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Internally, we had been preparing for Joanna and David’s wedding for weeks. Everything had to be perfect. We scouted the Hyatt Arcade in downtown Cleveland on multiple occasions. We went over the plan again and again. Finally the day had arrived, and what a day it was. While planning and scouting always has a place, nothing had prepared me for what was about to unfold. Start with amazing ladies making up the bridal party, add the most incredible “first look” I have seen, and top it off with one heck of a party! Oh, and throw in a dash of awesome parents.

Joanna and David really had something special going. And it all started with the first look. In fact, the first look was so amazing that it deserved an entirely separate post. I suggest you check it out. Beyond the first look, the wedding was centered around family and close friends. And I can understand why. David’s near-twin sisters were so sweet. Joanna’s sister and Maid of Honor is lovely. And their friends kept the whole group laughing and having fun. Heck, I think Michael made fast friends with David’s dad.

Even better was the location. The Hyatt Arcade is a mallway of sorts left over from the turn of the century. Featuring four floors and an atrium roof, it is completely decorated in bronze-painted wrought iron. To which Joanna and David added a smart, modern design. The whole place glowed warmly at night. My personal favorite was the table numbers, featuring photos from each year of their lives.

Once the festivities began, things really got crazy. The hora was amazing (and a little scary). A Soul-Train-esque dance line broke out and there was even a singing bride with a microphone. To say it was great fun would be an understatement.

Taking care of the little touches above and below.

Above – Joanna slipping into her gorgeous dress and a long debate of necklaces. Below, a last embrace from mom.

Ahh beer – the stable of gentleman’s morning preparations.

We could feel the anticipation building, like lightning about to strike. We were all in our places, and for a moment, no one knew how to begin.

With anticipation let loose, love filled the air. Michael and I just stood there and captured it all. The real magic came from Joanna and David.

I love the button above, and I think he did as well. Below – a beautiful view inside the Hyatt Arcade.

A quick review of the ketubah before signing, followed by a frantic search for yarmulkes before a prayer.

The above is my absolute favorite. Quick comfort from Maid of Honor and sister. I still can’t get over this photo.

With a crack and an embrace, it’s time to celebrate (that almost rhymes).

During the hora, I was almost as panic-stricken as Joanna. I think I almost dropped my camera twice, but we got the shot!

Above and below – a Soul-Train-esque dance line, shot two ways.

This I never expected – Joanna dancing with the microphone and singing “That Thing You Do”. Instant classic!

So that’s the end of a really exciting weekend. For Joanna and David, I’m eternally thankful that you included us in your wedding day. It was truly magical. Looking forward, we’ll have more great weddings soon.

My memory of the beginning is a little fuzzy. I’m pretty certain I recommended a first look to Joanna and David, as I do with all of my clients. I’m also pretty certain they jumped at the suggestion. In fact, I think it was clear from the start that we had to do a first look. Next came the planning, which was easy enough. Little did I know at the start just how truly exceptional their first look would be.

The plan was simple – stay close to the Old Arcade in downtown Cleveland and find a nice shady location with a clean backdrop. After all, this summer has been crazy hot and shade is almost mandatory. We considered some of my favorite locations around downtown and finally settled on an area near the new Cleveland Public Library. The plan was as simple as it gets – leave the hotel separately, walk one block, and await the perfect time to meet.

It’s funny how such simple plans can yield such amazing results. As soon as the first look was over, Michael and I knew we had captured something special, like excelsior in a bottle. He kept saying “I can’t wait to see those pictures”. Even in the moment, we knew something amazing was happening. We burned through frames as fast as possible. Most important – Michael and I weren’t doing anything unusual.

The spark, the cause for remembrance, was all Joanna and David. Standing a few feet away, I could feel the anticipation in the air like the tingle before a lightning strike. And then the moment came, and the love was evident, real and honest. Momentarily, love became a tangible thing, to hold and to capture. So today, and little celebration just for a “first look” to remember. Later, the rest of the wedding photos will come.

There really isn’t much I can add to the above, other than to say it has been a thrill working with Joanna and David. Their amazing people and I’m proud to call them friends. Stop back on Monday for the full wedding.