Katie & Tim | Hyatt Regency Cleveland Arcade Wedding

I'm really excited to end my week on a high note! This wedding is one of my favorites (hence the reason it's a mile long!), and that's partly because Katie and Tim have the sweetest story.

During their ceremony, the priest started his homily by sharing that these two were baptized as babies at St. Raphael's not too long after one another. Pretty amazing, huh? Katie says that she and Tim met in elementary school, but I really love the fact that their story can be traced back to baptism in the church. How incredibly poignant that these two got married in that same church years later.

As if I couldn't like these two enough already, they're also both Miami grads ... making them Miami Mergers now! :) ... and you know how I feel about Miami. :)

Katie and Tim are truly the kindest, patient and most considerate people you will ever meet. I feel so lucky that I got to meet them and work with them. Thank you guys for having me along on your big day. It was an honor to document each piece! Sending lots of hugs your way as you start your new life together!

The extremely talented Laura of A Bride's Design is responsible for Katie's beautiful dress. Amazing ...

Katie, you are so beautiful ... inside and out!

Love that shot on the left up there that Emily captured up in the balcony ...

Believe it or not, this was my first time doing wedding portraits at Voinovich Park (it's SO popular). The light was beautiful, and the girls look lovely here ...

Katie has the best model face. She doesn't believe me, but now it's proven. :)

OK, let's just pause here a moment and talk about how beautiful the Hyatt Regency Arcade is. Oh myyyyy. I could shoot here every weekend. The natural light streaming through the skylights is so perfectly diffused, and the twinkle lights! So easy to photograph.

Love, love, love.

I was so impressed with Shout! Check them out.

To see more from Katie and Tim's elegant downtown wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: St. Raphael Catholic Church Reception: Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade Florist: Blush Custom Weddings Bakery: Michael Angelo's Hair Stylist: Pat Ann's Hair Salon Makeup Artist: The Powder Room Bride's Dress: A Bride's Design Bride's Shoes: Ann Taylor Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan (Nordstrom) Tuxes: Jos. A. Bank Ceremony Videographer: Vision Media and Marketing Limo: A-1 Mr. Limo Band: Shout! Invitations: The Desk Set Table Numbers: Beacon Lane Ceremony Exit Flags: Liddabits Welcome Sign at Reception: Family Attic Honeymoon: Norway, Switzerland, Italy!

Katie & Tim | Cleveland Hyatt Regency Arcade Wedding Sneak Peek

Oh, what a beautiful day! I loved every minute of Katie and Tim's wedding. From the lovely couple to their friendly families to the gorgeous venue (my first time shooting at the Hyatt Regency Arcade!), I was in photography heaven. I can't WAIT to show you more from this day, but for now ...

FAQ: My Approach to Engagement and Wedding Day Portraits

I don't think I've ever had a client meeting where the bride and/or the groom didn't express anxiousness about being photographed. Unless you're a well-seasoned model (which most of my couples aren't ;) ), being in front of a camera is a little intimidating. Even for photographers themselves. That's why I do everything I can to alleviate nerves and give the couple time to really just be together. In the midst of wedding planning, quality time together can be hard to come by, and I'm pretty sure I don't need to tell you how fast the wedding day goes. Planned portrait time is a break from all the craziness and really helps couples reconnect.

I always tell the couples I work with that I am more of a photojournalist than a traditional wedding photographer. I like shooting as a fly on the wall rather than directing each part of the day. I do, however, direct two parts of the wedding day: family formals and bride and groom portraits (along with engagement sessions). Because I don't expect my couples to magically know how to work the camera, I direct them into certain poses that require interaction. Interaction is key. It makes the couple feel more comfortable, which helps create those natural, organic portraits that most people are looking for.

I generally ask for at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted portrait time with the bride and groom on their wedding day (i.e., just the photographers and the bride and groom, with no one else around to talk to them and distract them from each other). Not only must I fit in lovely photos of the two of them, but I also need to shoot portraits of each of them separately and any details (i.e., hair pieces, boutonnieres, etc.) that haven't been documented yet. Plus, by having at least this much time, the couple really feels like they had a private moment together on a day that will feel anything but private!

Engagement sessions usually last about 1.5 hours and are a great way to get more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day! Generally, couples that choose to do engagement sessions can work more efficiently in front of the camera during wedding portrait time because they know what to expect and won't think I'm TOO crazy for asking them to do something a little untraditional. :)

So, what can you expect during portrait time? I'll ask you to get close ... a lot. I think I might be infamous for asking my couples to always have their foreheads together.

I'll give you action items, like asking the groom to pick up the bride or having the couple walk toward the camera.

I'll put you in a pose and then ask you chat with each other and catch up on your day. Cheesy? Maybe. But it works! This can parlay into a more photojournalistic moment depending on how comfortable the couple is at this point.

And I'll always check in on you. I want portrait time to be a two-way street. If anything makes you uncomfortable, I want to know! And if YOU have an idea for a great picture, I'm game. :)