Lauren & Matt | Windows on the River Cleveland Wedding

October 7, 2014

One of my favorite things about Lauren and Matt--aside from the fact that they're high school sweethearts!--is how genuine they are. These two are class acts and so are their friends and family. I feel like I say this about all my clients … but that's because I have the best clients! Lauren and Matt had perma-smiles the whole day and were just such a joy to be around.

Lauren and Matt, thank you for your fantastic attitudes and willingness to have fun and laugh in front of my camera. Your wedding is one of my most memorable of 2014, and I'm so grateful to have been your photographer. Lots of love and happiness to you two.

A special shout out to my friend Carolyn of Carolyn Ann Photography for second shooting with me!

Lauren, you were such a beautiful bride!

What a fabulous wedding party!

Thanks, Carolyn, for this gorgeous photo!

You guys are so fun. :)

After photographing portraits downtown and in the Flats, we headed to Windows on the River for the reception. This was my first time shooting there and it didn't disappoint!

Ceremony: Saint Albert the Great Reception: Windows on the River Florist: Creations by Lynn Cake: Wild Flour Bakery DJ: Jerry Bruno (Dan Cormier) Makeup and Hair: Chatterbox Hair Salon Bride's Dress: Coming Attractions, Mori Lee

Cristy & Denney | Patterson Fruit Farm Wedding

September 29, 2014

I'll never forget getting that call from Cristy the morning of her wedding. Her son who had been at basic training with the Army was going to be able to get back in time for their wedding after all, and could we move up the timeline a bit to accommodate that? I knew how important family was to both Cristy and Denney, and having met her three fantastic kids it was a no brainer. Of course we would make a last-minute switch to the timeline, even if it meant compromising some photo time.

This is the thing about weddings. We--vendors (read: me), brides and grooms, family members--can get so caught up in making sure every single moment is planned perfectly, but when it comes right down to it, it's the messy, unpredictable, spontaneous moments that end up being the most memorable and the most cherished. It's looking past the wedding day and realizing that five years from now is just as, if not more, important than the day you say "I do." I so appreciated that Cristy and Denney had the sense to throw away the timeline that everyone said they should have so they could fully feel and live the most important parts of their day. Not the details, not the smooth transitions and two+ hours of photos, but the family that surrounded them. I will remember their wedding for as long as I do this job. It was full of all good things.

Cristy and Denney, I learned so much from you during our time together. Just being around your family and friends was a testament to your character, and I really respect the way you put family first every time. Thanks a million times over for inviting to share in your day. I loved every minute!

Cristy and Denney had a first look in Patterson Fruit Farm's beautiful meadow. It was like a dream!

Isn't Cristy's bouquet perfectly feminine and whimsical? Heather of Fair Rarity is extraordinarily talented with florals. Do yourself a favor and check her out if you're looking for a florist!

The ceremony was so emotional and included Cristy's daughters, which was a beautiful touch.

And then Cristy's son arrived after months of being away ...

This was truly one of the coolest things I've ever photographed.

And THEN all five of the family members shared a dance ...

What a gorgeous evening for a gorgeous couple!

Ceremony & Reception: Patterson Fruit Farm Florist: Fair Rarity Caterer: John Roberts Band: Flat Foot DJ: Anthony Ciresi Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal

Kathy & Justin | Lyman Harbor Sandusky Wedding

August 27, 2014

Kathy and Justin are just about the cutest couple I've ever met. Within minutes of meeting these two you can't help but notice that they adore each other so much. All Kathy wanted to do while she was getting ready on her wedding day was SEE JUSTIN! Good thing they planned a first look. I don't think she would have made it to the altar. :)

When they say that they're each other's best friend, they mean it.

"Justin is patient and understanding, helping to strengthen myself as well as our relationship," Kathy said. "I know that no matter what life throws our way, we will take it on together."

And Just himself is so obviously enamored with Kathy.

"Even before we started dating I knew that Kathy was everything I ever wanted, and I would do anything to make her mine," he said. "Wherever life takes us, I'm happy to know she'll be by my side."

Oh guys, thanks for being so sweet. To each other … and to us, your photographers! We loved spending the day in Sandusky with you, documenting you two making it official. Congrats you married people!

There was palpable energy just before Kathy and Justin's first look. That's why first looks are so cool!

Don't you love Kathy's red lips?? She is gorgeous. And I think her doppelgänger is Amanda Seyfried, no?

See that seagull on the roof in the picture on the left? He sat and watched the entire ceremony. So funny!

Mason jar cakes?! So cool, right?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sunset photos are my favorite! Kathy and Justin rocked them.

Ceremony and Reception: Lyman Harbor Florist: Bock's Floral Creations Mason Jar Cakes: Becky Papa DJ: DNA Entertainment Hair Stylist: Dante Lucci Salon, Holly May Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Honeymoon: Mexico!

Rebecca & Kyle | Columbia Ballroom Wedding

August 21, 2014

Rebecca's a dancer. Kyle's a musician. Rebecca's 4'11". Kyle is … tall. :) They met while teaching their passions at a local high school, and Rebecca likes to say she "danced to the beat of his drums." Haha, that girl is the cutest. And she has the BEST facial expressions and a contagious personality.

"I love how Rebecca is always up for any crazy ideas I have," Kyle said, obviously agreeing with me on how great Rebecca is. "She's also ready to solve any problem that comes our way. She is my other half and my best friend."

Kyle isn't bad himself. For one, he loves cats. (Yes, that makes him my new best friend.) And he would do ANYTHING for Rebecca.

"When I'm with Kyle he always seem to fill the moments with laughter," Rebecca said. "Kyle pushes me to believe in myself and he truly is my best friend. I love the way he makes me feel when I am with him and how the simple moments in our relationship are the ones I cherish the most."

Oh, you guys. :) Thanks a million for inviting me to document your big day. Everything was incredibly beautiful, and you two made Markie and I feel so welcome! I can't wait to keep up with the additions to your cat family!

Rebecca has some gorgeous details throughout the whole day!