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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

Renee & Cheney – A Tudor Arms Wedding in Cleveland’s University Circle

Some things are simply meant to be. Flowers are meant to smell nice. The sun is meant to be warm. Renee & Cheney were meant to be together.

Renee & Cheney met in college through mutual friends, and it didn’t take long for them to start dating and fall in love. As I am told, things progressed quite quickly. Before long, the idea of marriage was being tossed around. I believe with concern for them both, Cheney’s parents asked him to first read a book with Renee before moving forward. The subject of the book was essentially “101 questions to know you’re meant for each other.” We wouldn’t be here today had Renee & Cheney not passed the test. Following a romantic proposal over candles and flowers, the wedding planning began. Clearly, Renee & Cheney were meant to be together.

And the above brings us to now. Renee & Cheney’s wedding at the Tudor Arms Hotel was simply gorgeous. I do mean that literally – it was simple and gorgeous. Simple in the sense that the plan was kept easy and the details were not over-done. Their wedding was gorgeous in the sense that the day was beautiful, Renee was stunning, Cheney handsome, and the little details really shown through. One of my favorite moments was a small detail executed perfectly. The wedding ceremony was held at University Circle United Methodist Church. The church arranged a special treat just for Renee and Cheney. During the recessional, rose petals were slowly dropped from high in the church’s dome, showering over Renee and Cheney as they left the ceremony.

And there are more little details to love. Renee’s dress was amazing. A “first tease” in the morning between Renee & Cheney was happy and heartfelt. Her father’s pride really shown through during his dance with his daughter. Cheney’s brother gave a really thoughtful toast, while Renee’s sister made us all laugh out loud. Renee’s mom was the cheerleader from start to finish – encouraging everyone to have fun. Last but not least, the wedding reception at the Tudor Arms was beautiful, colorful and classic.

I’m really looking forward to sharing all the moments captured with Renee and Cheney. For now though, please enjoy just a few highlights below. And in case you missed it, Renee & Cheney’s engagement session at Lakeside, Ohio can be found here.

A Cleveland wedidng at the Tudor Arms Hotel with Renee and Cheney A Cleveland wedidng at the Tudor Arms Hotel with Renee and Cheney A Cleveland wedidng at the Tudor Arms Hotel with Renee and Cheney A Cleveland wedidng at the Tudor Arms Hotel with Renee and Cheney

Wedding ceremony – University Circle United Methodist Church
Wedding reception – The Tudor Arms Hotel
Wedding dress – Brides by Demetrios
Bridesmaids dresses – Brides by Demetrios
Floral design – Countryside Florist
Cake artist – West Side Bakery
Cinematography – Candy Apple Films
Entertainment & lighting design – Rock the House

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.

Hyatt Arcade spring wedding with Julia and Evan Hyatt Arcade spring wedding with Julia and Evan Hyatt Arcade spring wedding with Julia and Evan

Tagged: Black Tie