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.
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.
Sailing Grenada on Film
We finally found a break in our hectic schedules. When we were young, it was so easy to take family vacations. As my brother and I have gotten older and have careers of our own, it’s become much more difficult. However, the end of March was our time. It had been decades since we had sailed together as a family. So long, in fact, that Brooke had never been. We booked our trip and started to gear up for a week sailing Grenada (one country) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (another country). I was excited to momentarily step away from wedding photography, and cold Cleveland. Now I just needed to decide what to bring. Step inside to see a few personal photos from our lives together, all shot on film.
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.
California Wine Country
Brooke and I are foodies. We love it all – finding a good recipe, picking out produce, cooking, food photographs, the smells and the tastes. This past July, we spent a few days in California with family for a little foodie vacation. We have some great food in the Midwest, but the food in California can just be unreal. Even dive restaurants are amazing. Step inside to see some highlights from our Napa and Sonoma tour.
Our best friends – curious canines and engagement sessions
“Do you mind if we bring our dog?” is a common question we get asked about engagement sessions. After all, our clients know I love dogs. They know I have a Doberman at home, and some know my father is a vet. Of course dogs are welcome for engagement sessions. It’s almost preferred. More than anything, I just love meeting new dogs. Each has a unique personality, but they all love the camera. Step inside to see a small collection of pet photos from engagement sessions and to learn more about our client’s loved ones.
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.
Kelsey & Zak – Sunny Spring on the Farm
I thought I arrived early. I was going to take an extra moment to look around the farm. Alas, Kelsey and Zak were already waiting. No worries though, I had been to the farm before. It’s one of my favorite places and I rarely have access to it. However, it was a special request by Kelsey. The farm is a special place for their family. Step inside to see this amazing place and some lovely photos from their engagement session.
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.
Molly & Dave – Fun Photos in the Rain
Being a wedding photographer, and an organized person, I must maintain a detailed schedule. Sometimes it feels like I’m keeping a schedule just so the weather can change it. So was the case for Molly and Dave’s engagement session. The first try was rained out completely. So, we tried again. The day started off clear and it looked like we would have nice weather. Step inside to see how this day turned dreary yield some amazing photos, with sacrificing a thing.
VIDEO – VSCO Film Overview
In the past I have done a couple posts concerning the Visual Supply Co. VSCO Film preset package for Lightroom. As you may know, I snapped up this package pretty quickly and have been using it for a couple months. I have never bought a preset package before and to this day, VSCO Film is the only preset package I own. There is a big reason for this. Included today is our first video, and I decided to tackle and overview of VSCO Film. Jump inside to see our first (low-budget) video and learn a little more about VSCO Film.
Elise- High School Senior Portraits Around Lakewood
I focus on weddings around the Cleveland area almost exclusively. However, I’ve spread out a little lately to take on some high school senior portraits for students around Lakewood and Rocky River. The sessions are a welcome change from weddings. Instead of working hard for one client over months and photographing large groups of people, senior portrait sessions offer a completely different approach. I love working with a single student for a few hours at a time. The concentration on just one person can have magical results. So I was happy to take on another senior portrait session when Elise and her mother, Mary, contacted me. Step inside for a look at how a great session turns out.
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.
Jessica & Alex – Decadent Downtown Cleveland Wedding
The wedding was just a couple weeks away. Jesi and I had finalized all the last details and I was just wrapping up my location scouting. We were all set for their amazing downtown Cleveland wedding. At the time, I did not know how amazing it would be. Jesi & Alex may be the most multi-faceted couple I have met. During the year we worked together they moved across country, planned a wedding, started new jobs, bought a house and even appeared on the HDTV show “House Hunters”. I simply love working with high-energy couples who have big plans. Jesi & Alex’ wedding was no different – full of decadence, personality and style. Step inside to see a few favorite moments from one of the best weddings of the year.
Lender Family – A Sweet Summer Sunset Session
When Paul contacted me about photographing his family, I not only jumped at the opportunity, but I was also sincerely touched. Paul is a professional photographer as well, and quite accomplished. His trust in me to represent his family well means the world to me. It’s often said that good work earns the respect of [...]
Katie & Jonah – A Simple Kiss
Sometimes all it takes is a simple kiss. More from Katie & Jonah’s session coming very soon. For the photographers, this was processed with the new VSCO Film from Visual Supply Co.
Katie & Mischa – Victorian Wedding in Chautauqua, New York
“That’s where you are getting married” I said with a slack jaw, while staring in awe at the Hall of Philosophy. Katie was giving me a tour of the Chautauqua Institution, a gated lakeside community famous for it’s summer programming and dedication to education. I arrived early on Friday to take a little tour and do some location scouting. Katie has many fond memories of spending her summers at Chautauqua, so she decided to host the wedding there. A fun and memorable wedding is personal, so step inside to see how Katie and Mischa built an amazing weekend from personal experience.
Katie & Rob – Cleveland City Skyline Wedding
June was a month of discovery. In that single month, I happened upon many new locations and people, all of which were wonderful. Katie and Rob were responsible for introducing me to both Ponte Vecchio Restaurant and the Superior Viaduct in Downtown Cleveland. The viaduct is whats left of an old rail bridge across the Cuyahoga river. Only the stone abutment remains. However, buildings have sprung up around the viaduct, creating some of the best light in the city. Have a look at Katie & Rob’s wedding to see how the Viaduct made the perfect location for a great wedding.
Katie & Jerry – Horses and Horsepower Wedding in Fairfield
On a sunny day out in the open ocean, you can look down and see the particular shade of deep blue that seems to go on forever. That entrancing blue is my favorite color. It is also one my favorite things about Katie – her eyes have the same endless blue. What I love about Jerry is his stoic nature, oh and our shared passion for auto racing. Apparently, Jerry really knows how to wrestle a fast car around a small parking lot. But most importantly, I love that Katie and Jerry gave me trust and allowed me to influence their wedding plans. Step inside to see how a little trust and a lot of planning went a very long way.
Katie and Jerry – First Look
This post is the first is a two-part series for Katie and Jerry’s wedding in Fairfield, Ohio. Today we are featuring the first look photos. Later will come a post detailing their entire wedding.
Simply put, Katie and Jerry are like family. They were referred to me by close friends and former clients. We share much in common and hit it off right from the start. They had requested to do a First Look before the wedding ceremony, which is one of my favorite things. To make it special, I spent a couple weeks building the perfect plan. I don’t live near Fairfield, so I had to do all the planning over the internet. Step inside to see how we pieced the First Look plan together from a far and got the perfect results.