Final weddings of the season always bring out an extra dose of celebration in me. After the flurry of busy season, I always start to get a little worn out. But when the last wedding arrives, I feel a fresh burst of energy, and I can’t wait to hit the dance floor with the couple. This year, Jessica and Ryan’s downtown Cleveland wedding snagged the last spot on my calendar, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect finale for the busiest busy season of my life! Complete with epic city photos and a snowy adventure at the end, it was unforgettable! Let me take you along.
Their downtown Cleveland wedding day began with the bride and bridesmaids getting ready at a hotel. I carefully crafted detail shots while the Refeyeance team did hair and makeup on the bridesmaids. Then, we all loaded into the party bus (you KNOW a wedding is going to be awesome when you get around by party bus!) to go to our first look photoshoot location. Jessica had an adorable, high-energy first look with her bridal party, then another sweet one with her dad. I have such a weakness for father-daughter first looks, and they always hit me right in the emotions! After that, it was time for the real deal—we headed to the venue for Jessica and Ryan to see each other in their wedding finery for the first time!
They chose to get their first glimpses of each other next to a classic brick wall in downtown Cleveland. The emotion flowed as they read their vows to each other, which made for some gorgeous photographs, of course! We then strolled around the area to capture some epic bride and groom portraits before the ceremony. When we came across a huge Prince mural, you know we couldn’t just pass it by! Then, we were off to the Ketubah signing. This was my first Jewish ceremony, so this was my first time witnessing a couple signing the Jewish marriage contract in front of their rabbi witnesses. And I was so grateful to have been present to capture the moment!
The ceremony was held in Tenk West Bank, a 19th century warehouse renovated into a stunning event space. The bridesmaids wore a range of warm rust tones, which complemented Jessica’s bouquet of rust, orange, and burgundy flowers by Elegance of Brielle. The groomsmen wore deep navy suits with faded orange ties and boutonniere, an excellent combo for a late-fall wedding.
The Maid of Honor, the bride’s sister, officiated the wedding, which gave a sweet, intimate spin to the day. Jessica was stunning in her form-fitting V-neck from Luxe Redux Bridal, but the long dress didn’t last the whole night! After the first dance, Jessica changed into a short, puff-sleeved-dress for the rest of the reception. This was a great way for Jessica to be able to dance and enjoy the party, which Raise the Roof Entertainment ensured never had a lull. The food, catered by Marigold, was small plates, which meant we got to try tons of delicious different things. We were directed to gather as many small plates as we could carry! Yes, please!
My favorite moment of the night was when I grabbed Jessica and Ryan to get some adorable end of the night photos as the snow started falling in downtown Cleveland. It was nothing short of magical.
This wedding was truly an amazing way to end the year! And I can’t close the books on the year without giving a huge shoutout to Engaged with Nora, the wedding planner who kept this downtown Cleveland wedding day running smoothly and efficiently! Her expertise in all the transitions that had to occur throughout the day was irreplaceable!
If you’re planning a downtown Cleveland wedding of your own and are looking for a wedding photographer, then let me know! Navigate to my bookings page so we can get the party started!
