Tagged: Cleveland wedding photography

Jessica & Bobby – An Evening Wedding at Manakiki Golf Club

I was standing at the door of Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby Hills waiting for someone to answer the door. It was nearly a hundred degrees with humidity to match, I was wearing all black and the sun was beating down. In a mere 60 second, I had gone from comfortable to feeling like I was in a swamp. Gotta love summer weddings! Thankfully, Manakiki has really cool air conditioning. Even better, I was working with a really awesome couple. Even though Jessica and Bobby live out of town, we had gotten to know each other threw a few phone conversations and one afternoon meeting. What I hadn’t expected was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.

I had arrived early to do some additional scouting. After some final checks, I still had plenty of time left before Jessica was due to arrive. I was pleasantly surprised to find the reception design already completed, so I set about photographing all the beautiful details. Jessica and Bobby have lived a very multi-cultural life. While they initially met in Brooklyn, they have also lived all over the world. So each table at the reception bore the name of a city in which they’ve lived, either together or apart – Las Vegas, Cleveland, Rio, Bagram and more. Each table was also smartly decorated with one of my favorite flowers – hydrangeas.

Before too long, the Jessica arrived with the bridesmaids, followed shortly by the Bobby and the groomsmen. That’s when the fun really began! It was immediately apparent that Jessica and Bobby’s friends were a really fun group. The whole day was fueled by energy and comedy from the wedding party. The bridesmaids were a walking comedy routine. Jessica’s brother could have been a stand-up comic. The balance of the wedding party kept the dance floor rocking all night long.

More importantly – Jessica and Bobby’s wedding ceremony was filled with family, love and laughter, as you can see below.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Above – getting the party started right. Below – some summer wedding details.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

I think Jessica is saying “I only had this much champagne!”

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

I love the prideful look from Jessica’s mom above. Below, the ladies reviewing weddings past.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica’s simply elegant wedding bouquet above. Below, a little giggle over a fart joke.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

We braved the sunlight for just a moment despite the heat. TOTALLY.WORTH.IT! Below, the groomsmen and Bobby with his brother and best man.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

There were even big laughs during the recessional. Below, comedic moment during family portraits.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

The setting sun cast a peach-laced tone over the golf course for Jessica and Bobby’s bridal portraits. Truly, the light was magical.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

The head table above. Below, little details showing the cities in which Jessica and Bobby have lived.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Bobby’s nephew danced the entire night. Below, the party starting to heat up.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

I had to ask Jessica to explain the Smirnoff Ice tradition – if someone hands you a Smirnoff Ice, and you reach for it, you must drink it. Bobby took the bullet…er…ice.

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

Jessica and Bobby's evening wedding at Manakiki Golf Club in Willoughby Hills

The party was so much fun, that I pretty much worked right until the end. It was an early afternoon start and a late evening finish, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Big thanks to Sammy’s Manakiki for being such gracious hosts. I’m certainly looking forward to my next visit. Hopefully it’s a little cooler next time, but I know they have great a/c if it isn’t. Also, I want to thank Bob Javorsky for putting on a gorgeous ceremony once again. That’s all for today and check back for more great weddings soon.

Katie & Jonah – Vintage-Inspired Wedding in North Canton

Storms passed through the night before and cooled the summer heat. For weeks the temperature had been in the 90’s, but it cooled off just in time. Kate and Jonah’s wedding had finally arrived. A couple week’s prior, I went down to Walsh University for some early scouting. At the time, it was hard to see a wedding taking place at the University. Sure, Walsh University and North Canton are pretty, but it just didn’t seem to fit. On the day of Kate and Jonah’s wedding, we arrived early and were immediately met with a big surprise.

Michael and I visited the Hoover Park Banquet center before we started the day. As we stood there, we looked like a couple of mouth-breathers. This couldn’t be the same place I had seen weeks prior! The whole place was complete transformed. Gone were the bland picnic tables and debris. In their place were long tables decorated ornately with white table clothes, silver chargers, unique flowers, herbs and hand-made table numbers. The place had come alive. Even the outside was refreshed. Kate and Jonah had brought in enough landscaping plants to fill the entire grounds. After we picked ourselves up off the floor, we left to start the day.

The rest of the day would be met with similar awe. Kate’s dress was gorgeous and reminded me of the dress my wife wore on our wedding day. The solarium at her parents house was the perfect place for prep. And the entire bridal party was composed on dear friends and family. And these were fun, happy friends. The kind of people I could call my friends.

Altogether, the wedding was about a surprisingly gorgeous vintage wedding design, close friends, kind family and love. Lots and lots of love. It could not have been more perfect.

And below are just a few personal favorites –

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

The light streaming through the solarium was gorgeous, and Kate’s wedding dress even more so.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Above, Kate getting the last details squared away. Below, Jonah looking dapper in a navy suit.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

With such a great bridal party, the portraits were more fun than work. The shaded setting was nice as well.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Simply gorgeous bridesmaids in their pale blue dresses.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Really these two would look amazing anywhere, but the solitude of a crushed limestone trail through a forest seemed the perfect place for bridal portraits.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Right from the entrance, you could see how detailed the wedding reception would be. Landscaping plants lined to pathway to the reception, with candles scattered throughout.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

My personal favorite – the home-grown herbs for wedding guests to take home. I have some growing in my garden today. Heck, I made gnocchi with the thyne last night.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah’s magical first dance lead quickly into high-energy open dancing.

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

 

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

Kate and Jonah's Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Walsh University in North Canton

In those last couple photos you can see a technique we have been using during open dancing. I love how the technique conveys a sense of energy and motion. That’s all for today. Check back soon as we still have lot’s in the pipeline.

Danielle & Matt – A Clifton Club Wedding in Lakewood

I’ve been anticipating Danielle and Matt’s wedding ever since we first met over a year ago. They’re such a wonderful couple together and the whole wedding plan was a perfect fit. To say they’re the ideal client would be an understatement. Danielle and Matt’s wedding took place right in my little Lakewood neighborhood. I could literally walk to their wedding, although I didn’t. Lakewood’s Congregational Church and it’s Georgian design would be the backdrop for the ceremony, while the vaunted Clifton Club would host the wedding reception, all just block’s from my home.

As I had hoped, their wedding earlier this week turned out perfect. The ceremony, backed by sunny blue skies, was intimate, emotional and beautiful. For the wedding reception at the Clifton Club, Danielle and Matt had planned a detail-laden outdoor affair. While the inside of the club is gorgeous, the reception took place on the lawn, ringed by glowing lights. The flowers provided by Lakewood’s Cottage of Flowers had a distinct vintage flare to match the light, airy feeling. As the sun set, guests danced the night away under a soft incandescent glow on the patio.

Danielle and Matt’s wedding felt like home for me, and not just because of the location. Over the past year, I had gotten to know Danielle and Matt through their engagement session and many planning emails. I also happened to photograph an earlier wedding this month where Danielle and Matt were guests. Not just for me, but for everyone, their wedding was comfortable and quaint.

Before the ceremony, Danielle and Matt chose to do a first look on the Clifton Club lawn.  And to add a little more, we escaped briefly at night from the wedding reception to capture a few more portraits in the Lakewood neighborhood. Below are a few favorites, and some fun ones, too –

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – Danielle’s simply stunning Casablanca wedding dress and a brace of colorful, matching bridesmaid dresses.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

A first look for Danielle and Matt, on the back quarter of the Clifton Club lawn.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

 

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Biodegradable confetti flew as they exited the wedding ceremony. A confetti fight might have broken out!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Formals can be fun! Above – my favorite groomsman keeping everyone laughing!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

The beautiful ladies on the front lawn of the Club.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle’s details had a distinct vintage wedding flare. I love the menu and seating chart written out on an old window pane. And everything was personal – a close friend’s homemade lemon sorbet was served after dinner.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – some paperwork to be done. Below – a smoke on the patio to end the dinner.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt’s sunset first dance above, and a few portraits in the neighborhood below.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – running through the neighborhood with sparklers, just for fun. Below – let the party begin!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

OK – this last one is kinda special. It violates nearly every compositional rule. Their are weird lines, the subject is centered, the frame is not filled, and it’s lit with direct flash. I still love it though. He wanted a photo and jumped into the frame. Definitely a personal favorite, even if no one else likes it. That’s all for today. Thanks for stopping by.

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