Posts tagged City | Page 5 of 13 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Katie & Andy – Engagement Session at Cleveland’s John Carroll University

I had arrived quite a bit early, coming from one session to the next. I the extra time to scout out the university, doing a quick lap around John Carroll. The weather was perfect – mostly sunny with just a few high, thin clouds. Before I knew it, time had come to locate Katie and Andy. I called to let them know I was ready, and then they came walking around the corner.

We chatted a bit as we walked around the campus. Katie reminded me that she and Andy met while attending John Carroll University. As we walked, she pointed out buildings. “I lived over there, and Andy lived there,” she said, pointing out two dorms. It seemed like they were both reminiscing a bit during the session. Andy even remarked that it had been years since they were on campus.

Their engagement story is a sweet one. Like so many engagement stories, it started with the best laid plans. Also like so many stories, the plans went a little awry. During the winter, they were both at Gevasi Vineyard when the perfect time came. Andy wanted to propose under the slowly falling snow. He certainly got snow, but maybe more than he expected. The snow was deep enough that moving through it was tough. Nonetheless, he found a nice spot to propose. While the weather way have been tough, what really matters is the results.

For their engagement session, I think we all agreed that warmer weather would be best. Below are just a few highlights to enjoy, all captured on film.

A John Carroll University engagement session with Katie and Andy A John Carroll University engagement session with Katie and Andy

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.

Annie & Kevin – A Downtown Chicago Engagement Session

“You know, I’ll be in Chicago in September,” I said looking across the table at Annie and her parents. I think that was all I needed to say. Just a few days later, Annie and Kevin booked me for their wedding. My trip to Chicago for another wedding was already planned, so why not add an engagement session while I was there? Brooke and I just made the trip a day earlier than originally planned.

The plan for Annie and Kevin’s engagement session was pretty simple. There were a couple definite locations on the plan – the Chicago Art Institute, a stop by the Chicago River, and North Beach. The rest we would just make up as we walked through the city. I still know Chicago well, so I was comfortable traveling in and out. However, I still took the time to scout their entire session before hand.

We started in the gardens outside the Art Institute and chatted as we took photos. We talked about how they landed in Chicago, their favorite restaurants, and Kevin reminded me about how he met Annie. Annie and Kevin were both Students at Wittenberg University. One year, they both volunteered to be orientation assistants. You know, those upperclassmen who help freshmen move in on their first day? During the orientation, they met for the first time. Annie remarked that she was surprised it took so long – Wittenberg is a very small school.

Thereafter, Annie and Kevin became fast friends, but there was a speed bump ahead. Kevin had already booked a long trip to London, which could cut short a relationship that had just begun. Instead of faltering, Annie visited Kevin while in London. As I’m told, things moved forward pretty fast thereafter.

Which brings us back to Chicago. Below are some highlights from Annie & Kevin’s session in downtown. I’ll have more work to share soon from my second hometown. I was quite busy while visiting…

A downtown Chicago engagement session with Annie and Kevin A downtown Chicago engagement session with Annie and Kevin

I love those last two photos. The look on Annie’s face is breathtaking. For the photographers, all of the above was captured on a Contax 645 using a mix of Fuji 400H and Kodak Portra 800. However, the wide black and whites were captured on a Leica M6 with Tri-X. Hope you enjoyed!

Tagged: City