Booked Solid Through November: Circleville Photographer Ava Neff on Engagement Season

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Pickaway County

CIRCLEVILLE — Ava Neff started her photography business at 16 years old. A few years later, Ava Lauren Photography is fully booked through November, and engaged couples planning 2027 weddings are being told not to wait.

Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day is peak proposal season, and Neff says booking habits have shifted since COVID. “Traditionally, couples were encouraged to book their wedding photographer 12 to 18 months in advance, and that’s still great advice,” she said. “But I’ve noticed a shift. Some 2027 and 2028 brides are booking well in advance, while others are booking closer to their wedding date, sometimes around eight months out. It’s really been a half-and-half split.”

Her advice: start reaching out as soon as the date and venue are secured. “You don’t want to wait too long and miss out on the photographer you really love.”

Booked solid, and grateful for it

The full calendar is not just weddings. Senior portraits and holiday sessions fill the fall months too. “It’s a reminder that this business is about more than photography,” Neff said. “It’s about building relationships and being there for people during some of their most meaningful moments.”

Giving back to the Pumpkin Show

Neff was the 2021 Miss Pumpkin Show First Attendant, and this year she gave free headshots to the Miss Pumpkin Show candidates. “The Pumpkin Show has given so much to our community, and it’s important to me to continue supporting something that has meant so much in my own life,” she said.

The one thing not to wait on

“Don’t wait to book the vendors who are most important to you,” Neff said. “Your venue, photographer, and other high-priority vendors can book up well in advance, especially for popular wedding dates. In Circleville, October dates are especially popular because we’re known as a fall town.”

And once the big pieces are booked, she says, enjoy it. “Most importantly, enjoy the season of engagement. It truly goes quick.”

Ava Lauren Photography is based in Circleville. Neff can be reached at (740) 915-1131 or avalaurenphotography@gmail.com.

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