Posts tagged Restaurant | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Wedding – Michelle & Adam

I was strapped into my car tightly and absolutely flying down Fairmount Boulevard. The reason for my haste was so that I could beat both Michelle and Adam to their first look location. I wanted to be ready and waiting with time to spare. The boutonnieres from HeatherLily resting in a box next to me also had me nervous. I could picture them melting in the sun, so I kept them blasted with fresh AC. Michelle & Adam’s Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding had to be perfect!

I finally reached the Cleveland Museum of Art where Michelle and Adam would have their first look. With a chance to catch my breath before they arrive, it finally hit me. This was going to be an amazing wedding filled with emotional moments. Already I had seen the bridesmaids hug Michelle tightly after she donned her gown. Michelle also brought tears to her mother eyes simply by presenting a small gift. The weather was the best we’ve seen in weeks and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The day could not be more perfect for their Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding ceremony.

Just a few moments later, Michelle and Adam arrived separately. We got Adam & the groomsmen pinned with their boutonnieres and then moved Adam into position for the first look. With a helping hand, Michelle slowly stepped out of the white limo and made her way into position. “Stay here,” I whispered, “and wait for my sign.” I slowed backed away and then gave Michelle and Adam a wave. They found each other’s hands, turned the corner and saw each other for the first time. I think Michelle nearly cried. The moment was so intense, with emotions thick and vibrant like the colors in a painting. “Oh my God, you’re getting married!” I yelled out at one point.

Just like the first look shared between Michelle and Adam, the rest of the day was happy, beautiful and smooth as silk. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding ceremony was filled with family, friends and sunlight. The Maggiano’s Little Italy wedding reception in Beachwood was beautifully decorated and the family style dinner was so tasty. Below are just a few highlights from the day. For Michelle and Adam – thank you, sincerely, for allowing me to have just a small part in your wedding day.

A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic A summer Cleveland Cultural Gardens wedding captured on film by Hunter Photographic

Wedding planning & design – All Events Planned
Bouquets & boutonnieres – HeatherLily Floral & Event Design
Wedding ceremony – Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Ceremony officiant – Tim Greathouse
Wedding reception – Maggiano’s Little Italy, Beachwood
Cake & cupcakes – Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes
Wedding dress – White, by Very Wang
Groom & groomsmen suits – Jos. A. Banks

Robin & Josh – A Cleveland Wedding at Night Town Jazz Club

“Excuse me, sir,” said someone with a walkie-talkie and a black jacket. “Where are you going?”

“To the hotel,” I replied, while pointing down the street. “Is that a problem?” She waved me through and I continued on my way. Over the past few weeks, some Hollywood types have invaded Cleveland for movie filming. We seem to get this about once per year, since Cleveland can look similar to New York. Streets are shutdown and crews are everywhere, trying to control traffic. While it has meant headaches for most, I have managed to avoid the issues. However, Robin & Josh’s wedding started in the heart of downtown Cleveland. This meant some last minute changes to avoid filming, but flexibility lead to a great outcome.

The day was gorgeous and started simply enough. Josh gathered with his friends while getting ready in a hotel room. Robin, just a few floors down, nervously completed her preparation. The big moment was just around the corner. When all were ready, we headed out for an emotional first look.

Robin and Josh wanted their wedding photos to feel like Cleveland. For the first look, we chose a bright street corridor in downtown. The light echoed between stone buildings, creating the softest light. I could feel Josh’s anticipation as Robin approach. Occasionally, I would give him hints about where she was. Then came the big reveal. Robin was smashing in her beautiful sheath dress, while Josh looked dapper in his dark gray suit. Honestly, I wanted to steal the suit. We spent the next couple hours moving around the city, capturing Robin and Josh together, along with the bridal party.

There’s a long “loves” list for Robin and Josh’s wedding. The wedding ceremony and reception were at Night Town, a very famous Cleveland Jazz Club. Before the patio-side ceremony was a period for the Tisch, with Robin hosting the ladies and Josh the gentlemen. I love that the ceremony started with “Groucho glasses” and the beautiful voice of Josh’s sister. Robin circling Josh during the wedding ceremony was seven times heaven. I especially love that they honored their guests and desired to capture portraits of them all. The ice cream bar was also a special treat towards the end of the wedding reception.

More than anything else, I love the simple moments – Robin almost crying after signing the ketubah, time with the kids, a solo sung by the mother of the groom, and a kiss to end the night. Below are just a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy.

Downtown Cleveland wedding at Night Town with Robin and Josh Downtown Cleveland wedding at Night Town with Robin and Josh Downtown Cleveland wedding at Night Town with Robin and Josh Downtown Cleveland wedding at Night Town with Robin and Josh Downtown Cleveland wedding at Night Town with Robin and Josh

Stephanie & Ryan – Greenhouse Tavern Wedding in downtown Cleveland

A recipe for a truly special wedding is easy – 1 loving couple, six parts great family, a healthy quantity of close friends, a couple parts good design and a dash of good weather. For Stephanie and Ryan, this recipe was easy, almost ad-hoc. Their rooftop wedding at the Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland could not have been more special. Simply put, I was just honored to be present.

“You know your our guest, too” Stephanie said in the morning. If I take a break at a wedding, it’s never with guests. But Stephanie insisted that I sit for dinner. And I was not alone in this special treatment. Other contributors to the wedding design were also invited as guests. In fact, Stephanie and Ryan made sure to fill their entire wedding with friends, both vendors and guests alike. Their friend, Kim Coryea from the new Hummingbird Bake Shop, was sitting just a few seats over from me.

The gathered crowd was small by all standards, but most important, they were present for a reason. Stephanie and Ryan didn’t just find someone to marry. They found THE PERSON to marry. Their true, timeless connection to each other was evident during the ceremony. A real family ceremony, with readings by dad and brother. The readings were an expression of hope and love.

As for the design, it could not have been more flawless. Stephanie and Ryan are true foodies, currently on honeymoon in Napa. They love vintage things, re-use, up-cycling, the city, and whiskey. Their entire wedding reflected their other loves. Their signature reception drink was a powerful and intoxicating Gin Soaked Boy. The tables were decorated with re-used wine bottles, corks and candle jars. Most important were herbal centerpieces grown by Stephanie’s mom specifically for the wedding, intended for guests to take home. That one act alone, giving guests herbs for their own garden, demonstrates the personality of the wedding design. Grow and spread the love.

Jonathan Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern filled in the rest. The menu was out of this world! The evening started with roast pig head (seriously) and moved on to hominy with pork craklins, pig-tongue reubens, spring pasta with asparagus, and petite dry-aged rib steak. Being a foodie, I have eaten at Greenhouse before, but this menu was amazing.

Just one last note – a special thanks to the team at Blooms by Plantscaping. Again, they did an amazing job with the bouquets.

OK, just one more note. To Stephanie and Ryan – thank you from the bottom of my heart!