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.
With a Bang!
There is one component about being a wedding photographer that can be tough and very rewarding – constantly working with new people all the time. Not only must we work with brand new couples, but also new florists, cake artists, wedding planners and venues. On the one hand, starting a rewarding relationship can be tough. Conversely, new relationships that really blossom can last a lifetime and be very beneficial for your sole. With new clients, I like to help the process along. Inside are a couple strategies I use to ensure relationships start with a bang!
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.
Guide to Growing a Wedding Photography Business
I have some recommended reading for you. Don’t worry, this one is easy and short. If you are a wedding photographer, or considering becoming one, definitely check out the latest guide from PhotoShelter – How to Grow a Wedding Photography Business. This PDF guide features a lot of great content covering everything from marketing to client care. It also features input from top industry professionals including Ryan Brenizer, Brian Dorsey and your’s truly. You can get your free copy here. Step inside to learn more, including tips not including new tips not included in the guide.
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. Step inside to see this amazing wedding held just in time for Valentine’s day.
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! Step inside to see this amazing wedding a learn a little about our excitement.
Katie & Jonah – a family engagement in Kirtland
When I first met Katie, her mother was kind enough to come along to the meeting. It was so nice getting to know them together. Their excitement for Katie’s upcoming wedding was infectious. Later, Katie and I put together a great plan for her engagement session with Jonah. As a pleasant surprise, the entire family joined in. Step inside to see why this was a welcome surprise and some beautiful photos from Katie & Jonah’s autumn engagement session.
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.
Published – The Knot Magazine – Holly & Brian
It’s really rough spending Christmas in Florida with family. Of course, I’m saying this with a pound of sarcasm. It was weird being in the warm Pensacola climate at Christmas time, but we survived just fine. The 15-hour drive home seemed to take forever, but I was greeted with some amazing news when we arrived. As I always do, I promptly fetched the mail from our mailbox. Stuffed inside was about 25 pounds of late holiday cards, Christmas catalogs, and other detritus. However, hiding among the treasured cards and other trash was a curious little package. In a Christmas habit, I gave the package a squeeze and a shake. Then it hit me! I tore into the package and was greeted by long awaited, but temporarily forgotten news. Step inside to see what has me doing the robot dance in my kitchen!
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.
Initial Impressions – VSCO Film from Visual Supply Co.
If you have been around here long enough, you know that I shoot a mixture of digital, film and polaroid. I love each for the qualities and capabilities that they bring to my visual voice. Film brings amazing colors, depth and range. Digital brings versatility, speed, and accuracy. Visually speaking, I have always favored film. Now enter VSCO Film, which promises to make digital photographs look like film. Does it work, or even matter? Step inside for my initial impressions and some samples.
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.
Holly & Brian – Kirtland Wedding at Holden Arboretum
“Over there, under the willow tree” said Holly, as we were standing in the rain. With that simple instruction, I could see her vision with crystal clarity. We were location scouting at Holden Arboretum for Holly and Brian’s wedding in Kirtland. There are a million great locations to choose from at Holden, but it had to be this particular willow tree. Step inside to see why the willow tree was the perfect location.
Jennifer & Chris – Downtown Cleveland Wedding
I had the perfect location in downtown Cleveland picked for Jennifer and Chris’s formal photos. The entire wedding party jumped off the transportation and up lined for photos. Just as I lifted the camera, the clouds opened and rain came pouring down! All of us ran for cover; gathered under the narrow eve of a building. It was pouring and we were trapped. What to do next?
Published – The Knot Magazine – Jamie & Ethan
Right about now is a good time to imagine me dancing around my office doing The Robot. It’s actually happened three times. First, when I found out I would be published in Professional Photographer Magazine. The second time was when I got a call from TheKnot.com asking for photos to feature in The Knot Magazine. And most recently was just about five minutes ago when I got a email from The Knot with images of the final feature. Step inside to have a gander at our latest magazine feature.
Wedding Photos – The Very Best of 2010
Back again with another best of 2010 post. If you missed the very best of 2010 engagement photos, please stop by and have a look. For today the focus is on weddings. 2010 was an amazing year in weddings for me. Our business grew substantially due primarily to great clients. Our clients are truly extraordinary and this year set a new bar. Step inside to meet our amazing clients and to see some of the best from this year.
Jan & Dusty – Columbus Athenaeum Wedding
I did my research ahead of time and knew the perfect locations for Janet and Dusty’s wedding photos. They were staying the in the Columbus Renaissance Hotel, and they have a giant roof-top pool deck. Just imagine shooting really high up with the skyline as the backdrop. Unfortunately, November, Ohio, and wedding photos at pools don’t normally mix. Jump inside to see what we did for Jan and Dusty’s wedding photos and to see some great photos.
Katie & Jerry – Urban + Orchard Engagement in Columbus
I must have looked a little crazy getting out of my car. After all, I brought my own apples to an apple orchard – and they were from the grocery store. That’s like bringing your own booze to an open bar party! However, I wanted to ensure Katie and Jerry’s engagement session at the orchard was perfect. It was late in the season and I wasn’t sure there would be apples left, so I would come prepared. I did get a couple funny looks. Step inside to see how the rest of the urban+orchard shoot turned out.
Lindsey & Matthew – Elyria Country Club Wedding
I am still surprised by “firsts” on a pretty regular basis. Certainly, my clients keep me on my toes. With Lindsey and Matthew, you just learn to expect a lot of firsts. To say they are exciting and dynamic would be an understatement. Their wedding at Elyria Country Club was not only beautiful, but a bunch of fun thanks to a surprising couple. Step inside to learn about all the “firsts”.Speak
Cecilia & Roger – Shaker Heights Wedding
There is a reason I don’t trust weathermen. Oh, they say they have science on their side, but I don’t buy it! Frankly, I look at the weather forecast with the same certainty I as politics. For Cecilia and Roger’s wedding in Shaker Heights, the weather was supposed to be fare. Maybe, just maybe a change of rain in the morning. I woke up on Saturday morning and it was pouring down rain. There was no break in sight. Make the jump to see how things can still turn out right.
Rachael & Michael’s Cleveland wedding
I finally finished editing all 569 of Rachael and Michael’s wedding photos. To this date, their wedding contains the most photos I have ever delivered. I tend to edit really tight so my clients receive only the best photographs. With Rachael and Michael’s wedding, I just couldn’t cut any more. It felt like I was choosing between my children (not that I have any, just saying). Make the jump to see a few good photos.
