A collection of love stories

Welcome to my blog! Well…. I really like to think of it as a collection of short stories. The sweetest moments from those stories. The highlights.

Here I share small peeks into one chapter of the books I’ve been privileged to witness, capture and share with the world. I also have volumes of planning advice, a rolodex of fellow wedding vendors I love to work with and the occasional journal entry from my own personal diary, just so you can get a little insight into who I am as a human, a mom and a photographer. I hope you stay a while, find a story you can connect with, a character who makes you giggle and a happy ending that makes you shed a tear.

Stephanie

Wedding, Hocking Hills Stephanie West Photography Wedding, Hocking Hills Stephanie West Photography

Secluded Cabins Wedding Hocking Hills

I've known Caleb since he was a little boy. His younger brother played baseball with my oldest so I was incredibly flattered (and so happy) to be asked to photograph his proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Ashley.


Caleb chose Cantwell Cliffs in the beautiful Hocking Hills to pop the question. It was a super cold winter day in Ohio and there was a light layer of crusty ice on the ground (including the roads!) as we trekked into the forest to the spot where he envisioned himself proposing. I had two of my kids with me and we were posing as standard tourists when we heard the couple coming down the path. I pretended to take photos of my kids as they passed us on a slippery bridge and head toward the designated bench and when they passed us, I turned around and followed them and got through the trees just in time for Caleb to drop to his knee.


Ashley was surprised and I was shaking at the prospect of missing such a special moment. But we captured it and then did a few photos to commemorate the moment before the kids and I headed home and left the lovebirds to their hike. A soft snow started falling just as we were leaving which such a beautiful atmosphere.


If you've never been to the Cantwell Cliffs area of the Hocking Hills, it's described as the most picturesque area of the region but it's labeled as one of the more challenging of the trails. So be prepared for steep inclines and declines, slippery trails if they're wet. Oh.. and there's also the area called "Fat Woman's Squeeze" which we'll leave to your imagination as to why it got that name ;)


Congratulations Caleb and Ashley! Thank you for letting me be a part of this moment in your love story <3

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Vendor Spotlight: The Oasis Hocking Hills

Jess and Matt's late summer elopement to the Hocking Hills was nothing short of a fairy tale. Their special day began with an intimate ceremony at the courthouse in their hometown, a simple yet meaningful start to their journey as husband and wife. After exchanging vows, they embarked on a romantic minimoon to the picturesque Hocking Hills region of Ohio, bringing along their beloved corgi, Ody. Jess and Matt, self-proclaimed hardcore romantics, chose to focus solely on themselves and their relationship for their wedding. This decision reflected their deep connection and desire to celebrate their love in a personal and heartfelt way. The Terrapin Hideaway Pond Slider cabin made for the perfect getaway retreat.


The beauty of the Hocking Hills, with its lush forests and serene landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for their post-wedding escape. One of the most charming details of their elopement was the cake they brought along, which matched Jess' handmade veil and her hand-dyed bouquet of wood flowers. This thoughtful touch highlighted the couple's attention to detail and their commitment to making every moment special. They toasted to their new chapter with glasses of champagne, celebrating their love and future together. And in true romantic fashion, they also shared a swig of bourbon straight from the bottle, adding a touch of spontaneity to their day.


Throughout their minimoon, Jess and Matt took time to explore the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills, creating lasting memories with each step. Their corgi, Ody, was a cheerful companion, adding an extra layer of joy to their adventure. The couple's love and happiness were evident in every smile and embrace, capturing the essence of their unique and heartfelt celebration. Jess and Matt's elopement was a perfect blend of simplicity, romance, and personal touches, creating a day that was truly their own. Their journey to the Hocking Hills was not just a celebration of their marriage, but a testament to their love and the beautiful life they are building together.

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Hocking Hills Elopement

I've known Caleb since he was a little boy. His younger brother played baseball with my oldest so I was incredibly flattered (and so happy) to be asked to photograph his proposal to his beautiful girlfriend, Ashley.


Caleb chose Cantwell Cliffs in the beautiful Hocking Hills to pop the question. It was a super cold winter day in Ohio and there was a light layer of crusty ice on the ground (including the roads!) as we trekked into the forest to the spot where he envisioned himself proposing. I had two of my kids with me and we were posing as standard tourists when we heard the couple coming down the path. I pretended to take photos of my kids as they passed us on a slippery bridge and head toward the designated bench and when they passed us, I turned around and followed them and got through the trees just in time for Caleb to drop to his knee.


Ashley was surprised and I was shaking at the prospect of missing such a special moment. But we captured it and then did a few photos to commemorate the moment before the kids and I headed home and left the lovebirds to their hike. A soft snow started falling just as we were leaving which such a beautiful atmosphere.


If you've never been to the Cantwell Cliffs area of the Hocking Hills, it's described as the most picturesque area of the region but it's labeled as one of the more challenging of the trails. So be prepared for steep inclines and declines, slippery trails if they're wet. Oh.. and there's also the area called "Fat Woman's Squeeze" which we'll leave to your imagination as to why it got that name ;)


Congratulations Caleb and Ashley! Thank you for letting me be a part of this moment in your love story <3

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Hocking Hills Proposal / Caleb + Ashley

When Kelsey and Brian decided to get married, they knew they wanted a small and intimate celebration with their closest loved ones. They also wanted to be surrounded by nature and enjoy the beauty of the Hocking Hills, a scenic region in Ohio known for its stunning rock formations, caves, and waterfalls. That's why they chose to have a micro wedding at a beautiful, rustic cabin in the woods, followed by a photo session at the Cedar Falls waterfall.


A micro wedding is a type of wedding that typically has less than 20 guests and focuses on the quality of the experience rather than the quantity of the details. Kelsey and Brian invited only closest people to witness their vows, which they exchanged on the back porch of the cabin. The cabin was cozy and charming, with a fireplace, stylish furniture and a beautiful back porch with a view overlooking the valley below.


The ceremony was simple and heartfelt, with Windi Noble, Run To An Elopement, officiating. Kelsey wore a lace dress with a floral crown, while Brian wore a navy suit with a floral tie. They exchanged rings and kissed in the presence of their closest family and their two dogs.


For their portraits, Kelsey and Brian drove to the Cedar Falls trailhead, which was a short distance from the cabin. Cedar Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the Hocking Hills State Park, and one of the most photographed places in Ohio. The waterfall is 50 feet high and cascades over a massive sandstone cliff into a pool below. The trail to the falls is about a mile long and follows along the Queer Creek, under overhangs, and around boulders. Kelsey and Brian had a blast exploring the trail and posing in front of the rocks and water and ventured off the path to get closer to some of the caves and rock formations along the way. They were amazed by the natural beauty and tranquility of the place, and felt like they had it all to themselves.


Kelsey and Brian's micro wedding in the Hocking Hills was a perfect example of how to have a memorable and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank or compromising on their vision. They were able to celebrate their love in a way that reflected their personalities and values, and share it with the people who mattered the most to them. They also got to enjoy the wonders of nature and have some fun along the way. They couldn't have asked for a better way to start their married life together.


Officiant: Run To An Elopement

Hocking Hills

Cedar Falls

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Amanda + Mike / Wedding at Crockett’s Run

Amanda + Mike / Wedding at Crockett’s Run / Hocking Hills Ohio

Sheridan and Luke's wedding was the epitome of rustic elegance, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hocking Hills region in Ohio. The early fall rain added a touch of romanticism to their special day, transforming the country venue into a cozy, intimate haven of love and celebration.


The day began with tender first looks with their parents. These moments were filled with emotion, laughter, and happy tears. Sheridan's heartfelt surprise for her father—a tattoo of her maiden name on her arm—was a standout memory. As she revealed it to him, their bond was visibly strengthened, a touching reminder of her roots even as she stepped into a new chapter of her life.


The ceremony took place under a charming tent in front of the venue, offering shelter from the rain while preserving the beauty of the natural surroundings. The decor was timeless and effortlessly matched the venue's rustic charm. Think weathered wood and simple floral arrangements that brought the beauty of the outdoors inside. Sheridan and Luke's wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a joyous celebration of their love and commitment. Every detail, from the heartfelt vows to the playful moments during the reception, showcased their unique bond and the genuine fun they had together.


The rain, far from being an obstacle, added to the magical atmosphere, creating a sense of unity and warmth among the guests. As they danced under the tent to the sound of raindrops, surrounded by loved ones, it was clear that Sheridan and Luke's wedding was a testament to the power of love and joy. Their day was about more than just exchanging rings—it was about celebrating their journey together, filled with laughter, love, and the promise of many happy years ahead.


Venue: Secluded Cabins

Dress Boutique: White Wisteria

Hair artist: Madison Powers

Menswear: Men's Warehouse


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Kelsey + Brian / Hocking Hills Elopement

Jess and Matt's late summer elopement to the Hocking Hills was nothing short of a fairy tale. Their special day began with an intimate ceremony at the courthouse in their hometown, a simple yet meaningful start to their journey as husband and wife. After exchanging vows, they embarked on a romantic minimoon to the picturesque Hocking Hills region of Ohio, bringing along their beloved corgi, Ody. Jess and Matt, self-proclaimed hardcore romantics, chose to focus solely on themselves and their relationship for their wedding. This decision reflected their deep connection and desire to celebrate their love in a personal and heartfelt way. The Terrapin Hideaway Pond Slider cabin made for the perfect getaway retreat.


The beauty of the Hocking Hills, with its lush forests and serene landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for their post-wedding escape. One of the most charming details of their elopement was the cake they brought along, which matched Jess' handmade veil and her hand-dyed bouquet of wood flowers. This thoughtful touch highlighted the couple's attention to detail and their commitment to making every moment special. They toasted to their new chapter with glasses of champagne, celebrating their love and future together. And in true romantic fashion, they also shared a swig of bourbon straight from the bottle, adding a touch of spontaneity to their day.


Throughout their minimoon, Jess and Matt took time to explore the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills, creating lasting memories with each step. Their corgi, Ody, was a cheerful companion, adding an extra layer of joy to their adventure. The couple's love and happiness were evident in every smile and embrace, capturing the essence of their unique and heartfelt celebration. Jess and Matt's elopement was a perfect blend of simplicity, romance, and personal touches, creating a day that was truly their own. Their journey to the Hocking Hills was not just a celebration of their marriage, but a testament to their love and the beautiful life they are building together.

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