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

I am so thrilled to introduce an great company to you today.  I was out at their studio a few months back and I have to tell you I was very impressed.

Hi Leigh, Have you been with Jerry Bruno Productions long?  What do you do there?  What’s the best part about your job?

I have been with Jerry Bruno Productions since July of 2005. I started out just a couple days a week, then began doing event coordination but realized sales isn’t for me. So I proposed to take over website editing and begin internet marketing, which is in line with my degree and experience in Public Relations. I love getting a chance to utilize creative skills and learn about internet marketing daily.

In 2006, Jerry put together a new band called The Avenue and invited me to be one of its singers. I asked a friend that I used to sing with in a girl group at Pickwick & Frolic, Tiffany Marchak, to join, and we pieced together the rest of the band via connections and ads.

(Leigh, singing with The Avenue)

When did Jerry Bruno Productions begin as a company?  How did it get started?

The Bruno family has long standing music roots in the Cleveland area. Jerry Bruno moved to Los Angeles in the 80s and created The Jerry Bruno Music Network there. His clients included the likes of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, Princess Di, and the casts and crews of “Cheers” and “Taxi.” He conducted a string ensemble for Bon Jovi’s after-Oscars party in 1990.

Jerry returned home to Cleveland in 1995 and began growing what is now known as Jerry Bruno Productions.

Your website describes your company as a “wedding entertainment source,”  what do you mean by this?

About 90% of our booked jobs are at wedding ceremonies and receptions. But in addition to over 20 bands and 20 DJs, we represent countless musicians and acts for all aspects of an event. We’ve booked string quartets to play everything from Bach to Metallica at ceremonies, and Elvis impersonators to entertain at rehearsal dinners.

We also have a lot of clients needing entertainment for corporate events and private parties, as well.

If a couple walks in, who should they expect to talk to?

Currently, most of the booking and event coordination is handled by DJ Scott Jones and and Geoff Short. Scott is our General Manager and has been working at the office for a decade, and Geoff is band leader of and singer in The Avenue. They both have extensive experience planning and performing for weddings at all the major local venues.

(The amazing Scott Jones)

When would you recommend a DJ for a wedding and when would you recommend a band?

It can be a matter of taste and/or price. Some feel that a band provides an air of class, while others just want someone to be in charge of playing music at the right time and making announcements.

There are exceptions, but most of our bands excel at playing a wide range of popular genres and songs, which is great if your guests range in age from 8 to 80. If most of your dancing crowd is younger and into primarily modern music, a DJ might be a better fit. Many clients hire a band for the first four hours and then a DJ for the final hour or two, for the younger crowd.

What unique qualities does each have to offer?

A DJ is usually more affordable than a fully stocked band, and you’ll hear the original, familiar versions of all your favorite music. A band will provide more crowd interaction and bring more energy and personality to the room. (Our DJs pretty much stay at their booth, no dancing on speakers or singing along.)

If a bride is interested in a particular band, how far in advance should she be sure to book?

At least a year. As of July of 2010, we already have some bands and DJs booked for dates in October of 2011.

If a couple has no idea what the best entertainment choice is for their wedding, can you help guide them to a perfect match?

Absolutely! First, we can narrow choices down using availability for their date. Then, we can show them some choices on DVD. If a client isn’t feeling the vibe of a band or DJ, we’re pretty good at reading that. No problem, we move on to other choices. We’ll find out about their venue, their budget, their guests and their favorite music, and usually one or two bands or DJs will come to mind as a good fit.

What question should every couple ask their entertainment before booking with them?

They should find out if the individual they are meeting with, or those featured in the video, will be the same individuals who will be performing at the event. Some companies book under one name, then farm out the work to anyone available. But one song can sound VERY different sung by different singers, and different DJs have very different personalities. Not to mention one song list doesn’t fit all bands.

At the same time, conflicts can occur. Once or twice a year, we may need to replace a lead singer or DJ due to illness. The fact that we have a pre-screened talent roster in our pocket is a major plus to booking through an agency. We can easily fill-in a role at the last minute if needed, and the bride won’t be bothered with added stress the day of her wedding.

Leigh, thank you so much for your time.  I look very forward to working with you guys in the future.

Summer Days

Things have been a little crazy here as of late…the poor blog has been a bit neglected.  I am working hard to keep things balanced this summer with my kids, business, and life.  Some days, I must admit, I am failing miserably but overall I think I may be learning how to make all this chaos fit into one very blessed life.

This week has some great items in store including an adorable baby session that I photographed today.  (Did I mention that she’s adorable?)  And stay tuned tomorrow for a “Wedding Wednesday” featuring a very talented business that you won’t want to miss.

For now, I leave you with this.  I love finding light like this.

$25 gift card to first person who knows where this shot was taken.  (Answer coming in a future blog post…along with more gorgeous images.}

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.

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.}

Classy Columbus Wedding Photography {Brian & Ali}

As I arrived at the hotel, the sky opened up and the rain poured down.  You know…the type of rain that drenches everything you’re wearing as you run from your car…the kind that seems like it won’t ever end.  Soon enough though, it began to clear up.  The sun came out and the day became just beautiful.

I’d never met Brian or Ali before their wedding day, but as I got a glimpse of their lives and their love, the weather reminded me of their story.  It may have been rainy in the past for each of them, but together, the sun is shining.  And, it’s just gorgeous.

If you are getting married in the Columbus, Ohio area, check out the new wedding venue: Scioto.  The service and facilities were amazing.

I love the elegance of the black and ivory.

The setting was perfect…just like the day.

Ali’s brother was the pastor for the service.  I always find it so meaningful when the officiant knows the bride and groom well.

Love this next one.

Fireside Florist created Ali’s bouquet using four different flowers…each type comprised the bouquet for the four bridesmaids.

Scioto has amazing decor.  It’s a bit of a photographer’s dream.

The Cake Studio did a fabulous job.  Trust me when I say it tasted even better than it looks…and that’s saying a lot.

Pastor Jamie shared a quote from the book Mystery of Marriage by Mike Mason that I don’t think I’ll ever forget:

“Love convinces a couple that they are the greatest romance that has ever been, that no two people have ever loved as they do, and that they will sacrifice absolutely anything in order to be together.  And then marriage asks them to prove it.”

With all my heart, Brian and Ali, I hope you live your lives proving it.

Ceremony and Reception Location: Scioto Reserve Weddings (An awesome, brand new venue in Columbus.  The details this place thought of…wow!)

Colors: Black & Ivory

Florist: Fireside Florist

Bakery: The Cake Studio

To view more yummy images, please click play below.  Slideshow may take a moment to load…but I promise it’s worth the wait.  {Facebook and RSS Feed viewers, please click here to view}

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.

A Wedding Wish Feature

I am excited to announce that the amazing Angela Wish featured one of our photos on her blog this week.  Remember Scott & Kelli?  Their beautiful wedding featured tons of great images, but in particular this one Dave shot is fantastic.  Click on the image below to view the post.

Oh, and while you are there say hello to Angela.  I would highly recommend every bride hire a wedding planner and Angela’s talent ranks high.

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

(I know.  I know.  It’s Thursday.  But doesn’t Wedding Wednesday have a much better ring to it?)

Allow me to introduce Ryan to you.  He is one of the DJs at Beach Boyz Entertainment and I asked him to tell us a little bit about himself and the business.  I firmly believe that your wedding entertainment is an essential piece of hosting a wedding people enjoy.  If your guests aren’t having fun you will be disappointed and believe me so will they.

Some DJs in the industry are fantastic and others are just so so.  Do yourself a favor and hire a fantastic one like Ryan here.  :)

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a person who loves to have fun and take life by the horns. I have been married now for 7 years and I have two sons. Austin and Trevor. Austin is 6 years old and in the first grade and Trevor is 3 years old. They are incredible. I just recently bought a home in Firestone Park and loving it. It’s so nice to have the freedom of owning and doing whatever I want, which means, I was able to get a Pet! We have 1 cat named Charlie and a Dog soon to come!

2. Tell us about Beach Boyz Entertainment…where are you located?

Beach Boyz is a wonderful DJ Service. The customers come first. That’s how we separate us from everyone else. It’s not our show, it’s theirs. We want to cater to all that our clients want. We have around 20 guys at the present time working for Beach Boyz. Range from Rookies to guys who have been there for 15 years.

3. How did you become a DJ?

I used to work at Todaro’s Party Center in Akron as a busboy so I got to see DJ’s first hand and got to see how much fun people had. I wanted to be that guy who provided the fun. I loved it when Beach Boyz DJ’d the parties because they made it a night to remember. So that’s why I decided to become a DJ. Didn’t know music too well and was a little quiet, but wanted to try. Now I know thousands upon thousands of songs and have been with Beach Boyz for 11 years. I get to provide the entertainment and provide the smiles as people walk out the door remembering how much fun their event was!

4. What do you think is the most important role of a DJ at a wedding reception?

The most important thing about the role of the DJ is becoming the one to take care of the flow of the night. For Weddings, we make sure that all events are planned, ready to go…and we keep a good pace. If you let the party drag out and check in the guest(s) of honor, then people lose interest and the client thinks “what’s next…” Being able to work the flow of the music is most important too! Anyone can hook up an IPOD and run music off of it all night, but do they really know how to work the crowd. Do they know what song to play next to keep people dancing? No. They usually just have a pre-determined list and just the play button. We don’t do that. We work the crowd off the lists the Client provides plus what we feel would keep the dance floor alive. Also, our DJ Service works closely with all Photographers and Videographers. That’s the last thing a Bride and Groom would want…no pictures for a special event on their Wedding Day…a Father-Daughter dance could be missed. All Vendors know what is coming up. We Emcee the event and Coordinate all events.

5. What should a bride and groom look for in a DJ?

As you look for a DJ, get to know them. Get comfortable with them. The reason I say that is because they are the one’s DJing the night you are going to remember the rest of your life. The DJ makes or breaks your reception. People don’t really remember the food, or the drinks…but they remember the music.

6. What are some unique things you (Beach Boyz) offer?

Beach Boyz offers a variety of unique things. We have basic lighting to intelligent lighting…Fog Machines/Snow Machines/Bubble Machines/the list keeps going. We have props for all kind of events when it comes to Kid Parties (Hula Hoops/Miniature Bikes/Wide Selection) to keep people entertained. We also interact with the crowd. We don’t stand behind the DJ Table with our arms crossed the whole night or sitting down eating and drinking alcohol. We don’t eat and we don’t drink alcohol at events. Our concern is the Bride and Groom…not our party life!

7. Do you have any fun stories or experiences that you can share?

I have tons of stories that could take up pages as to things that have happened in my 11 years so I will keep it short and sweet. The experiences I have meeting new people every weekend are awesome! But the best part is when you run into those people down the road and they remember you! They say they still talk about their reception and how much fun they had. They say that every family gathering they have, their reception comes up as a topic every time and memories start flying out their mouths and they can’t stop talking about it. That is the best experience. I once had a Bride and Groom I DJ’d for 5 years ago…well, their friend got married this past summer and they were guests. They came up to me and said “you were our DJ and I am so happy to see you here tonight. We told them to go to Beach Boyz and get Ryan.” So for couples to remember me that far down the road is the most amazing feeling. I love being a DJ and I will leave you with a quote that I will hold true to and you will see how much I love being a DJ by this quote:  ”The day that this becomes a job is the day that I call it quits”

Thanks for talking to me and hope to see you all soon!!

Here’s a couple shots from a wedding last season where Ryan is keeping the floor hopping:

View Next Entries »