Category: Weddings

Julia & Evan – Spring Wedding at the Hyatt Arcade

“We’re not ready yet,” Elise said over the phone. “Can you start with the gentlemen?”

I answered “Of course and we’ll see you soon.” We headed up to room 346 at the Hyatt Arcade, where we found the gentlemen. I think the proper word in this case is definitely – gentlemen. They were dressed in unique tuxedos, each one a little different than the next. And these were proper tuxedos. James Bond tuxedos. Magazine cover tuxedos! Each of the four groomsmen looked perfect. Then there was Evan. He looked sharp and was ready for the big day. In fact, they all were ready.

Before long, the ladies were ready as well. Each bridesmaid wore a gorgeous dress in turquoise blue, outfitted with pockets. While they had matching dresses, each bridesmaid was also unique. Every bridesmaid had  a unique peep-toe shoe in pewter. All of them similar, but a little different. Of course Julia was beaming. Every time a lady whispered “Your getting married,” Julia broke out in a huge smile. She looked perfect as well. She was beautiful, as always. Her dress was…stunning. It was a ruffled soft white and riveted with stunning bead word. Her shoes matched her new turquoise earrings, a gift from Evan.

So what’s so special about Julia and Evan’s wedding? It starts with the people. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were an absolute joy. Each one happy and energetic. The colors were swoon-worthy. Julia’s choice of orange circus roses really popped against the blue dresses. Lastly, the first look shared by Julia and Evan just outside the Arcade was emotional and loving. Although no one cried, especially the photographer. Just saying.

It’s been and thrill to work with Julia, Evan, their friends and family. I know they are going to have an amazing honeymoon and an amazing future together. Hopefully, you enjoy the highlights below from this very special wedding.

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Emily & Greg – A Winter Wedding in Mentor

When I arrived at St. John Vianney church, it was drab outside, and completely overcast. The plants had long since died for winter and there was nothing particularly special about the Ohio landscape. The weather for Emily and Greg’s wedding was completely different than their engagement session, when we had mountains of snow. As I walked into the church, I just assumed that nothing would change.

I was the first to arrive. I took a moment to scope out the familiar church and to get some gear ready. St. John Vianney is a favorite for me. Father Johns is wonderful and the church is always filled with gorgeous natural light. Before long Emily and Greg arrived and it was time to get started. What I loved most about their ceremony was the small, intimate nature. It was only the closest family and friends. I think the count was just about 30. Many more were expected for the wedding reception, but Emily and Greg deliberately kept the ceremony personal.

After the wedding ceremony, things had changed. Outside, the snow was slowly falling across the landscape. There wasn’t much snow, but just enough to dust over everything. The change in weather was more than welcome, as it meant for some truly magical photos. It was still cold, but the ladies kept warm under cozy fur coats. I can’t believe how lucky we got. As I came to find out later, Emily was secretly hoping for snow. Bonus!

Something worth knowing about Emily is that she is a skilled cake artist. She does some truly amazing work. She must also be very driven. Before her own wedding, she personally baked, frosted and decorated her own wedding cake. She also took care of all the other little desserts. I don’t normally eat cake at weddings, but Emily insisted I take a slice home. Let’s just say Brooke and I fought over the cake for a good 20 minutes.

Below are just a few highlights, from this first wedding of 2013. Enjoy!
Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg Winter wedding at St. John Vianney with Emily and Greg

Katie & Matt – Summer Wedding in the Valley

I was already amp’d up when I walked into the salon. It was finally time for Katie & Matt’s wedding. I had been anticipating their wedding for months, and planning hard. Initially, it started rather simple. We met at a local restaurant for the first time. Matt and Katie sat side-by-side in the booth, and I was in the chair across the table. Thereafter, we slowly got to know each other. There was an email here, or a call there. Before long, we were shooting their stunning engagement session. Following their summer engagement session, it really felt like I was working with friends. I knew their wedding would be fun, but I was surprised at how awesome it was.

Where do I begin with what I love? The beginning seems appropriate – like the most amazing group of bridesmaids in matching monogrammed shirts. Seriously, they’re the sweetest ladies ever, and fun too. Katie looked drop-dead gorgeous before she even put on her dress. Katie & Matt are also dog lovers, and we found a way to capture their furry friend as well. Speaking of Matt, he and the groomsmen were picture-perfect. The brace of groomsmen were dressed to the nines, mostly brothers, and completely awesome.

And the day was perfect too – with warm weather and a beaming sun. Katie had requested portraits in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which happens to be my favorite. With that setting and the beautiful light, things would normally go well. Add in a really fun bridal party and you get something really special.

Capping off the amazing people was a beautiful design. White orchid & rose bouquets, royal blue dresses, proper black tuxedos, a TALL wedding cake, and a beautiful venue! The ceremony at St. Basil in Brecksville was more celebratory than somber, and the reception at Embassy Suites in Independence was perfect. People laughed and cried during the toasts. Katie gave a wink I’ll never forget, and Matt partied like a rock star! I could go on and on, but I will simply leave you with the following.

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt

The first thing Katie did after returning from the salon was to greet Buster, a sweet friend who wouldn’t make it to the wedding.

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt

I love kisses during the recessional! Makes for a killer photo.

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt

Of course I love the fun moments, especially when caught on film (i.e. the real stuff).

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt

That look is to die for, and her flowers below are just as stunning.

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And there’s the wink – just above-right. I’ll never forget it.

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt
I love the party shots at the end as well. Katie and Matt really know how to do it right. Of course we still keep in touch. Since they live in Chicago, we might just bump into each other on a random St. Patrick’s day.

Venue – Embassy Suites Independence
Wedding Coordination – Tricia Dever, Always Eventful
Florals – Countryside Florist
Cake Artist – The West Side Bakery
Bridal party make-up – Lindsay London
Entertainment & Lighting – DJ Mike Alexander, Jerry Bruno Productions
Invitations and Stationary – Noteworthy Notes

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