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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

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

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

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

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

Summer Cleveland wedding at Embassy Suites Independence with Katie and Matt

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

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

Alexis & Joe – A Columbus Athletic Club Wedding of Gold and Purple

I love photographing weddings in Columbus. They take me back to my home town; a place I know and love. It’s even better when I absolutely adore the clients, as it is with Alexis and Joe. They have been amazing from the start – friendly, excited, and so easy to work with. Their wedding at the Columbus Athletic Club could not have been better. I’d like to say the highlight was a golden wedding cake, but it was really Alexis and Joe.

They planned one of my favorite weddings from this year. The church and club were beautiful. The whole design was superb! To top it all off, their friends and family were so nice. I loved the golden wedding cake the most, followed closely by Alexis’ stunning dress. I also loved Joe’s cufflinks, which were a gift from Alexis. I would simply kill for a pair. The florals from Flowers on Orchard Lane were perfect.

I think the real highlight from their wedding was capturing the creative wedding portraits at Capital Square. If your not familiar with Columbus, the state capital building is right in the middle of the city. The building occupies an entire city block and makes for an excellent wedding photo location. The neo-classical building in pale limestone makes for a soft backdrop. The gardens in bloom allow for a little pop of color. Even better, the state house was within easy walking distance of Trinity Episcopal Church and the Columbus Athletic Club. The entire wedding nearly took place on just one block.

It was sincerely difficult to pick highlights from Alexis & Joe’s wedding. Below are just a few favorites culled from an absolutely gorgeous wedding set.

Columbus Athletic Club wedding by Hunter Photographic, a Columbus wedding photographer.

What an amazing wedding. I even got the chance to shoot some extra special film, seen mostly in the portraits above. I’m certainly looking forward to sharing more weddings, so stop back soon.

Venue – Athletic Club of Columbus
Florist – Flowers on Orchard Lane
Cake Artist – Short North Piece of Cake
Hair & Make-up – Jolie Laide
Dress – Tara Keely from Girls in White Dresses
Entertainment – Buckeye Entertainment

Joanna & David – Hyatt Arcade Wedding in Downtown Cleveland

Internally, we had been preparing for Joanna and David’s wedding for weeks. Everything had to be perfect. We scouted the Hyatt Arcade in downtown Cleveland on multiple occasions. We went over the plan again and again. Finally the day had arrived, and what a day it was. While planning and scouting always has a place, nothing had prepared me for what was about to unfold. Start with amazing ladies making up the bridal party, add the most incredible “first look” I have seen, and top it off with one heck of a party! Oh, and throw in a dash of awesome parents.

Joanna and David really had something special going. And it all started with the first look. In fact, the first look was so amazing that it deserved an entirely separate post. I suggest you check it out. Beyond the first look, the wedding was centered around family and close friends. And I can understand why. David’s near-twin sisters were so sweet. Joanna’s sister and Maid of Honor is lovely. And their friends kept the whole group laughing and having fun. Heck, I think Michael made fast friends with David’s dad.

Even better was the location. The Hyatt Arcade is a mallway of sorts left over from the turn of the century. Featuring four floors and an atrium roof, it is completely decorated in bronze-painted wrought iron. To which Joanna and David added a smart, modern design. The whole place glowed warmly at night. My personal favorite was the table numbers, featuring photos from each year of their lives.

Once the festivities began, things really got crazy. The hora was amazing (and a little scary). A Soul-Train-esque dance line broke out and there was even a singing bride with a microphone. To say it was great fun would be an understatement.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

Taking care of the little touches above and below.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

Above – Joanna slipping into her gorgeous dress and a long debate of necklaces. Below, a last embrace from mom.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

Ahh beer – the stable of gentleman’s morning preparations.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

We could feel the anticipation building, like lightning about to strike. We were all in our places, and for a moment, no one knew how to begin.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

With anticipation let loose, love filled the air. Michael and I just stood there and captured it all. The real magic came from Joanna and David.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

I love the button above, and I think he did as well. Below – a beautiful view inside the Hyatt Arcade.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

A quick review of the ketubah before signing, followed by a frantic search for yarmulkes before a prayer.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

The above is my absolute favorite. Quick comfort from Maid of Honor and sister. I still can’t get over this photo.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

With a crack and an embrace, it’s time to celebrate (that almost rhymes).

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

During the hora, I was almost as panic-stricken as Joanna. I think I almost dropped my camera twice, but we got the shot!

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

Above and below – a Soul-Train-esque dance line, shot two ways.

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

This I never expected – Joanna dancing with the microphone and singing “That Thing You Do”. Instant classic!

Joanna and David's Hyatt Arcade wedding in downtown Cleveland

So that’s the end of a really exciting weekend. For Joanna and David, I’m eternally thankful that you included us in your wedding day. It was truly magical. Looking forward, we’ll have more great weddings soon.

Tagged: Black Tie