Fun Canton Wedding Photographs {Matt & Erin}

When I arrived at the hotel the bridesmaids sat and watched as Erin’s hair was being styled.  Erin was calm and collected after months of intense planning…this was it.  She looked beautiful.  Gorgeous actually.  Laughter and conversation filled the room as all the last minute details were being cared for.  I can’ t think of many better ways to spend the morning of your wedding day.

Matt and Erin had met at Yankee Peddler but didn’t spend much time together then.  They exchanged screen names and for months spent hours chatting online.  (This was pre-Facebook after all.)  After so much time chatting without moving any further…Erin finally asked what Matt was thinking.  Is this going anywhere or not she wanted to know.

It was.  After seven years together, Matt and Erin were married at First Christian Church in Canton last month.  All of their family was gathered around them and celebrated as they spent the night dancing and enjoying the beginning of their lives together.  Dave and I were happy to be there to photograph the two of them and this wedding that they had poured so much of themselves into.

Kudos to this awesome bridal party.  I felt like another bridesmaid minus a cool silver dress.  They even did my hair.  I had a blast with them!

I’m not sure what it is about this next one that I love.  But I love it.  Isn’t Erin gorgeous?

Matt just after seeing his bride.

Did I mention that this was a cool bridal party?

To view even more images, please click play below.  The slideshow is about 3 minutes long.  Please be patient while loading, it’s worth it!  {Anyone viewing on Facebook or in an RSS Feed, click here.}

Matt & Erin…thank you both so much for allowing us the pleasure of working with you both.  We wish you both the best.

Canton Engagement Session {Brian & Jen}

He was driving like a maniac.  That’s her side of the story anyway.  She was so mad she even asked around town and found his address.  She completely intended to knock on the door and give him a piece of her mind.  She knocked and he answered, but apparently she forgave him, because soon after they were dating.  Then, last December, Brian set out on an elaborate plan to ask Jen to marry him.  To keep her from being suspicious, he worked with 94.1 to be sure that Jen would win tickets to a Cavs game.  On the night of the game, she came home to find a Christmas tree decorated with a box next to it.  She said yes {of course!} and they went to see the game as a newly engaged couple.

We began our session at Silver Park in Alliance.  Brian and Jen brought their other love, Daisy, along and she snuck in a few photos.  :)

She is a cutie, huh?

Jen, you look beautiful!

After a quick clothing change, we headed over to Mount Union…

Here’s Dave’s perspective of the fire escape:

And mine:

Brian & Jen have visited Bubba Gump and wanted a bus stop shot.  We couldn’t find a good bench but this worked just fine.  Daisy seems to like it too, don’t you think?

Thanks Brian and Jen!  We are looking forward to your wedding this September.

Akron Lakeside Wedding Photography {Efrem & Keera}

There are a lot of people who claim to love.  They swear up and down their love…until things get hard.  For better or worse…until the worse comes.  Efrem is not that kind of man.  He’s proven that.  Keera has been dealing with Cystic Fibrosis her whole life and a few months ago her lungs began to fail.  Efrem sat by her side for weeks as she awaited a double lung transplant and then went through the hard work of recovery.  She couldn’t look at him, smile at him, or talk to him for a long while.  Yet, there he sat.

Her friends and family banded together and created multiple fundraising events to help Keera and Efrem with the huge medical bills.  Auctions, tournaments, live bands, dinners…all created and run with love for these two.  I wish I had known them then.  I would have loved to have been there to support them.  This couple has been through more than most.

I wasn’ t there then, but a few weeks back, Dave and I had the pleasure of being there as Efrem and Keera were married.

The day was gorgeous and Spring Lake Party Center was set up beautifully.

Look at this light!

Efrem, Keera, and their friends and family helped with many of the details.  Keera even made her own garters…aren’t they adorable?

Keera took a few minutes to write a letter for Efrem.

Just before the ceremony, I walked into the dressing room and found this:

Could she be any more beautiful?  And the men don’t look so bad either…

I love how Efrem looks at her.  So sweet.

I am pretty sure this next one is my favorite.  I love their faces.

Organ donor cards and information were provided to all the guests.  You can find information on becoming a donor here.

Efrem and Keera…thank you both so much for asking us to be a part of your day.  Blessings to you.

To view the slideshow with even more images, please click play below.  {If viewing on Facebook or an RSS Feed, click here.}

Classy Akron Wedding Photography {Donny & Maris}

Maris was joyful when I arrived at the salon as she and her friends and family got ready.  She knew the day would be the one she’s been waiting for.  The one she’d done all that traveling for.  They had prepared for every detail–a perfect location, a classy band, an elegant dress.  There was only one aspect that couldn’t be cared for in advance–the weather.

It  rained that day.  Actually, it poured.  But, the rain couldn’t stop the joy.  Donny & Maris were married under the cover of the Conservatory at Stan Hywet.  Despite the last minute changes, the wedding was beautiful and the bride and groom glowed along with the rest of the festivities.  I think in the end, they made their own sunshine.

I think the difference between great weddings and fabulous weddings is the details.  And trust me, details there were.  Here is Maris’s head piece.  Gorgeous, right?

Stan Hywet made the perfect backdrop for the day.  Donny and Maris were actually the first couple to ever be married in the front of the Conservatory.

Donny and Maris opted for a First Glance.  I love it.  I love capturing this moment when they first see one another and they can be alone for a time before the ceremony begins.  Some brides and grooms have confessed that it was their only time alone the entire day.

Maris has such grace about her.

More yummy details.

I had to include this shot.  Look at the cool stitching on the programs.

Donny’s father toasted the couple…

…followed by Maris’s sister.  And it may have been one of the cutest toasts I’ve ever heard.

Donny and Maris, thank you both for sharing your day with us.  It was a pleasure.

Some of the wonderful people and places who made their day possible:

Ceremony & Reception Location: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Colors: Black & White with Pops of Red

Florist: The Towne Florist

Bakery: West Side Bakery

Gown Boutique: The Country Bride and Gent

Videographer: Aaron Ruegg

Hair Stylist: Martha Vale

Makeup and Bridesmaid’s Hair: Carol Martin’s

Click below to view the slideshow.  {Please be patient.  It may take a moment to load.  Anyone viewing on Facebook or in an RSS feed, click here.}

Akron Area Engagement Photography {Donny & Maris}

When he saw her across the dance floor of the ship he was interested.  Very interested.  In fact, he describes it as love at first sight.  But Donny couldn’t imagine ever approaching her to talk….Luckily, he didn’t have to.  Before he could give it much thought, she approached him, mistaking him for someone else.  It didn’t matter why she approached him though, I think they were both just glad she did.  They spoke some in passing throughout the rest of the cruise and then after returning home, Maris gave him a call.

They decided to meet in Washington D.C. since she is from Ohio and he Florida.  The trip went well and their long distance relationship started from there.  Donny & Maris spent the next year or more meeting every other week and talking on the phone in between.  Then, their relationship came full circle when they returned to D.C. where Donny proposed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Dave and I met up with them in Maris’s parent’s garden.  Donny and Maris flew in just a few days before their wedding, so this session took place just before their rehearsal.

Love this dress:

Can’t you just feel their happiness?

Maris, you are beautiful!  Look at those eyes.

Donny and Maris…we hope you honeymoon was just as amazing as you hoped it would be!  I will be posting some of you wedding images very soon.

Dave & Elisha Live Wedding Photo Booth

Looking for a fun option for your wedding reception? How about a Heritage Photo Booth? Our Live Photo Booth can be added to any wedding package.

Check out some images from Dave & Elisha’s booth below:

Cleveland Wedding Photography {The Story of David & Elisha}

I shared the wedding photographs with you a few days ago here, but I wanted to also share their story:

Elisha wasn’t sure about the whole blind date idea.  Her cousin insisted he was a good guy…but spending the evening with a man she’d never met did not sound like a night she was up for.  She reluctantly agreed to go, but in the end begged her cousin to stay.  That’s how it started.  Dave, Elisha, and her cousin.

In fact their first few dates went this same way.  Elisha’s cousin had a front row seat to a relationship that blossomed to become this bride and groom.  And, fittingly, she had the same front row seat to Dave and Elisha on the day they pledged their lives to each other.

Dave and Elisha…all the best to you both.  Congratulations.

Elegant Cleveland Wedding Photographs {David & Elisha}

Ceremony Location: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reception Location: Ridge Manor

Colors: Ivory, Champagne, & Latte

Florist: Zelek Flower Shop

Bakery: Michael’s Bakery

DJ: Music Machine

Hair & Makeup: Belleza

I love the moment when a bride gets her dress on.

Could the church be any more beautiful?

Love these next two.

We headed to Oberlin College for some outdoor shots.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.

I love how graceful Elisha is.  She looks so regal in all of these, don’t you agree?

Ridge Manor did an excellent job.  The food and service were wonderful.

I really believe that Dave and Elisha planned to have a “nice” cutting of the cake.  But, Dave fumbled a piece right on the front of Elisha’s dress and apparently she decided to pay him back.  I love that face!

The Polish tradition of the unveiling.  This is the point where the bride is considered a truly married woman.

David and Elisha…thank you both so much for allowing us the pleasure of photographing your day.  Good luck and God bless you both.

See below to view David & Elisha’s slideshow.  Please be patient, it may take a minute to load.  {If you are viewing this post of Facebook or in a feed, please click here.}

Wedding Wednesday {Best Cleveland Area Wedding Vendors, Tips, & Ideas}

I am so excited to introduce Kimberly of Kajal by Kimberly to all of you brides out there.  Her work is just amazing.  I can’t think of better hands to be in on one of the biggest days of your life.  What bride doesn’t want to look and feel absolutely gorgeous on her wedding day?

{Amy} How did you get into the makeup business?

{Kimberly} As a little girl I remember coloring my mother’s JC Penny catalog…I remember thinking the girls needed more lipstick:)  From there my love of makeup grew. I would  play in makeup or do any one’s makeup that would allow my to touch their face.  Even through college I always know I wanted to #1 work for M.A.C cosmetics and #2 Do makeup.  I worked as a freelance makeup artist for a year and then got a break to work for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics @ Saks Fifth Avenue.  After learning the true basics of makeup, I was ready to try my hand in the drama world of M.A.C cosmetics.  I’ve been working there since 2001.

{Amy} What kind of makeup do you recommend?

{Kimberly} There are a lot of great products on the market.  I recommend that you spend a little more on basics such as foundation & brushes.  Sometimes you can get away with spending a little less on color.  BUT….there is a difference in texture when it comes to high end makeup.  Bottom line…do some research and see what works best for your skin.

{Amy} Why do you think it is important for a bride to have her make up professionally done?

{Kimberly} I think it’s really important for a bride to have her makeup done professionally because it makes the biggest difference in pictures.  Also,,,I’ve seen such a change in the industry in the last 4 years.  More and more brides are considering makeup just as important as hair, and it is.  Now that there are such things as HD photography it’s important to have somebody who knows what their doing in charge of your face on the most important day of your life.  Also…your makeup will last all night.

{Amy} Would you recommend a practice run before the big day?

{Kimberly} I would defiantly recommend a trial before your big day.  During a trial an artist gets to know you and can pick up on the vibe that your looking for.  It makes the day of your wedding go much smoother and faster.  Also I recommend taking a picture so you know how it’s going to look on camera.

{Amy} What would you recommend to a woman that doesn’t normally wear makeup?

{Kimberly} For a women who does not normally wear makeup I would recommend something very natural for their wedding day.  I think on your wedding you should look like yourself only a little better.  So for a women who does not wear makeup….they should concentrate on cutting redness out of their skin & looking polished naturally.

{Amy} How long does makeup usually take?

{Kimberly} Makeup usually for a bride takes 45 min and for an attendant 20-30 min.

{Amy} Are there any upcoming trends that you are noticing for 2010 and 2011?

{Kimberly} Upcoming trends for 2010-2011 are very exciting.  And I say that mainly due to the technology that we have available to us.  I see a lot of smokey eyes but not done in a black pool…but instead with natural colors.  I also love the bold lip that we’re seeing a lot, it looks so classic.  It’s definitely one or the other…either a bold lip or eye…never both.

{Amy} What are some common makeup mistakes that you see women make?

{Kimberly} Common mistakes I see women making when it comes to makeup are: looking “dated,” although you really don’t need to follow the trend exactly, it’s important to look updated.  What worked for you in High School will probably change as you age.  Also over bronzing….Bronzer should look as you’ve been kissed by the sun, not burnt by the sun.

{Amy} What is one of your favorite makeup tricks?

{Kimberly} It’s hard to say just one favorite makeup trick…but I would have to say doing eyes first.  When you do your eyes before foundation, you can wipe away the “mess” you make from fall out….and it saves you a step from touching up what you just did.

Isn’t she great?  The part about the JC Penney catalog cracks me up.  Stayed tuned in a couple weeks for a fun project Kimberly and I are working on.

In light of all the wedding talk, here’s an detail from David & Elisha’s wedding.  Come back tomorrow for the full sneak peek.  There are some great images.

{Cleveland Wedding Photography} David & Elisha Engagement Slideshow

Dave and I will be traveling to Cleveland tomorrow morning to shoot David & Elisha’s wedding.  We will soon have some awesome wedding images to share but until then, here is their engagement slideshow.  Enjoy!

{It may take a minute to load…I promise it’s worth it.}

Those viewing on Facebook or in an RSS feed, please click the following link to view:  http://www.heritagestudioandgallery.com/2010/cleveland-wedding-photography-david-elisha-slideshow.

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