Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Windows on the River Wedding – Lisa & Dan

Comfort can be an amazing feeling. It gives you peace and makes everything that much easier. Especially on a wedding day, where stress can run high. For Lisa & Dan’s Windows on the River wedding, comfort seemed to abound. Like when Dan’s mother greeted me at her door. She immediately set me at ease and knew the plan. I’m always most at ease when there is a plan!

This story was very much the same for the rest of Lisa & Dan’s wedding at St. Bernadette’s Church in Westlake and Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland. All of their family and friends were relaxed and comfortable, ready for the excitement of the day to begin. By the time I reached Lisa’s family home that morning, all the bridesmaids were dressed and ready to go. Lisa was running a bit late at the salon, but no one was worried, especially me.

At the ceremony itself, the priest set a relaxed tone, encouraging laughter & happiness throughout the ceremony. Then the big moments came. Rings were exchanged, solemn vows given and an emotional kiss exchanged. If there was any stress, it evaporated in that moment.

What followed were breathtaking moments spent with friends and family. From portraits in the city to an amazing wedding reception set right in downtown Cleveland. The toasts were filled with laughter and love. Even a few tears were shed. And if I understand correctly, their amazing party went late into the night.

Speaking of night – Lisa, Dan, and I took a few minutes at the end of the night to capture a few photos set against the Cleveland skyline. I love these “end of night” photos, especially when we can catch the setting sun. Below are just a few highlights from Lisa & Dan’s beautiful wedding. I certainly hope you enjoy. For Lisa & Dan – I can’t thank you enough for having me as a small part of your wedding day. It’s been a thrill!

A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summer wedding at Windows on the River with Lisa and Daniel. A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland A summery Windows on the River wedding in downtown Cleveland

Anna & Bryan – A Sunny Engagement Session at Holden Arboretum

Strangely enough, I hadn’t met Anna & Bryan in person before their summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum. They originally found me through a recommendation from their wedding planner, so we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet yet. As their car pulled down the drive at Holden, I saw Anna’s hand wave from the window.

I stood on the sidewalk and Anna approached. She was wearing this gorgeous, lacy white top with jeans – the perfect casual outfit. I think she asked “Is this OK,” gesturing to her outfit. “It’s perfect,” I replied. Before long, we were joined by Bryan, and we set off into Holden Arboretum.

“Nervous,” I asked? Both Anna and Bryan were unusually relaxed. They were clearly comfortable with each other and quickly became comfortable in front of the camera. The whole time we were working, Bryan did a great job of making Anna laugh. He even kept me laughing as well.

As we walked around Holden, one of my favorite locations, we would shoot a little and chat a little. We chatted about work, weather and wedding planning. We also chatted about their actual engagement. Anna & Bryan live in Shaker Heights, not far from the Shaker Lakes (ponds really). Frequently they take walks together around the ponds.

As Anna tells it, they walk together around the ponds nearly every weekend. Their consistent path always takes them over a little stone bridge. Anyone familiar with the area would know this exact bridge. On this particular weekend, they stopped at the bridge to enjoy the scenery. Anna, glancing quickly over to Bryan, noticed he had taken a knee, rink in hand.

By the end of their engagement session, everything had gone perfectly. The sun beamed through the entire session, as we paced the grounds at Holden. Below are just a few highlights from this sunny, loving session. I certainly hope you enjoy!

A summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum with Anna and Bryan.

Kyra & Nick – A Session on Film for a Growing Family

Sometimes you have to take a risk. The risk can be big or small – but it’s still a risk. Kyra & Nick’s family session at their home in Granville was just around the corner, but the weather was looking bad. Huge storms were gathering on the horizon that could wreck their family session. Because I was driving from Cleveland to Granville (near Columbus) for their session, we had to make a decision about the weather rather early. After some back and forth over the phone, Nick made the call to continue with the session as planned. We were going to risk it!

The sky poured during the two hour drive to their home. The rain was so relentless that I had to slow down at points. As I pulled into the Columbus area, the weather began to clear. And then the sun came out as I reached Granville. The temperature shot up and it was actually nice outside. Turns out, the risk was worth it.

I think the risk was certainly worth it for Kyra and Nick as well. They initially met at a bar while in college, which can be risky in itself. They started talking and realized they shared interests. Nick took a risk and asked Kyra on a date. One date turned into the next, and then a next, and before long it was time to propose.

Being a Gentleman (capital G), Nick discussed marriage with Kyra’s family first. With permission enthusiastically granted, a family ring was to Nick to use for the engagement. Shortly thereafter, Nick and Kyra were in Philadelphia for a cousin’s wedding. Just before the wedding, Nick took another risk. While walking through downtown, they stopped in a small city park. Nick took a knee and proposed. Of course we wouldn’t be here today unless Kyra said yes. Sooo many risks in life are so worth taking.

Now, the wedding is just around the corner and they have a lovely growing family. Holden, the newest addition, is growing so fast. Below are just a few highlights from their blended engagement and family session, joined in by their two awesome dogs. I certainly hope you enjoy these little highlights.

A summer family session in Granville with Kyra and Nick at their home.

PS – The weather did not hold out for the entire session. We did have to retreat inside momentarily, but I love the inside photos just as much as the outdoor ones.