Posts tagged Spring | Page 7 of 11 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Michelle & Adam – Sunset Engagement in Kirtland

Timing is a fickle thing. One wrong step, and you miss the perfect window. Timing can be particularly important for sunset engagement sessions. Too early, and you miss the most amazing blue-gold-peach colored light. Too late and you run out of light before the session is over. For Michelle and Adam’s engagement session in Kirtland, the timing was perfect. You know – that rare kind of perfect.

We met rather late for the spring, and didn’t start shooting until after 6:00pm. As we strolled through Holden Arboretum, we chatted about their wedding and how they first met. Occasionally, we would stop for a few frames. We even climbed into a make-shift tree house, not pictured below. Then we would walk and chat some more. We visited my favorite willow, and a deep stand of spruce pine . All the while, the sun sank lower in the sky. The tones slowly went from raw daylight, through golden yellow, to orange crush.

By the end of the session, we had left Holden Arboretum and reached Patterson Fruit Farm. Just as the colors peaked in vibrancy, we walked down into the apple orchard. The sunset had finally reached my favorite, peachy colors. A this point, we had only 15 minutes to wrap up their all-film engagement session. Then before I knew it, the light was gone for the day. There was no need to go any further. Holding the film in my hand, I knew I had captured Michelle and Adam’s personality and love. I happily smiled to myself as I realized it was perfect.

And they deserve perfect. Michelle and Adam are great people and great together, which I think you will see below. So feel free to enjoy some rather special highlights –

A spring engagement session at Holden Arboretum with Michelle and Adam

Before I depart, some quick notes for the photographers among us. The above is all-film and 90% shot on a Contax 645. I was also lugging around a Nikon 35mm. The film is Fuji 400h in the Contax, and Portra 160 in 35mm. Most often, I shoot heavily back-lit. However, if you find yourself running out of light at sunset, turn around and bathe the subject in the sun. A sundown, the intensity of the light is low enough not to cause unwelcome squinting. See the last one as an example. Happy shooting!

Monica & Grant – A Family Photo Session in Cleveland

It all started as a weird series of text messages between my brother and I. A friend of his was looking to do a family photo session. We went back and forth on the details, and then things went kinda pear-shaped.

“What would you think about a trade,” my brother asked. Asking for more details, my brother offered up the goods – “Grant is a craft cocktail specialist, and he gives lessons.” My interest was officially piqued. I like to think of myself as a whiskey aficionado. In particular, I have a rather strong predilection for Manhattan’s. I discussed the matter further with my brother, and then started discussing the trade with Grant. What started as an idea, quickly morphed into something that would happen. The pear-shape idea went completely square and the whole thing was set in motion.

Grant and Monica would come to Cleveland for their family session and to give friends at my house a craft cocktail lesson. The next day, we would capture some family photos for them. After weeks of planning, the weekend finally arrived. The craft cocktail party went off without a hitch. Both Monica and Grant really hit a home run. I think everyone had fun, since people stayed until well past midnight. We met for the family session the next morning, starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art and then we headed into a local park. Monica & Grant’s family is small – just the two of them. They were recently married and wanted some good portraiture to add to their wedding photos. Personally, I’m thrilled with how everything came out.

Before I move onto the highlights, I thought I would share one of my favorite cocktail recipes. Warning though, these are strong and addictive –

Classic 212 Manhattan

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Carpano Antica vermouth
2 dashes Agnostura bitters
STIR over ice till chilled
Serve up in a martini glass
Garnish with two Amarena Fabbri cherries

Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica.

Natalie & Sean – A Blush Colored Wedding at Portage Country Club

When I woke, I could feel the nerves setting in. I’ve done this many, many times before, but the nerves still get me. I shuffled around the house as I quickly got ready. Out the door I went, and early. I can never really sleep the night before weddings, and nor can I wait to get started. After the drive to Akron for Natalie and Sean’s wedding, I arrived at St. Vincent church early. After a quick call to the wonderful Natalie, I knew the girls were on their way. I filled the time in between capturing some details around the church.

Soon enough, everyone was arriving and things started to get hectic. It was at that time that a nice calm came over me. Things were going well. Not just well. There must be a better word for it. Natalie and Sean’s wedding was going spectacularly well. The day was shaping up to be unexpectedly special. After the ceremony at St. Vincent’s, we headed over to University of Akron for some portraits, and then off to the wedding reception at Portage Country Club. Normally, a wedding day doesn’t fly by for me, but this one had. Making the hour drive back to Cleveland that night, I knew I had captured something like lightning in a bottle.

Sitting at home on Sunday, I could finally see why I was so excited on Sunday. It all started with Natalie’s blush-colored wedding dress. It wasn’t white or even off-white. Her dress was the palest of pinks. The wedding also had amazing friends and family, who were happy throughout. Sean and the gentlemen looked great in their tan suits. There were bridesmaids peeking, a funny priest cracking jokes about the father of the bride, and a groomsmen winking. Sean celebrated the union with typical style, the University was alight with purple blossoms, and we even had sunset portraits. My favorite moment – when the cake was so good that Sean refused to give any to Natalie.

Now the wedding season is in full swing, and Natalie and Sean’s wedding was the perfect way to start. I’m really looking forward to showing them the photos, and sharing more with you soon. For now, enjoy the highlights below.

Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean Portage Country Club weddingin Akron with Natalie and Sean