Michael has been working with me for almost two years. His work is always superb. Even more important, our clients gush about how nice it is to work with Michael. Below are just two simple portraits to enjoy, one at our office and one in downtown Cleveland.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

As we walked around the museum campus near downtown Cleveland, we talked about what they do and how they met. Both Henry and Didi attend Case Western Reserve University for a special program in medical research. They met in a similar fashion. They spend their days researching at the outer edges of medicine. Henry completely lost me when I asked about his current research. I consider myself well-informed, but I didn’t understand a lick about what he’s researching. Let’s just say his work could lead to innovations in human skull formation. Yup, that’s all I could understand.

Together as a couple, Didi and Henry are some kind of amazing. Sharing the same career interests is wonderful. They also share a deep interest in each other. Spend just a little time with them and this becomes evident. Below are a few favorite photos from our short time together in Shaker Heights and around Cleveland.

Penelope was a bit scared at first, and clung close to Henry and Didi.

Above, Henry looking dashing. Below, Didi and Henry caught in the golden light near the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

Above and below you can easily see why I love evening engagement sessions. The light in the shade takes on a blue tone, while the sunlight itself goes to a peachy golden color.

Above are a couple real film photos. I love using film for the amazing quality it allows, but more so for how it changes my approach. Everything slows down and peaceful moments are captured.

Didi and I share one distinct thing in common – a love of shoes. She planned to change her shoes multiple times. My favorites were the purple ones at the end, but I’ll personally stick with my well-worn brown pair. There’s more coming soon, so stop back again. Until then, you can keep up with our latest work on Facebook. Also, check out our latest feature about growing a successful photography business.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

They are so amazingly sweet together.

The ladies looking stunning just before the wedding ceremony.

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.

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.

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

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’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.

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

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.

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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 -

By the dockside – they look so smashing together.

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

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.

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

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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 -

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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 -

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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’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.

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.

Oooh – so exciting! The anticipation always kills me.

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.

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.

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.

All happiness and cheers on their wedding day!

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

 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.

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.

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.

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

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!

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

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!

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

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.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

When the day arrived, I simply met them at their house. We gathered up the dog and headed out for a local park. The sun was beaming through the trees, creating the perfect place for an afternoon outside. After Zoey had her time in the spotlight, we moved to some of my favorite places. One is a little secret of mine, but you will definitely see it below. The other is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Given the season, it’s hard to resist spending some time in the valley sun. The park makes for such a nice afternoon. You just have to watch out for the crazy bikers (their everywhere and their fast!).

Danielle and Matt’s wedding is coming up soon. Given what I know about the event, I really am excited for them. Their wedding will be truly amazing! And so close to my house, which is just a little bonus! Below are just a few of my favorite moments from their engagement session. It was hard to pick just a few key photos. Danielle and Matt are so close to each other, and it makes every photo really stand out. Kinda like spending time with them – they are just stand-out people (Zoey too)!

Zoey really is unforgettable. She patiently held still for the camera like nothing I have seen before.

The golden light cast off from Danielle’s scarf is amazing. And I was happy to catch a nice private moment as well.

Almost on queue, Danielle and Matt were great at ignoring me and doing their own thing. I was just changing a lens and caught the moment above just in time.

She’s simply beautiful. I’m sure she will look radiant for Matt in her wedding dress.

I still can’t get over how amazing Danielle and Matt looked as a couple. On their engagement session, they just seemed perfectly fit for each other and the season. Soon the wedding will come rolling along and I’ll have more then. However, in the meantime, check back soon as I have a whole list of new stuff coming. Also, check us out on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

On the drive to their house, I could see a storm chasing me down. Not long before I arrived, the clouds opened up and the rain began. Then it rained more and more and more.  Before long, it was clear the steady drizzle would not quit. I was happy to reschedule or continue, and left the decision to Molly and Dave. After some discussion, we continued.

I’m so glad we continued. The rain added drama when desired, or we could duck into sheltered spaces when needed. After shooting around their home, we headed into downtown Cleveland. I know of many sheltered places in the city, so it was the perfect choice for a good session.

Below are a few of my favorites. The rain need not go away, and we had a wonderful day (I know, I should be a poet .

Oh, Bella! Molly and Dave’s Shar-Pei is so sweet. They rescued her from a bad situation and she now has a forever home. As the owner of multiple rescue dogs, I could not have been happier to meet Bella.

We had always planned to use their antique convertible, and the rain wasn’t going to stop us. I love the above-right photo. It feels like the outside looking in.

Molly and Dave really know how to have fun together. Here we are in a parking garage in downtown Cleveland. The empty garage may sound like a strange location, but it offers a nice, clean background and gorgeous, dynamic light.

I don’t pose people much, and I hardly needed to do anything with Molly and Dave. They are just so comfortable with each other.

Above – a private moment with Molly as we waited for some heavy rain to pass. Below, some special requests from the couple.

I would love to share so much more from this session, like some fun “angry bunny” faces, but those are just for Molly and Dave.

There’s  more coming soon, so keep an eye on the website. For more up-to-the-minute work, check out our page on Facebook where I share what I am working on now.

See y'all soon,
Hunter