Lightbloom Photography

Wilmington Wedding & Travel Photographer

Fort Fisher Anniversary Portraits | Ethan & Abbie

Fort Fisher Anniversary Portraits Wilmington NC

I met these two friends of mine when I started working at Ironclad Brewery in downtown Wilmington. Ethan and I got hired right around the same time so we were the new kids together, and we all instantly became friends. Ethan and Abbie even got married at Ironclad, and this fall was the perfect time for an anniversary photo shoot. We braved the cold (okay maybe it was like 50 degrees but for us North Carolinians – that is cold – and yes, all three of us are even from Ohio) and walked around Fort Fisher with their trusty dog, the handsome little Fozzie bear! He may not have loved having his picture taken, but we loved having him there anyway. Ethan and Abbie even went out into the ocean by the end of our shoot as the sun was setting and the waves attempted to tackle them, but instead we got some great photos! I always feel so lucky when I get to do what I love and share that with my friends, so thanks for letting me take your pictures, and happy anniversary!! Can’t wait to celebrate all of your future anniversaries, too 🙂

– Allison

Fort Fisher Family Portrait Photographer | Goecke Family

Last week I got to head out to Fort Fisher right before sunset for some family portraits of the Goecke Family! I know this sweet family from all the way back in Ohio, and they were vacationing at Carolina Beach for the week. Perfect opportunity to snag some family pictures, if you ask me. We wandered around the rock beach and the beautiful wind swept trees at Fort Fisher and had a great time laughing and rock hopping (and not falling!). Thanks for thinking of me while you guys were on vacation! Here are some of my favorites:

– Allison

Sunset Beach Family Photography

Sunset Beach Family Portrait Photography

What was extra special about this fun family session, wasn’t just the beautiful location with the most PERFECT sunset. It was actually that I got to work with a couple who I’ve done this with before!! Randy and Ben got married last year in downtown Toledo, Ohio, when I still lived there. We did two photo sessions, and I loved every minute that I got to spend with those guys. So silly and fun and just a blast to be around. Now, a year later, they vacationed in North Carolina, just a few beaches down from me, at Sunset Beach! They invited me to their beach house one night and we got to wander around by the ocean and the boardwalk, taking some photos of Randy and Ben, as well as Randy’s sister and her family! I don’t think I love anything more than I love the colors of the sky in these photos. Thanks for having me, guys!

– Allison

Photographer: Allison Eding

Perks of Having Bridal Portraits | Wilmington NC Photographer

Wilmington NC Bridal Portraits

Upon moving to North Carolina, I started getting asked to photograph bridal portraits. This wasn’t something I had ever heard of in Ohio, but I quickly learned that it was quite the southern tradition. While it seems like a lot of work to get your hair and makeup done and squeeze your way into your dress, it actually has a lot of awesome benefits. Not only is it a unique opportunity to get to hang out with your bride and get to know each other more, but it’s also a great idea to do as a test run for your wedding day portraits. You get the chance to see what your photos are going to look like when you’re all dolled up on your big day. I remember one of my brides telling me that it was so helpful for her to have these, because she noticed her makeup felt heavier than she had hoped, so she was able to see how that photographed and then change the look slightly for the wedding. The bridal portraits are a sweet tradition down here, most of the brides choose to do them because their mother had hers done, and their grandmother, etc. It’s so fun to see how each generation differs.

Now here are a few of my favorites, all of which were taken in beautiful downtown Wilmington, my favorite area for these portraits 🙂

– Allison

Maumee Bay State Park Photography | The Ferrara Family

One of the most fun things about going back to Ohio for some visits, aside from time with my family, of course, is getting to see some of the wonderful families I’ve worked with in the past! The last time I saw these guys, little Orion was still in his momma’s belly, and Aurora was so excited to meet her new baby brother. Now, a year and a half later, look at how they’ve grown! We previously did a family session in the middle of an absolute winter wonderland, and this time we got to spend some time on the beach together. Aurora was busy chasing all the birds and collecting their feathers, while Orion had a blast pouring sand all over himself. What a sweet, sweet family. It only makes sense that they got some bright and fun photos together at the beach! Until next time!

– Allison

Downtown Toledo Photography | Keelie & Chris

My buddies from back in Ohio, Keelie and Chris, just got a new puppy! We did a quick session out in the chilly streets of downtown Toledo while I was home for the holidays. I’ve been loving the photos I’ve seen of the light display down at the new Hensville, so I was happy when they liked the idea of going there for our photos. We walked their cute pup, Sarge, around town, along with my little pup, Luna, who’s only a month older than him! She’s already in training to help me with photo shoots – I mean, what’s a better way to get kids and dogs to look at the camera if I have a little while fluff behind me? Thanks for inviting me to snap some photos of you guys, Keelie and Chris! It was so good to see you both and I loved that I got to meet Sarge! Here are some of my favorites.

– Allison

Oak Openings Photography | The Hehl Family

While visiting Ohio for Christmas, I’ve been lucky enough to get to photograph some of my past clients and friends. In August 2015, I spent the day with Lauren & Jeremiah on their wedding day. It’s always such a blast to get to see them again and snap some photos of their wonderful family. We walked around in the chilly Ohio winter at Oak Openings Metropark, at a place now locally known as “The Spot” because of it’s out-of-place trees. Thanks to everyone for shedding their coats in the cold and smiling for the camera! Check out some of my favorites!

– Allison

 

Wilmington Wedding & Travel Photographer | 2016

What a year it has been! I’ve moved from Ohio to North Carolina, got a sweet and fluffy puppy, I made a ton of new friends, explored Italy and eaten more gelato than anyone should probably eat in a lifetime, relaxed on multiple beaches, shopped in Charleston (I ate some more gelato there), hiked part of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, and taken way too many photos. I’ve been lucky enough to have gotten multiple weddings published this year, and I plan to continue that trend. I’ve loved every minute of 2016, cheers to an even better 2017. I already know it’s going to be great. Here are a few of my favorite images from this year.

xoxo, Allison

Abby | Senior Pictures | Wilmington Portrait Photographer

I have to admit, I NEVER schedule morning shoots. I’m so used to those evening sessions, but when Abby and her parents decided that doing her senior pictures in the morning would work best with their schedules, I was surprised at how much I liked it! I’m used to going to a lot of the same places for photos, and I’m used to the sun being in the same spot each time. But this time, I got to play with the light on the OTHER side of the world, which I know sounds so silly, but photography is all about light, so that changes things. Sidecut Park looked gorgeous as the sun was coming up over the water and willow trees. Abby even brought her pups from home, which is always a wonderful surprise to me. Thanks for making me wake up early, guys! I loved the results 🙂

– Allison

Faith | Senior Pictures | Wilmington Portrait Photographer

My senior picture season is coming to a close as I’m getting ready to leave Ohio. But that isn’t stopping me from doing a few more before I head out! Faith and I walked around her family property out in Waterville, Ohio, complete with a big red barn and some gorgeous draping trees. Perfect photo opportunities. Good luck on your final year in high school, Faith! Here are a few of my favorites.

– Allison

  • Look at these beautifuuuuuuul faces and beautiful places up on the blog!! ♥️ link in bio
  • So excited to share more of my favorite images from Kristin & Bryan’s engagement session at Figure 8 Island! Tomorrow on the blog ✨
  • So i did a thing. DUDES & DOGS 2019 CALENDAR! Proceeds go to an awesome animal shelter and I’m selling it on Etsy - preorder yours today from the link in my bio!!!
  • Sunsets and island time and boats and beautifulness 😍😍😍
  • Beautiful bridesmaid colors 💙 if you missed it earlier this week, check out these babes on the blog! Link in my bio.
  • I have 5 photo shoots today. For a project I am almost finished with and I cannot wait to announce, but I’m keeping it a surprise until it’s ready. We’ll just say that it involves a lot of dogs and a lot of handsome men. That is all. 😁
  • McKenna & Will are up on the blog!!! Link in bio.
  • Who’s ready to see the photos from McKenna & Will’s wedding?! Because I can’t wait to share them!! My last wedding of 2018 did NOT disappoint 🙌🏼🙌🏼 come back tomorrow for these two walking into the sunset together, physically AND metaphorically, on the blog!