Posts tagged Ballroom | Page 5 of 9 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Caroline & Todd – A Downtown Cleveland Wedding at the Hyatt Arcade

It was going to be a very long day, but we were well prepared. The longest wedding of the year was finally here, and certainly it was one of the most important. It was Caroline & Todd’s wedding day and everything had to be perfect. Thankfully, the locations were gorgeous and all within easy reach of each other. The ceremony would be at St. Ann’s Church, just up the hill from the Cleveland Museum of Art, where we would do the wedding portraits. Finally, we would end the day at the Hyatt Arcade in downtown Cleveland for the wedding reception.

When I arrived at Caroline’s family home, all the ladies were quickly getting ready. There was an excitement that goes along with any big day. After shooting some details, including Caroline’s gorgeous Jimmy Choo’s, it was time for her to get ready. One of my favorite moments of the wedding took place in the morning. Without any prompt from me, Caroline’s mother, grandmother and sister-in-law gathered around as she got ready – watching, listening, helping and hugging.

The rest of the wedding day was filled with similar intimate moments. Todd’s look from the altar as he saw Caroline for the first time was priceless. Caroline beamed with joy as Todd said his vows. A big hug from grandmother put a seal of approval on the entire ceremony. After the ceremony, there was a big exit to an awaiting Ford limousine. We headed off to the Cleveland Museum of Art for some bridal party photos. Mostly, the photos simply became friends and family having fun together. At the reception, the great moments continued.

The wedding reception design put together by Caroline and Valarie from Kirkbrides was simply stunning. Long tables filled the reception at the Hyatt Arcade. Each was decorated in a theme of chevron and purple. Even the guest favors were tied neatly with a chevron-patterned bow. And the three-tier wedding cake was simply amazing. The wedding reception got off to a poignant start with a emotional first dance, followed by personal and heartfelt toasts. Dancing and partying then followed late into the night.

And I do mean late into the night. The reception went past 11:00 and concluded with everyone dancing around Caroline and Todd to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. That was…AWESOME! Across the street we went for an after-party event at the Corner Alley. If you asked me a year ago if I would see a bride bowling in her dress, I’d have thought never. Well, you never know what you will see at a wedding!

I’m so thrilled with how everything turned out and I certainly hope you enjoy the highlights below.

Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd.

Ceremony – Communion of Saints, St. Ann’s Church
Reception – Hyatt Arcade
Event design & planning – Kirkbrides
Cake Artist – Michael Angelo Bakery
Floral design – Grande Designs
Linens – L’Nique and Ultrapom (chevron runners)
Entertainment – Rock the House
Hair and make-up – Ramona Dauksa
Bridal gown – Ivy & Aster, Something White Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses – Donna Morgan
Groom & groomsmen suits – Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse

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

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