Tagged: City

Joanna & David – A First Look to Remember

My memory of the beginning is a little fuzzy. I’m pretty certain I recommended a first look to Joanna and David, as I do with all of my clients. I’m also pretty certain they jumped at the suggestion. In fact, I think it was clear from the start that we had to do a first look. Next came the planning, which was easy enough. Little did I know at the start just how truly exceptional their first look would be.

The plan was simple – stay close to the Old Arcade in downtown Cleveland and find a nice shady location with a clean backdrop. After all, this summer has been crazy hot and shade is almost mandatory. We considered some of my favorite locations around downtown and finally settled on an area near the new Cleveland Public Library. The plan was as simple as it gets – leave the hotel separately, walk one block, and await the perfect time to meet.

It’s funny how such simple plans can yield such amazing results. As soon as the first look was over, Michael and I knew we had captured something special, like excelsior in a bottle. He kept saying “I can’t wait to see those pictures”. Even in the moment, we knew something amazing was happening. We burned through frames as fast as possible. Most important – Michael and I weren’t doing anything unusual.

The spark, the cause for remembrance, was all Joanna and David. Standing a few feet away, I could feel the anticipation in the air like the tingle before a lightning strike. And then the moment came, and the love was evident, real and honest. Momentarily, love became a tangible thing, to hold and to capture. So today, and little celebration just for a “first look” to remember. Later, the rest of the wedding photos will come.

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

 

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

 

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

Joanna and David's first look at their Cleveland Arcade wedding

There really isn’t much I can add to the above, other than to say it has been a thrill working with Joanna and David. Their amazing people and I’m proud to call them friends. Stop back on Monday for the full wedding.

Alexis & Joe – Dowtown Columbus Engagement on Film

I stood at the counter with an old Nikon film camera in my hands while the salesman at Columbus Camera Group chatted me up. This was the third camera shop I ‘d visited in just a couple hours to fulfill my shopping list. OK, the F100 was coming with me. It joined a bundle of film in the trunk of my car. I got the itch about a week earlier. The itch that says “let’s try something different”. So for Alexis and Joe’s engagement session in German Village and downtown Columbus, it had to be film. It also had to be an evening shoot. After all, the solstice had just passed.

I was a little early when I rang Alexis. “Sure, come on in”, she said. After some searching I found their door. Alexis was in a gorgeous periwinkle dress, hunting around her kitchen for something.

“You said pastels look nice, right?”

“The dress is beyond perfect”, I responded. And the dress was…just…perfect.

Alexis went on to explain her nervousness as Joe came down the stairs. All of my clients start off nervous, but soon settle into a little rhythm. Alexis and Joe would be no different. In fact, their engagement photos around German Village and downtown Columbus came out perfectly. It’s not the film or the evening light, although that helps. The photos are exceptional because, at the very core, their about a girl and a guy in love. The love shows. So does the friendship and kindness.

Below are just a few favorites from this beautiful evening engagement session –

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

The German Village Book Loft is a favorite place for Alexis and Joe. Thankfully, the staff let us take a few shots inside.

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Above, just a fleeting caught moment.

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Just as the sun was nearing the horizon, we sat for a drink in an outdoor bar. At just the perfect moment, we finished our drinks to capture the fading, peach-toned sunlight.

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Alexis and Joe's summer evening engagement session in downtown Columbus

Even though Columbus is my home town, it’s been a while since I spent anytime in downtown. It’s amazing what they have done with the city, and the river front in particular. It’s gorgeous and I could definitely get used to shooting in the city. Thankfully, I will be back in Columbus soon for Alexis and Joe’s wedding. Can’t wait!

For curious photographers, the above is Fuji Pro 400h shot on my Mamiya 645-AFDII. I didn’t use the Nikon F100 because I had to test it before using it professionally.

 

Stephanie & Ryan – Greenhouse Tavern Wedding in downtown Cleveland

A recipe for a truly special wedding is easy – 1 loving couple, six parts great family, a healthy quantity of close friends, a couple parts good design and a dash of good weather. For Stephanie and Ryan, this recipe was easy, almost ad-hoc. Their rooftop wedding at the Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland could not have been more special. Simply put, I was just honored to be present.

“You know your our guest, too” Stephanie said in the morning. If I take a break at a wedding, it’s never with guests. But Stephanie insisted that I sit for dinner. And I was not alone in this special treatment. Other contributors to the wedding design were also invited as guests. In fact, Stephanie and Ryan made sure to fill their entire wedding with friends, both vendors and guests alike. Their friend, Kim Coryea from the new Hummingbird Bake Shop, was sitting just a few seats over from me.

The gathered crowd was small by all standards, but most important, they were present for a reason. Stephanie and Ryan didn’t just find someone to marry. They found THE PERSON to marry. Their true, timeless connection to each other was evident during the ceremony. A real family ceremony, with readings by dad and brother. The readings were an expression of hope and love.

As for the design, it could not have been more flawless. Stephanie and Ryan are true foodies, currently on honeymoon in Napa. They love vintage things, re-use, up-cycling, the city, and whiskey. Their entire wedding reflected their other loves. Their signature reception drink was a powerful and intoxicating Gin Soaked Boy. The tables were decorated with re-used wine bottles, corks and candle jars. Most important were herbal centerpieces grown by Stephanie’s mom specifically for the wedding, intended for guests to take home. That one act alone, giving guests herbs for their own garden, demonstrates the personality of the wedding design. Grow and spread the love.

Jonathan Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern filled in the rest. The menu was out of this world! The evening started with roast pig head (seriously) and moved on to hominy with pork craklins, pig-tongue reubens, spring pasta with asparagus, and petite dry-aged rib steak. Being a foodie, I have eaten at Greenhouse before, but this menu was amazing.

Just one last note – a special thanks to the team at Blooms by Plantscaping. Again, they did an amazing job with the bouquets.

OK, just one more note. To Stephanie and Ryan – thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Above, Stephanie and Ryan chose to include elements from the Greenhouse Tavern logo in their wedding invitations. Below, Stephanie’s gorgeous Vera Wang dress.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

They were expecting a car, but not a Rolls Royce Cornishe drop-head coupe that belonged to Dean F%$&ING Martin! Again, provided by a family friend.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Above, a morning toast and a little shoe adjustment. Below, Ryan preparing for the big ceremony in his custom Canali suit. Love the polka-dots!

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

They both looked so happy and proud during their emotional and personal wedding ceremony.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Above, Stephanie and her brother, “Man of Honor”, Kevin. Below, the bridal party on the way to the reception.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

They thought I was crazy when I asked if they could lay down. Then I showed them the photo.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Above – overlooking East 4th Street from the Greenhouse Tavern rooftop. Below – a personalized wishing tree and Greenhouse Tavern vinegar for guest gifts.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Kim’s most excellent cake for Stephanie and Ryan’s wedding – a gluten-free masterpiece. It was so delicious and you’d never know it was gluten-free.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Above – roasted pig head and hominy with pork cracklins. Below – an emotional moment between Stephanie and Ryan as they see the reception for the first time.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan thanked everyone who contributed to their arrival at this moment, especially parents.

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

The end of their epic first dance above, and it’s time for sparklers!

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

Stephanie and Ryan's downtown Cleveland wedding at Greenhouse Tavern

The last photo was a special request from Stephanie. I love it because they now head towards a future together, filled with blazing light. That’s all for today. To my friends, Stephanie and Ryan, enjoy your honeymoon!

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