Tagged: photos

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.

I think Dave loves Molly because she sees the good in everything, and because she is a great mother to their dog, Bella. She cares deeply for the well-being of all, loves her family and loves her friends. I think Molly loves Dave because he is a rock. He is quite funny and quirky, yet sincere. They both have an amazing sense of style and go together like Dolce and Gabbana.

Their romantic wedding at the Renaissance matched them both perfectly. It was filled with loving friends and family. The ceremony was sincere and touching. The toasts at the reception were funny and quirky. Everyone was lively and the style was impeccable. Of course Molly and Dave looked dashing together. His polka-dot cummerbund seemed to fit perfectly with Molly’s flower-laced dress.

Held so close to valentine’s day, the wedding seemed styled for the occasion. While unintentional, the detailing on Molly’s dress looked like a series of hearts. The cake was pink and beautiful red roses provided by Arne’s amazing team at  Blooms Cleveland. Below are a few emotional favorites from this wedding of love.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above you can just make out the heart-shaped detailing on Molly’s gorgeous dress. It was the perfect fit for the wedding day.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Also a favorite were the very red bride’s maid dresses with flowers to match.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Lindsay and Sarah before. As usual, they did an amazing job with make-up and hair styling. The girls looked amazing.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above, some finishing details and a portrait for Molly. Below, Dave getting dressed in his custom tuxedo. Notice – he’s not wearing a watch. When wearing a tuxedo, a man is not concerned with time, because he is already at the best place possible.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave decided to do a first look in the club lounge at the Renaissance. Above, Dave waiting patiently for Molly as he can hear her approach. Below, a loving first look.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

They are so amazingly sweet together.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

The ladies looking stunning just before the wedding ceremony.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Even though Dave met Molly before the ceremony, he lit up when she entered the room. We have  great series of photos showing Dave shifting from anxious to excited as Molly enters the ceremony.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

During the ceremony, Molly and Dave took a moment to thank some close friends who were responsible for their introduction. It was a wonderfully personal touch.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

They didn’t just share one first kiss, but two with a hug in between. You could really tell how they are best friends as well.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave’s parents were so proud for both of them. Especially Molly’s father, as you’ll see below.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

As usual, Elissa at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland did an amazing job coordinating the ceremony and reception. Molly’s style was executed perfectly and the entire room was  aglow. Below, a wonderfully pink cake for valentine’s day.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

 

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly’s father gave a wonderful toast, with handouts. Molly, Dave and guests got to enjoy photos from the past as her father toasted the couple. Below you can see Molly’s mother laughing at a perfect punchline.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

There might have been tears for the best man’s toast. I’m not saying there was, but just maybe.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Above and below are the parents enjoying a dance with their children. This is my favorite time of any wedding. I love my parents and love to see the same for others.

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

Molly and Dave - a Cleveland Valentines wedding

To end the night, we slipped outside into the snow for a quick shot in downtown Cleveland. Molly and Dave were anxious for a picture outside despite the snow, cold and biting wind. We kept them warm inside until the shot was set. Then we rushed out at just the right moment. What a way to end an evening.

Huge, huge thanks go out to our my, Michael and Meghan. Elegantly capturing this wedding would not have been possible without them. We have some more coming soon, so check back again. In the meantime, you can keep up with our current work on Facebook.

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.

When they met, Laura had moved to Cleveland from Nebraska for a nursing internship. John was a resident at the same hospital. John took the first chance. He asked Laura out on the very last day of her internship. Normally, nurses can be a little skeptical of resident doctors. However, on the advice of a trusted friend, Laura gave John a chance. They went out on their first date and sparks must have flown. John spent the next day helping Laura and her sister pack her things for the trip back to Lincoln. Something stuck though.

Over the next few months, John and Laura kept in constant contact as a romance began. That brings us to today. Laura and John are happily engaged and planning a wedding for this summer. For their engagement session, we spent a little time in downtown Cleveland. We also headed for a more pastoral setting in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We took a chance on the weather and everything worked out. We even caught just a fleeting moment of sunshine. Below are just a few of my favorites –

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

By the dockside – they look so smashing together.

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

Above are just a couple pensive moments – John in his car and Laura at the coffee shop.

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

From the moment I met them, I could tell that Laura and John really have fun together. He makes her giggle. Below you can see that they both keep each other laughing.

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

A quick portrait of just John. I asked for a serious face, so Laura danced in the background to get him laughing. She was right – laughing is better.

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

Laura is a true Husker fan. John, not so much. He’s more into soccer. I’m sure she’ll change that soon.

Laura and John - Cleveland winter engagement and love found

When I’m out moving around, I sometimes spot great locations for photos. I’ll simply add a location to my mental index and save it for just the right couple. The red barn above is one of those places. I saved it just for Laura and John. And they look so dashing here. Definitely a favorite! That’s all for today, but more is coming very soon. Until then, keep up with our current work on Facebook.

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.

Both Carolyn and Dan had similar interests in college. Dan studied anthropology, and Carolyn history. They both traveled to Portugal one summer to participate in an archaeological dig. They spent the summer digging for historical artifacts and neanderthals (sadly, no neanderthals were found). What they did find was each other. Meeting them now, it seems as though they were destined to meet. Dan makes Carolyn smile constantly. Carolyn makes Dan laugh when he’s trying to be serious.

For their engagement session, we simply spent an unusually warm afternoon around downtown Cleveland. We toured Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood and then headed downtown. We ended the session in and around my studio in Lakewood. It’s with great gratitude that I had a chance to work with them. Their next stop is a wonderful wedding in North Carolina. But for now, some of my favorite photos are included below –

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Under the canopy, the light takes on a different shape. I love how the light entering at the edges falls across Carolyn’s long hair.

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

I suggested a serious look, but what I got was a bit of giggling.

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

OK, there is a good chance that they’re no longer laughing with me. They may be laughing at me, because I can be a little crazy sometimes. Crazy fun, I swear!

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

How could Dan not fall for her. You could practically swim in her crystaline blue eyes.

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

You know what they say – the couple that laughs together, stays together!

Carolyn and Dan's engagement session in downtown Cleveland

Dan looks quite debonair in those last couple photos. That’s all for today. Definitely stop back soon for more as we have lot’s in line. Also, check out our page on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

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