Posts tagged Garden | Page 10 of 16 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Preview – Meghan & Aaron’s Emotional First Look at Chautauqua

It felt like I was returning to an old home. Returning to someplace I had been many times before, yet this was only my second wedding at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. There’s something about Chautauqua that makes it feel immediately familiar. The character is immediately recognizable, the people friendly and the landscape is amazingly gorgeous. When Meghan and Aaron first contacted me about their wedding, I jumped at the opportunity to return once more to this old, quaint community by the shore.

The wedding day started off as normal – with Meghan and Aaron getting ready with their friends and family. Truth be told, there was a slight under-current of nervousness all around. The big moment was approaching and everyone had to be ready. Meghan and Aaron’s private “first look” before the wedding ceremony was just minutes away. A community garden nestled among the Victorian homes was selected as the perfect spot. Aaron walked to the garden with the groomsmen, while a trolly provided by the Chautauqua Institution picked up Meghan and the bridesmaids.

Holding Meghan back for a moment, I walked into the garden to greet Aaron. “Are you ready,” I asked. “Yes, let’s do this,” Aaron replied. I explained what would happen, stepped back and gave Meghan the signal. “Deep breath” I thought to myself.

Below you can find the results – a intimate moment between Meghan and Aaron filled with joy and excitement. Soon I’ll have more from this amazing Chautauqua wedding, but for today, enjoy this most important moment, with a little surprise at the end.

A Chautauqua Institution wedding in New York with Meghan and Aaron

I love that last photo. It really shows how fun Meghan and Aaron are together. Little moments like this are fleeting and hard to catch, but I love each one. More to come soon.

Madeline & Scott – A Cleveland Museum of Art Engagement Session on Film

Our dog is so incredibly important to Brooke and I. He’s like a rather large, four-legged child. For Madeline and Scott, the story is much the same. They have two, awesome dogs. So it was natural to have their dogs join in for an engagement session at Cleveland Museum of Art.

To give you and idea of how important the dogs are to Madeline and Scott, let’s go back a little. Madeline had planned a trip to the Hocking Hills for her and Scott. Scott, having already purchased the engagement ring, decided the trip would be the perfect opportunity to propose. While walking the dogs in the woods, Scott stopped, knelt down and proposed to Madeline – and her dog! Clearly the answer was “yes” from both, else we wouldn’t be here today. I just love that dogs can be that important.

And what an amazing session it was. Madeline has such an incredible sense of style. Her blush-colored skirt really pops on film. Both her and Scott were awesome together during the whole session. It was really nice getting to know them better as we walked around Wade Oval and chatted about their lives together, their careers, and wedding planning. Speaking of wedding planning, they have a stunning wedding planned for the Cleveland Courthouse in November. It should be a blast and I’m very much anticipating the big day. For now though, below are just a few highlights to enjoy!

Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session with Madeline and Scott Cleveland Museum of Art engagement session with Madeline and Scott

Alyson & Kevin – A Chagrin Falls Engagement Session at Sunset

While waiting for Alyson & Kevin, I stood outside Jeni’s Ice Cream in Chagrin Falls, mindlessly rolling some film into my camera. I don’t know why I suggest Jeni’s Ice Cream as a meeting point for engagement sessions in Chagrin Falls. It’s near impossible to resist their delectable treats, but Jeni’s store front is always convenient and easy to find. Before long, Alyson and Kevin came strolling down the sidewalk with their lovely dog. Alyson looked awesome in her lacy top and I secretly wanted to steal Kevin’s seersucker pastel shirt. Of course Lucy, their dog, was all pink tongue and wagging tail.

We headed into the Chagrin river valley to start with a few photos of the new family together, including their favorite furry friend. Lucy was very skeptical of me the entire time, but eventually she gave up and relaxed a bit. I love having dogs along on engagement sessions. They always put everyone at ease. Having a furry friend present at the start can serve as we welcome distraction. One of my favorites below is Kevin holding his old friend. With Lucy’s role complete, she jumped into the car and headed off with Kevin’s parents.

We spent the rest of the sunset session strolling around the park and downtown Chagrin Falls. The light near sunset was gorgeous, casting an even peach glow over the town. Some of my favorite photos were with the historical Chagrin Falls police car. The black and white Chevy captured on film really adds a timeless quality to the photos. I also love the impromptu dance shared between Alyson and Kevin.

Their wedding isn’t far away, and it’s even scheduled for my birthday. I’m sure their wedding will be a gorgeous treat, but for now, enjoy a few highlights below.

A Chagrin Falls engagement session with Alyson and Kevin A Chagrin Falls engagement session with Alyson and Kevin

For photo-minded readers, all of the above was captured on my Contax 645 with Kodak Portra 400, with developing and scanning by Richard Photo Lab. Film always rocks it!

Tagged: Garden