Tagged: love

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.

We met over in the University Circle area and spent some time with their gorgeous yellow lab. At first, their lab was a little skeptical of me, as you’ll  see below. But I think he just wanted to be the center of attention. Don’t all dogs? Our lovely Monty always wants to be the meat in the sandwich.

The weather could not have been better for the session. It was unseasonably warm and we had a thin layer of cloud cover. Even better, Tara and Brian are so easy to work with. They clearly have fun together and the afternoon seemed to just breeze by. Without a doubt I am looking forward to their wedding this summer. They have an amazing location selected and I think their wedding will be one of the best all year. Really excited!

Below are just a few of my favorite photos from the session –

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

Photos of dogs in mid-bark or mid-shake always crack me up. They move in such mysterious ways!

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

See – such a sweet dog.! Tara’s even sweeter. She simply looks so beautiful in the photo above and below. I can see why Brian lovers her so.

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

I love the sparse photo above. It really helps to contribute to the quite moment shared between Tara and Brian.

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

The sun beaming in from behind us was perfect. It seemed to create the perfect colors and highlights.

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

Brian’s actually a funny man, but the “serious” photo above is a nice change of pace. Truthfully, we were laughing the entire time.

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

Tara and Brian University Circle Engagement Session

I really love those last two photos, especially the detail of Tara and Brian’s arms folded together. That’s all for today. We will have lots more soon. Until then, you can keep up with our current work on Facebook.

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!

Working with Alli and Dan could not have been better. Normally working with an out-of-town couple can have some challenges. However, Alli’s family was a huge help. Working with her mother before the wedding made all the difference in the world. Plus, I felt a personal connection to Alli and Dan. They were referred to me by friends and live in my old home town – Chicago.

The wedding was entirely hosted by the Renaissance, with the ceremony and reception in different rooms. The design created by Kim Singerman of Noteworthy Events was stylish, opulent and understated all at the same time. Various tones of white were used throughout and it looked amazing. The reception was lit beautifully to really show off the hotel. To compliment the great design, the team at Stephen Tokar Floral & Designs brought in some amazing floral arrangements. They draped a custom-made chuppah in white orchids and used complimentary flowers to decorate the tables.

So what really kept the guests going late into the night? None other than the Jerry Bruno Orchestra. They were so much fun and created an high-energy atmosphere. Below are just a few of my favorite photographs from the day –

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters and mother helped her to slip into her gorgeous wedding dress. The full veil was perfect for Alli. We then headed out into downtown Cleveland for a first look.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Coordinating a first look in an open space can always be tough. Thankfully, it was a little easier this time because we had a great team to help out.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Oooh – so exciting! The anticipation always kills me.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I love Dan’s reaction to seeing Alli for the first time. That reaction is why I always recommend a first look if my clients are willing.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

One of the best times during a Jewish wedding ceremony is signing the Ketubah (marriage contract). The families gather around as the rabbi reads the document and the bridal party signs it. I really like the wide-angle photojournalistic shot above.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

As I noted above, Alli and Dan’s wedding chuppah was gorgeous. It was draped top to bottom in white orchids, candles and beaded crystal threads.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

All happiness and cheers on their wedding day!

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

The reception design created by Noteworthy Events and Stephen Tokar was lavish and classic! Simple white flowers throughout to match each place setting. Even more so, the lighting design really lit up the room (pun completely intended).

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli’s sisters gave the most heart-felt and hysterical toast. They know Alli and Dan so well, and clearly love them to death.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan’s first dance backed by the Jerry Bruno Orchestra was great. All of the wedding guests stood and cheered the happy couple.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

 The photo above is definitely my favorite. I have a real soft spot for emotional father-daughter dances. Plus, you can just see Alli’s sister in the background snapping a pic of her own.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Of course it wouldn’t be a wedding without the traditional Hora dance. Alli’s mother later commented that it was one of the longest and largest she has seen. I believer her! I was exhausted by the end.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

I think you can see the real excitement above. Everyone, including your’s truly, was so excited for Alli and Dan. You gotta love weddings full of love.

Alli and Dan's stylish autumn wedding in downtown Cleveland

To end, the Jerry Bruno Orchestra doing their thing. One of Alli’s bride’s maids jumped in on the singing action. So, that’s all for today. Definitely stop back soon as I have more coming to the website. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

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.

Stephanie and Ben wanted to include the idea of live music in their engagement session. They love going to concerts and listening to music together at home. So, we planned to hit the Collinswood Arts district for a visit to the Beachland Ballroom and Music Saves. I would have loved to inside the Beachland, but their was some crazy children’s show going on. I was just happy to visit some great new locations. While it was mid-November, we did also want to include the fall colors where possible. Thankfully, our weird weather this year kept the leaves around a little longer. We headed to one of my favorite places, Cleveland’s cultural gardens where we found a yellow ginkgo sea.

A few of my fun favorites are below. The photos might look a little familiar – one is currently featured on my home page. Enjoy!

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

The Collinswood Arts district is such a great place to visit. It’s so colorful and has lot’s of indie music options.

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

You can only see a small part of the mural above. You’ll have to trust me – it’s crazy! As for Stephanie and Ben, it’s so nice when they laugh together, or at me!

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

The winds may have striped the leaves from the trees, but the color was all around. The yellow ginkgo leaves seemed to carpet everything.

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

Stephanie and Ben - music lovers engagement session in Cleveland

I still cannot remember what I said or did to elicit the reaction in the last photo, but I love it. Maybe Stephanie will remind me one day. That’s all for today. I have been on a tear lately with new content on our website, so make sure to check back often. Also, give us a “like” on Facebook where you can find our most current work.

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