Mary & Jimmy | The Club at Key Center Wedding

He lived downstairs in Mary's duplex. She just couldn't imagine going out with someone who lived in the same building, so she said no to every one of his offers to take her out. Jimmy must have had a sixth sense about how special Mary was because he offered to move if it meant he'd finally be able to have that date. Mary reconsidered. How ironic that they're married now, right? Jimmy knew what he was doing!

Mary and Jimmy have an obvious spark. They're kind, they're mature, they laugh easily and have fun always. They complement each other so well and think the world of each other. Get this, their favorite thing about each other is basically one and the same: They love that the other is completely caring, inclusive and puts others before him/herself. (I can attest to that, they both insisted that Nathan and I get in on their champagne toast with their wedding party. Talk about thinking of others!)

Get ready for a crazy amount of photos; I just couldn't narrow down the images from Mary and Jimmy's gorgeous and emotional day. Their's was one of my very favorites from last year and I'm so excited to finally share it!

Mary and Jimmy, I think the world of you two. I hope your marriage is just as fun as ever!

What a sweet first look. Mary and Jimmy had planned to see each other outside for the first time, but with a consistent rain/snow mix we had to move the first look inside. It didn't dampen the excitement at all!

Nathan (my hubby!) and I tag-teamed this wedding, and he got some fantastic shots inside beautiful St. Colman. I have to give him full credit for that photo above. The light and the moment--ahh!

I've got to give a shout out to Mary and Jimmy's AMAZING bridal party. It was freezing--absolutely freezing--while we were taking these photos. At one point it started to hail and we had to take cover under a bridge. But they all smiled and laughed like it was nothing. I'm so grateful to have clients (and friends of clients!) who are willing to do whatever it takes for a good photo!

You two are just beautiful, beautiful people.

Ceremony: St. Colman Reception: The Club at Key Center Wedding Coordinator: Kayla Cousineau Florist: Charles Phillips Cake: Wild Flour Bakery Band: Bill Pirie and Nick Costa Makeup Artist: MAC Cosmetics Hair Stylist: Louie Leonetti Bride's Dress: The Perfect Bride, Wtoo Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Bridemaids Dresses: The Perfect Bride, Alfred Sung Tuxes: Jos. A. Banks Lighting: Earthgrooves Productions Transportation: A-1 Mr. Limo Honeymoon: Jamaica!

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:

Ashley & Justin | Wedding

Nine years ago, Justin laid eyes on Ashley at a party at Miami University. He had come all the way from Michigan to visit his sister, Ashley's roommate, and most likely did not plan on meeting his future wife that night. The pair became close—maybe a little too close for Justin's sister and Ashley's best friend, but it worked. A couple years later, Ashley and Justin became official and began a three-year, long-distance relationship. It wasn't always easy, but lots of long nights on the phone and visits between Michigan and Ohio helped them stand the test of time ... and distance.

At the end of Ashley's first marathon, she saw a sign bobbing in the crowd. It read: Will you marry-thon me? Once she saw Justin on his knee, she knew the miles and the late-night phone calls had just about expired. She said yes. :)

Ashley and Justin, you two know how to make each other laugh and I love that about your relationship. There's so much happiness surrounding you and it's contagious. I seriously wore a permanent smile on your wedding day. :) Here's to many more years side by side.

I loved how excited Ashley was all day!

Beautiful, Ashley.

So sweet.

The church was absolutely gorgeous. Tons of natural light, which made me really happy. :)

Married!!! :)

Ohmygoodness, how CUTE are the ring bearers and flower girl?!

You guys are so fun!

I think that one on the left is my favorite!

That wall was begging to be used!

Get ready ...

Hands down, best cake cutting/smashing I've ever seen.

So many emotions in each and every toast.

Ashley and her dad busted out a Dancing with the Stars-esque father/daughter dance.

Do you recognize this pretty lady? I love her lips!

I could have posted about 50 awesome/hilarious/ridiculous dancing pictures but I'll leave you with these.

To see more from Ashley and Justin's wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: Church of the Resurrection Reception: The Club at Key Center Day-of Coordinator: Heidzillas Videographer: Attention to Detail Florist: Grande Designs Hair and Makeup: John Roberts Cake: Vickie Stecion DJ: Rock the House Bride's Dress: Caroline DeVillo Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung/Dessy Tuxes: American Commodore Cake Topper and Wands: Etsy Ice Cream Machine: Cleveland Entertainers Honeymoon: Orlando and Savannah!

Ashley & Justin | Wedding Sneak Peek

Ashley and Justin are FUN and HAPPY people and just exude warmth. I walked away from this wedding feeling so thankful that I get to spend time with the greatest clients on one of the happiest days of their lives. How do I get this lucky?! More next week, but for now ...