A little over five years ago, my wife and I wed and we have been blessed ever since. In large part, we owe a debt of gratitude to our dear friends Patsy and Paul, who are responsible for introducing Brooke and I. When Patsy’s little sister, Molly, called to inquire about wedding services, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to offer my gratitude to her family for the blessings they had helped to bestow on our little family. In the end, working with Molly and Zac was more rewarding than I could have imagined.
The focus of their wedding seemed simply to be love and family. During preparation, the first thing we did was spend time with Molly’s family. Her bridal party consisted of her four sisters, a soon to be sister-in-law, plus a few dear friends. We took the opportunity to capture portraits of the beautiful ladies together with Molly’s parents. I knew going in that a “must have” was a nice portrait of Molly with just her mother and sisters.
The wedding ceremony at Solon’s St. Rita Church overflowed with love. The tone during the homely was simply one of joy as the minister recounted heartfelt stories about Molly and Zac. I must admit that I privately laughed along with the family at the ministers remarks. Thankfully the layout of the church afforded us a unique opportunity to capture reactions of friends and family during the wedding ceremony. A treat I won’t soon forget. Every time someone say “we’re getting married in Solon”, I hope it is soon followed by “at St. Rita”.
Speaking of treats, working for the first time at Cleveland’s famous Landerhaven during the wedding reception was delicious. Seriously, we only get a chance to eat once during the entire day. It really can be exhausting, so a meal is always welcome. But Landerhaven laid out the most amazing spread for us lowly photographers. With batteries recharged, we rushed into the reception. The band struck up and the dance floor was packed. Nearly the entire night, the five sisters and Mother danced together. The entire crowd may have sung a special version of “Goodbye Earl”, but you didn’t hear that from me.
For Molly and Zac – thank you! Your wedding meant more to me than I think you know. Simply, thank you for including us. Oh, and Brooke say “Hiya!” Now, here are just a few of my many favorites –
Molly looked truly radiant in her feathered dress, one unlike any other. It was truly gorgeous. Almost better were the bride’s maids dressed in picture-perfect green seersucker dresses. I remember asking Molly about her wedding colors. When she said seersucker, I nearly fell out of my chair. I have always wanted a seersucker suit (yes, I have an addiction to suits, too). I wonder if I can find that green seersucker fabric? I think I would look sharp in green.
Before the ceremony I spent a little extra time hidden away with Molly and the bride’s maids. Their love for Molly on her big day and the look of adoration they shared was priceless.
It’s rare that we can conspicuously get close to the action during the ceremony. St. Rita afforded us a comfortable vantage point to closely capture all of the wedding ceremony action and reaction.
I believe it was Molly who originally suggested bridal portraits in Chagrin Falls. I wasn’t convinced it would work without being cliche, but boy was I wrong. We ended up there after our primary location was finished. Since that time, Chagrin Falls has become one of my favorite spots. I might claim it’s because Chagrin is a gorgeous backdrop. Other’s know it is really because Jeni’s Ice Cream has a shop in Chagrin.
Molly mentioned wanting a picture of her Grandfather, but she never mentioned that he was a retired photographer. He saw the polaroid hanging over my shoulder and we just started chatting. I’m so happy he found the camera interesting enough to tinker with it for a while.
