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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stephanie & Ben – Music Lovers Engagement
I think it was very clear to Stephanie what she wanted to do for her engagement session. While Stephanie and Ben got engaged at the Cleveland Zoo, she wanted to incorporate something much more important for their engagement session. I was not surprised either. From the get-go, we shared a mutual love for music. Whenever we chat, we end up exchanging our current music notes. Stephanie and Ben introduced me to The Dawes and Head and the Heart. I made sure they knew about Iron & Wine. Step inside for a music lovers engagement session around various Cleveland neighborhoods.
Danielle & Matt – In the Valley Sun
The only way I can tell Danielle and Matt’s story is to say they rock! Ever since we met, Danielle and I have kept in close contact nearly weekly. It’s really been nice to get to know Danielle, and her wedding plans, through the various questions she sends my way. It’s almost as if I could picture her wedding day as well as Danielle herself. When it came time to plan their engagement session, Danielle and Matt almost made it too easy. They just wanted to have a great afternoon together and enjoy some of their favorite places. They also wanted a new experience. Step inside to see what we put together for Danielle and Matt’s personalized engagement session.
Katie & Jonah – a family engagement in Kirtland
When I first met Katie, her mother was kind enough to come along to the meeting. It was so nice getting to know them together. Their excitement for Katie’s upcoming wedding was infectious. Later, Katie and I put together a great plan for her engagement session with Jonah. As a pleasant surprise, the entire family joined in. Step inside to see why this was a welcome surprise and some beautiful photos from Katie & Jonah’s autumn engagement session.
Molly & Zac – Summer Simplicity
An engagement session that feels simple is usually a great one. Working with Molly & Zac felt very simple and comfortable from the beginning. I consider all of my clients to be friends, and this was especially so for Molly & Zac. Prior to working with them, I already considered Molly’s family to be personal friends, but that’s a story for another day. Step inside to see how a simple session can be the best session.
Jessica & Justin – Mentor Wedding at La Malfa
Just a few days before Jessica and Justin’s wedding in Cleveland, we were finalizing the locations. It was at this point I realized how much I welcome familiarity. I had gotten to know Jessica and Justin pretty well through their engagement session and Justin’s sister’s wedding (is that too many ‘s?). With just a little work, we had everything wrapped up and ready to go. Now all we needed was the late October weather to cooperate during the rainiest year Cleveland has ever had. Just in time – the weather broke and strong sun came through. Step inside to see a few highlights from this gorgeous wedding.
Published – The Knot Magazine – Holly & Brian
It’s really rough spending Christmas in Florida with family. Of course, I’m saying this with a pound of sarcasm. It was weird being in the warm Pensacola climate at Christmas time, but we survived just fine. The 15-hour drive home seemed to take forever, but I was greeted with some amazing news when we arrived. As I always do, I promptly fetched the mail from our mailbox. Stuffed inside was about 25 pounds of late holiday cards, Christmas catalogs, and other detritus. However, hiding among the treasured cards and other trash was a curious little package. In a Christmas habit, I gave the package a squeeze and a shake. Then it hit me! I tore into the package and was greeted by long awaited, but temporarily forgotten news. Step inside to see what has me doing the robot dance in my kitchen!
