Posts tagged Summer | Page 10 of 22 | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Samantha – A High School Senior Session in Downtown Cleveland

I knew Samantha would be wearing traditional Indian clothing for the start of her senior portrait session. While standing in front of the Cleveland Museum of Art, I was on the look out for flowing silk, gold and intense colors. My phone started to ring and it was Samantha on the other line. “We’re here,” she said. I glanced around and didn’t see anyone. “Where exactly are you,” I asked. After some back-and-forth it became clear that we were on opposite sides of the museum.

Every since the finished the massive expansion to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the museum has become more beautiful and more difficult to navigate. I think it’s a fair trade-off, honestly. After a quick run, I met up with Samantha and her mother to start her senior portrait session. I happily do senior portraits whenever I can, but I really don’t market myself as a senior photographer. When someone does ask me to do portraits, I know it’s a blessing. I know they really want my work and none other, for which I am forever thankful. They see my wedding working and can picture themselves within the photos.

And so is the case with Samantha. Definitely read deeper than the traditional clothing you see below. Samantha’s intelligence and maturity runs deeper than almost anyone I have met, whether in or out of her age range. She is amazingly smart – focused mostly on AP classes. She could easily be your next doctor, world leader or famous fashion designer (an admitted passion of hers). But for now, she’s is a high school senior preparing for college.

Below are just a few highlights from our session. I have to say – I’m in love with the intense colors produced by the combination of wardrobe, film and sunset. Enjoy!

High school senior photography session in downtown Cleveland for Samantha High school senior photography session in downtown Cleveland for Samantha

A Chicago History Museum Wedding – Kristin & Max

Whenever I post a wedding or session, I like to include a little story. In Kristin and Max’s case, the story of how I know them and their wedding is a long one. I could go on for hours and only touch on the first year. I could say that it all started with a chicken. But no, really it started with an elevator ride. Wait, no, it started with me falling asleep in orientation. Somewhere near the beginning of the story, we were in college. Then I moved back to Ohio, but I kept visiting Chicago. I had family there now. More towards the end, people got married and started having kids. Right near the end of the story, Kristin and Max were engaged, and decided to have a Chicago History Museum wedding.

You see, the whole story is measured in near geological terms. Family stories are measured this way. With Kristin and Max, it’s all a family story. I know them through close family. I probably met Kristin for the first time when she was 12, although neither of us remember it. I know her dad, her aunt and cousins. While I am not related to Kristin, her family is my second family.

Family is not just how I know Kristin and Max. Family was pretty much the theme of their wedding. Their St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History museum wedding revolved around family. Kristin’s mother helped her daughter get ready for the big day. Kristin’s dad was ever present in spirit, especially during the beautiful ceremony. Kristin and Max even presented communion to the gathered congregation.

Max’s family had no small part either. His brother kept the bridal party laughing all day, especially during his best man’s toast. His dad welcomed all the guests at the reception, and made sure each one left with a laugh, and a tear. Even Kristin’s sister and uncle played important roles. Kristin’s sister made sure Max was well, well roasted during her toast, while her uncle welcomed everyone in prayer.

Beyond family was the simple beauty of the entire affair. DePaul Cathedral and the Chicago History Museum served a classic backdrop for this gorgeous city wedding. Kristin’s dress, accented with a bolero, was the epitome of classic style. The bright champagne flowers glowed against the white woodwork of the museum. Max even changed into a classic white evening jacket for the reception.

I know I’m just scratching the surface of the story. I could go on forever, but I must stop here. To end, thank you to my family, Kristin and Max! Your wedding was the experience of a lifetime. I certainly hope you enjoy these highlights from a classic Chicago History Museum wedding –

A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film A St. Vincent DePaul Cathedral and Chicago History Museum wedding captured on film

In case you’re curious, you can also have a look at Kristin & Matt’s destination engagement session, held along the western shore of Michigan.

Annie & Kevin – A Downtown Chicago Engagement Session

“You know, I’ll be in Chicago in September,” I said looking across the table at Annie and her parents. I think that was all I needed to say. Just a few days later, Annie and Kevin booked me for their wedding. My trip to Chicago for another wedding was already planned, so why not add an engagement session while I was there? Brooke and I just made the trip a day earlier than originally planned.

The plan for Annie and Kevin’s engagement session was pretty simple. There were a couple definite locations on the plan – the Chicago Art Institute, a stop by the Chicago River, and North Beach. The rest we would just make up as we walked through the city. I still know Chicago well, so I was comfortable traveling in and out. However, I still took the time to scout their entire session before hand.

We started in the gardens outside the Art Institute and chatted as we took photos. We talked about how they landed in Chicago, their favorite restaurants, and Kevin reminded me about how he met Annie. Annie and Kevin were both Students at Wittenberg University. One year, they both volunteered to be orientation assistants. You know, those upperclassmen who help freshmen move in on their first day? During the orientation, they met for the first time. Annie remarked that she was surprised it took so long – Wittenberg is a very small school.

Thereafter, Annie and Kevin became fast friends, but there was a speed bump ahead. Kevin had already booked a long trip to London, which could cut short a relationship that had just begun. Instead of faltering, Annie visited Kevin while in London. As I’m told, things moved forward pretty fast thereafter.

Which brings us back to Chicago. Below are some highlights from Annie & Kevin’s session in downtown. I’ll have more work to share soon from my second hometown. I was quite busy while visiting…

A downtown Chicago engagement session with Annie and Kevin A downtown Chicago engagement session with Annie and Kevin

I love those last two photos. The look on Annie’s face is breathtaking. For the photographers, all of the above was captured on a Contax 645 using a mix of Fuji 400H and Kodak Portra 800. However, the wide black and whites were captured on a Leica M6 with Tri-X. Hope you enjoyed!

Tagged: Summer