Rehearsal: Maureen & Mark – Atwood Lake Resort
Posted on July 8, 2009
When Maureen booked me, I was so excited because I absolutely adore Atwood Lake. However up until Maureen & Mark’s Rehearsal, I had never been to the Lodge – just the marina on the other side of the lake. To say that I was stunned with the spectacular views from their ceremony location in front of the lodge is an understatement. I’ve been to a LOT of venues in Ohio (and beyond!) and I have to say this is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen. The evening started off like most rehearsals, lots of laughs and a bit of confusion. By the end of the rehearsal process, everyone was straight on what was going on, when things were taking place and most importantly, when to kiss! While everyone hit the bar up, I ran up to their outdoor BBQ setup above the lodge with yet ANOTHER spectacular view to get some detail shots before everyone arrived. Maureen & Mark wanted a casual dinner for their friends & family rather than have anything formal. They had a tent set up and fans brought in just in case it was hot (it was plenty breezy though so the fans weren’t needed) and then the typical BBQ fare was served – hot dogs, hamburgers and the like. Then to top it all off they had a fire going for later when the kids (and adults!) could make smores and enjoy the evening. Such a perfect way to celebrate family and friends!!
Thanks to Maureen and Mark for having me there!!! Stay tuned for their AMAZING wedding which includes my favorite couple shot that I’ve taken so far!
Views from the ceremony location
Saying their ‘fake’ vows – they were saying their own vows and wanted to save the surprise for the wedding day.
I love how Maureen and Mark laugh and laugh together!
The all-important kiss!
Maureen’s brother’s walked her down the aisle since her father is no longer with them. It was an honor but yet a bittersweet moment when they practiced their walk. Having lost my father not long ago, I’ll fully admit to tearing up right along with everyone else.
On the second round of practice, there were very few dry eyes left!
While everyone was getting ready for the dinner, I was taking some detail shots at the BBQ area on the golf course.
Doesn’t this look amazing? I’m not kidding when I keep saying the setting was so beautiful!
The bridesmaids!
Maureen & Mark – such a great couple!!!
The BBQ Rehearsal Dinner underway as I departed!! I heard from all that it was a great night and one of the best rehearsal dinners that anyone had attended!
Rehearsal: Jillian and Kevin
Posted on June 10, 2009
Jillian, Kevin and I kept trying to meet up for an engagement shoot but timing never worked out. In the end, Jillian decided to have me shoot their rehearsal. Rehearsals are fun because it gives me a chance to see what will happen the next day and to also get more relaxed shots of everyone involved. The next day everyone is already used to me so it’s more like shooting friends than clients. Their rehearsal started late because the previous rehearsal ran late so we took some casual portraits outside before going inside. The rehearsal was good and informative and then we headed over to the 100th Bomb Group for a delicious dinner hosted by Kevin’s family.
I have to admit, I love when guys pose as soon as they see the camera – makes my job easy!
I always try to get a shot of the bride holding her bouquet the day of the wedding and this shot – even if it’s not THE bouquet – I still love because it shows off Jillian’s gorgeous bracelet from her Mom as a wedding gift!
I love getting this shot if at all possible…
The new Mr & Mrs!! Well… in a day!
Jillian and her brother pose during dinner.
Jillian and Kevin make a toast to everyone at the rehearsal thanking them for coming.
Jillian shows off the Bride hoodie her bridesmaid made for her knowing that Jillian really wanted for the next day. It was ADORABLE!
Tomorrow… The amazingly awesome pink wedding!
Rehearsal: Sandor and Svetlana
Posted on November 23, 2008
On one of the last days of October, I met up with Sandor and Svetlana at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church for their rehearsal and then followed them over to Eddie’s Creekside Restaurant for the dinner. The church is absolutely STUNNING and I have to say that the ceremony is one of the most unusual but beautiful ones I have ever attended (more on that when I post the wedding day pics!). The other interesting part of the ceremony is that in lieu of a large bridal party they each had a person on their side and then a witness and elder witnesses. Sandor and Svetlana came to me as a referral from my former bride and now coordinator Heidi of Heidzillas and we booked a few months ago.
Enjoy their pictures (and a sampling of how spectacular the church is!) and I’ll be updating soon with their wedding!
Nothing like having Batman at the altar with you to make you feel secure! Sandor’s friend from Hungary, Bela, came in for the wedding and his son came to the rehearsal from Trick-or-Treat.
I LOVE this picture, she is too cute for words! Look at those killer eyes!
These desserts almost kicked wedding cake off the top of the list of favorite desserts!
By far my favorite shot of the night. Not perfect in any way but so funny and captured the moment exactly. Sandor and Svetlana wanted a picture with Bela and his family since they do not see each other often. The kids were having a BLAST playing with the shreadded paper from their gifts from Sandor and Svetlana (isn’t that always the case the stuffing and boxes are more fun?) and Bela’s son (formerly known as Batman) didn’t want to stop playing. They tried to get him in the picture and this is the end result. What is the icing on the cake is his sister’s look on her face! Love it 
Rehearsal: Devin and Heidi
Posted on September 20, 2008
Devin and Heidi had already had an engagement session so Heidi opted to use her engagement session for rehearsal dinner coverage instead. Due to rush hour woes, I decided to also go to the rehearsal as well and Heidi offered to feed me, pefection!! We started out the day at the Hanna Gardens where their wedding would be the following day and then ended the night with a cocktail hour and dinner at The Blue Point Grille in downtown Cleveland. The weather was perfect and outside of a few incidents with bees in the gardens the evening was perfect!
