"I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world."

—Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

Ian and Kali took me on a tour through the Butler Institute of American Art for their engagement session this past spring. This was truly an exercise in symmetry and composition, as I attempted to frame the subjects (the beautiful couple) in a complimentary way with the exhibited art. It's not every day I get to shoot in such an artistic location, so we needed to take full advantage of our time there. While I admired much of the art on display, I much more admired the couple before my lens.


When Kali and I discussed a location for her and Ian's engagement session, a few locations came to mind, but the museum stood out. They had been there early in their relationship to take prom pictures. Since it was supposed to rain that day, Kali thought it would be a perfect indoor location and would be a great callback to their early years together. Watching the two of them together, it was evident how much they adore each other.


In the time since they graduated, they decided to traverse a difficult road with challenging careers. Kali is an Emergency RN at a children's hospital and Ian is a volunteer firefighter and he's enlisted in the Army. It takes bravery and endurance to enter into such high-stress, yet essential occupations and as I spent the afternoon with Kali and Ian, those characteristics were evident in them. The two of them have already faced separation due to Ian's military training and will undoubtedly face future separation with deployment, but their commitment and love for each other has seen them through and will continue to do so. Their marriage already has a strong foundation and I'm honored to be a part of their celebration this fall.

A couple poses together against a geometric wall, with her in a magenta dress and him in a white button-down shirt.
Silhouettes of a couple against a colorful background with rainbow light effects.
An intimate couples portrait with soft focus and cherry blossoms in the background.
A tender moment shared between a couple in front of a blue abstract painting.
A stunning engagement ring nestled among delicate white spring blossoms.
A couple poses in formal attire in front of a colorful circular art installation in a modern building.
A couple poses against a nature painting background wearing casual attire.
A romantic spring portrait with blooming cherry blossoms in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment in front of a teal geometric wall display.
An intimate moment shared between a couple against a backdrop of spring blossoms.
Dancing couple performs a romantic dip pose on a brick terrace with ornate columns in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment in front of a large photograph of a Clydesdale horse.
A couple shares a joyful moment while holding hands in front of a pastoral painting.
A couple sits on a wooden bench in an art gallery surrounded by paintings on white walls.
A stylish couple stands on a curved balcony with a vibrant rainbow fan art piece behind them.

We are Rich & Cynthia

the husband and wife duo behind the lens of Cyn Davis Photography. We are based in Steubenville, OH and delight in photographing fairytale moments throughout OH, WV, PA and wherever the wind takes us. We are currently booking 2023 and 2024 weddings. Get to know us better by heading to our about page or contacting us to set up a coffee meeting. We'd love to hear all about your love story!