Posts tagged Cleveland Museum of Art | Page 5 of 10 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Samantha – A High School Senior Session in Downtown Cleveland

I knew Samantha would be wearing traditional Indian clothing for the start of her senior portrait session. While standing in front of the Cleveland Museum of Art, I was on the look out for flowing silk, gold and intense colors. My phone started to ring and it was Samantha on the other line. “We’re here,” she said. I glanced around and didn’t see anyone. “Where exactly are you,” I asked. After some back-and-forth it became clear that we were on opposite sides of the museum.

Every since the finished the massive expansion to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the museum has become more beautiful and more difficult to navigate. I think it’s a fair trade-off, honestly. After a quick run, I met up with Samantha and her mother to start her senior portrait session. I happily do senior portraits whenever I can, but I really don’t market myself as a senior photographer. When someone does ask me to do portraits, I know it’s a blessing. I know they really want my work and none other, for which I am forever thankful. They see my wedding working and can picture themselves within the photos.

And so is the case with Samantha. Definitely read deeper than the traditional clothing you see below. Samantha’s intelligence and maturity runs deeper than almost anyone I have met, whether in or out of her age range. She is amazingly smart – focused mostly on AP classes. She could easily be your next doctor, world leader or famous fashion designer (an admitted passion of hers). But for now, she’s is a high school senior preparing for college.

Below are just a few highlights from our session. I have to say – I’m in love with the intense colors produced by the combination of wardrobe, film and sunset. Enjoy!

High school senior photography session in downtown Cleveland for Samantha High school senior photography session in downtown Cleveland for Samantha

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Wedding – Michelle & Adam

I was strapped into my car tightly and absolutely flying down Fairmount Boulevard. The reason for my haste was so that I could beat both Michelle and Adam to their first look location. I wanted to be ready and waiting with time to spare. The boutonnieres from HeatherLily resting in a box next to me also had me nervous. I could picture them melting in the sun, so I kept them blasted with fresh AC. Michelle & Adam’s Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding had to be perfect!

I finally reached the Cleveland Museum of Art where Michelle and Adam would have their first look. With a chance to catch my breath before they arrive, it finally hit me. This was going to be an amazing wedding filled with emotional moments. Already I had seen the bridesmaids hug Michelle tightly after she donned her gown. Michelle also brought tears to her mother eyes simply by presenting a small gift. The weather was the best we’ve seen in weeks and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The day could not be more perfect for their Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding ceremony.

Just a few moments later, Michelle and Adam arrived separately. We got Adam & the groomsmen pinned with their boutonnieres and then moved Adam into position for the first look. With a helping hand, Michelle slowly stepped out of the white limo and made her way into position. “Stay here,” I whispered, “and wait for my sign.” I slowed backed away and then gave Michelle and Adam a wave. They found each other’s hands, turned the corner and saw each other for the first time. I think Michelle nearly cried. The moment was so intense, with emotions thick and vibrant like the colors in a painting. “Oh my God, you’re getting married!” I yelled out at one point.

Just like the first look shared between Michelle and Adam, the rest of the day was happy, beautiful and smooth as silk. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding ceremony was filled with family, friends and sunlight. The Maggiano’s Little Italy wedding reception in Beachwood was beautifully decorated and the family style dinner was so tasty. Below are just a few highlights from the day. For Michelle and Adam – thank you, sincerely, for allowing me to have just a small part in your wedding day.

A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic

Wedding planning & design – All Events Planned
Bouquets & boutonnieres – HeatherLily Floral & Event Design
Wedding ceremony – Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Ceremony officiant – Tim Greathouse
Wedding reception – Maggiano’s Little Italy, Beachwood
Cake & cupcakes – Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes
Wedding dress – White, by Very Wang
Groom & groomsmen suits – Jos. A. Banks

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

Tagged: Cleveland Museum of Art