One thing about getting behind on blogging ... I get to relive all these gorgeous wedding days months later! :)

Janean and Brendan had a beautiful summer wedding at one of my very favorite Cleveland venues: The Club at Hillbrook. That place is so dreamy and it was the perfect setting for them to start their lives together. Officially! These two had been long distance for years and their favorite thing about their wedding day finally arriving was that they'd get to live in the same place together for the first time since college. I'd say that's reason to celebrate!

Ceremony: Divine Word Catholic Church
Reception: The Club at Hillbrook
Cakes: Michael Angelo's
Acoustic Musician: Eric Butler
Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero, Galleria Gowns
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Honeymoon: Bermuda!

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!