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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

Event styling & coordination – Heidi Baugart, Heidzillas
Ceremony – Holy Trinity Church, Avon
Reception venue – The Renaissance Hotel Cleveland
Floral design – Blooms by Plantscaping
Cake artist – Wild Flour Bakery, Rocky River
Entertainment – Something New Entertainment
Lighting design – The Renaissance Hotel

Natalie & Sean – A Blush Colored Wedding at Portage Country Club

When I woke, I could feel the nerves setting in. I’ve done this many, many times before, but the nerves still get me. I shuffled around the house as I quickly got ready. Out the door I went, and early. I can never really sleep the night before weddings, and nor can I wait to get started. After the drive to Akron for Natalie and Sean’s wedding, I arrived at St. Vincent church early. After a quick call to the wonderful Natalie, I knew the girls were on their way. I filled the time in between capturing some details around the church.

Soon enough, everyone was arriving and things started to get hectic. It was at that time that a nice calm came over me. Things were going well. Not just well. There must be a better word for it. Natalie and Sean’s wedding was going spectacularly well. The day was shaping up to be unexpectedly special. After the ceremony at St. Vincent’s, we headed over to University of Akron for some portraits, and then off to the wedding reception at Portage Country Club. Normally, a wedding day doesn’t fly by for me, but this one had. Making the hour drive back to Cleveland that night, I knew I had captured something like lightning in a bottle.

Sitting at home on Sunday, I could finally see why I was so excited on Sunday. It all started with Natalie’s blush-colored wedding dress. It wasn’t white or even off-white. Her dress was the palest of pinks. The wedding also had amazing friends and family, who were happy throughout. Sean and the gentlemen looked great in their tan suits. There were bridesmaids peeking, a funny priest cracking jokes about the father of the bride, and a groomsmen winking. Sean celebrated the union with typical style, the University was alight with purple blossoms, and we even had sunset portraits. My favorite moment – when the cake was so good that Sean refused to give any to Natalie.

Now the wedding season is in full swing, and Natalie and Sean’s wedding was the perfect way to start. I’m really looking forward to showing them the photos, and sharing more with you soon. For now, enjoy the highlights below.

Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean

Special thanks to –

Church – St. Vincent’s Church, Akron
Venue – Portage Country Club
Bridal gown – designed by Mori Lee, from Abbott’s Bridal
Floral design – Lori Reilly, Reilly’s Originals
Cake Artist – The West Side Bakery
Bridal Hair & Make-up – Georgies Salon

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

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