Tagged: Spring

Laura & Joey – A Kent State University Engagement

I was early, but the rain was pouring down. Instead of scouting around Kent State, I decide to just get a cup of coffee and wait. In about an hour, my engagement session with Laura and Joey was due to start. I knew the rain would pass soon enough, but I hate waiting. I was excited to be back at KSU for another session and just wanted to get started. The sun began to poke through the rain, creating a rainbow over campus. Time to go.

When we were planning the session, Laura and Joey told me about how they met. Laura moved into a new house on campus with a bunch of friends. Joey did the same, and happened to be next door to Laura. In no time at all, Laura and Joey met for the first time. Now, this is where there is some debate. Laura says that she immediately called “dibs” on Joey to keep her friends away. She also said that he was a little oblivious at first to her intentions. Joey claims he was aware, but waiting for the right time. In any case, the right time eventually came.

And it eventually came in Florence, Italy of all places. Joey was studying in Florence for the semester, and Laura decided to visit. While in Florence, Laura and Joey had their first date. Imagine traveling all that way for a first date!

So of course a little rain wasn’t going to stop our engagement session. We met in front of the painted rock and off we went. Below are just a few of my favorites from this exciting evening, and thanks to Allie Herstich for the styling –

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

In the heart of campus – showing a little alma mater pride.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

I had scouted out a great location, but by the time we arrived, a van was parked in the way. While I was deciding what to do, Joey and Laura were left alone. I just happened to capture the candid moment above.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

We paid a visit to the houses where they first met. While just campus houses, they hold a special place for Laura and Joey.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

Matching Chucks – check!

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

After a quick outfit change, it was time for some individual portraits.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

Laura and Joey's Kent State Engagement session by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic.

I love the last moment above. It feels like anticipation to me. That’s all for today. More will be coming very soon, so check back often. I can say the next item to be published is an out-of-this-world gorgeous wedding from downtown Cleveland. Foodies will definitely want to check this one out!

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.

Carrie & Kevin – A Sunset Engagement Session in Downtown Cleveland – with a Blimp

I was almost surprised by the longer evening hours. Yesterday it seemed like the sun was setting at 5:00 PM. Now, we don’t even start engagement sessions until after dinner. I’m certainly happy the evenings are bright again. The summer light is so beautiful. Sunset seems filled with tones of peach, honey, magenta and purple. The fast setting sun also lets loose brief periods of brilliant orange and blonde. For Carrie and Kevin, we started late deliberately to utilize the evening light. We kept going right past sunset because Carrie and Kevin made the light over downtown Cleveland look so amazing.

And Carrie and Kevin are so much fun to work with. I know I say it a lot, but they are particularly fun. At points I had trouble doing my job because I was laughing so hard. They both kept each other entertained, and my self as well. I would be awesomeness when Carrie and Kevin did the handshake from Community (those of you who watch the show will know what I mean). Oh – and their execution was perfect. I have to admit I was a little jealous. I might have been practicing with Brooke ever since. I’m not saying I was, but just maybe.

I think you can see their true personalities in the engagement photos below. Carrie and Kevin’s happiness is not manufactured. They really are that amazing together. So, here are just a few favorites –

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Oh Bella, Carrie and Kevin’s lovely dog. She was so curious about the entire experience.

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

I just love the sunlight pouring over Carrie, and the clean background below. This location for photos is definitely a favorite.

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

I love the photos above and below because of the expressions. Their hands almost tell half the story.

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Above, a moment of excitement. Below, a shared private moment together in the evening sunset.

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

The light was fading fast, and turned a deep orange. We took a quick break and then finished up the session. Above, you can see how orange the light became.

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carrie and Kevin's sunset engagement session in downtown Cleveland
I promised a blimp. I am not sure why the Goodyear Blimp was flying on Friday, but it was over downtown. I particularly like the last photo. It takes a private moment and keeps it private. I simply love how it turned out. Looking forward, we can’t wait for Carrie and Kevin’s wedding in October after their amazing engagement session. They are simply a dream to work with.

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