Tagged: Tented reception

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Holden Arboretum wedding in Kirtland with Julie and Colin

Danielle & Matt – A Clifton Club Wedding in Lakewood

I’ve been anticipating Danielle and Matt’s wedding ever since we first met over a year ago. They’re such a wonderful couple together and the whole wedding plan was a perfect fit. To say they’re the ideal client would be an understatement. Danielle and Matt’s wedding took place right in my little Lakewood neighborhood. I could literally walk to their wedding, although I didn’t. Lakewood’s Congregational Church and it’s Georgian design would be the backdrop for the ceremony, while the vaunted Clifton Club would host the wedding reception, all just block’s from my home.

As I had hoped, their wedding earlier this week turned out perfect. The ceremony, backed by sunny blue skies, was intimate, emotional and beautiful. For the wedding reception at the Clifton Club, Danielle and Matt had planned a detail-laden outdoor affair. While the inside of the club is gorgeous, the reception took place on the lawn, ringed by glowing lights. The flowers provided by Lakewood’s Cottage of Flowers had a distinct vintage flare to match the light, airy feeling. As the sun set, guests danced the night away under a soft incandescent glow on the patio.

Danielle and Matt’s wedding felt like home for me, and not just because of the location. Over the past year, I had gotten to know Danielle and Matt through their engagement session and many planning emails. I also happened to photograph an earlier wedding this month where Danielle and Matt were guests. Not just for me, but for everyone, their wedding was comfortable and quaint.

Before the ceremony, Danielle and Matt chose to do a first look on the Clifton Club lawn.  And to add a little more, we escaped briefly at night from the wedding reception to capture a few more portraits in the Lakewood neighborhood. Below are a few favorites, and some fun ones, too –

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – Danielle’s simply stunning Casablanca wedding dress and a brace of colorful, matching bridesmaid dresses.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

A first look for Danielle and Matt, on the back quarter of the Clifton Club lawn.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

 

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Biodegradable confetti flew as they exited the wedding ceremony. A confetti fight might have broken out!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Formals can be fun! Above – my favorite groomsman keeping everyone laughing!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

The beautiful ladies on the front lawn of the Club.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle’s details had a distinct vintage wedding flare. I love the menu and seating chart written out on an old window pane. And everything was personal – a close friend’s homemade lemon sorbet was served after dinner.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – some paperwork to be done. Below – a smoke on the patio to end the dinner.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt’s sunset first dance above, and a few portraits in the neighborhood below.

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Above – running through the neighborhood with sparklers, just for fun. Below – let the party begin!

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

Danielle and Matt's wedding at the Clifton Club in Lakewood, Ohio

OK – this last one is kinda special. It violates nearly every compositional rule. Their are weird lines, the subject is centered, the frame is not filled, and it’s lit with direct flash. I still love it though. He wanted a photo and jumped into the frame. Definitely a personal favorite, even if no one else likes it. That’s all for today. Thanks for stopping by.

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