Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Natalie & Sean – A Colorful Engagement in Downtown Cleveland

When we met on the courthouse steps, we took a few minutes to shake off the nerves. It’s not unusual for couples to arrive a little nervous. Truth be told, I was a little nervous as well. Maybe nervous isn’t the word. “Amp’ed” might be the better term. After chatting for a few minutes we got started. Normally, the first few photos don’t make the selection because the nerves show. This was not the case for Natalie and Sean’s engagement session in downtown Cleveland. Something was definitely different.

The first photo below, is in fact, the first photo. Right from the start Natalie and Sean appeared completely comfortable with each other. Nerves that may have been there were completely gone. This was also true for the rest of the evening session. As we wandered to different locations around downtown Cleveland, Natalie and Sean were completely engaged with each other. In hind sight I can completely understand why. They make each other laugh constantly. If laughter is the key to love, then Natalie and Sean have it in spades.

For locations, Natalie and Sean simply allowed me to pick out some favorite spots, with the stipulation that we stop by the Brown’s Stadium for a few truly Cleveland-themed photos. Happy to oblige, we included the stadium and the Browns without throwing a football around. Come to think of it, this is the first time I have included Brown’s Stadium for an engagement session or wedding.

Below are just a few favorites –

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

On the courthouse steps above, and at Brown’s Stadium below.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

Above – a found patch of green grass in our drought environment. Below, looking out across the city.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

I love Natalie’s peach necklace peaking out about, and the hard sunshine below.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

The Art Museum above and below, which I am starting to use in new ways.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

That’s all from this Monday evening session. I certainly can’t wait for Natalie and Sean’s wedding in Akron. Too bad it’s a few long months away, but it will arrive before we know it. Definitely stop back soon as I will have quite a few more engagements and weddings coming soon. Until then, enjoy the fading summer.

Summer Family Portraits in Downtown Cleveland

It’s not often I have a chance to do a nice family portrait session. And it’s even more rare to do a session for a friend. That’s why I was so excited to work with my friend, Sarah. She was looking to do some family photos with her wife Melissa and son Julian, and I jumped at the opportunity. By why be so excited about a simple family session?

To understand, we have to take a little step back to how I know Sarah in the first place. Being a wedding photographer, I have to work with many different people nearly every weekend. Typically, there is very little consistency and you meet new people all the time. Developing solid relationships with other people contributing to a wedding is important. And that’s one way I know Sarah. We’ve worked with each other on a few different weddings. I’m always happy to arrive and see Sarah working her hair styling magic. She’s just a dream to work with. And I think she feels the same way. She’s more than happy to refer work my way.

Speaking of which, there are other ways I know Sarah and Melissa as well. In December, I will see Melissa again at her sister’s wedding thanks to Sarah. Also, I have worked with Sarah’s cousin before. So all the more reason that giving back is important. If I have the chance to help a friend, I’ll take it. And Sarah feels the same, which is great for both of us. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing their family again, but for now, enjoy just a few favorites from their loving family portrait session in downtown Cleveland –

Summer family portraits in downtown Cleveland

Julian was a real dream to work with. He was not camera shy at all, and filled with energy.

Summer family portraits in downtown Cleveland

I think the last one on the left might be my favorite. Their are many other portraits from this session, but we’ll save those just for the family. Again, and million thanks to Sarah and Melissa for making Sunday so much fun. Can’t wait to see you both again!

Renee & Cheney – A Lakeside Engagement Session

As usual, I had over-packed. I was standing in the Lakeside parking lot trying to decide which camera I should bring with me. I had to bring the digital as a back-up camera, but which film camera should I bring? I knew I would be shooting film, but I just needed to decide how. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Renee and Cheney pull into the parking lot. It was time to go, so I just grabbed one camera and jumped into their car. Renee and Cheney had traveled from across the country for their destination engagement session at Lakeside, and what a perfect location it was. For those unfamiliar, Lakeside is a small vacation community along the Lake Erie shore.

Renee had spent her summers in Lakeside when she was growing up. Her family owned a couple cottages in the community and Lakeside became her summer home. So when we discussed locations for their engagement session, Lakeside was the obvious choice. I always love doing sessions in Lakeside because it’s relaxed and so picturesque. I was also meeting Renee and Cheney for the first time. Being out-of-state clients, they had booked me for their wedding after a brief video conference. However, I think Renee and Cheney were more excited to spend time with each other. Since the end of the school year, they have been living in different states.

The session could not have been more perfect. The weather along the shore was warm, but not to humid. Even the evening sun was casting a warm glow across the shore.

Below are just a few of my personal favorites –