Posts tagged Cleveland engagement photography | Page 4 of 23 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Caitlin & Ryan – Chagrin Falls Summer Engagement

It seems like every time I am in Chagrin Falls for an engagement session I end up tempting fate. Foolishly (or wisely?) I suggest to my clients that we meet at Jeni’s Ice Cream. If you pay any attention to this blog, then you likely know this already. For those that don’t know Jeni’s Ice Cream – it’s like the most delicious crack you’ve ever had. Highly flavored and extremely addicting. Needless to say, I met Caitlin and Ryan at Jeni’s to start their session as well. Thankfully, there was a little parking SNAFU, so we had to quickly abandon any idea of eating ice cream.

Once parking issues were sorted, we slowly eased into Caitlin and Ryan’s engagement session. We simply strolled through downtown Chagrin Falls, stopping to take some photos from time to time. We talked about work, wedding planning, and other recent happenings. As for the weather, it could not have been better. We’ve had this amazing string of gorgeous weather lately. We’ve had very little rain and almost no clouds, which is truly rare for northern Ohio. I’m certainly not complaining though. Even better, the sunny weather looks simply amazing on film, especially working near sunset as we did for Caitlin and Ryan.

Weather aside, I loved working with Caitlin and Ryan the most. Caitlin’s has an absolutely infectious personality. She’s has a great sense of humor and ease about her. Ryan is very much the same as well. I simply asked for his “blue steel” and he had it ready to go!

To finish the session, we headed out of downtown Chagrin Falls and into a nearby reservation. The sun was just beginning to set, and the sky was giving off some amazing peachy tones. It was the perfect end to a great session. I especially like the last photo below. I certainly hope you enjoy the few highlights below. For Caitlin and Ryan – I’m really looking forward to your fall wedding. October in Cleveland should be gorgeous!

A Chagrin Falls engagement session captured on film with Caitlin and Ryan A Chagrin Falls engagement session captured on film with Caitlin and Ryan

Tiffany & Rick – A Downtown Cleveland Engagement Session at Westside Market

I took one last stride out of the street, over the curb, and started to cross into the alley next to the market. I could feel the afternoon heat pulling perspiration to the surface when I heard Tiffany call. “Hunter!” she beckoned from behind and to the right. I stopped quick and spun around. There was Tiffany, standing just outside the Westside Market in the brilliant sun, holding Rick’s hand. I smiled, and exclaimed “Tiffany!” as I walked over and shook Rick’s hand.

We met in that spot for a reason. Tiffany and Rick commonly come to the market for shopping, or to spend lazy Sundays together. So it only made sense to start their engagement session at the Westside Market. We started to stroll down the alley adjacent the market and chat about the session. “I love coming the market,” Tiffany said with a smile, “I like slapping the watermelons.” Just as she said this, she beat out a short rhythm on stack of nearby melons. We spent the next hour walking around the market, while Tiffany and Rick simply did their shopping, making sure to visit their favorite vendors.

It might seem like a strange way to start an engagement session, but it makes sense when you think about it. It’s a comfortable activity that creates an easy feeling. The market is also part of Tiffany & Rick’s life together, so it fits well with their story. But with the shopping done, we headed out for other highlights from around the downtown area.

After a short drive, we found some privacy in the Flats neighborhood to continue their Cleveland city engagement session. Not to mention, we found a nice little spot with a stellar city view. It was clear by this point that Tiffany and Rick had shaken off the nerves. More relaxed, the session picked up a natural rhythm of it’s own, like melons drummed in the market. We’d take a few pictures, laugh a lot, walk around a bit, and take a few more photos. Eventually it was time for a chance in outfit and scenery. We hoped into the cars and quickly sped across town, just missing rush hour.

Both Tiffany and Rick looked so dashing together in their formal outfits. By now we had reached the Cleveland Museum of Art to finish their engagement session. The formal look of the museum was the perfect way to end their session together. And we had the entire grounds to ourselves. There was hardly a soul around. From start to finish, the entire engagement session was such an awesome experience. Since then, I’ve been patiently waiting to get the film back from the lab. When it finally arrived today, I immediately dove into the results. I absolutely love how everything turned out and hope you enjoy the highlights below.

A downtown Cleveland engagement session in the summer sun with Tiffany and Rick A downtown Cleveland engagement session in the summer sun with Tiffany and Rick

Lauren & John – A Spring Engagement Session in the Valley

When I first met Lauren and John via the phone, things could not have gone better. Somehow, I have become a photographer for Hathaway-Brown graduates, of which Lauren is one. Of course Hathaway-Brown has some truly amazing graduates, so I definitely welcome this little niche. For their engagement session, Lauren simply said that they wanted something natural. Doing the engagement session at Cuyahoga Valley National Park immediately sprang to mind. It’s a gorgeous location year around and has a great pastoral feel.

And “natural” seems to be a good fit for Lauren and John. After all, they met in the most natural manner. Lauren was in New York to attend a friends Christmas party. John just so happened to be at the same party. Before long they bumped into each other and started talking. Lauren quickly admitted that John had no “game”, but he was a pleasure to be around. They talked the entire night, mostly about their favorite teams. Being a Seahawks fan, John has bragging rights of Lauren (at least this year).

It most have been a winning combination. Flashing forward, John had already sought permission from Lauren’s parents when he intended to propose. He wanted her family to be present, so he organized a trip to surprise Lauren at school. By the time the trip was organized, Lauren was set to graduate and move. John and her parents met her on the last week of school. Keeping things simply romantic, John proposed to Lauren at home with flowers and a ring. As she puts it, Lauren was so enamored with the ring that she almost forgot to say yes.

Lauren and John are clearly and amazing couple and I simply cannot wait for their Cleveland wedding. It should be absolutely stunning. For now though, enjoy some highlights below from their early spring engagement session, all captured on film.

A Cleveland spring engagement session with Lauren and John

Tagged: Cleveland engagement photography