"We cannot WAIT to work with you!
Your work is truly art — so gorgeous!"
A Decade of Love Captured in Hocking Hills
When Mary Catherine and Jordan reached out to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, they originally planned an early morning session at Ash Cave. Mary Catherine reached out after browsing some of my galleries for inspiration.
Finding the Vibe
"I recently fell in love with the feel of your photos from Tiffany & Ricky’s romantic, fantastical woodland elopement, and I keep coming back to that kind of setting and atmosphere," she wrote.
Finding Quiet Nooks Beyond the Crowds: Upper Falls and the Gorge
We began the anniversary session by taking photos at iconic spots like Upper Falls in hocking hills. We moved between shaded trails and open vantage points, choosing natural backdrops that highlight the couple's connection. The setting gave us soft light and quiet atmospheres ideal for candid moments.
As a local photographer, one of my favorite parts of the job is guiding couples into quiet nooks. They can be together away from the crowds. These moments allow true connection to shine. We aim to keep sessions relaxed and natural.
As we hiked down into the gorge of hocking hills, we talked about their journey together. I asked about their favorite travels and adventures over the last ten years.
Naturally, we landed on the story of their wedding day back in 2016. They admitted that they had a traditional wedding. If adventure elopements had been popular back then, they might have chosen a more intimate celebration.
Guiding Couples in the Forest for Over a Decade
Deep Roots and Historical Connection
One of my favorite things about taking couples into the gorge is sharing the history. I told Mary Catherine & Jordan some of the folklore behind the name "Old Man’s Cave."
How My Family's 200-Year History Shapes Every Photo Session
The cave is named after Richard Rowe, a 19th-century hermit who lived inside the recess cave.
Legend has it he was found dead after accidentally shooting himself.
He used the butt of his shotgun to crack river ice.
Ohio's most popular natural wonder is named after a man.
He essentially won a 19th-century Darwin Award.
Ideally, it would honor the Shawnee, Lenape, and Wyandot nations.
Their peoples cared for their ancestral lands before being forced west by the U.S. government in 1831.
Sharing these stories with couples like Mary Catherine and Jordan always brings me back to why I love what I do.
That sense of connection feels especially deep here, as my family has lived in this area for nearly 200 years.
John W. Nihiser was born on February 5, 1831, in Falls Township, Hocking County, Ohio.
My house sits in Falls Township.
A standard township is 6 miles by 6 miles.
Did you notice the date 1831? The first Nihiser birth occurred at the same time as the forced removal of Native Americans.
Walking these trails isn't just my job. It’s a continuation of my heritage. Knowing these rocks, trees, and hollows so intimately allows me to honor my roots every day.
Guiding couples through my home is a privilege I cherish.
I capture their love stories against sandstone cliffs.
Mary Catherine & Jordan's Anniversary Gallery
Ready for More Hocking Hills Inspiration & Stories?
Whether you’re planning your own intimate woodland elopement, looking for hidden photo spots in the gorge, or curious to learn more about my deep roots in this land, there’s so much more to explore! Head over to the About page to get to know my story, browse the Blog for recent couples' sessions and local travel guides, or reach out directly to start planning your next adventure.
