Tagged: wedding photography

Molly & Dave – A Wedding for Valentines

Molly, Dave and I met in the beautiful lobby of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland quite some time ago. We talked about their upcoming wedding, how they met, and what they were looking forward to in the future. It was the perfect setting since their wedding was planned for the same place. We also got along famously from the beginning. They’re quite possibly one of the nicest couples I have met, and desperately in love.

I think Dave loves Molly because she sees the good in everything, and because she is a great mother to their dog, Bella. She cares deeply for the well-being of all, loves her family and loves her friends. I think Molly loves Dave because he is a rock. He is quite funny and quirky, yet sincere. They both have an amazing sense of style and go together like Dolce and Gabbana.

Their romantic wedding at the Renaissance matched them both perfectly. It was filled with loving friends and family. The ceremony was sincere and touching. The toasts at the reception were funny and quirky. Everyone was lively and the style was impeccable. Of course Molly and Dave looked dashing together. His polka-dot cummerbund seemed to fit perfectly with Molly’s flower-laced dress.

Held so close to valentine’s day, the wedding seemed styled for the occasion. While unintentional, the detailing on Molly’s dress looked like a series of hearts. The cake was pink and beautiful red roses provided by Arne’s amazing team at  Blooms Cleveland. Below are a few emotional favorites from this wedding of love.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above you can just make out the heart-shaped detailing on Molly’s gorgeous dress. It was the perfect fit for the wedding day.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Also a favorite were the very red bride’s maid dresses with flowers to match.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Lindsay and Sarah before. As usual, they did an amazing job with make-up and hair styling. The girls looked amazing.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above, some finishing details and a portrait for Molly. Below, Dave getting dressed in his custom tuxedo. Notice – he’s not wearing a watch. When wearing a tuxedo, a man is not concerned with time, because he is already at the best place possible.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave decided to do a first look in the club lounge at the Renaissance. Above, Dave waiting patiently for Molly as he can hear her approach. Below, a loving first look.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

They are so amazingly sweet together.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

The ladies looking stunning just before the wedding ceremony.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Even though Dave met Molly before the ceremony, he lit up when she entered the room. We have  great series of photos showing Dave shifting from anxious to excited as Molly enters the ceremony.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

During the ceremony, Molly and Dave took a moment to thank some close friends who were responsible for their introduction. It was a wonderfully personal touch.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

They didn’t just share one first kiss, but two with a hug in between. You could really tell how they are best friends as well.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave’s parents were so proud for both of them. Especially Molly’s father, as you’ll see below.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

As usual, Elissa at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland did an amazing job coordinating the ceremony and reception. Molly’s style was executed perfectly and the entire room was  aglow. Below, a wonderfully pink cake for valentine’s day.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

 

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly’s father gave a wonderful toast, with handouts. Molly, Dave and guests got to enjoy photos from the past as her father toasted the couple. Below you can see Molly’s mother laughing at a perfect punchline.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

There might have been tears for the best man’s toast. I’m not saying there was, but just maybe.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above and below are the parents enjoying a dance with their children. This is my favorite time of any wedding. I love my parents and love to see the same for others.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

To end the night, we slipped outside into the snow for a quick shot in downtown Cleveland. Molly and Dave were anxious for a picture outside despite the snow, cold and biting wind. We kept them warm inside until the shot was set. Then we rushed out at just the right moment. What a way to end an evening.

Huge, huge thanks go out to our my, Michael and Meghan. Elegantly capturing this wedding would not have been possible without them. We have some more coming soon, so check back again. In the meantime, you can keep up with our current work on Facebook.

Alli & Dan – a stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Let’s start with – Alli and Dan’s wedding was truly amazing! It was a great way to end a busy wedding season. For a few reasons, we were so excited to be a small part of their wedding day. They are such a great couple. Also, the location was simply stunning. This wedding happened to be my first Jewish wedding. Last but not least, the ceremony and reception were full of energy and love. The energy permeated everything. I usually have fun at weddings, but Alli and Dan’s wedding at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland was truly a blast!

Working with Alli and Dan could not have been better. Normally working with an out-of-town couple can have some challenges. However, Alli’s family was a huge help. Working with her mother before the wedding made all the difference in the world. Plus, I felt a personal connection to Alli and Dan. They were referred to me by friends and live in my old home town – Chicago.

The wedding was entirely hosted by the Renaissance, with the ceremony and reception in different rooms. The design created by Kim Singerman of Noteworthy Events was stylish, opulent and understated all at the same time. Various tones of white were used throughout and it looked amazing. The reception was lit beautifully to really show off the hotel. To compliment the great design, the team at Stephen Tokar Floral & Designs brought in some amazing floral arrangements. They draped a custom-made chuppah in white orchids and used complimentary flowers to decorate the tables.

So what really kept the guests going late into the night? None other than the Jerry Bruno Orchestra. They were so much fun and created an high-energy atmosphere. Below are just a few of my favorite photographs from the day –

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters and mother helped her to slip into her gorgeous wedding dress. The full veil was perfect for Alli. We then headed out into downtown Cleveland for a first look.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Coordinating a first look in an open space can always be tough. Thankfully, it was a little easier this time because we had a great team to help out.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Oooh – so exciting! The anticipation always kills me.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I love Dan’s reaction to seeing Alli for the first time. That reaction is why I always recommend a first look if my clients are willing.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

One of the best times during a Jewish wedding ceremony is signing the Ketubah (marriage contract). The families gather around as the rabbi reads the document and the bridal party signs it. I really like the wide-angle photojournalistic shot above.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

As I noted above, Alli and Dan’s wedding chuppah was gorgeous. It was draped top to bottom in white orchids, candles and beaded crystal threads.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

All happiness and cheers on their wedding day!

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

The reception design created by Noteworthy Events and Stephen Tokar was lavish and classic! Simple white flowers throughout to match each place setting. Even more so, the lighting design really lit up the room (pun completely intended).

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters gave the most heart-felt and hysterical toast. They know Alli and Dan so well, and clearly love them to death.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan’s first dance backed by the Jerry Bruno Orchestra was great. All of the wedding guests stood and cheered the happy couple.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

 The photo above is definitely my favorite. I have a real soft spot for emotional father-daughter dances. Plus, you can just see Alli’s sister in the background snapping a pic of her own.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Of course it wouldn’t be a wedding without the traditional Hora dance. Alli’s mother later commented that it was one of the longest and largest she has seen. I believer her! I was exhausted by the end.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I think you can see the real excitement above. Everyone, including your’s truly, was so excited for Alli and Dan. You gotta love weddings full of love.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

To end, the Jerry Bruno Orchestra doing their thing. One of Alli’s bride’s maids jumped in on the singing action. So, that’s all for today. Definitely stop back soon as I have more coming to the website. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

Katie & Jonah – a family engagement in Kirtland

When I first met Katie, her mother was kind enough to come along to the meeting. It was so nice getting to know them together. Their excitement for Katie’s upcoming wedding was infectious. Later, Katie and I put together a great plan for her engagement session with Jonah. As a pleasant surprise, the entire family joined in.

Meeting families ahead of the wedding is always so nice. Getting to know each person is important to me, so the surprise presence of the entire family was very welcome. Even better for their session, a late autumn sun was beaming across Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio.

By far the best part – better than all the above – was simply Katie and Jonah together. They are a truly magical couple. Their love for each other, in ever aspect, is evident all the time. On that particular day, they were relaxed and wonderful to be with. Even better, they brought their dog along, which always makes me smile.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie always seemed so happy when Jonah held her hand, gave her a deep hug, or simply kissed her forehead. She would become completely radiant.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

After the session, I came home and immediately started working on their photos. When I saw the photo at above-right, I nearly melted. I couldn’t resist posting an early preview.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

I love the autumn colors and bright light through all of their photos, especially above.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

When a couple selects a photo for printing, it’s always a good sign. Katie ordered the above in the largest size possible!

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

The peaceful expressions in the above-left is one of my favorites. I think the magic is in Katie’s smile.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

On another note – our weird weather this year really brought out things I haven’t seen in ages. I cannot remember the last time a saw a woolly-bear. This year it seemed like I saw them all the time. Snakes too, but that’s another story.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

At the end of the day, Katie and Jonah sat down on a nearby bench. I melted into the background and caught the photo above. The beaming sun reflected off of Katie’s shirt bathed Jonah’s face in golden light. I just love it!

That’s all for today. Definitely check us out on Facebook for our latest work, and stop back soon. We have lot’s more coming since I am in catch-up mode today.

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