Laura & Jack | Goodtime III Cleveland Wedding

Laura and Jack are two of the most magnetic people on this planet. When you take a look at their wedding photos, you'll know what I mean. They're charismatic, they know how to have a good time and … they're good dancers. ;) They are also so, so, SO, so hilarious. All the laughter in these photos is 100% real.

Cleveland holds a special place in the hearts of these two now-DCers. Laura grew up in this lovely city of ours, and Jack went to college just outside the city. They're so loyal to all things CLE that they knew they had to get married here.

This is the most epic Cleveland wedding I have ever photographed. From portraits downtown to sailing around the city on the Goodtime III, Laura and Jack did their city proud. Cleveland misses you two and can't wait until you return!

My very favorite moments from their wedding include:

• Laura's constant spunk and permanent smile from the second she opened the door in her hotel room.
• All things turquoise! Including Laura's gorgeous wedding band.
• The toast with the bridesmaids and Laura's cute, little niece!
• The groomsmen juggling (I didn't experience it firsthand, but from what I hear it was pretty impressive).
• Laura dancing all the way to the first look ...
• … And then the dance party that took place afterwards.
• The groomsmen running up the hill over the convention center.
• The exchange of rings during the ceremony. It was a little hot inside the church, and I think there were some swollen fingers (haha)!
• Being on a boat for the entire reception!
• The amazing dance party that continued all night.

It was SO fun, guys. Thanks for having us! (And thanks to my amazing second shooter, Maria!)

Ceremony: St. Peter Parish Reception: Goodtime III Wedding Coordinators: Tiffany Dziak and Tiffany McEndarffer Florist: Al Wilhelmy Band: Hey Jimmy Makeup Artist: Shelly Theiling Hair Stylist: Haley Delzani, Lather Bride's Dress: Adele by Christos, Hitched Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew Groom's Tux: J.Crew Groomsmen's Suits: Custom designed from Everything Bespoke Bowties: Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Stationery: Ting Stationery Honeymoon: Italy and France!

Melissa & Matt | Kent State Engagement

Oh, these two. Melissa and Matt have spunky personalities, and they're so much fun to be around! I don't think I've ever laughed so much at engagement session.

Both Melissa and Matt are Kent State alums, but they met by chance when Matt replaced Melissa in a job at the school. How's that for happenstance? Melissa was on her way to living in Cincinnati so they did the long distance thing for quite awhile. These two are 100% dedicated to everything they do (wedding planning?? Melissa is the queen!), so it's not surprising at all that they made long distance work and are getting married years later!

I've been looking forward to the M+M wedding for so long, and I'm pumped that it's right around the corner. These two will be on the blog again in just a couple months. :)

Melissa, you're gorgeous! I adore this photo of you.

Goodreads | The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

I'm not sure how it's already August, but if you're still looking for a book to take to the beach or pool, here are some of my favorites from the last few months.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio A young adult book about a 10-year-old boy with a facial abnormality learning to live a normal life. This is one of my favorite books I've read all year. It's incredibly well-written, heartwarming and just … pure. (*****)

Emma by Jane Austen Let me tell you my history with this book: I've started and stopped it so many times I thought I would never get through it. Not only did I get through it, but I LOVED it once I was finally immersed in the story. This is a classic rom-com in the most classic sense. If you haven't read it yet, you must! (*****)

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath Based on the idea that we spend too much time focused on our weaknesses and not enough time developing our strengths, this book also includes a StrengthsFinder assessment so you can learn more about your strengths and how you can apply them to your life. I read StrengthsFinder for a conference I attended recently and it was super interesting. (***)

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi A true story about a group of young women in Iran who secretly meet to read and discuss Western literature. I really liked the idea of this story, but I had a hard time following all the pieces because I hadn't read all the books they were reading. If you've read the books that each chapter is devoted to and you're a literary buff, you'll really appreciate this book. (***)

A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton This is a super easy and entertaining read, and I needed something like this in the middle of my busy wedding season. If you're into mysteries and haven't heard of the letter mystery series, check it out now! (****)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba I was completely absorbed by this story from the very beginning. William, who lives in Malawi--a really poor and drought-laden country in Africa--is determined to keep learning even after he has to drop out of school because his family can't pay the fees. After lots of research, lots of tinkering and lots of being made fun of, William successfully creates his village's first windmill at the age of 14. William's done two TED talks since his windmill became international news: #1 and #2 in case you're as interested as I was! (*****)

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver A story about a directionless woman and her journey to find peace with her past and a purpose for her life. Set in the American Southwest, like a lot of Kingsolver's books are, I enjoyed this story but found the main character to be a little frustrating. I just wanted her to get her life together! Regardless, this book is extremely well-written, and I wouldn't expect anything less from Kingsolver! (***)

Luci & Joseph | Cuyahoga Falls Ohio Wedding

Luci is really bubbly and laughs easily. Joseph is more reserved. They're opposites in some ways but similar in others: both are so driven, intelligent, kind-hearted and faithful. Luci and Joseph's wedding day was just so sweet from start to finish.

Some of my favorites memories include:

• Luci's bridesmaids' excitement when they saw her in her dress.
• The Tie Incident. Let's just say I got a lot of photos of Joseph attempting to tie his tie. To his credit, the tie material was a little tricky to work with.
• Their memorable first look. Luci made Joseph sweat it out a bit longer when she showed up in a giraffe mask. Hilarious!
• The wedding party. Shout out to this awesome group. They were all so great!
• The rain-free portrait time!!! The clouds opened up just as soon as we were back inside.
• Joseph's excited face. ;)

Ceremony: The Chapel, Green Reception: Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls Videographer: WorkShed Weddings Florist: Fair Rarity Cake: Nancy and Kitty Leung Hair Stylist: John Roberts Salon Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung Honeymoon: Taiwan!