Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Hannah & RyanThe Club at Hillbrook Wedding Photos

I was never supposed to be here. For me to capture Hannah & Ryan’s Club at Hillbrook wedding photos, something had to go horribly wrong. The cause that brought about my presence nearly involved life and death. Hannah & Ryan originally hired another photographer for their wedding. The other photographer happened to be my friend. Then, inexplicably, my friend suffered an as-yet unexplained coronary meltdown.

For two hours, my friend was dead. Thankfully, she survived, but she would need months of rehabilitation. Aside from the unexplained coronary event and nearly miraculous survival, other magic was afoot. People from across the region band together to help our friend, which included helping to save her business and ensuring no couple went without a photographer. This is where we circle back to Hannah & Ryan.

I volunteered to cover Hannah & Ryan’s wedding. After chatting with them, they graciously accepted. I say graciously for a reason. Hannah & Ryan are gracious to the core. They immediately understood this bizarre situation and cared most for our injured friend. On their wedding day, Hannah & Ryan poured all of their energy into ensuring family and friends had the best day possible. For example, they took a special moment at the wedding reception to very publicly thank their parents.

While the wedding was supposed to center around Hannah & Ryan, I think it’s plain to see that they felt differently. For Hannah & Ryan, this day was all about being near cherished family and friends. I hope you enjoy the highlight from Hannah & Ryan’s Club at Hillbrook wedding photos below, mostly captured on film.

PS – My friend has made a full recovery that borders on a scientific miracle.

Update

Hannah & Ryan’s wedding turned out so perfectly, that it has now been published by The Knot. Have a Look at their English Garden Wedding feature and learn more about their wedding planning process. Again, a huge thanks to the entire team involved.

The Club at Hillbrook wedding photos in Chagrin Falls captured on film The Club at Hillbrook wedding photos in Chagrin Falls captured on film The Club at Hillbrook wedding photos in Chagrin Falls captured on film The Club at Hillbrook wedding photos in Chagrin Falls captured on film The Club at Hillbrook wedding photos in Chagrin Falls captured on film

Ceremony & reception – The Club at Hillbrook, Chargin Falls, Ohio
Event planning – Amy Hissa, At Last Event Planning
Floral design – The Urban Orchid
Bride’s dress – Essence of Australia
Groom’s suit – Combatant Gentlemen
Hair & Make-up – Cleveland Bridal Make-up

Sami & JohnCleveland Courthouse Wedding

There is a certain comfort you develop with clients. The comfort can come slowly, creeping in from the edges, or quickly like lightning. I developed a deep comfort with Sami & John. More so with them than with most clients. For me, that comfort clearly contributed to their Cleveland Courthouse wedding photography.

I first met Sami at her cousin’s wedding. Shortly after our first introduction, Sami & John were sitting in my office to discuss their upcoming Cleveland Courthouse wedding. In that moment, I immediately felt at home with with them. Strangely, I could almost see the future. I could see that we could create something amazing together.

At their engagement session, the comfort working together was immediately apparent. They opened their life together to me. Offered me trust in their relationship and allowed me to capture how they are together. We captured easy moments, but also honest ones. The results of the engagement session simply made me anticipate their wedding even more.

Sami & John’s wedding quickly became my most anticipated of the year. Finally, the day arrived and it was honestly perfect. The whole wedding day flowed effortlessly. It was filled with loving friends, affectionate family, and gorgeous weather. And the honesty remained. Sami, John and I moved through their wedding day with a certain ease that comes out in the photos below.

By the time we reached their Cleveland Courthouse wedding reception, we were all primed for a party. Toasts were given, with some tears, and the dances begun. Before long, it was time to wrap up one amazing day. To close, we snuck up to the second floor of the Cleveland Courthouse to capture emotional end-of-night photos.

We shared a hug and I wished them safe travels for their honeymoon. The story won’t end there, though. I know the comfort, trust and friendship will continue for a long time to come.

Cleveland Courthouse wedding photography with Samantha and John Cleveland Courthouse wedding photography with Samantha and John Cleveland Courthouse wedding photography with Samantha and John

Sami & JohnHuntington Beach Engagement Session

I can imagine how they met. Sitting next to each other in business class, noticing one another over time. An unnoticed glance from her. A hidden glance back from him. Bumping into one another at the home of a shared friend. A relationship that starts cool, but builds quickly. At least that’s how I imagine it in my head after talking to Sami and John during their Huntington Beach engagement session.

Like my wife and I, Sami and John started dating on Valentine’s Day. After a few years, they were engaged. As Sami tells it, she thought something was odd that Christmas Eve in the park. It was unusually warm for winter. Nonetheless, John gripped is jacket tight, sweating the whole time. They hiked for some time, eventually reaching a hidden bridge. He shed his unnecessarily thick jacket, producing a ring and a heart-felt proposal.

Now it’s nearly time to cross another bridge. In just a few short months, Sami and John will be sharing vows during their Cleveland wedding. Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time I’ve photographed Sami. She was also in her cousin’s wedding, which I captured earlier this year. Below, you can find some highlights from their Huntington Beach engagement session. We also had the opportunity to visit many other spots around downtown Cleveland. Hope you enjoy!

Huntington Beach engagement session with Sami and John. Cleveland engagement photography with Sami and John