Today’s post will be very simple. Below is a single frame from Diana and Andrew’s bridal portraits, captured just a few weeks ago on film. The portraits are certainly a gift for Diana and Andrew, but also for Diana’s mother. I shouldn’t say why, but the gift for her mother is quite possibly the best gift ever. So, for today, something really simple –
For the technically minded, the above frame was captured using a Mamiya RB67 on Portra 160 and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.
I’ll start with a simple fact, with which I’m sure Torri and Lucas will agree – their wedding was never intended to be fancy. It wasn’t meant to be opulently detailed, filled with famous guests, or to feature the latest trends. Instead, Torri & Lucas’ wedding had a much more important goal – to be simply fun! They certainly accomplished their goal, and many more. Everyone had a blast and it was truly one of the funnest weddings I’ve attended.
While their guests weren’t famous, they were all family and close friends. In fact, there were nearly 300 close friends present to help Torri & Lucas celebrate. A big bridal party kept the fun going. The bridal party laughed, cried and danced with Torri and Lucas the entire day. One of my favorite moments was a sister who shed more than one tear during the ceremony. Speaking of family, Torri and Lucas are blessed with some of the nicest family you could imagine. In particular, Lucas and his dad shared some great moments throughout the day.
After all, isn’t a wedding really about the moments? Like the moment Torri’s dad saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. Or when Torri met Lucas for a “first look” before the ceremony. A kiss between mom and daughter on a small lawn overlooking the city. Or the moment Torri realized that her driver’s licence photo was being held aloft at the reception. Moments are what make a wedding, and Torri & Lucas are rich with them.
They are rich in each other too. Whenever I’m around them, I can feel the love. Their love is infectious, which likely explains the quality of their friends. I hope you can see the same below in some of my favorite highlights –
When I first arrived, the house was already buzzing with activity. There was Meredith, looking radiant and she wasn’t even ready yet. Her first concern seemed to be me – that I had everything I needed, that I was fed, that I knew where to find important details. I don’t normally get this level of attention, but that is why Meredith and Hunter are truly something different. In fact, their caring traits are common amongst their entire family. It was clear their St. Theodosius and The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike was going to be something really different and special.
Meredith and Hunter’s wedding was different for many more reasons. The locations were all relatively new to me. The wedding ceremony was being held at St. Theodosius church in the Tremont neighborhood. A first for me, this church is famous for the wedding ceremony scene in The Deer Hunter movie. Aside from being famous, the church is achingly beautiful. The wedding reception was being held at The Country Club in Pepper Pike. When a place is simply named The Country Club, you know it must be unique.
This wedding on this day was special for many reasons as well. First, the weather was the best of the year. Meredith and her mother had planned some absolutely stunning details. The flowers were simple, classic and perfect. Meredith’s wedding dress was like nothing I had seen before. It looked like a prop right out of a movie (Gone with the Wind, maybe). Then there were all the little things – classic wedding invitations, navy dresses, fine suits, and gorgeous jewelry. Being a dog-lover, my favorite wedding attendee was Nestle, Meredith and Hunter’s chocolate lab. During morning preparation Nestle was ever present, but never underfoot. He knew his role well!
The special moments continued throughout the day. Meredith’s sister kept everyone laughing, or crying. The best man gave a heartwarming toast, while Meredith’s father made sure the happy couple was well-roasted. But it was at the end of the night that two really amazing things happened…
A couple weeks prior, I was clued into the big secret. Towards the end of the night, there would be a surprise fireworks display. Looking back at the photos after the wedding, my wife commented that the fireworks, dress, and tux together looked like a scene out of the Old South. The second special moment came with a song. As the band played “Shout”, Meredith and Hunter climbed a chair on the dance floor, looking over the crowd. At the perfect moment, Hunter fell back into the crowd. They carried him aloft, placing him right beside is bride. Both moments were amazing, and something I will likely not see again at a wedding.
There are a million little highlights below. I certainly hope you enjoy this truly epic wedding.
