Rachel & Pat | Gervasi Vineyard Wedding

December 29, 2015

In case you forget Rachel and Pat's story, let me recap it for you: They both traveled (separately) to the Kentucky Derby from Cleveland and met for the first time while surrounded by hats, bow ties, and lots of horses. Crazy, right? It's kinda unbelievable that they had mutual friends, had never met before and say they "probably never would have met otherwise."

I've admittedly only known these two together, but I can't imagine either with anyone else. They're both so selfless, generous and extremely thoughtful. They both constantly have smiles on their faces and are so sweet with each other and everyone around them. And I don't think it's coincidence that their families are equally as great. I loved photographing this summer vineyard wedding. Rachel and Pat, you guys are the best. For real.

Ceremony: St. Paul Catholic Church Reception: Gervasi Vineyard Videographer: Anthony Codispoti Florist: Flowers by Shelley Cake: West Side Bakery DJ: TKO Entertainment Hair Stylist: Shannon Hammond Makeup Artist: Teresa Rassi Bride's Dress: Mori Lee AF Couture, Henri's Cloud Nine Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung Honeymoon: Mexico!

Rachael & Nick | Canton Ohio Winter Wedding

January 17, 2014

One of my very favorite things about weddings is family. The bride and groom becoming their own family unit, two families becoming one and family members from all over the world coming together to celebrate. I love observing the bride and groom with those they love most, happy that everyone is in one place, at least for a little while.

Rachael and Nick have awesome families. I know their marriage will be strong and supported because they have fantastic people behind them every step of the way. Watching them with their families was my very favorite thing about their wedding. That and seeing the two of them get married in Rachael's home church, which was so very important to her. (Fun fact: My mom was Rachael's youth minister and she got to marry them!)

Rachael and Nick, you guys are just fantastic. What an honor it was to photograph your marriage. Thank you for the privilege!

Nick was a little nervous before the ceremony, but his groomsmen kept him laughing during portraits. :)

It was a tad frigid outside. Needless to say, these ladies are awesome!

Rachael. You are gorgeous.

Rachael's aunt put together all the beautiful flowers, most of which were complete with peacock details!

Such a sweet moment between Rachael and her dad ...

and Nick and his mom.

This picture cracks me up. These kids had about enough of the slow dances and just wanted to get out on the dance floor! (See below.)

Ceremony: Trinity United Church of Christ Reception: La Pizzaria Florist: Cathy Cowgill Flowers Bakery: All Occasions Bakery DJ: Beach Boyz Entertainment Hair Stylist: Sherry McAfee Makeup Artist: Nate Sexton Bride's Dress: Linde's, Mori Lee Bride's Shoes: Michaelangelo Bridesmaids' Dresses: Linde's, Bill Levkoff Tuxes: American Commodore, Ralph Lauren Honeymoon: Hawaii!

Kaitlin & Gian | Canton Ohio Gervasi Wedding

October 31, 2013

Kaitlin and Gian like to say they started dating on 11/11 at 11:11. It's kind of their lucky thing. They met in a bar, but they're both the first to tell you that bars are not their scene. They describe that night as "random," but it just goes to show that you really can meet someone anywhere!

I love watching these two together. Gian likes to tease Kaitlin, but he's always making her laugh and is also super protective of her. It's one of her favorite things about him.

"[I knew he was the one] when he told me he'll never leave me hanging," she said. "He said he'll always get back to me. And he does."

I adore Kaitlin and Gian. They are the perfect mix of sweet, funny and enthusiastic. Gian LOVES photography, which makes my job that much more fun. These two have been in front of my camera quite a few times, and I'm so thankful to call them friends.

Thank you for trusting my creative eye and always being so positive and fun to be around, Kaitlin and Gian. You better believe I will be following your exciting, new journey!

This was my first time shooting a full wedding at Gervasi, and it didn't disappoint! It helped that the predicted 100% chance of rain held off until that night!

This group of guys was so fun. I contemplated posting their "prom photo," but didn't want to embarrass them TOO much. ;) Instead we'll settle for some studly ones.

Gorgeous bride! Kaitlin's dress looked unbelievable on her!

Kaitlin has two brothers, and Gian also has a brother. It's safe to say she was ALWAYS be doted on by those four.

Love.

Oh, you two. :)

To see more from Kaitlin and Gian's vineyard wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony/Reception: Gervasi Vineyard DJ: DJ Smoov Bakery: West Side Bakery Hair Stylist: Heather Ellinwood Stationary: Vista Print Honeymoon: Riviera Maya, Mexico!

Jessica & Dennis | Canton Ohio Outdoor Wedding

October 22, 2013

After a handful of bad dates, both Jessica and Dennis were frustrated with their prospects and vented to their (mutual) friend. It's like a movie script, right? You know what happened next. Their friend had an "aha" moment, introduced them to each other and the rest is history. It's their very own chick flick.

Jessica and Dennis are such great people. She's the first one to make you laugh and he's the first one to offer you a thoughtful, supportive word (which is one of Jessica's favorite things about him). They just go together. Period.

"Because of her, I learned I am capable of so much more, professionally, emotionally, and knowing she will always be there for support when I need her keeps me always trying to succeed, for us," Dennis said. "She makes me strive to be the man she deserves, and I will do my best to she that's what she gets."

There was so much emotion at Jessica and Dennis' wedding. Every part of the day, no matter how monumental or minuscule, it was all taken in and processed and felt. As a photographer, these are the moments I strive to capture. It was like gold. :)

You two, thank you a million times over for asking me to be your wedding photographer. What an honor it was to capture your day from behind my lens. Let's keep in touch, OK??