Some days just run too smoothly. I end up glancing over my shoulder, looking nervously out of the corner of my eye for some surprise that will never come. It’s a feeling of uneasy anticipation. For Aria and Jeff’s Ritz Carlton Cleveland wedding in downtown, I had this very feeling all day long. The day was simply progressing too perfectly and I was constantly anticipating an emergency.
In the morning, the sun was shining bright as I pulled up to Aria’s home. The weather outside was equally as beautiful as Aria and her bridesmaids inside the house. Once inside, I met everyone quickly and set to work photographing all the little details. Upstairs hung Aria’s gorgeous wedding dress and long, pink bridesmaids gowns. Downstairs the ladies hurried about, getting ready for Aria’s big wedding. Before long, we were all out the door again. The sun still shown, but clouds began to gather on the horizon.
We safely reached St. Noel Church and we all ran inside. Within minutes, the clouds grew dark and the sky let loose a deluge. Throughout the beautiful ceremony, I could hear the thick rain falling over the roof, down the gutters and out onto the street. The rain softened towards the end of the ceremony. By the time we were ready to exit, the rain had long gone. Even the sidewalks were beginning to dry.
Thunderstorms were still in the area, so we had to take a little risk for the outside portraits. We could have used the “emergency rain plan”, but we decide to take a risk and head for the Cleveland Museum of Art. Once there, it became clear that everything would be fine. The clouds were clearing and the sun shined again. By this point, the scheduled had so much extra time that we could all relax and have fun during the portraits. It was at this point that I constantly began checking over my shoulder for some emergency, which would never come.
For Aria and Jeff, the day could not have been more perfect either. The wedding was scheduled just a couple weeks prior to their 10-year anniversary. Nearly one year prior, Jeff had proposed to Aria on their nine-year anniversary. They had just spent the day together at Cedar Point. Back at home after Cedar Point and a little exhausted, Jeff took a knee and proposed to Aria. What an absolutely perfect way to spend an anniversary and to propose.
Below are just a few highlights from this faultless Ritz Carlton Cleveland wedding, mostly captured on film. I certainly hope you enjoy. For Aria & Jeff – thank you so much for having me as part of your wedding day. Working with you has been truly perfect.
