Familiarity seems to be the antidote to nervousness. Still to this day, I get nervous before each wedding. Not because I feel unprepared, but because I always want to do my best. Somehow, nervousness never manifested itself before Sarah and John’s wedding at St. Christopher’s Church and Westwood Country Club. At first, it seemed like nothing in particular was different. There was no reason for the change.
Then it hit me, and quite a while after their wedding. I had become more familiar with Sarah and John than usual. I get to know all of my clients, but I had gotten to know Sarah and John a bit better. Despite the long distance between us, I felt I knew them all the more well. Maybe it was because we got along splendidly at their engagement session. Or because I had already met Sarah’s family well in advance. I think the real reason is all because of Sarah and John. They are the warmest people you could know. They are the type to make fast friends with anyone. To be near them is to feel welcomed.
That feeling carried through their entire wedding. Sarah and John’s friends and family are much the same – very warm and extremely welcoming. It certainly made for a wonderful day. Added to the wonderful people were some amazing locations. St. Christopher’s is a great place for a wedding. For Sarah, it was made all the more special by her uncle. Her uncle happens to be a priest and he happily completed their wedding. The reception, held at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, was astonishing for many reasons.
It turned out to be the perfect place for the creative portraits. The golf course and club house make for some stunning scenery. Furthermore, Sarah’s design for the reception was spectacular. Flowers literally decked the tables, chairs and ceiling. Working with HeatherLily, Sarah’s floral design was filled with bright purples, soft pinks and pale whites. Flower arrangements were even hanging from the chandeliers. It was a sight to be seen.
To cap off the amazing day, we stepped outside after sunset for a few nighttime shots. The front portico made the perfect backdrop for a final portrait, despite the cars shuffling in the background. Admittedly, I had a really tough time choosing a few photos to highlight. Below is just a very small handful of my favorites, and way more than normal. Enjoy!
Ceremony venue: St. Christopher’s Church, Rocky River
Reception venue: Westwood Country Club, Rocky River
Floral design: HeatherLily
Cake artist: Wild Flour Bakery
Bride’s gown: Elegance by Roya
Men’s tuxedos: Vera Wang
Entertainment: The Orchestra, Jerry Bruno
Hair & make-up: Rainbow Room
