I love photographing weddings. Mostly, because they’re such fun & happy days in the couple’s life… but also because it is so much fun to spend the day getting to know, and celebrate with the couple.

This weekend, I got the chance to add a whole other dimension to that enjoyment when I got to photograph my cousin’s wedding at Mayfield Country Club.

When we first discussed the idea of having me photograph the wedding, the big question was “But wouldn’t you rather be a guest?” My response was a firm “NO!” I explained to them that by photographing their wedding, I had a front seat view to all of the day’s happenings. I got to spend the whole day with them, and experience even more of their wedding day. Plus, if I wasn’t the photographer, I’d be watching whomever they did hire, wondering if they were getting the shots I’d want them to get! Call me a control freak… but I love my cousins, and wanted to make sure they got photographs that not only represented the day, but who they are – as individuals and as a couple.

It was so easy for me to know what expressions to capture, because I know them, and know what smiles are real or fake. Because they were able to be themselves with me, the photos reflect the fun, comfort, love and happiness of the day.  The whole day was so much fun, and getting to share that experience with them was so special.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Well, this blog post is LONG overdue… and for that, I apologize!
When I promised to post pictures online the week of their wedding, I was not considering the chaos that would take over my life before heading to Europe for my workshops… so, alas… here are some shots from Kathryn & Mike’s wedding.
This was such a fun day for us. We not only made new friends, but had a bridal party that was more than willing to indulge us on every whim! From walking across muddy parks, to jumping off swings (ok, that was NOT our idea!!), to working quickly downtown to get the bride and groom some amazing shots — this group was all about it! But let’s not steer the focus away from the stars of the day… Kathryn was my hero as she held her cool despite some hiccups throughout the day– no limo, no problem! She was a picture perfect bride throughout the day, and we had a great time. Mike, you weren’t so bad yourself! :-)
I hope married life is treating you great!
Share this post on Facebook to show yourselves off… Many, many more to come.

Anyone who has tried to schedule a photo session or a meeting with me this fall has learned that I have taken off to Greece for three weeks of photographic education at its finest. Beginning in Greece, 7 of the world’s leading wedding photographers have collaborated in what is called the Grand Workshop. The 50 attendees from all over the world are learning new perspectives, strategies and techniques to bring home with us. The first day we split into groups and worked with each photographer, observed, and shot along with them. The second day we (my husband and I) got to put on our wedding clothes and we were on the other side of the camera as the models for the day. Not only was I so excited to get another opportunity to wear my wedding gown, but I loved the different perspective I gained by being posed and photographed by the world’s leading photographers. To experience the difference between having an interaction with the photographers or being photographed from a distance… to be posed with instruction or suggestion… and to realize first hand what it takes to get that little something extra after a long day of posing. I think this experience provided me with as much benefit as the day I spent behind the camera.
This workshop is proving to be a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to bring what I’m learning home with me to Cleveland! I will continue to update from these workshops, so stay tuned!
Here are some of my images from Day 1…

All weddings are about love.  The love between the couple, their friends and their families.  But, there are some weddings that bring the idea of love to a whole new level.  This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing such a wedding.  Laura and Michael have been together for 14 years, and used this day to celebrate their love, their lives, and their families coming together.  Throughout the day, everywhere you turned was a sentimental detail.  From the jewelry worn by Laura, to the silver bouquet holder she carried down the aisle… everywhere the opportunity presented itself, there was a piece of their loved ones.  Beautiful weather, and with The Temple – Tifereth Israel, and Severance Hall as our backdrops, we captured beautiful pictures that show the warmth of the couple and their long-awaited special day.

Have a wonderful Honeymoon, guys!  We’ll see you when you get back to show you more great memories from  your wedding!

So if you just so happen to be getting married, and someone asks you, “what are you doing this weekend?”, you’ll obviously be telling them that you’ll be at the Ever After bridal event at Landerhaven, right??? Well, if you haven’t heard of the event taking place this Sunday from 11-4, Ever After is Cleveland Magazine’s elegant wedding bridal event featuring preferred participants with Demetrios Elian of Brides by Demetrios as the guest of honor along with hosts from WKYC’s Good Company. Register online at clevelandmagazine.com/everafter or purchase your ticket at the door and visit us at this unique show! We will be showcasing our wedding photography and will be glad to talk with you about your special day and answer any questions you might have. We will also have some great giveaways and show specials but you have to come see us!