Caitlin and Brandon adore each other, and I can't tell you how fun it was to capture their wedding day. From being so warmly welcomed by Caitlin's family at the beginning of the day to capturing their friends' awesome dance moves at the end, this was such a great way to end my 2015 season. So much love!
Ceremony: Church of the Gesu
Reception: Windows on the River
Cake: Wild Flour
We must have checked the forecast at least 20 times in the week leading up to Chrissy and Justin's wedding. It did not look good. Buckets of rain were expected for early October, and mostly because Hurricane Joaquin was mixing with another storm system that was unrelenting.
Friends, I'm going to confess something to you: I get nervous before every single wedding I shoot. It's just how I'm made; I get nervous a lot! Plus, weddings are a big deal and I want to do a stellar job. But when the weather forecast looks less than ideal? Cue the maximum amount of nerves. Because I shoot film, I'm always looking for good natural light and rain kind of puts a damper on that. Needless to say, I was mulling over our indoor options nonstop leading up to Chrissy and Justin's big day.
My fantastic second shooter, Lisa, and I arrived at Chrissy's parent's house. It rained.
Chrissy got dressed and cuddled her dogs. It rained.
We arrived at Amasa Stone Chapel for the ceremony. It rained.
Chrissy and Justin were married and it was time for family and wedding portraits. It rained.
You see the theme, right? The rain didn't let up. But you know what was awesome and a really good lesson for my control-obsessed self? Chrissy and Justin agreed (with a smile on their faces!) to do some rainy photos. With these clear, bubble umbrellas I'd been saving for a day like their's … that I never thought would actually come. So we embraced what we couldn't control and got some really beautiful photos in front of the chapel and at the art museum across the street. Some of my favorites ever, actually.
I can't begin to thank Chrissy and Justin enough for going with the flow and being their sweet selves. I don't know how I get these amazing clients, but man am I ever grateful for them. Chrissy and Justin, you are the best!
Ceremony: Amasa Stone Chapel Reception: St. Paul Hellenic Center Florist: Al Wilhelmy Flowers Cake: Michael Angelo's DJ: Something New Entertainment Hair and Makeup: Dino Palmieri (North Olmsted) Bride's Dress: Allure Cake Topper: BetterOffWed (Etsy)
Melissa and Matt are complete goofballs. And I loved every minute of their wedding because they were SO joyful, kind and hilarious the whole day. Even when it monsooned and the ceremony had to be moved inside. That, friends, is when you know that you are marrying the right person and you're focused more on the journey of marriage than on the perfect details of your one wedding day.
I just have to share this one quote from Melissa because it perfectly encompasses the goofiness and respect these two have for each other:
"Matt is so funny, and we will probably never stop laughing. He doesn't take life too seriously … and he has this ability to make everyone around him feel so special and loved and welcomed."
That is truth right there. Melissa and Matt, you two are really, really special, and I am so incredibly honored to have photographed your day. Keep laughing and keep cuddling your cats. :D
Ceremony and Reception: Happy Days Lodge
Event Design and Stationery: Baci Designer
Wedding Coordinator: Oak & Honey Events
Videographer: JFray Productions
Florist: A Bouquet Studio
Cake and Cupcakes: A Cupcake a Day
Appetizers: Pierogi Lady
Caterer: Old Carolina Barbecue
DJ: Something New Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: Studio MC
Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero, Abbott's
Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridemaids' Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Michelle and Evan's wedding day was as unique as they are. From the gorgeous handmade and personalized chuppah to the random rain shower that ended as quickly as it came to the lottery tickets that each guest received as a favor, it was a beautiful wedding to photograph.
Both Michelle and Evan are extremely insightful, have big hearts and are devoted to each other and their families. It was beautiful to witness them joining their lives together. Congrats, you guys!
I always LOVE to photograph weddings at the Club at Hillbrook. This place is gorgeous and all the nooks and crannies are so fun to photograph.
Ceremony and Reception: Club at Hillbrook
Florist: Blooms by Plantscaping
Cake: Wild Flour Bakery
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Hair and Makeup: Haley Lloyd
Honeymoon: Vietnam!