Tagged: Country Club

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.

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.

Jodie & James – Rocky River Wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie, James and I sat down in a comfortable living room to discuss their wedding. The meeting was just a couple blocks from my house and I could have walked over. Jodie’s parents were practically my neighbors. Even their house number was only slightly different than my own. Strangely, it felt as though I was meeting with neighbors. I say strangely because Jodie and James live so far away. They were in town visiting from Boston, where they live. James is actually from much, much further away. By the end of the meeting, we had their wedding all planned out, I had met some new neighbors, and could not wait for April to roll around.

On their wedding day, we got just a little lucky. After days of brilliant sunshine, it began to look ominously like rain. OK, it doesn’t sound lucky, but it was. The rain, as it turns out, held off just for the wedding. Jodie and James are lucky as well. Across continents, they found each other. Jodie was living in Boston with roommate found through an ad. According to her roommate-now-maid-of-honor, dating was a little rocky. James was in Boston after emigrating from Ireland. Luckily their paths crossed. Before long, we were all gathered in a living room to plan a wedding.

A what a wedding it was! You see, James and Jodie are so very nice. They welcome everyone like family. They are the type to ask about your day and genuinely care about your answer. Their wedding was filled with friends and family who were equally as kind. To say the wedding felt like a neighborhood would be an understatement. Below are just a few favorites of mine Jodie and James’ neighborly wedding at Westwood Country Club –

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Details from the morning, just around the hallway from where Jodie, James and I first met.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Nervous excitement above. Below, Jodie and her mother waiting to leave for the ceremony.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Above – Our Lady of Angels looking gorgeous in the spring. Below – Jodie’s brother comforting their mom.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

I love small wedding parties. They always seem a little more – personal.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Above – the gap in the trees looks like a sanctuary in a forest. Below – some private moments between Jodie and James.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Their first dance was amazing. Nearly everyone stood and look on at the new couple. Below, a really funny and really touching toast to Jodie and James.

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

Jodie & James' Rocky River wedding at Westwood Country Club

I’m sometimes asked what I like most about weddings. It’s a toss up between a really good Best Man toast and the parents dances. I just love how proud parents are of their children. I have always strode to make my parents proud, so I certainly know the feeling. Because the pride is so easily seen during the parents dances, I end up sharing the dances again and again.

So that’s all for today. We will certainly have more coming soon, so check back often, or simply subscribe.

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