I first met Katie and Aaron back in January, but really got to know the pair when we shot their engagement photos back in April.  Want a refresher on their outdoor portrait shoot?  Check out some of those fun engagement photos!  This laid-back duo was great to work with then, but was even better on their big-day!  We had a blast, and got amazing wedding photos that they’ll have forever…  With their felonious groomsmen (yeah guys, I have pictures!), and fun and beautiful bridesmaids in toe, we traveled all around downtown and got some amazing shots!  It was a perfect day… beautiful ceremony, great light for bridal party photos and family portraits, and then a fun dance party at the House of Blues.

Their downtown wedding also marked the first time Kim Ponsky Photography featured its new husband-and-wife team! This definitely wasn’t the first time that we’ve worked together– just the first time with our new and improved status! I have to say, it was even more fun!  Just having been through our own wedding, we were even more in-tune with the sentiment of the day, and the priorities of the bride and groom — really making us able to relate to them… All of that definitely made us better photographers!  We have sooo many to go through, but couldn’t wait to share these favorites!  Congratulations, Katie & Aaron– and thanks for letting us be a part of your day!!

This one's my favorite!!

Just three weeks before my own wedding, I had the privilege of attending the wedding of one of my closest friends from high school.  Elizabeth and Gavin shine together… and they are a such a pleasure to watch.  Now, I was a guest at their wedding, but how can I go and not bring my camera??? Their wedding was out at Botzum Farm in Akron, Ohio.  And, although the weather didn’t cooperate, it didn’t rain on anyone’s parade!  The bride walked down the aisle on her father’s arm and under an umbrella… rain whistles passed by, and brought on some laughter… but nothing steered my attention away from the way Gavin looked at his Bride throughout the whole ceremony.  They were something out of a Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Romance, poetry, faith and warmth of heart… how could I not try to capture it?   Here are some of my favorite shots…

I am in love with my camera! I am, I can’t help it! I do love my fiance, but he knows that my heart belongs first and foremost to my Nikon D3s. The decision to acquire this new member of the Kim Ponsky Photography family came with some pressure… how could I justify the purchase so it wasn’t just a new toy? I had to make it count! I had to find a new and spectacular way to utilize its awesome and magical powers. Not only can this camera practically shoot in the dark, but it also captures HD video. When I first began playing around with that feature, anyone who viewed what I shot was sure to get seasick! It took some practice to learn to shoot with a steady hand… but I’ve definitely gotten better, and am now capturing what we’re calling “Dynamic Visuals” — cinematic clips with the tangibility of video, but the artistic composition of a portrait photographer.

When we have two photographers on site for a wedding- one of us can capture still images, while the other shoots video. What comprehensive coverage! Imagine, no longer having to hire a videographer and a photographer — we’re a one stop shop!

Take a look at a short promo we put together from a recent wedding!

I had such a great time photographing Abby and Kyle’s wedding last weekend!  As I drove out to Abby’s parents’ house on Saturday morning, I had one eye on the road, and the other on the clouds… it was supposed to rain, but it wasn’t… would it??  When I arrived, I found a house full with ladies in their beautiful dresses running about, seeing to last minute details, and one lone Dad preparing to marry off his baby girl.  The bride herself was the picture of calm and eager anticipation as she giggled and enjoyed every second of her wedding day.

We began with photographs at their home, and Abby barely flinched as spiders and mosquitoes tried to join her in her gown!  From there we drove to the beautiful St. Christopher’s cathedral in Rocky River.  Here I had an experience I’m still laughing about… Minutes before the ceremony, I somehow (and I’m really not sure how) managed to hit myself in the forehead with my camera and made myself bleed!  Are you kidding me?!?  A photographer knocking herself in the face with her camera?  Was this the first time I’ve used the thing?  Is this a dangerous job?!?  There I was, trying not to look like a complete fool while I’m bleeding from the head outside of the church before the wedding ceremony!  Never a dull moment…

After the ceremony we went to two of my favorite Cleveland photography locations, and had a blast– The bridal party were troopers– braving the heat, the humidity and the occasional rusty nail… We got tons of great shots that Abby and Kyle will use to fill their wedding album!

I especially loved to see the energy, love and fun continue throughout the reception at the Embassy Suites in Independence.  After a cake cutting for the books (although food fight is probably a more appropriate term), I’m not sure that the Bride ever left the dance floor!  Abby is probably the most expressive person I’ve met.  I LOVED it!  Every shot was a keeper– It makes selecting her pictures a real challenge… that’s the kind of challenge I like!  I had such a great time with Abby, Kyle, their family and friends, and can’t wait until I’m invited back to their anniversary party!

Congratulations guys– Thanks for including me in your wedding plans!  Here’s a peek at some of your wedding photos– more to come soon!

Abby's dress and accessories helped her glow, but nothing was as great as her smile and attitude!

I'm such a sucker for a good father/daughter moment...!

I love these shots... and the shoes!

"Abby in Wonderland" -- Yes, I know I'm a dork.

Sagi and I had such a great time photographing Matt and PJ’s wedding! This couple has been together for 10+ years, and were as comfortable with each other as they were with themselves. Their laid back nature, as well as their desire to truly enjoy their wedding day made it so much fun to be a part of. They were married on May 15th at St. Joan of Arc Chagrin Falls, and celebrated late into the night at The Country Club. There were moments of the evening that were definitely unforgettable such as PJ’s brother singing the song they danced their first dance to (amazing!!), her dad’s speech (it was really hard to take pictures and keep from crying at the same time!!), and a song cover that would make Clarence Carter proud! There was never a dull moment, and I’m pretty sure we caught nearly all of them on camera…
Thanks for letting us be a part of your day, guys– It was a lot of fun!

These are just some of my favorites… I’ll post more soon when I talk about the advantages of having a second photographer at a wedding!