The Best of 2012: Weddings

The 2012 wedding season blew away my wildest expectations. Period. I should have known that the people in Northeast Ohio (my old stomping ground!) would be awesome, but I was feeling very unsure of this whole solo photography thing so I didn't want to get my hopes up. Haha! It's ridiculous but that's how I'm wired. The 12 weddings that I booked myself after October of 2011 were phenomenal, and I'm so blessed to now know these fabulous people. I got to shoot two weddings as a second shooter with my friend and mentor, Amanda Donaho Photography. Working with her is not work at all! And lastly, I got to be a part of one of my best friend's U.S. wedding reception. Talk about an honor.

Without further ado, let me show you some of my favorite wedding images from 2012 and re-introduce you to these beautiful people!

Dee Dee and Dave's intimate, downtown Cleveland wedding:

Corey and Brian's 1920's-inspired, Cincinnati wedding (with Amanda!):

Elizabeth and Kevin's beautiful, backyard wedding:

Nicole and Chris' classy, barn wedding:

Lindsey and Alex's heartfelt U.S. reception:

Ashley and Justin's fun, downtown Cleveland wedding:

Kelly and Josh's Willoughby wedding (with Amanda!):

Colleen and Mike's orange-and-gray, driving-range wedding:

Melissa and Greg's sweet, Chagrin Falls wedding:

Ashley and Dan's green-and-white, damask wedding:

Melissa and Michael's fairy tale, Serbian wedding:

Sarah and Jon's outdoor, Club at Hillbrook wedding:

Kelly and Steve's orange-and-blue, fall wedding:

Valerie and Alex's rustic, Brookside Farms wedding:

Colleen and Joe's downtown Cleveland Renaissance wedding:

Colleen & Mike | Wedding

They met because of a friend. She was in school in Pittsburgh and he was in town. They met. They hung out. And then they didn't see each other for a year and a half.

"The very first time I met him, he gave me his jacket," Colleen remembered. "He was a keeper from the beginning."

Six years after they met, and four and a half years after they became inseparable, Colleen and Mike tied the knot. She says her favorite thing about him is that he makes her laugh, even when she's not in the mood to crack a smile, and as an observer, I can totally see that. Mike is this happy-go-lucky guy who is really, really good at getting his new wife to smile. The way he looks at you, Colleen ... you're right about him being a keeper. :)

Both Colleen and Mike are really into golf, as is Colleen's family, so they decided to have their ceremony at the Golf Improvement Center in Medina. How's that for unique??

Colleen did a first look with her dad. It was so sweet! :)

That little ring bearer is the cutest ever! Oh and those linen suits with Sperry's? Awesome!

So everything was great, we got all our pictures done outside, and then? Then it began to pour just as guests were arriving! Everyone milled around in the store while we waiting for the monsoon to clear. Luckily it only lasted about half an hour and the outside ceremony went off without a hitch.

So many details! Thanks to my second shooter, Emily, for that photo above.

They even had a bagpiper. So cool!

My favorite up there on the left.

I can't take credit for this photo idea. It was all Emily's brain child! See why she's awesome?

Haha, I love it.

Fairlawn Country Club is gorgeous!

Who wouldn't want a margarita bar at their wedding?!

You two are great. Here's to a long and happy marriage! 

To see more from Colleen and Mike’s wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: The Golf Improvement Center Reception/Caterer: Fairlawn Country Club Event Planner: Margaret Nicolino-Cargill Florist: Pink Petals Florist Hair and Makeup: Sam Wanna Salon and Spa Cake: Tiffany's Bagpiper: Brian McElhinney DJ/Lighting: The Beach Boyz Paper Goods: Beverly's Invitations/DIY programs and escort cards Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero Bride's Shoes: Nina Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung Suits: Studio Suits Limo: A Swift Taxi

Colleen & Mike | Wedding Sneak Peek

What a beautiful wedding ... despite the absolute downpour 45 minutes before the outdoor ceremony! So many unique details, a lovely color scheme and really fun people to top it off. I can't wait to show you more next week!