Jodie & James – Rocky River Wedding at Westwood Country Club
Jodie, James and I sat down in a comfortable living room to discuss their wedding. The meeting was just a couple blocks from my house and I could have walked over. Jodie’s parents were practically my neighbors. Even their house number was only slightly different than my own. Strangely, it felt as though I was meeting with neighbors. I say strangely because Jodie and James live so far away. They were in town visiting from Boston, where they live. James is actually from much, much further away. By the end of the meeting, we had their wedding all planned out, I had met some new neighbors, and could not wait for April to roll around. Step inside to see a neighbor and friends wedding.
Carrie & Kevin – A Sunset Engagement Session in Downtown Cleveland – with a Blimp
I was almost surprised by the longer evening hours. Yesterday it seemed like the sun was setting at 5:00 PM. Now, we don’t even start engagement sessions until after dinner. I’m certainly happy the evenings are bright again. The summer light is so beautiful. Sunset seems filled with tones of peach, honey, magenta and purple. The fast setting sun also lets loose brief periods of brilliant orange and blonde. For Carrie and Kevin, we started late deliberately to utilize the evening light. We kept going right past sunset because Carrie and Kevin made the light over downtown Cleveland look so amazing. Step inside for just a few favorites (and a blimp too).
Tricia & Todd – Engagement Session at the Height of Autumn
Tricia and Todd picked the perfect day for their engagement session. It was sunny and unseasonably warm for the end of October. Their session was filled with brilliant sunlight and strong golden colors. It was nice to see them together at last. Through much of their relationship, Todd was stationed overseas and then spent time as a security contractor. Instead of going into detail about their session in Cleveland, I’ll let the six photos below sum everything up.
Annie & Derick – An Autumn Engagement in Hudson, Ohio
With most of my clients, I meet them for the first time for their wedding, and then we become friends. With Annie, it’s the exact opposite. We have known each other for years and used to work together. Thankfully, the old career is in the past, but I miss working with great people like Annie on a daily basis. I was over-joyed when she approached me about her wedding. Working for friends is always so rewarding. I met Derick for the first time at their engagement session, but I immediately understood why they are together. He is so genuine, for the lack of a better words, and a perfect fit for Annie. Step inside to see Annie and Derick’s friendly autumn engagement filled with golden colors.
Joanna & David – Sunny Thanksgiving Engagement
I knew it was Joanna and David when they stepped out of the car. They were in town for Thanksgiving, and their engagement session. I meet most of my clients in person just as they start planning their wedding. Not so for Joanna and David, since they live in the Manhattan. We initially met and got everything booked through telephone meetings and email. When they arrived at the session, I knew the couple I saw was them because of their presence with each another. She leaned into his shoulder and laughed as they exited the car. He gripped her hand tight. Step inside to see how we found the perfect weekend for this traveling couple.
Stephanie & Ben – Wedding in Rocky River, Cinco de Mayo, the Derby, and Super Moons
I was so excited that I ended up being early. By 10:30 in the morning, I was pacing around my office waiting to go. I just wanted to start, damn it! By 11:20 I just couldn’t take it anymore. I jumped into the car and drove over to Stephanie and Ben’s house. A rapped the door knocker, but no one was home. I went to the car, threw my stuff in the back and gave Stephanie a ring. Thankfully, she was just around the corner and almost home. The biggest reason I was so excited is because Stephanie and Ben are amazing, but their wedding was also a strange culmination of events. Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, a super-moon and their wedding all wrapped into one. Read on inside for more about this perfect day and some preview photos.
Sailing Grenada on Film
We finally found a break in our hectic schedules. When we were young, it was so easy to take family vacations. As my brother and I have gotten older and have careers of our own, it’s become much more difficult. However, the end of March was our time. It had been decades since we had sailed together as a family. So long, in fact, that Brooke had never been. We booked our trip and started to gear up for a week sailing Grenada (one country) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (another country). I was excited to momentarily step away from wedding photography, and cold Cleveland. Now I just needed to decide what to bring. Step inside to see a few personal photos from our lives together, all shot on film.
With a Bang!
There is one component about being a wedding photographer that can be tough and very rewarding – constantly working with new people all the time. Not only must we work with brand new couples, but also new florists, cake artists, wedding planners and venues. On the one hand, starting a rewarding relationship can be tough. Conversely, new relationships that really blossom can last a lifetime and be very beneficial for your sole. With new clients, I like to help the process along. Inside are a couple strategies I use to ensure relationships start with a bang!
Victoria & Joshua – Best Friends Engagement Along the Shore
We originally met at a Starbuck’s in Avon. It was a quiet, fun conversation. From the start you could see that Victoria and Joshua are more than just engaged to each other. They’re engaged with each other. Best friends really. They listen to each other and laugh at each other’s jokes. They’re simply comfortable with each other, and in love. Step inside to see photos of these best friends, and their best friends.
Alicia & Drew – Evening Sunset Engagement in Kingsville
I felt like I was running late when I left Cleveland. I pushed the gas pedal a little more as I flew east on interstate 90. Time to exit, and I headed up the off ramp. Crap! I took a wrong turn. This had to be the most confusing exit ramp intersection ever. After a couple quick turns, I was back on the correct path. The tarmac turned to gravel; just a couple more turns and I would be there. Finally, I arrived and I was a little early – just perfect. At the last moment Alicia, Drew and I decided to push back the session to later in the day. Being spring, the days are getting longer…faster. More than anything, I wanted to capture Alicia and Drew in the gorgeous evening light. Step inside see how this beautiful light favors this extraordinary couple.
California Wine Country
Brooke and I are foodies. We love it all – finding a good recipe, picking out produce, cooking, food photographs, the smells and the tastes. This past July, we spent a few days in California with family for a little foodie vacation. We have some great food in the Midwest, but the food in California can just be unreal. Even dive restaurants are amazing. Step inside to see some highlights from our Napa and Sonoma tour.
Our best friends – curious canines and engagement sessions
“Do you mind if we bring our dog?” is a common question we get asked about engagement sessions. After all, our clients know I love dogs. They know I have a Doberman at home, and some know my father is a vet. Of course dogs are welcome for engagement sessions. It’s almost preferred. More than anything, I just love meeting new dogs. Each has a unique personality, but they all love the camera. Step inside to see a small collection of pet photos from engagement sessions and to learn more about our client’s loved ones.
Meet Michael – Photographer and Friend
The other day I had the opportunity to help a friend with work. Michael needed some new head shots and I was more than happy to help out. Not only is Michael a friend, but the second photographer for all of the weddings we do. Many of you may already know him. Many more will meet him soon as this year ramps up. Step inside to learn just a little more and to see this familiar face.
Kelsey & Zak – Sunny Spring on the Farm
I thought I arrived early. I was going to take an extra moment to look around the farm. Alas, Kelsey and Zak were already waiting. No worries though, I had been to the farm before. It’s one of my favorite places and I rarely have access to it. However, it was a special request by Kelsey. The farm is a special place for their family. Step inside to see this amazing place and some lovely photos from their engagement session.
Jennifer & Omer – Beauty and Bhangra in Downtown Cleveland
It all started at a wedding for Omer and Jennifer. Omer’s brother was getting married. Before long the reception was on and Omer was dancing with family. He caught Jennifer’s eye and they spent the rest of the evening dancing together. Flash forward to this past weekend and it was Omer and Jennifer’s turn. What began at a wedding ended the same way. Again, there was family, beauty and lot’s of dancing. Step inside to see the best from this high-energy wedding.
Gravity & the Importance of Thanking the Team
This morning I have been sitting in my office doing chores. Then it dawned on me – my chore this morning is actually pretty important and could be of interest to others. So here it is – gravity and the importance of thanking the team. Yes, I am might use a space analogy to demonstrate the importance of team work and recognizing good work. I have to warn you though, this post could get a little punnie (Ha!). Step inside to see how just a little effort can really strengthen your brand and market your wedding photography business.
This is just to say
This also happens to be my second favorite poem of all time. It makes me imagine a couple who are so comfortable together. The description of the plums also makes me think of romance.
Didi & Henry – A Golden Winter Engagement in Downtown Cleveland
We met in the courtyard of Didi and Henry’s apartment building. In the shade, it was quite cold. Henry and Didi ran inside to grab Penelope and we were off. Once in the sun, you could feel the heat baking down. Well, it was still February, but it felt wonderfully warm. Anyhow, just to have beautiful, golden light in February was welcome. We drove over to Shaker Heights for some photos with Penelope, Henry and Didi’s lovely adopted dog. There after, it was time for just Didi and Henry. Step inside to see how we made the best of the amazing weather.
Guide to Growing a Wedding Photography Business
I have some recommended reading for you. Don’t worry, this one is easy and short. If you are a wedding photographer, or considering becoming one, definitely check out the latest guide from PhotoShelter – How to Grow a Wedding Photography Business. This PDF guide features a lot of great content covering everything from marketing to client care. It also features input from top industry professionals including Ryan Brenizer, Brian Dorsey and your’s truly. You can get your free copy here. Step inside to learn more, including tips not including new tips not included in the guide.
Molly & Dave – A Wedding for Valentines
Molly, Dave and I met in the beautiful lobby of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland quite some time ago. We talked about their upcoming wedding, how they met, and what they were looking forward to in the future. It was the perfect setting since their wedding was planned for the same place. We also got along famously from the beginning. They’re quite possibly one of the nicest couples I have met, and desperately in love. Step inside to see this amazing wedding held just in time for Valentine’s day.
Laura & John – Cleveland Winter Engagement and Chances
Laura and John take chances. Their winter engagement session in downtown Cleveland is proof positive. With the weather we’ve had, almost any day is a chance. When they first met, there was a lot of chance at play. A choice made differently could have lead to a very different outcome. Thankfully for them, all of the chances came up aces. Step inside to see how their chances played out right.
Carolyn & Dan – Portugal, Neanderthals, and Love Found
Carolyn and Dan are lucky in more ways than one. They have a family, especially and sister, who loves them dearly. Carolyn’s sister was kind enough to gift them photography to celebrate their upcoming wedding. Carolyn and Dan are lucky in other ways as well. They had to travel to a foreign land to find each other, but find each other they did. Step inside to see how neanderthals, Portugal and fate conspired to bring them together.
Tara & Brian – University Circle Engagement
For some crazy reason, we volunteered to host Thanksgiving for the first time at our house this year. While I certainly love having family around, I needed to get out of the house by Sunday. Thankfully, I had something fun to look forward to. Tara and Brian were in town to visit with family and we decided to schedule their engagement session as well. Their dog joined in, which is always something I welcome. Tara and Brian didn’t have a special location in mind, so we chose some beautiful favorites of mine. Step inside to see their amazing dog and some photographic favorites.
Alli & Dan – a stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland
Let’s start with – Alli and Dan’s wedding was truly amazing! It was a great way to end a busy wedding season. For a few reasons, we were so excited to be a small part of their wedding day. They are such a great couple. Also, the location was simply stunning. This wedding happened to be my first Jewish wedding. Last but not least, the ceremony and reception were full of energy and love. The energy permeated everything. I usually have fun at weddings, but Alli and Dan’s wedding at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland was truly a blast! Step inside to see this amazing wedding a learn a little about our excitement.
