Posts tagged portraits | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warblers, and Tulip Flowers

The first time Brooke got a tattoo, she wasn’t nervous at all. I’d say she was more excited than anything. For her latest tattoo, the emotions were quite different. As we drove down Lorain Road, I could see her shifting in her seat. We were almost there and her nerves were building a bit. I’m sure the nervousness was from a combination of factors. The memory of her first tattoo must have still been fresh. Plus, the scale of the new tattoo was much, much larger.

We arrived at Tattoo Faction just in time for her appointment. Another minute and we’d have been late. Dave Wulff was there waiting and ready to go. Brooke and Dave discussed the concept for the tattoo while I stood listening. Many of you may know that my wife is a professional biologist and avid environmentalist. Like her honey bee tattoo, Brooke’s plans for her new tattoo involved fauna, but also flora. She wanted indigo buntings, yellow warblers and tulip flowers. Dave listened closely, and then said “Have a seat and I’ll sketch this out.” A few minutes later he returned with a drawing. “Perfect,” Brooke said with no hesitation. Just like her vision, the drawing was realistic, also like an Audubon print.

Below are some highlights of Brooke getting the outlines completed. Unfortunately I won’t be present for the shading or the color, as I have to work elsewhere. After seeing just this small part, I can say one thing – Brooke is tough. Really tough! She took the hold thing in stride and did an amazing job. Truth be told, I’m not surprised one bit. For a long time I’ve known that my wife is made of the hardest metal. Also worth noting is that Dave did an amazing job. Brooke searched for years to locate the perfect artist, and Dave has certainly proven worthy. We wish he was staying local, but he’s headed across country soon for awesome new adventures.

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Personally, I love the look of tattoo shops. They are like graphic dreams. Every inch is covered with detailed artwork, and Tattoo Faction is no different. I especially like the Durado fish mounted on the wall, the “Drunkenness Prohibited” sign, and the large tiger head gate guarding the back room. For the technical minded, the above was all shot on a Contax 645 with Kodak Portra 800 film. Enjoy!

Didi & Henry – A Golden Winter Engagement in Downtown Cleveland

We met in the courtyard of Didi and Henry’s apartment building. In the shade, it was quite cold. Henry and Didi ran inside to grab Penelope and we were off. Once in the sun, you could feel the heat baking down. Well, it was still February, but it felt wonderfully warm. Anyhow, just to have beautiful, golden light in February was welcome. We drove over to Shaker Heights for some photos with Penelope, Henry and Didi’s lovely adopted dog. There after, it was time for just Didi and Henry.

As we walked around the museum campus near downtown Cleveland, we talked about what they do and how they met. Both Henry and Didi attend Case Western Reserve University for a special program in medical research. They met in a similar fashion. They spend their days researching at the outer edges of medicine. Henry completely lost me when I asked about his current research. I consider myself well-informed, but I didn’t understand a lick about what he’s researching. Let’s just say his work could lead to innovations in human skull formation. Yup, that’s all I could understand.

Together as a couple, Didi and Henry are some kind of amazing. Sharing the same career interests is wonderful. They also share a deep interest in each other. Spend just a little time with them and this becomes evident. Below are a few favorite photos from our short time together in Shaker Heights and around Cleveland.

Didi and Henry - Golden Winter engagement photos in downtown Cleveland

Penelope was a bit scared at first, and clung close to Henry and Didi.

Didi and Henry - Golden Winter engagement photos in downtown Cleveland

Above, Henry looking dashing. Below, Didi and Henry caught in the golden light near the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

Didi and Henry - Golden Winter engagement photos in downtown Cleveland

Above and below you can easily see why I love evening engagement sessions. The light in the shade takes on a blue tone, while the sunlight itself goes to a peachy golden color.

Didi and Henry - Golden Winter engagement photos in downtown Cleveland

Above are a couple real film photos. I love using film for the amazing quality it allows, but more so for how it changes my approach. Everything slows down and peaceful moments are captured.

Didi and Henry - Golden Winter engagement photos in downtown Cleveland

Didi and I share one distinct thing in common – a love of shoes. She planned to change her shoes multiple times. My favorites were the purple ones at the end, but I’ll personally stick with my well-worn brown pair. There’s more coming soon, so stop back again. Until then, you can keep up with our latest work on Facebook. Also, check out our latest feature about growing a successful photography business.

Molly & Dave – A Wedding for Valentines

Molly, Dave and I met in the beautiful lobby of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland quite some time ago. We talked about their upcoming wedding, how they met, and what they were looking forward to in the future. It was the perfect setting since their wedding was planned for the same place. We also got along famously from the beginning. They’re quite possibly one of the nicest couples I have met, and desperately in love.

I think Dave loves Molly because she sees the good in everything, and because she is a great mother to their dog, Bella. She cares deeply for the well-being of all, loves her family and loves her friends. I think Molly loves Dave because he is a rock. He is quite funny and quirky, yet sincere. They both have an amazing sense of style and go together like Dolce and Gabbana.

Their romantic wedding at the Renaissance matched them both perfectly. It was filled with loving friends and family. The ceremony was sincere and touching. The toasts at the reception were funny and quirky. Everyone was lively and the style was impeccable. Of course Molly and Dave looked dashing together. His polka-dot cummerbund seemed to fit perfectly with Molly’s flower-laced dress.

Held so close to valentine’s day, the wedding seemed styled for the occasion. While unintentional, the detailing on Molly’s dress looked like a series of hearts. The cake was pink and beautiful red roses provided by Arne’s amazing team at Blooms Cleveland. Below are a few emotional favorites from this wedding of love.