Posts tagged Cleveland Museum of Art | Page 9 of 10 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Natalie & Sean – A Colorful Engagement in Downtown Cleveland

When we met on the courthouse steps, we took a few minutes to shake off the nerves. It’s not unusual for couples to arrive a little nervous. Truth be told, I was a little nervous as well. Maybe nervous isn’t the word. “Amp’ed” might be the better term. After chatting for a few minutes we got started. Normally, the first few photos don’t make the selection because the nerves show. This was not the case for Natalie and Sean’s engagement session in downtown Cleveland. Something was definitely different.

The first photo below, is in fact, the first photo. Right from the start Natalie and Sean appeared completely comfortable with each other. Nerves that may have been there were completely gone. This was also true for the rest of the evening session. As we wandered to different locations around downtown Cleveland, Natalie and Sean were completely engaged with each other. In hind sight I can completely understand why. They make each other laugh constantly. If laughter is the key to love, then Natalie and Sean have it in spades.

For locations, Natalie and Sean simply allowed me to pick out some favorite spots, with the stipulation that we stop by the Brown’s Stadium for a few truly Cleveland-themed photos. Happy to oblige, we included the stadium and the Browns without throwing a football around. Come to think of it, this is the first time I have included Brown’s Stadium for an engagement session or wedding.

Below are just a few favorites –

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

On the courthouse steps above, and at Brown’s Stadium below.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

Above – a found patch of green grass in our drought environment. Below, looking out across the city.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

I love Natalie’s peach necklace peaking out about, and the hard sunshine below.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

The Art Museum above and below, which I am starting to use in new ways.

Downtown Cleveland engagement session with Natalie and Sean

That’s all from this Monday evening session. I certainly can’t wait for Natalie and Sean’s wedding in Akron. Too bad it’s a few long months away, but it will arrive before we know it. Definitely stop back soon as I will have quite a few more engagements and weddings coming soon. Until then, enjoy the fading summer.

Sheila & Beau – A Hot Summer Morning

I was just finishing setup at the studio when my phone rang. It was Sheila and Beau, and they were early! I quickly wrapped up and ran down to meet them. Once back upstairs, we chated for a bit as I got everything together. The idea was to start with just a few photobooth-esque shots. Hence, why we were in the studio I never use. After just a few frames we abandoned the hot studio and headed outside. Finally, a breeze.

Sheila and Beau had found me from all the way down in Cincinnati. Their wedding, scheduled for next year, will be in Cleveland and we simply can’t wait. They’ve picked some great locations and the entire team for their wedding is simply awesome. Even the amazing HDZ crew is helping out. And it all makes sense once you know Sheila and Beau just a little. They’re some of the most laid-backed people I’ve met. Fun, easy, happy and they clearly love to party. They even met while partying – at a concert.

For their engagement session, we kept things simple and wandered around downtown Cleveland. We hit a few spots over a couple hours and spent sometime getting to know each other. The sun was blazing hot, so we kept to the shade where possible.

Below are six simple favorites –

Sheila and Beau's hot summer engagement in downtown Cleveland

I’m pretty sure Sheila and Beau thought I was nuts when I screamed “Woo Hoo” and threw my hands in the air. I guess I managed to convince them, somewhat 😉

Sheila and Beau's hot summer engagement in downtown Cleveland

In the above, I love the little bit of sun grazing them in the shade. It’s a lovely highlight.

Sheila and Beau's hot summer engagement in downtown Cleveland

I am sure you have seen that wall on my blog before. I simply love the soft tones. That’s all for today. Since we have been shooting like mad lately, much more will be coming soon.

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!