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A Chicago History Museum Wedding – Kristin & Max

Whenever I post a wedding or session, I like to include a little story. In Kristin and Max’s case, the story of how I know them and their wedding is a long one. I could go on for hours and only touch on the first year. I could say that it all started with a chicken. But no, really it started with an elevator ride. Wait, no, it started with me falling asleep in orientation. Somewhere near the beginning of the story, we were in college. Then I moved back to Ohio, but I kept visiting Chicago. I had family there now. More towards the end, people got married and started having kids. Right near the end of the story, Kristin and Max were engaged, and decided to have a Chicago History Museum wedding.

You see, the whole story is measured in near geological terms. Family stories are measured this way. With Kristin and Max, it’s all a family story. I know them through close family. I probably met Kristin for the first time when she was 12, although neither of us remember it. I know her dad, her aunt and cousins. While I am not related to Kristin, her family is my second family.

Family is not just how I know Kristin and Max. Family was pretty much the theme of their wedding. Their St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History museum wedding revolved around family. Kristin’s mother helped her daughter get ready for the big day. Kristin’s dad was ever present in spirit, especially during the beautiful ceremony. Kristin and Max even presented communion to the gathered congregation.

Max’s family had no small part either. His brother kept the bridal party laughing all day, especially during his best man’s toast. His dad welcomed all the guests at the reception, and made sure each one left with a laugh, and a tear. Even Kristin’s sister and uncle played important roles. Kristin’s sister made sure Max was well, well roasted during her toast, while her uncle welcomed everyone in prayer.

Beyond family was the simple beauty of the entire affair. DePaul Cathedral and the Chicago History Museum served a classic backdrop for this gorgeous city wedding. Kristin’s dress, accented with a bolero, was the epitome of classic style. The bright champagne flowers glowed against the white woodwork of the museum. Max even changed into a classic white evening jacket for the reception.

I know I’m just scratching the surface of the story. I could go on forever, but I must stop here. To end, thank you to my family, Kristin and Max! Your wedding was the experience of a lifetime. I certainly hope you enjoy these highlights from a classic Chicago History Museum wedding –

A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film

In case you’re curious, you can also have a look at Kristin & Matt’s destination engagement session, held along the western shore of Michigan.

The Country Club Wedding in Pepper Pike – Meredith & Hunter

When I first arrived, the house was already buzzing with activity. There was Meredith, looking radiant and she wasn’t even ready yet. Her first concern seemed to be me – that I had everything I needed, that I was fed, that I knew where to find important details. I don’t normally get this level of attention, but that is why Meredith and Hunter are truly something different. In fact, their caring traits are common amongst their entire family. It was clear their St. Theodosius and The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike was going to be something really different and special.

Meredith and Hunter’s wedding was different for many more reasons. The locations were all relatively new to me. The wedding ceremony was being held at St. Theodosius church in the Tremont neighborhood. A first for me, this church is famous for the wedding ceremony scene in The Deer Hunter movie. Aside from being famous, the church is achingly beautiful. The wedding reception was being held at The Country Club in Pepper Pike. When a place is simply named The Country Club, you know it must be unique.

This wedding on this day was special for many reasons as well. First, the weather was the best of the year. Meredith and her mother had planned some absolutely stunning details. The flowers were simple, classic and perfect. Meredith’s wedding dress was like nothing I had seen before. It looked like a prop right out of a movie (Gone with the Wind, maybe). Then there were all the little things – classic wedding invitations, navy dresses, fine suits, and gorgeous jewelry. Being a dog-lover, my favorite wedding attendee was Nestle, Meredith and Hunter’s chocolate lab. During morning preparation Nestle was ever present, but never underfoot. He knew his role well!

The special moments continued throughout the day. Meredith’s sister kept everyone laughing, or crying. The best man gave a heartwarming toast, while Meredith’s father made sure the happy couple was well-roasted. But it was at the end of the night that two really amazing things happened…

A couple weeks prior, I was clued into the big secret. Towards the end of the night, there would be a surprise fireworks display. Looking back at the photos after the wedding, my wife commented that the fireworks, dress, and tux together looked like a scene out of the Old South. The second special moment came with a song. As the band played “Shout”, Meredith and Hunter climbed a chair on the dance floor, looking over the crowd. At the perfect moment, Hunter fell back into the crowd. They carried him aloft, placing him right beside is bride. Both moments were amazing, and something I will likely not see again at a wedding.

There are a million little highlights below. I certainly hope you enjoy this truly epic wedding.

The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic The Country Club wedding in Pepper Pike by Cleveland wedding photographers Hunter Photographic

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.