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Alli & Dan – a stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Let’s start with – Alli and Dan’s wedding was truly amazing! It was a great way to end a busy wedding season. For a few reasons, we were so excited to be a small part of their wedding day. They are such a great couple. Also, the location was simply stunning. This wedding happened to be my first Jewish wedding. Last but not least, the ceremony and reception were full of energy and love. The energy permeated everything. I usually have fun at weddings, but Alli and Dan’s wedding at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland was truly a blast!

Working with Alli and Dan could not have been better. Normally working with an out-of-town couple can have some challenges. However, Alli’s family was a huge help. Working with her mother before the wedding made all the difference in the world. Plus, I felt a personal connection to Alli and Dan. They were referred to me by friends and live in my old home town – Chicago.

The wedding was entirely hosted by the Renaissance, with the ceremony and reception in different rooms. The design created by Kim Singerman of Noteworthy Events was stylish, opulent and understated all at the same time. Various tones of white were used throughout and it looked amazing. The reception was lit beautifully to really show off the hotel. To compliment the great design, the team at Stephen Tokar Floral & Designs brought in some amazing floral arrangements. They draped a custom-made chuppah in white orchids and used complimentary flowers to decorate the tables.

So what really kept the guests going late into the night? None other than the Jerry Bruno Orchestra. They were so much fun and created an high-energy atmosphere. Below are just a few of my favorite photographs from the day –

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters and mother helped her to slip into her gorgeous wedding dress. The full veil was perfect for Alli. We then headed out into downtown Cleveland for a first look.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Coordinating a first look in an open space can always be tough. Thankfully, it was a little easier this time because we had a great team to help out.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Oooh – so exciting! The anticipation always kills me.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I love Dan’s reaction to seeing Alli for the first time. That reaction is why I always recommend a first look if my clients are willing.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

One of the best times during a Jewish wedding ceremony is signing the Ketubah (marriage contract). The families gather around as the rabbi reads the document and the bridal party signs it. I really like the wide-angle photojournalistic shot above.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

As I noted above, Alli and Dan’s wedding chuppah was gorgeous. It was draped top to bottom in white orchids, candles and beaded crystal threads.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

All happiness and cheers on their wedding day!

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

The reception design created by Noteworthy Events and Stephen Tokar was lavish and classic! Simple white flowers throughout to match each place setting. Even more so, the lighting design really lit up the room (pun completely intended).

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters gave the most heart-felt and hysterical toast. They know Alli and Dan so well, and clearly love them to death.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan’s first dance backed by the Jerry Bruno Orchestra was great. All of the wedding guests stood and cheered the happy couple.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

 The photo above is definitely my favorite. I have a real soft spot for emotional father-daughter dances. Plus, you can just see Alli’s sister in the background snapping a pic of her own.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Of course it wouldn’t be a wedding without the traditional Hora dance. Alli’s mother later commented that it was one of the longest and largest she has seen. I believer her! I was exhausted by the end.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I think you can see the real excitement above. Everyone, including your’s truly, was so excited for Alli and Dan. You gotta love weddings full of love.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

To end, the Jerry Bruno Orchestra doing their thing. One of Alli’s bride’s maids jumped in on the singing action. So, that’s all for today. Definitely stop back soon as I have more coming to the website. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

Stephanie & Ben – Music Lovers Engagement

I think it was very clear to Stephanie what she wanted to do for her engagement session. While Stephanie and Ben got engaged at the Cleveland Zoo, she wanted to incorporate something much more important for their engagement session. I was not surprised either. From the get-go, we shared a mutual love for music. Whenever we chat, we end up exchanging our current music notes. Stephanie and Ben introduced me to The Dawes and Head and the Heart. I made sure they knew about Iron & Wine.

Stephanie and Ben wanted to include the idea of live music in their engagement session. They love going to concerts and listening to music together at home. So, we planned to hit the Collinswood Arts district for a visit to the Beachland Ballroom and Music Saves. I would have loved to inside the Beachland, but their was some crazy children’s show going on. I was just happy to visit some great new locations. While it was mid-November, we did also want to include the fall colors where possible. Thankfully, our weird weather this year kept the leaves around a little longer. We headed to one of my favorite places, Cleveland’s cultural gardens where we found a yellow ginkgo sea.

A few of my fun favorites are below. The photos might look a little familiar – one is currently featured on my home page. Enjoy!

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

The Collinswood Arts district is such a great place to visit. It’s so colorful and has lot’s of indie music options.

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

You can only see a small part of the mural above. You’ll have to trust me – it’s crazy! As for Stephanie and Ben, it’s so nice when they laugh together, or at me!

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

The winds may have striped the leaves from the trees, but the color was all around. The yellow ginkgo leaves seemed to carpet everything.

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

I still cannot remember what I said or did to elicit the reaction in the last photo, but I love it. Maybe Stephanie will remind me one day. That’s all for today. I have been on a tear lately with new content on our website, so make sure to check back often. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook where you can find our most current work.

Danielle & Matt – In the Valley Sun

The only way I can tell Danielle and Matt’s story is to say they rock! Ever since we met, Danielle and I have kept in close contact nearly weekly. It’s really been nice to get to know Danielle, and her wedding plans, through the various questions she sends my way. It’s almost as if I could picture her wedding day as well as Danielle herself. When it came time to plan their engagement session, Danielle and Matt almost made it too easy. They just wanted to have a great afternoon together and enjoy some of their favorite places. They also wanted a new experience.

When the day arrived, I simply met them at their house. We gathered up the dog and headed out for a local park. The sun was beaming through the trees, creating the perfect place for an afternoon outside. After Zoey had her time in the spotlight, we moved to some of my favorite places. One is a little secret of mine, but you will definitely see it below. The other is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Given the season, it’s hard to resist spending some time in the valley sun. The park makes for such a nice afternoon. You just have to watch out for the crazy bikers (their everywhere and their fast!).

Danielle and Matt’s wedding is coming up soon. Given what I know about the event, I really am excited for them. Their wedding will be truly amazing! And so close to my house, which is just a little bonus! Below are just a few of my favorite moments from their engagement session. It was hard to pick just a few key photos. Danielle and Matt are so close to each other, and it makes every photo really stand out. Kinda like spending time with them – they are just stand-out people (Zoey too)!

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Zoey really is unforgettable. She patiently held still for the camera like nothing I have seen before.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

The golden light cast off from Danielle’s scarf is amazing. And I was happy to catch a nice private moment as well.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

 

 

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Almost on queue, Danielle and Matt were great at ignoring me and doing their own thing. I was just changing a lens and caught the moment above just in time.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

She’s simply beautiful. I’m sure she will look radiant for Matt in her wedding dress.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

I still can’t get over how amazing Danielle and Matt looked as a couple. On their engagement session, they just seemed perfectly fit for each other and the season. Soon the wedding will come rolling along and I’ll have more then. However, in the meantime, check back soon as I have a whole list of new stuff coming. Also, check us out on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

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