Tagged: Spring

Julia & Evan – Spring Wedding at the Hyatt Arcade

“We’re not ready yet,” Elise said over the phone. “Can you start with the gentlemen?”

I answered “Of course and we’ll see you soon.” We headed up to room 346 at the Hyatt Arcade, where we found the gentlemen. I think the proper word in this case is definitely – gentlemen. They were dressed in unique tuxedos, each one a little different than the next. And these were proper tuxedos. James Bond tuxedos. Magazine cover tuxedos! Each of the four groomsmen looked perfect. Then there was Evan. He looked sharp and was ready for the big day. In fact, they all were ready.

Before long, the ladies were ready as well. Each bridesmaid wore a gorgeous dress in turquoise blue, outfitted with pockets. While they had matching dresses, each bridesmaid was also unique. Every bridesmaid had  a unique peep-toe shoe in pewter. All of them similar, but a little different. Of course Julia was beaming. Every time a lady whispered “Your getting married,” Julia broke out in a huge smile. She looked perfect as well. She was beautiful, as always. Her dress was…stunning. It was a ruffled soft white and riveted with stunning bead word. Her shoes matched her new turquoise earrings, a gift from Evan.

So what’s so special about Julia and Evan’s wedding? It starts with the people. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were an absolute joy. Each one happy and energetic. The colors were swoon-worthy. Julia’s choice of orange circus roses really popped against the blue dresses. Lastly, the first look shared by Julia and Evan just outside the Arcade was emotional and loving. Although no one cried, especially the photographer. Just saying.

It’s been and thrill to work with Julia, Evan, their friends and family. I know they are going to have an amazing honeymoon and an amazing future together. Hopefully, you enjoy the highlights below from this very special wedding.

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Lauren & James – An Engagement in the Sunny Valley

The weekend of Lauren and James’ engagement session was an exciting one for me. In addition to their session, I had two others planned. It was going to be a busy weekend, but I was filled with creative energy. I felt as though the whole weekend would go perfectly, and the results exceeded my expectations, especially with Lauren and James.

On Saturday afternoon, I pulled into my parking space in the Cuyahoga Valley. I was just a little early, as always. I dug my gear out of the trunk and my phone rang. “How can we find this place,” Lauren asked. “Can you tell me where you are and I will guide you,” I responded. It’s amazing how many answers can spring from that one simple question. After going back and forth for a moment, I finally realized where Lauren and James were coming from. I watched as they descended into the valley from the hilltop and guided them into the parking lot.

We then met while standing in the parking lot, and for the first time. Like many of my clients, we first met only by phone. Both Lauren and James were beaming. Hardly nervous at all, they were ready to start their engagement session. We had a simply plan for that sunny Saturday afternoon in the valley. We would simply walk around, stopping to take pictures from time to time. The location offered everything we needed, so we chose to keep the session simple.

As we walked, we chatted about how they were engaged. Both Lauren and James love the outdoors, and often go on hikes together. So James planned a very special adventure for the proposal. He charted a course through the woods and laid treasure at the end. The next day, he lead Lauren on a hike. He gave her a compass and some simple instructions to follow. Soon they arrived at a hidden fire-circle in the woods. James then presented Lauren with a treasure map. She quickly located the stashed loot – a buried box containing highlights from their life together. It was at that moment that James proposed, while alone together in the woods.

I’d like to think that Lauren’s smile that day was like the one just below – full and beaming with joy.
Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James Sunny evening engagement with Lauren and James

Lauren and James were such naturals during their engagement session. I think the love really comes through. And the gorgeous light doesn’t hurt either. At this point, I’m just waiting to see them again at their Cleveland wedding. I’m certain it will be amazing!

Carlene & Arlo – Rock n’ Rollers Downtown Cleveland Engagement

Carlene and Arlo are real rock n’ rollers. They first met at a concert benefiting a friend at the House of Blues Cleveland. Like so many love songs say, things started with a bang. Now, they are planning their upcoming wedding, conveniently also at the House of Blues.

I actually know Carlene from a prior wedding. I met her first as a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding. She made the entire day A.W.E.S.O.M.E. It was such an amazing wedding, simply made better by Carlene’s amazing sense of humor and bright personality. For the same reasons, her engagement session was also that much better. We lucked out an had amazing weather, despite the early March session. To match well with their upcoming wedding, we chose a city-scape theme, highlighting some great areas around downtown Cleveland.

Being huge music fans, we had to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for Carlene and Arlo. With the warm weather, we were even able to spend some time by the lake shore. I recommend to clients that they plan something special for the evening after their engagement session. “Do you have anything special planned for this evening,” I asked. Carlene replied with the expected – “We’re going to see a concert at the House of Blues!”

Below are just a few highlights from this amazingly fun engagement session, all caught on film.

Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo. Crisp winter dowtown engagement session with Carlene and Arlo.

I love the broad scene caught above. It’s the only frame shot digitally. For the photographers lurking about, the rest are all Fuji 400h (even the B&W) shot on a Contax 645. That’s all for today. More to come soon.

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