Weddings category | Page 11 of 28 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Bridal Boudoir Photography – White Bride – Black Boudoir

The trust my clients extend always amazes me. They trust me with their wedding, their friends and their family. They trust me to represent them well. On occasion, bride’s will trust me with so much more. I’m asked to capture bridal boudoir photography on the morning of the wedding. The reasons to do this are numerous. The photos become a loving extension of the wedding day. They are a heartfelt (or heart-bare) gift for the groom. More so, the photos are a gift to the bride herself. Of course the photos are deeply private as well, which is a trust I hold inviolable.

As a photographer, that inviolable trust presents a quandary. I’d love to show future clients what is possible and to demonstrate some of my work. However, bridal boudoir photography is deeply private. To solve this problem, I got together with my friend Hillary to capture the editorial boudoir session you see below. I love working with Hillary and the whole experience was a joy. I’m simply in love with the outcome.

Hillary and I used a hotel in downtown Cleveland for the session. I purposefully picked a hotel because that’s where wedding preparation so often takes place. Hillary had thoughtfully brought a ton of wardrobe to use. All of the selection actually led me to the a good theme for the editorial – White Bride/Black Boudoir. I think you can pick out the theme in the photos below. It’s simply a play on innocence vs. daring.

I try to offer my clients a satisfying array of options for their wedding, and I’m thrilled to be able to show this small component. I certainly hope you enjoy the highlights below. And as always, thanks to Hillary for the amazing assistance. Even more so, thanks to the wonderful ladies at Something White Bridal Boutique for loaning us the stunning veil and hair piece. Something White Bridal has become my favorite bridal boutique for one simple reason – Rebecca & Karin treat their clients with such care and attention.

Bridal boudoir photography editorial by Cleveland photographer Hunter Photographic

Cleveland Old Courthouse Wedding – Madeline & Scott

There are a few important things to know about Madeline and Scott’s Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding. The most important point (and I’m sure Madeline would agree) is that their dogs had to have a role in the wedding. However minor, it was imperative that their dogs be present. Also important to know is just how beautiful Madeline looked in her wedding dress. The dress was a stunning blend of blush and champagne color. Words simply don’t do it justice. Lastly, Madeline and Scott had a huge bridal party for their wedding, and I completely understand why. Each bridesmaid and each groomsmen were uniquely awesome! Working with the entire group was truly a dream.

The day started off easy enough. We met at Church of the Gesu at John Carroll University for preparation before the wedding ceremony. While the gentlemen relaxed outside in the crisp winter air, the ladies dutifully helped Madeline prepare inside. The ceremony itself was romantic and poignant, with the priest recounting how a strong relationship is built like the foundation of a house. Following the ceremony, Madeline & Scott’s dogs were brought over for some portraits of their own.

Being a winter wedding, the weather was the biggest risk. However, as you can see below, the weather could not have been more perfect. We stopped by the Cleveland Art Museum for some sunset portraits. During the winter, the sun sets very slowly, which gave us ample time and some amazing peachy colors.

And then there was the Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding reception. In it’s bare form, the courthouse is stunning. The space becomes even more breathtaking when you add Madeline and Scott’s elegant wedding decorations of rich pink and rose. Below are just a few highlights, from beginning to end. In case you are curious, you can also have a look at Madeline & Scott’s Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session.

Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding with Madeline and Scott Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding with Madeline and Scott Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding with Madeline and Scott Cleveland Old Courthouse wedding with Madeline and Scott

Holden Arboretum Wedding Inspiration Published – Art Deco + Craft Cocktail

The degree of planning required to complete this Holden Arboretum wedding styled inspiration shoot still surprises me even today. The wedding inspiration shoot took months to plan, a full day to capture, and even more months for publication. However, I’m thrilled the outcome was published today on 100 Layer Cake, and that I can finally share the work with everyone.

This wedding inspiration shoot demonstrates what top-talent can do outside the confines of an actual wedding. Creative daydreams are let loose and the outcome can truly be amazing. As an example, the art deco design and styling from Janelle Miller at With Love and Whimsy Events is gorgeous. Featuring rich golds and deep blacks, each element is designed to be an easy DIY project. The florals from Molly Talyor Designs also capture the look perfectly. Renoir Calla Lilies, Mona Lisa Anemones, Gold Combo Roses, hand-painted gold tipped succulents and feathers combine for a rich, opulent palate.

We also wanted to take the inspiration to the next level and feature crafty cocktail recipes that anyone could use as a featured drink at their wedding reception. While I tend not to give out my personal drink recipes, I thought offering a few for this wedding publication would be worth it. If you’re a bourbon fan, then you’ll definitely want to check out the recipes included on 100 Layer Cake, and repeated below.

Lastly, I’d like to offer some special thanks. Without the help of the entire team, this Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration shoot would still just be an idea on paper. Thanks to the always awesome team at Cleveland’s Holden Arboretum for letting us use the gorgeous Lantern Court for the styled wedding reception. Karin and Rebecca from Something White Bridal supplied the fashions and they look amazing. Lindsay and Sarah did an awesome job with hair styling and make-up. And the furnishing provided by Ann at Borrowed Vintage + Eclectic were just what we needed.

Hope on over to 100 Layer Cake for all of the inspiration details. Included below are a few extra highlights as well –

Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration featuring an art deco design and craft cocktails Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration featuring an art deco design and craft cocktails

Tango Manhattan cocktail recipe:

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Red Wine Reduction
4-6 drops Angostura bitters
Stir vigorously over ice.
Pour into chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with 2 Amarena Fabbri cherries.

Red wine reduction
1 bottle Petite Syrah + 1 cup sugar
Reduce wine by half.
Add sugar, stir to dissolve.
Cool and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration featuring an art deco design and craft cocktails

Pomegranate Bourbon Daisy cocktail recipe:

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1⁄2 fresh squeezed lemon
1⁄2 oz. ginger syrup
1⁄2 oz. pomegranate syrup
2 oz. club soda
Stir over ice. Pour into tumbler glass with ice.
Top with 4-6 drops Angostura bitters.
Garnish with Amarena Fabbri cherry & lemon twist.

Pomegranate Syrup

1 cup pomegranate juice (no sugar added) + 1 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice + 2-3 drops orange flower water
Bring pomegranate juice to bare simmer. Turn off heat. Add sugar, stir to dissolve. Add lemon juice and orange flower water. Cool and store in refrigerator until ready to mix with alcohol.

Ginger Syrup
1 pound fresh ginger & 1 cup sugar
Peel ginger. Grate over bowl with microplane. Place grated ginger in a clean tea towel. Squeeze grated ginger juice into bowl. Add sugar and place juice in a storage bottle. Shake vigorously to dissolve sugar. Store in refrigerator.

Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration featuring an art deco design and craft cocktails

White-Peach Mint Julep cocktail recipe:

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. white peach infusion
1 oz. club soda
Muddle 4-6 mint leaves in julep cup.
Add ice to cup. Shake bourbon and infusion over ice .
Pour into julep cup. Top with club soda.
Garnish with mint sprig

White-Peach Infusion

2 cups water + 2 cups sugar + 1 ripe white peach
Bring water to simmer, turn off heat and add sugar. Stir to dissolve. Add chopped peach, skin and stone removed. Steep until cool. Remove peach and store in refrigerator until ready to mix with alcohol.

Holden Arboretum wedding inspiration featuring an art deco design and craft cocktails

Event concept & design – With Love and Whimsy Events
Photography – Hunter Photographic
Location – Lantern Court at Holden Arboretum
Bouquets, boutonnieres, and table flowers – Molly Taylor Designs
Bridal fashions – provided by Something White Bridal Boutique
Vintage furniture – Borrow Vintage + Eclectic Rentals
Hair & make-up styling – Lindsay London & Sarah Wassil

Category: Weddings