Franklin Park Conservatory Family Photo Session, in Columbus, Oh

Pasternack Family

One of the greatest perks of being a wedding photographer in Columbus, Ohio is the amazing connections and friendships that form with other creative vendors! Truly, the wedding community in Columbus is just incredible— everyone encourages, supports and pushes each other to be the best version of themselves.

I’m so fortunate to be part of this incredible group that is the true embodiment of “Community Over Competition.” This is not just an idealistic hashtag I use, but rather a purposeful way of engaging with other entrepreneurs in the industry. I whole-heartedly believe in the words of HoneyBook and the Rising Tide Team that, “when creatives rise, the world is changed for the better.'“

I first met Nichole at a networking event held by Natasha over at Aisle & Co. Natasha is a crazy talented wedding planner, designer, and coordinator who has a team of equally wonderful women who work with her. You can take a moment to meet Natasha by clicking here to see a vendor spotlight I did with her last year!

I am so thankful that Natasha hosted that event for wedding photographers because it was such a great opportunity to connect and meet new people. Low and behold, I met Nichole and she has since become such a wonderful friend to me and her adorable children are some of my daughters’ best friends too!

Both Nicole and her husband Mark are wedding photographers at Pasternack + Co. as well as serial entrepreneurs and big visionaries! I’m always so impressed with their ideas for the future and clever business strategies that continue to grow! Mark and Nichole are truly two of the kindest, most down to earth people in the world! They have a way of making you feel instantly like family and on top of that are so talented.

It was so much fun capturing these family photos as well as a few branding headshots for Nichole and Mark. We had the most beautiful evening exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory’s Community Gardens and truly couldn’t have asked for better weather. The light was unreal that night— truly a photographers dream!

Also, can we take a moment to just appreciate how adorable and perfectly styled this entire family is? I think from now on I will just send a link to this blog post when people need inspiration on what to wear for a session because Nichole pretty much nailed it. I love all the soft pastel colors, flowing dress, and perfect accessories! 

As you know, my main focus at Starling Studio is wedding photography, but family sessions also hold a special place in my heart. The wedding is just the very first day of a marriage, but what comes next as the years unfold is where the true magic happens. From those big life moments of the birth of a child to the tiny mundane practice of dinner and tubby time with toddlers— it’s all a little crazy and wonderful. I get so much enjoyment out of photographing clients as their marriage and family grows, so I can continue to document lasting memories for them to cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you so much Nicole and Mark for asking me to capture these family photos for you— it was a true honor! Thank you also for your friendship— it’s one I will never take for granted! xoxo