Weddings category | Page 15 of 28 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Kaye & Nathan – A Cleveland Union Club Wedding

That Saturday morning, the sun had finally arrived. After days of rain, clouds and cold, the sun was finally out. We had worked out a rain plan just in case, but it was clear that it would not be needed. Standing in living room at Kaye’s home, I could see clearly out across the lake. I could see the distant storms, slowly dripping over the lake. It was now clear – the storms would miss us for the rest of the day.

What a brilliant day it was. The time had finally come for Kaye & Nathan’s wedding at St. Anthony Padua Church in Lorain. Afterward, we would return to her parents house just down the street. They have a gorgeous lake view with a beach. From the start, Kaye had a clear vision. The formal photos would be on the beach at her parent’s home. So the passing weather made all of this possible again. Afterward, we headed to downtown Cleveland for a few more photos, followed by the wedding ceremony at the Union Club. I always love returning to the Union Club. It’s a gorgeous location and the wonderful staff makes it all that much better.

For Kaye & Nathan’s wedding, the day was filled with little things to adore. Kaye selected wonderful colors of flannel gray and daffodil yellow. The bridesmaids we aglow in their wonderful dresses, accented with silvery shoes. Peaceful moments were shared between all. From a morning embrace by Kaye’s sister to the excited joy shared with her mother. Looking up to Nathan, Kaye’s father presented her with pride (although I’m certain Nathan actually looks up to Kaye’s father). From the altar, Nathan beamed with joy, followed by a final kiss at the end of the wedding ceremony. Portraits in downtown Cleveland were simply gorgeous as the summer sun broke in beams through the soft shade.

The wonderful moments carried right through the wedding reception. Kaye and Nathan we introduced as they descended the Union Club’s grand staircase. The stars came out to witness the first dance. To end the night, the assembled group of wonderful guests danced and partied over the stars until late into the night. Below are just a few highlights to enjoy from their wedding.

A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan

Sarah & John – A Westwood Country Club Wedding in Rocky River

Familiarity seems to be the antidote to nervousness. Still to this day, I get nervous before each wedding. Not because I feel unprepared, but because I always want to do my best. Somehow, nervousness never manifested itself before Sarah and John’s wedding at St. Christopher’s Church and Westwood Country Club. At first, it seemed like nothing in particular was different. There was no reason for the change.

Then it hit me, and quite a while after their wedding. I had become more familiar with Sarah and John than usual. I get to know all of my clients, but I had gotten to know Sarah and John a bit better. Despite the long distance between us, I felt I knew them all the more well. Maybe it was because we got along splendidly at their engagement session. Or because I had already met Sarah’s family well in advance. I think the real reason is all because of Sarah and John. They are the warmest people you could know. They are the type to make fast friends with anyone. To be near them is to feel welcomed.

That feeling carried through their entire wedding. Sarah and John’s friends and family are much the same – very warm and extremely welcoming. It certainly made for a wonderful day. Added to the wonderful people were some amazing locations. St. Christopher’s is a great place for a wedding. For Sarah, it was made all the more special by her uncle. Her uncle happens to be a priest and he happily completed their wedding. The reception, held at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, was astonishing for many reasons.

It turned out to be the perfect place for the creative portraits. The golf course and club house make for some stunning scenery. Furthermore, Sarah’s design for the reception was spectacular. Flowers literally decked the tables, chairs and ceiling. Working with HeatherLily, Sarah’s floral design was filled with bright purples, soft pinks and pale whites. Flower arrangements were even hanging from the chandeliers. It was a sight to be seen.

To cap off the amazing day, we stepped outside after sunset for a few nighttime shots. The front portico made the perfect backdrop for a final portrait, despite the cars shuffling in the background. Admittedly, I had a really tough time choosing a few photos to highlight. Below is just a very small handful of my favorites, and way more than normal. Enjoy!

A Westwood Country Club wedding in Rocky River with Sarah and John. A Westwood Country Club wedding in Rocky River with Sarah and John. A Westwood Country Club wedding in Rocky River with Sarah and John. A Westwood Country Club wedding in Rocky River with Sarah and John.

Ceremony venue: St. Christopher’s Church, Rocky River
Reception venue: Westwood Country Club, Rocky River
Floral design: HeatherLily
Cake artist: Wild Flour Bakery
Bride’s gown: Elegance by Roya
Men’s tuxedos: Vera Wang
Entertainment: The Orchestra, Jerry Bruno
Hair & make-up: Rainbow Room

Sheila & Beau – A Renaissance Hotel Wedding in Cleveland

It was one of those days where you’d sweat if you moved. It was hot-hot. Even though it was in the eighties, it felt like a million degrees with infinite humidity. There was even a chance of rain, depending on whose forecast you read. However, I knew it wasn’t going to rain. It couldn’t rain on this particular day. I had been anticipating this wedding for over a year. This day had to be — perfect.

It requires a flashback of over 12 months to understand why. When I first met Sheila and Beau, it was evident that they were a uniquely different couple. Clearly in love, but also clearly relaxed about the whole wedding experience. They tapped an amazing group of friends, family and professionals to help pull together their wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. The list of involved professionals was impressive, and I was happy to just to have a small part. When we did their engagement session, it was even more evident that Sheila and Beau intended to simply enjoy the wedding experience, which is a great perspective to have.

So the day had come for their wedding, and by the end, it had all gone to plan. There was no rain. Everything ran smoothly and everyone seemed happy. I was personally thrilled. It was a hard, but awesome day. Many things contributed to the amazing experience. Most responsible for the experience were friends and family. Everyone was happy, social and sooo gracious. The design that Sheila created alongside Heidi for the reception was gorgeous. The Renaissance was filed with wine-colored purples, bright blues, sparkling silver and pinks. My favorite touch was the wine bottle table numbers and escort cards propped on bottle corks. The flowers were out of this world and the whole reception glowed thanks to some fantastic lighting.

More important were the moments. Like when Sheila’s sister read out stories and rumors from times past, bringing the whole reception to laughter. Or when Beau’s mom shed a tear during the dancing. Or better yet, that one Madonna song that had all of Sheila’s friends dancing together. The moments truly made the wedding and I’m simply elated to have been able to witness it. Below are just a few highlights to enjoy.

A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau