Posts tagged Holden Arboretum | 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.

Anna & Bryan – A Sunny Engagement Session at Holden Arboretum

Strangely enough, I hadn’t met Anna & Bryan in person before their summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum. They originally found me through a recommendation from their wedding planner, so we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet yet. As their car pulled down the drive at Holden, I saw Anna’s hand wave from the window.

I stood on the sidewalk and Anna approached. She was wearing this gorgeous, lacy white top with jeans – the perfect casual outfit. I think she asked “Is this OK,” gesturing to her outfit. “It’s perfect,” I replied. Before long, we were joined by Bryan, and we set off into Holden Arboretum.

“Nervous,” I asked? Both Anna and Bryan were unusually relaxed. They were clearly comfortable with each other and quickly became comfortable in front of the camera. The whole time we were working, Bryan did a great job of making Anna laugh. He even kept me laughing as well.

As we walked around Holden, one of my favorite locations, we would shoot a little and chat a little. We chatted about work, weather and wedding planning. We also chatted about their actual engagement. Anna & Bryan live in Shaker Heights, not far from the Shaker Lakes (ponds really). Frequently they take walks together around the ponds.

As Anna tells it, they walk together around the ponds nearly every weekend. Their consistent path always takes them over a little stone bridge. Anyone familiar with the area would know this exact bridge. On this particular weekend, they stopped at the bridge to enjoy the scenery. Anna, glancing quickly over to Bryan, noticed he had taken a knee, rink in hand.

By the end of their engagement session, everything had gone perfectly. The sun beamed through the entire session, as we paced the grounds at Holden. Below are just a few highlights from this sunny, loving session. I certainly hope you enjoy!

A summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum with Anna and Bryan.

A Holden Arboretum Wedding – Julie & Colin

I knew I was in the correct place when I pulled into the drive and looked out across Julie’s beautiful family farm. In the vegetable garden, the plants were just starting to poke above the ground, with the asparagus having been harvested already. Adjacent to the young plants were chickens quietly clucking through the yard. Inside the old farm house, Julie was getting ready with her family and friends. The sun was shining strong all across Kirtland, near Cleveland, and this was the perfect day for an outdoor Holden Arboretum wedding ceremony.

To keep things easy, Julie and Colin chose to simply use their wedding ceremony and reception locations for photos. We captured beautiful bridesmaids photos right on the farm, followed by the Holden Arboretum wedding ceremony. I happen to a member of Holden Arboretum, a private nature preserve in Kirtland, and I know the property well. Following the ceremony, we took time to stroll the gardens and capture photos of Julie and Colin together. The sun was beginning to set and cast a gorgeous peach-toned glow over the gardens.

The reception was back at the family farm, tucked in-between the barn, gardens and chicken coop. Julie and Colin had setup a huge tent on the back quarter of the farm for the reception dinner. Guests dined and toasts were given surrounded by twinkling lights and good friends. To end the beautiful day, the wedding party danced late into the night in one of the most beautiful barns I’ve ever seen. Julie’s aunt said something to me about her farm property that seemed so wise – “You should make where you live be like where you would vacation – this is mine.” What a wonderful idea! I certainly hope you enjoy the highlights below. To the new Mr. & Mrs. – thank you so much for having me as part of your wedding day. Working with you, however brief, as been a great experience.

Holden Arboretum wedding in Kirtland with Julie and Colin Holden Arboretum wedding in Kirtland with Julie and Colin Holden Arboretum wedding in Kirtland with Julie and Colin Holden Arboretum wedding in Kirtland with Julie and Colin

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