Whew, this has been a long time coming!  …at least it feels that way to me.  Last August, I began thinking about rebranding, coming up with a whole new look that was more…ME.  I knew I wanted something fresh, something organic & unique, something that was softer.  Over the past year, we’ve made sure that everything in our product line is handmade, and so our new look also needed to have a handmade, natural feel to it, while also reflecting my personality.  This was no easy feat, and took a good amount of blood, sweat, and oh yes, plenty of tears!  But today, 6 months later, I’m launching my brand new look!  I hope you like it.  For me it’s an exciting day, that I can finally look at my brand and feel a true connection with it.  (makes me smile)  Here’s a before and after glimpse at the new design, but please visit our new photography website and let me know what you think!

]]> http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/we-have-a-new-site/feed/ 0 shan before after http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/fall-family-photo-session/ http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/fall-family-photo-session/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:52:15 +0000 Shannon Sano Photography http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/?p=2059 ]]> It’s that time of year again.  That time in Ohio when you can feel that fall is coming to an end and we’re quickly approaching that bitter cold winter weather.  I always wish I could just hibernate and wake up when it’s spring!  It’s nice however to be able to look back at the portrait sessions I did when it was still warm & sunny.

When Leigh asked me to photograph her family of 11 in a spontaneous lifestyle photography kind of way, we decided it would be best to head up to Highbanks Metro Park where we’d have plenty of room to move around.  Thanks, Leigh, for trusting me to capture your family just as they are!

Our version of a photobooth series! haha!

Can’t wait for their June wedding next year!

I had the pleasure of photographing Megan and Jeff’s big day this past wedding season.  When I met them at our initial consultation, I remember getting a very relaxed, low-key vibe from this adorable couple.  The beach themed engagement session was one of the most laid-back photo shoots I’ve done thus far.  They got along like best friends who had known each other all their lives.  They had a beautiful day for their wedding, even though it was one of those scorching hot, 90+ degree days.   We still managed to get about 20 minutes worth of outdoor portraits before we all began to melt!
I was also honored to have Bryan Fenstermacher as my second photographer for the day.  Bryan does exceptional work and created so many wonderful photographs from Megan & Jeff’s wedding.

Wedding Location: Northpointe Community Church
Reception Location: Bridgewater Banquet Center
DJ: Columbus Pro DJS
Hair Stylist: Kenneth's (Andrea at the Polaris location)
Cake/Bakery: The Suisse Shop Bakery
Florist: Connells Maple Lee
Dress: David's Bridal
Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse
Favors: Kernel Encore Gourmet Popcorn
Photography: Shannon Sano Photography (assisted by Bryan Fenstermacher as the 2nd photographer)

When Dina, owner of Scarlet City Events, talked with me about the look for her little girls’ session, I was in heaven with the idea of a warm sunlit photo shoot with two precious little girls dressed up in fairy wings.  It was an honor to capture them in a way that shows their personalities as well as their bond as sisters.

Early last month, we had the pleasure of photographing Kristie & Ben’s wedding.  I can’t even begin to say how wonderful this entire family is.  You know the kind of people you meet and you have trouble finding any words to describe them other than “they’re so great”?  The kind of people who inspire you to be better…to be kinder?  Kristie, Ben and their entire guest list were a joy to be around and their day was gorgeous!

Getting Ready & Reveal: The Renaissance Hotel
Ceremony: Columbus Athenaeum
Reception: Columbus Athenaeum

I love the Reveal/1st Look Sessions. The rooftop made a stunning setting for one too!

I’m so glad Kristie & Ben were willing to stay outside for a while longer, even though the heat was overwhelming!

Reception photos have become some of my favorites. We do some shots that are perfectly lit from all sides, but to me, the best ones are the ones that capture the mood of the room. These next two are my absolute favorites from Kristie & Ben’s reception!

Here’s the feature they put together, but please feel free to visit their site and check out all the beautiful wedding ideas.

Granville Wedding by Shannon Sano Photography

Fluffy peonies, darling details and gorgeous gowns are all high on our list of favorite things here at SMP, but the number one thing we love most over here – the SMP bride. And this sweetheart of a SMP bride goes to show days spent gawking over wedding after wedding does not go to waste (not that there was ever a question about that). Shannon Sano was there to capture all the pretty this couple produced, and there is even more in gorgeous gallery of images!

From the Bride…When Ben and I got engaged we knew right away that we would be having the wedding back in my hometown of Granville, Ohio. It’s such a quaint, little college town, one that I have always loved, and one that Ben soon loved after his first visit back with me a few years ago!

After becoming a religious wedding blog follower of Style Me Pretty, I fell in love with the idea of having a vintage/romantic theme, and the collecting began. Milkglass (the Midwest is a GOLD MINE for milkglass!), mason jars, doilies and vintage books, my mom & I hit the jackpot at every thrift store, and made out like bandits at the local auctions. It really was so much fun, and to be honest, I think we are both having withdrawals from our collection mission! The color scheme fell into place immediately once we knew our theme – gray, cream, white, and pale pink. I lucked out with having found the most perfect bridesmaid dresses, shoes, and jewelry at J.Crew about two months after we got engaged, and knew with no questions asked that the J.Crew Sasha dress would be mine (sensing a slight obsession here?).

I was all for some DIY projects, and got to work having created the programs and our favor packaging (the most delicious silhouette shaped cookies!). My sister and I put a lot of love into our wedding invitation suite, incorporating doily envelope liners and twine accents, while my mom made the table numbers using brass house numbers from good ole’ Wal-Mart and some of our vintage book finds! Planning a wedding from out of state was no easy feat, and my mom was HUGE in helping me get so many things done….I can’t image having done this without her!

Despite waking up to gray skies and rain, the weather did a complete 180 around noon and sunshine filled up the rest of our wedding day! My favorite part was driving away from the church with my new husband in a 1950’s vintage Triumph.  Taking that drive with Ben allowed us those few precious moments alone with one another throughout the day, and it was truly perfect.

]]> http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/were-on-style-me-pretty/feed/ 0 shan Granville_1 Granville_2 Granville_3 Granville_4 Granville_5 Swirl http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/whitney-bens-vintage-wedding/ http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/whitney-bens-vintage-wedding/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:04:33 +0000 Shannon Sano Photography http://shannonsano.wordpress.com/?p=1885 ]]> Feature Wedding  |  June 11, 2011

Never in my life have I seen a vintage-romantic style pulled off so wonderfully.  From the moment I arrived and saw the historic get-away car, I was so eager to get my camera in front of all the many vintage themed details.  The garden roses, put together so charmingly by Laurie Kreager, the blusher veil, the old weathered books, the milk glass…with so many fun details to capture, I was inspired throughout the entire day.  There was no doubt in my mind, which of my weddings would be the feature for June!

Whitney and Ben have been one of my favorite couples this year since the moment we first spoke on the phone and began planning their NYC engagement shoot.  It’s an absolute blessing to be able to spend the day with such a happy couple.  I hope you enjoy the photos from this feature wedding as much as I enjoyed photographing it!

Dresses: J Crew
Broach: Miriam Haskell/J.Crew
Shoes: Kate Spade
Veil: Preson & Olivia (from etsy.com)
Groom's Attire: Joseph A Banks & TheTieBar.com
Florist: Laurie Kreager & Penny Martin
Ceremony: St. Edwards
Caterer: Granville Inn
Photography: Shannon Sano
DJ: Platinum Music- Justin Markle
Bakery: McClain Creations

We began with some getting ready photos and details.

I have never been so in awe of a car before, but this one was so stunning, it just couldn’t be ignored. You’ll be seeing more of it later.

The ceremony…

The get-away…

I loved this DIY date sign that Whitney put together for our pictures!

We explored Granville for a while and found some great spots for their portraits. Whitney and Ben’s private location fit their vintage romantic theme perfectly!

Dating back to the 1800′s, The Granville Inn was such a fitting location for the event. Here are just a few 1st dance photos, followed by the many vintage details incorporated into their reception.  

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Victory
Reception Venue: The Renaissance Hotel
Florist: Blooms Direct
Dress: Gabriele European Bridal & Formal
Photography: Shannon Sano Photography

I am crazy about their green accent color and all their beautiful details!

I started at Nicole’s house, which was filled with pretty girls getting ready for the big day!

The ceremony

And then we were off to a couple stops for portraits.  1st up was Brazenhead, where Nicole & John had their 1st date. *ahhh ;) *

Then we joined the remainder of the cocktail hour and did a couple fun photos on the rooftop at The Renaissance.

it was a little windy…

I decided to sneak off for some more shots of their beautiful rings.  This was one of my favorites…

Just a few of my favorite 1st dance shots from the evening…

John shared a 1st dance with his sisters…I love their big group hug!

Nicole & John,

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with you both.  You’re a pleasure to be around and you have a wonderful family.  I’m looking forward to designing your album!