Long before Katie & Joe’s The Club at Hillbrook wedding photography, I had been watching the weather with skepticism. The forecast was a moving target – changing constantly from rain to sunshine. I had reason for concern. The entire wedding would be at The Club at Hillbrook, with the wedding ceremony planned for the back lawn. When Katie & Joe’s wedding day finally arrived, the forecast was no more certain.
When I arrived at the club in Chagrin Falls, the sun shown bright. The humidity was high and there were some passing clouds. The question wasn’t whether it would rain, but when and how much. I hurried inside and found Katie gathered with her friends and family in the living room. Katie’s sister calmly presented Katie with a gift – a family heirloom just for her wedding, bringing about tears of joy. In this moment I could see the real story of the day. Weather be damned! This day would be amazing.
Before long, Joe and the groomsmen arrived at the club. “Are you ready?” I asked Joe as we headed outside for the first look. I think Joe was born ready for this moment. As we stood on the back patio, Joe was first greeted by Katie’s sister, who came bearing the best wedding present I’ve ever seen. She presented Joe with a custom-engraved pistol. Not a gun, but a proper pistol. Soon after, Katie followed behind in her stunning wedding dress, which I’m sure Joe would say was the best gift ever.
These first few moments of the day set the mold for the rest of the wedding. The entire wedding was a detail-rich affair styled by Katie and the lovely team from A Charming Fete. The reception was filled with vintage farm tables from Borrow Rentals. Upon each table sat vintage place settings, gorgeous flowers, fruits, custom place cards, and long strings or garland. Each table was further accented by silverware tied neatly in a bow. A stunning dessert table was provided by the always amazing Hummingbird Bake Shop. It was filled with macaroons, cake pops, and cream puffs. At the center sat a simply elegant wedding cake. I could go on and on about the stunning wedding details, but there was so much more to this day.
Like the beginning of the wedding, the rest was filled with wonderful moments shared between family and friends. One of my favorite moments was when Katie’s father saw Katie for the first time in her wedding dress. The first look shared between Katie & Joe was also so touching. Moreover, the toasts offered by family and friends were both emotional and hysterical.
From all the beauty and joy of the day, it was nearly impossible to pick just a few highlights. Below is a rather long series of photos, mostly captured on film. I certainly hope you enjoy. For Katie & Joe – thank you so much for allowing me to share your wedding day. It was simply amazing!
PS – The rain held off until right after the ceremony ended. Perfect, as the rest!
Wedding ceremony & reception – The Club at Hillbrook
Event styling & planning – A Charming Fête
Floral Design – Sue Bernhard, Lowe’s Greenhouse
Vintage farm table & furniture – Borrow Vintage & Eclectic Rentals
Wedding cake & Desserts – Kim Coryea, Hummingbird Bake Shop
Entertainment – Grand Avenue Band
Wedding dress – by Allure, from Galleria Gowns
Bridesmaids dresses – by Jim Hjelm
Make-up artist – Ramona Dauksa
Groom & Groomsmen tuxedos – Vera Wang, from Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding invitations – Paper Trails
