Posts tagged Cleveland family photography | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Cleveland Family Photography – Holden Arboretum – Henry & Didi

At first, I thought I had arrived early, but I turned to noticed Henry and Didi pulling into a parking spot. It’s been a while since I have seen them and they look as good as always. A few years ago, I was lucky to capture their Cleveland engagement session. In the short time since, so much has changed.

Henry and Didi are now married and have a beautiful little boy. He’s growing so fast, and so are Henry and Didi. Henry is about to embark on the next phase of his career, which will take him out to the Pacific coast. Soon after, Didi and family will follow. So this might be the last I see of this fantastic family. When planning their Cleveland family photography session, we kept coming back to the same idea. The session had to take place at Holden Arboretum and it had to be at sunset. As luck would have it, their family photography session turned out perfectly.

The sun beamed strongly across Holden as we walked through the beautifully manicured gardens. The resulting colors are filled with pastels and bright highlights. More importantly, Henry & Didi’s little boy was so well behaved. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young boy so calm and relaxed in front of the camera. By the end of the session, we had captured some wonderfully intimate moments between this young family. Below you can find just a few highlight from their family photography session, all captured on gorgeous film.

Cleveland family photography at Holden Arboretum captured on film

For the photographers among us, the above was captured by a Contax 645 and Nikon F5 on Fuji 400H and developed/scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

Kyra & Nick – A Session on Film for a Growing Family

Sometimes you have to take a risk. The risk can be big or small – but it’s still a risk. Kyra & Nick’s family session at their home in Granville was just around the corner, but the weather was looking bad. Huge storms were gathering on the horizon that could wreck their family session. Because I was driving from Cleveland to Granville (near Columbus) for their session, we had to make a decision about the weather rather early. After some back and forth over the phone, Nick made the call to continue with the session as planned. We were going to risk it!

The sky poured during the two hour drive to their home. The rain was so relentless that I had to slow down at points. As I pulled into the Columbus area, the weather began to clear. And then the sun came out as I reached Granville. The temperature shot up and it was actually nice outside. Turns out, the risk was worth it.

I think the risk was certainly worth it for Kyra and Nick as well. They initially met at a bar while in college, which can be risky in itself. They started talking and realized they shared interests. Nick took a risk and asked Kyra on a date. One date turned into the next, and then a next, and before long it was time to propose.

Being a Gentleman (capital G), Nick discussed marriage with Kyra’s family first. With permission enthusiastically granted, a family ring was to Nick to use for the engagement. Shortly thereafter, Nick and Kyra were in Philadelphia for a cousin’s wedding. Just before the wedding, Nick took another risk. While walking through downtown, they stopped in a small city park. Nick took a knee and proposed. Of course we wouldn’t be here today unless Kyra said yes. Sooo many risks in life are so worth taking.

Now, the wedding is just around the corner and they have a lovely growing family. Holden, the newest addition, is growing so fast. Below are just a few highlights from their blended engagement and family session, joined in by their two awesome dogs. I certainly hope you enjoy these little highlights.

A summer family session in Granville with Kyra and Nick at their home.

PS – The weather did not hold out for the entire session. We did have to retreat inside momentarily, but I love the inside photos just as much as the outdoor ones.

Brittany & Phil – A Well-Documented Love Affair

After receiving Brittany’s email, I was left with a feeling of familiarity. Something about her message left me curious with a sense of Déjà vu. I started a quick hunt through my email archive and it didn’t take long to identify the familiar source. I had chatted with Brittany previously when she was planning her wedding. While I didn’t end up capturing her wedding, she had reached out to me once more to capture her first anniversary photos with, now husband, Phil.

I think Brittany & Phil have a truly brilliant plan for their life together. They intend to get professional photographs every year on or around their wedding anniversary. I’m thrilled just to be included as the first photographer in this plan. Honestly, my wife and I believe the same, but are rather lacking with our actual execution. Something tells me this won’t be the case for Brittany & Phil.

So why does this plan make so much sense to me? We say “love affair” when we speak of couples whose connection seems transient. Instead, I like to believe “love affair” should refer to life-long passions tied to your most dear partner. Rather than speaking of a transient connection, “love affair” should speak of deep, smoldering, lasting lives together. “Love affairs” should be the kind of relationship we tell out children about. It shouldn’t be transient or temporary, but instead documented and savored.

So here is a salute to Brittany & Phil’s well-documented love affair. I certainly hope you enjoy the little highlights below from this life well-lived – together.

A summer anniversary session in Cleveland for Brittany and Phil. A summer anniversary session in Cleveland for Brittany and Phil.

Tagged: Cleveland family photography