it to be. With accents of reds and greens, wreaths and trees...the only thing missing was snow! Here are a few favorites from their day...don't forget to check out the slideshow at the end!

The architecture at the church was breathtaking...

Courtney Mason second shot with me...here's a shot she got from the balcony during the ceremony...

After the ceremony...

..and a favorite from the first dance.

Congrats, Stephanie and Brice!

It's My Birthday, but YOU get the gifts!

I've been meaning to post this since Friday, but a busy weekend kept me from being able to do it until today. Yes, my birthday was Friday (and no, I'm not telling how old)! :) To celebrate, I'm announcing a special offer good through the end of the year... Book any package before 2010 and take advantage of a free upgrade! Choose from any optional upgrade and add it to your wedding package for nothing (zip, zilch, nada)...a $200 value!

Choose from Parent Books, Engagement or Day After Sessions, Slideshow DVD's...any upgrade option on the list!

But the offer's only good through the remainder of '09, so act fast! It's my birthday gift to you!

Kathy and Tom are Having a Baby!

I'll never forget Kathy and Tom's wedding! Married in July (at the same church, but the same Priest as Isaac and me) of 2007 with a reception at the ever-awesome COSI, it was one memorable day! Thanks to referrals from Kathy, I've run in to her and Tom at a couple weddings over the past couple years and it's been like running into an old friend. So needless to say, when she called me a couple months ago to tell me she and Tom were expecting a child in December, I nearly got chills!

Last weekend they invited me to their beautiful home to catch a few pics of the parents to be as they await the little one's arrival. Here are a few favorites!

Congratulations Tom and Kathy! Can't wait to meet the new little addition!