Tagged: Cleveland Renaissance Hotel

Cleveland Renaissance Hotel Wedding – Alex & Matt

I love the unconventional. After all, I still shoot film, which is certainly unconventional at this point. Unconventional weddings and couples are even better. They’re new, different, and unique. They stand apart – special. So is the story with Alex and Matt. They’re certainly unconventional, and so was their downtown Cleveland wedding.

It helps if I rewind a bit and start with a little about Alex and Matt. First – they met online and then started dating. While a little unconventional, this is becoming much more common. I can’t count the number of couples I’ve worked with who initially met online. What’s more unconventional is Alex & Matt’s proposal story. You see, Alex(andria) proposed to Matt. As she puts it, there was no reason to stand on convention. She was ready for marriage, she thought the same of Matt, so she proposed.

Alex & Matt’s Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding was similarly unconventional as well. Instead of a large bridal party divided into men & women, they chose a different route. Matt had his best man, and Alex had her “bridesman.” A small bridal party for sure, but also so important to Alex & Matt.

The plan for the wedding day was a little unusual as well. It started with the wedding ceremony at Josaphat’s Art Center, which is housed in an old church. Instead of delaying cocktail hour until everyone could reach the Renaissance hotel, they held the cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony in the arts hall. Unconventional – sure. However, holding the cocktail hour back-to-back with the ceremony allowed everyone to celebrate immediately. It was awesome.

Below are just a few highlights from Alex & Matt’s beautiful – yet unconventional – wedding. I certainly hope you enjoy. And for Alex & Matt – thank you so much for having me as a small part of your wedding day. I loved every minute – especially the card box monster!

Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall wedding ceremony by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall wedding ceremony by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall wedding ceremony by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall wedding ceremony by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic A late summer wedding at the Josaphat Arts Hall and Renaissance Cleveland Hotel with Alexandria and Matt. Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Josaphat Arts Hall and Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding by wedding photographer Hunter Photographic

Sheila & Beau – A Renaissance Hotel Wedding in Cleveland

It was one of those days where you’d sweat if you moved. It was hot-hot. Even though it was in the eighties, it felt like a million degrees with infinite humidity. There was even a chance of rain, depending on whose forecast you read. However, I knew it wasn’t going to rain. It couldn’t rain on this particular day. I had been anticipating this wedding for over a year. This day had to be — perfect.

It requires a flashback of over 12 months to understand why. When I first met Sheila and Beau, it was evident that they were a uniquely different couple. Clearly in love, but also clearly relaxed about the whole wedding experience. They tapped an amazing group of friends, family and professionals to help pull together their wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. The list of involved professionals was impressive, and I was happy to just to have a small part. When we did their engagement session, it was even more evident that Sheila and Beau intended to simply enjoy the wedding experience, which is a great perspective to have.

So the day had come for their wedding, and by the end, it had all gone to plan. There was no rain. Everything ran smoothly and everyone seemed happy. I was personally thrilled. It was a hard, but awesome day. Many things contributed to the amazing experience. Most responsible for the experience were friends and family. Everyone was happy, social and sooo gracious. The design that Sheila created alongside Heidi for the reception was gorgeous. The Renaissance was filed with wine-colored purples, bright blues, sparkling silver and pinks. My favorite touch was the wine bottle table numbers and escort cards propped on bottle corks. The flowers were out of this world and the whole reception glowed thanks to some fantastic lighting.

More important were the moments. Like when Sheila’s sister read out stories and rumors from times past, bringing the whole reception to laughter. Or when Beau’s mom shed a tear during the dancing. Or better yet, that one Madonna song that had all of Sheila’s friends dancing together. The moments truly made the wedding and I’m simply elated to have been able to witness it. Below are just a few highlights to enjoy.

A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau A Cleveland Renaissance Hotel wedding with Sheila and Beau

Event styling & coordination – Heidi Baugart, Heidzillas
Ceremony – Holy Trinity Church, Avon
Reception venue – The Renaissance Hotel Cleveland
Floral design – Blooms by Plantscaping
Cake artist – Wild Flour Bakery, Rocky River
Entertainment – Something New Entertainment
Lighting design – The Renaissance Hotel

Sarah & Mike – A Winter Wonderland Wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance

Meghan and I were early, as usual. Sarah and the ladies we running a little late. We chatted with Sarah’s father as we passed the time. He had just finished fielding a call from work, which I found surprising. I wasn’t concerned at all for the wedding schedule. By this point, I really knew Sarah and Mike well. I even knew the better part of their wedding party. All would work out just fine for their wedding.

Before too long, the ladies arrived from the salon looking their best. It was time to finish the preparation and make our way to St. Mary’s Church. But before that, there was time for little details, presents for the bride, and a quick hug from dad. Even though things started a little slow, I knew everything would go perfectly. Over the preceding months, I had gotten to know Sarah and Mike pretty well. They were referred to me by another Sarah, one of the bridesmaids. Sarah the bridesmaid and I had worked together many times before. I had even captured family photos for Sarah and her wife. Her wife also just happened to be Sarah the brides sister and Maid of Honor. Truly, it was a wedding among friends.

And what a wedding it was. I hardly know where to begin. Dad prayed before the ceremony. Mom cried for her daughter’s first dance with dad. The bride and bridesmaids looked on as the groom danced with his mom. The wedding design was amazing and unique. It was a winter wonderland theme set perfectly within the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. Each table was decorated with a crystal centerpiece, like frozen flowers. The Renaissance was then washed in ice blue lighting. Even the dance floor was covered in icy fog during dancing. It was quite perfect. We even got a chance to incorporate the city Christmas lights.

Below are a few favorites to enjoy.
Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

Sarah and Mike's winter wonderland wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel.

So that’s all from Sarah and Mike’s winter wonderland wedding. I still can’t get over how lucky I was to be a small part of their wedding. Check back soon as I will have more weddings and engagements coming very soon.

Venue – Cleveland Renaissance Hotel
Videography – Carrol Video and Productions
Florist – Diane Petrilla
Cake artist – Mother of the Groom
Make-up – Lindsay London Bridal Beauty
Hair Stylist – Sarah Wassil

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