Posts tagged City | Page 7 of 13 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Caroline & Todd – A Downtown Cleveland Wedding at the Hyatt Arcade

It was going to be a very long day, but we were well prepared. The longest wedding of the year was finally here, and certainly it was one of the most important. It was Caroline & Todd’s wedding day and everything had to be perfect. Thankfully, the locations were gorgeous and all within easy reach of each other. The ceremony would be at St. Ann’s Church, just up the hill from the Cleveland Museum of Art, where we would do the wedding portraits. Finally, we would end the day at the Hyatt Arcade in downtown Cleveland for the wedding reception.

When I arrived at Caroline’s family home, all the ladies were quickly getting ready. There was an excitement that goes along with any big day. After shooting some details, including Caroline’s gorgeous Jimmy Choo’s, it was time for her to get ready. One of my favorite moments of the wedding took place in the morning. Without any prompt from me, Caroline’s mother, grandmother and sister-in-law gathered around as she got ready – watching, listening, helping and hugging.

The rest of the wedding day was filled with similar intimate moments. Todd’s look from the altar as he saw Caroline for the first time was priceless. Caroline beamed with joy as Todd said his vows. A big hug from grandmother put a seal of approval on the entire ceremony. After the ceremony, there was a big exit to an awaiting Ford limousine. We headed off to the Cleveland Museum of Art for some bridal party photos. Mostly, the photos simply became friends and family having fun together. At the reception, the great moments continued.

The wedding reception design put together by Caroline and Valarie from Kirkbrides was simply stunning. Long tables filled the reception at the Hyatt Arcade. Each was decorated in a theme of chevron and purple. Even the guest favors were tied neatly with a chevron-patterned bow. And the three-tier wedding cake was simply amazing. The wedding reception got off to a poignant start with a emotional first dance, followed by personal and heartfelt toasts. Dancing and partying then followed late into the night.

And I do mean late into the night. The reception went past 11:00 and concluded with everyone dancing around Caroline and Todd to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. That was…AWESOME! Across the street we went for an after-party event at the Corner Alley. If you asked me a year ago if I would see a bride bowling in her dress, I’d have thought never. Well, you never know what you will see at a wedding!

I’m so thrilled with how everything turned out and I certainly hope you enjoy the highlights below.

Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd. Hyatt Arcade Cleveland wedding with Caroline and Todd.

Ceremony – Communion of Saints, St. Ann’s Church
Reception – Hyatt Arcade
Event design & planning – Kirkbrides
Cake Artist – Michael Angelo Bakery
Floral design – Grande Designs
Linens – L’Nique and Ultrapom (chevron runners)
Entertainment – Rock the House
Hair and make-up – Ramona Dauksa
Bridal gown – Ivy & Aster, Something White Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses – Donna Morgan
Groom & groomsmen suits – Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse

Kaye & Nathan – A Cleveland Union Club Wedding

That Saturday morning, the sun had finally arrived. After days of rain, clouds and cold, the sun was finally out. We had worked out a rain plan just in case, but it was clear that it would not be needed. Standing in living room at Kaye’s home, I could see clearly out across the lake. I could see the distant storms, slowly dripping over the lake. It was now clear – the storms would miss us for the rest of the day.

What a brilliant day it was. The time had finally come for Kaye & Nathan’s wedding at St. Anthony Padua Church in Lorain. Afterward, we would return to her parents house just down the street. They have a gorgeous lake view with a beach. From the start, Kaye had a clear vision. The formal photos would be on the beach at her parent’s home. So the passing weather made all of this possible again. Afterward, we headed to downtown Cleveland for a few more photos, followed by the wedding ceremony at the Union Club. I always love returning to the Union Club. It’s a gorgeous location and the wonderful staff makes it all that much better.

For Kaye & Nathan’s wedding, the day was filled with little things to adore. Kaye selected wonderful colors of flannel gray and daffodil yellow. The bridesmaids we aglow in their wonderful dresses, accented with silvery shoes. Peaceful moments were shared between all. From a morning embrace by Kaye’s sister to the excited joy shared with her mother. Looking up to Nathan, Kaye’s father presented her with pride (although I’m certain Nathan actually looks up to Kaye’s father). From the altar, Nathan beamed with joy, followed by a final kiss at the end of the wedding ceremony. Portraits in downtown Cleveland were simply gorgeous as the summer sun broke in beams through the soft shade.

The wonderful moments carried right through the wedding reception. Kaye and Nathan we introduced as they descended the Union Club’s grand staircase. The stars came out to witness the first dance. To end the night, the assembled group of wonderful guests danced and partied over the stars until late into the night. Below are just a few highlights to enjoy from their wedding.

A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan A summer wedding at the Union Club in Cleveland with Kaye and Nathan

Alyson & Kevin – A Chagrin Falls Engagement Session at Sunset

While waiting for Alyson & Kevin, I stood outside Jeni’s Ice Cream in Chagrin Falls, mindlessly rolling some film into my camera. I don’t know why I suggest Jeni’s Ice Cream as a meeting point for engagement sessions in Chagrin Falls. It’s near impossible to resist their delectable treats, but Jeni’s store front is always convenient and easy to find. Before long, Alyson and Kevin came strolling down the sidewalk with their lovely dog. Alyson looked awesome in her lacy top and I secretly wanted to steal Kevin’s seersucker pastel shirt. Of course Lucy, their dog, was all pink tongue and wagging tail.

We headed into the Chagrin river valley to start with a few photos of the new family together, including their favorite furry friend. Lucy was very skeptical of me the entire time, but eventually she gave up and relaxed a bit. I love having dogs along on engagement sessions. They always put everyone at ease. Having a furry friend present at the start can serve as we welcome distraction. One of my favorites below is Kevin holding his old friend. With Lucy’s role complete, she jumped into the car and headed off with Kevin’s parents.

We spent the rest of the sunset session strolling around the park and downtown Chagrin Falls. The light near sunset was gorgeous, casting an even peach glow over the town. Some of my favorite photos were with the historical Chagrin Falls police car. The black and white Chevy captured on film really adds a timeless quality to the photos. I also love the impromptu dance shared between Alyson and Kevin.

Their wedding isn’t far away, and it’s even scheduled for my birthday. I’m sure their wedding will be a gorgeous treat, but for now, enjoy a few highlights below.

A Chagrin Falls engagement session with Alyson and Kevin A Chagrin Falls engagement session with Alyson and Kevin

For photo-minded readers, all of the above was captured on my Contax 645 with Kodak Portra 400, with developing and scanning by Richard Photo Lab. Film always rocks it!

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