Shannon & Jason | Rockefeller Park Greenhouse Wedding

At the risk of sounding like a complete nerd, Shannon and Jason had me at their cat wedding topper. Yep, we're all cat lovers around here! (Scroll to the bottom of this post if you need to see that wedding topper rightthisveryminute.)

Shannon and Jason had an intimate wedding at Rockefeller Greenhouse with their nearest and dearest. I've said it before but I'll say it again: There's just something so special about small weddings. For these two it just made sense; they are self-proclaimed homebodies and love spending time with their family and a couple close friends … and, of course, each other.

"Jason is funny, kind-hearted, thoughtful, romantic, logical and extremely rational, which helps to balance me out as I can sometimes be emotional," Shannon said.

But Jason said he loves that Shannon is emotional. He loves her "overly kind and sympathetic heart" (it's no surprise she's a counselor and a huge animal lover!) and is most looking forward to continuing to share life with her.

Shannon and Jason, it was an honor to document your wedding and witness your huge hearts for each other and your family and friends. Let's get that dinner sometime soon!

Ceremony: Rockefeller Park Greenhouse Reception: Club Isabella Florist: Blush Custom Weddings Cake: Cakes to You Makeup and Hair: Studio CK Bride's Dress and Shoes: White House Black Market Honeymoon: San Francisco!

Jocelyn & Aaron | Tudor Arms Cleveland Wedding

Jocelyn and Aaron met in the ER … but it's not like you probably think. Aaron was on his ER rotation for med school and Jocelyn was working in the admitting department. He asked her out (a couple times), and she said yes. What a perfect boy-meets-girl story for this doctor and nurse.

These two--both of them--have hearts of solid gold. You really couldn't meet nicer people than Jocelyn and Aaron, and it just makes sense that they're together. They're both so poised, genuine, articulate, kind and full of light.

"Jocelyn can light up a room with how she smiles and with her personality," Aaron said. "She is also beautiful and smart."

Yes, yes and yes!

"Aaron's compassion for others and his patience [are my favorite things about him]," Jocelyn said. "He is always looking at the positive side of everything!"

Yes, yes and … yes! :)

I know I sound like a broken record every time I post a wedding but every, single one of my clients is fantastic. I really can't say anything else except continue to gush over them, and Jocelyn and Aaron are no exception. I feel so very fortunate to meet the lovely people I do and have the opportunity to document one of the biggest days of their lives!

And now, on to Jocelyn and Aaron's wedding ...

Jocelyn comes from a big family (while Aaron is an only child!) and every one of her siblings and their spouses and kids were in the wedding party. So sweet!

Love this one of Jocelyn and her dad.

I love a classic black tie wedding. Aaron and his groomsmen looked so dapper!

Jocelyn, you are so gorgeous! Love this portrait on film!

Ceremony: Lighthouse Bible Church Reception: Tudor Arms Hotel Florist: Alicia Herrle, Sheer Style Bakery: Michael Angelo's DJ: Midnight Music Makeup Artist: Ramona Dauska Hair Stylist: Randy Fitch Bride's Dress: Pat Catans, Maggie Sottero Bride's Shoes: Badgley Miscka Bridesmaids' Dresses: Pat Catans, Bill Levkoff Tuxes: Vera Wang Transportation: A-1 Mr. Limo Honeymoon: Antigua!

Lauren & Matt | Windows on the River Cleveland Wedding

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

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