Lauren + Max - Put-In-Bay Wedding
Lake Erie Coast
"Ohio."
"Why Ohio?"
We get this question often, and the answer has never been entirely clear, even for us. I didn't grow up here, so I don't have that innate sense of "home." At the same time, our kids were born here. Mindy's family is here. There's something special about this place. The closer we become with our neighbors, our church, and our photography community, the more the question becomes irrelevant. But besides the people, we're consistently surprised by this amazing state. The more we explore, the more we come to discover, and the more we appreciate where we live.
And so it was at Lauren + Max's wedding. Seeing the western coast of Lake Erie for the first time, and riding the ferry to Put-In-Bay, we had visions of our travels to the Pacific Northwest, and even in a sense, our trip to Italy's coast. This is a landscape that we honestly didn't know existed right here in our backyard. But unlike the PNW or Europe, being at their wedding still gave us a feeling of belonging, which is a comfort that anyone can relate to.
Ohio. Because this is home.
Leah + Graham - A Backyard DIY Wedding
Michigan
This one was special. Leah + Graham invited us up to Saginaw, Michigan to be a part of their wedding weekend, which took place in Leah's mom's backyard (aka garden). They planted wildflowers which were used for the bouquets, they planted vegetables which were used for dinner, and they planted goodwill and joy in the hearts of everyone who attended.
We just love the all-hands-on-deck approach to weddings. Getting your family involved produces a genuine response of love, commitment, and care from the people closest to you, and this was so evident all weekend. Leah's sister picked veggies, while Graham's mom mixed sangria. Graham assembled the sweetheart tent while his best friends set up the ceremony audio. Leah's mom delicately arranged the decorations lining the aisle and the cocktail party. Her uncle smoked a pig. It was beautiful to witness.
Add to all of that a threat of rain, and you'd think panic and frustration might take over, but the way their families handled everything was graceful and patient. The rain also gave us an excuse to come back the following day for portraits in the sun.
Proof that simplicity wins and family is first.
Abby + Will - Contemporary Arts Center Wedding
Cincinnati, Ohio
Feeling the family vibes. We shot Abby's sister's wedding a few years ago, and we're back for more.
The CAC killed it, and once again, the rain gave us the perfect little window for portraits. Enjoy.
Alana + David - Old Courthouse Wedding
Cleveland, Ohio
Torrential downpours, sunshine, snow, wind, and clouds. We pretty much saw the full weather spectrum.
No one really wanted to spend much time outside, so the bridal party decided it was time for shots. Alana convinced Butcher and the Brewer to open their doors just for us. You can get away with a lot when you're in a wedding dress.
We walked to our hotel at the end of the night with signs blowing off buildings and our bodies at a 45° angle.
Alana was gorgeous, and their love was tangible, but If we could make a day like this pretty, we can make anything pretty. Bring it on.
What a way to start the season.
Keri + Joseph - Top of the Market Wedding - Dayton Ohio
Church: Emmanuel Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Top of the Market
Wedding Coordinator: Cincy Event Planning
Videographer: Allen Arts Media
Stationary: Belle Pivoine on Etsy
Florist: Floral V Designs
Makeup + Hair: Pinned Up
Wedding Dress Designer: Ines Di Santo
Dress Shop: Bella Bianca (Chicago, IL)
Men's Tuxes: Men's Warehouse signature collection
Watch: Shinola (Detroit)
Bridesmaids dresses: Anastasia Chatzka (custom dresses Chicago, IL)
Cake + Desserts: Ashley’s Pastry Shop (Oakwood, OH)
Cake Topper: Better Off Wed on Etsy
Caterer: Top of the Market
Band: The Sly Band