It is hard to believe that I met Codi and Joe less than a year ago at Heidi and Devin’s Wedding. Codi and I instantly hit it off due to our love of shoes! I also have to admit to falling in love with their gorgeous and amazing-petal-tossing daughter Grace. I was extremely stoked when I found out that they finally set a date after being engaged for years AND they wanted me to be their photographer!!! We met back up at Svetlana and Sandor’s wedding in November and I couldn’t have been more excited for this date! I have discovered in the past two years that revisiting familiar faces is always a good time and makes for a bit more intimate pictures because you know the backstories.

The day of the wedding was unexpected but delightful – just like their relationship and marriage. The day started out gloomy and I was terrified of the rain coming down all day but it cleared up and made for a gorgeous afternoon just in time for the outdoor session overlooking the viaduct in downtown Cleveland. I spent the beginning of my day with the girls and my second shooter, Thomas of T1Photo spent his afternoon with the guys. The ceremony was gorgeous, perfect and full of happy tears. I think just about every person in the bridal party was spied wiping a tear or ten during the ceremony. Then it was off to the reception at Massimo da Milano’s where there was more tears with the toasts, more smiles with the cake cutting, happy tears during the special dances and smiles again finishing out the night with phenominal DJ’ing from Spencer Reynolds from Jerry Bruno Productions.

This wedding also showed me that despite my eyes being welled up with tears, I can still get the shot in focus. The brother/sister dance was a heartbreaker. I teared up editing the images!!!!

Congratulations Codi and Joe (and Grace!). I am honored and blessed to have been a part of your magical story this weekend!

Vendors:
Cake: The Bake Shop at Giant Eagle in Rocky River, OH
Ceremony: Church of the Ascension in Lakewood, OH
DJ: DJ Spencer Reynolds of Jerry Bruno Productions in Cleveland, OH
Florist: Blooms by Plantscaping in Cleveland, OH
Reception & Catering: Massimo da Milano in Cleveland, OH
Salon: Revelations Salon & Spa in Lakewood, OH
Transportation: Mr. A1 Limo in Wickliffe, OH
Wedding Coordinator: Heidzillas in Avon, OH

Heidi, Matron of Honor, steps in to tie the perfect knot in Codi’s sash.

Codi had these Converse custom made for her brother, I think they are pretty darn awesome!!!

While waiting to get married, Codi sat on the couch and opened a gift from Joe’s Grandma. I found that the coffee table had a great reflective surface and took advantage of it.

Codi is channeling Tyra here and being fierce, sometimes even reality TV can lend a helping hand to photography!

Joe’s co-Best Man Jason getting the rings and Groomsman Sandor helping him find a safe place for them.

I told you, Grace is seriously an awesome petal tosser. I wish every flower girl of mine went to town like her.

An enormously emotional moment for Codi & Eric but they made it down the aisle to Joe.

Grace got bored standing so went to sit with her Grandma. However that grew old too and she climbed out of her arms and stood in the aisle. Luckily before she either broke into the ceremony or busted a move in the wide aisle (she LOVES to dance) Grandma escorted her quickly down the aisle. However I love this shot, you aren’t the boss of me!!!

Time’s a tickin’!!!

This may be one of my favorite group shots ever!

A toast from the Best Men.

A toast from the Matron of Honor.

A toast from the Man of Honor, whom quickly turned these smiles into tears. Codi is so lucky to have such an amazing brother.

Eric gave another speech before the dance, which took the place of the traditional Father/Daughter dance. Their father recently passed unexpectedly and the song was the one her father wanted to dance with her to. Having lost my own father in the not too distant past, I was crying right along with them. They may have lost him, but you can tell through them his love will go on forever. *sniff*

Svetlana snagged me to snap a few shots of her and Sandor… the proud parents to be! I seriously couldn’t be more thrilled, she looked AMAZING!! I hope to get to meet Baby Milan someday! They are going to be stellar parents.

One of my favorite dancing shots ever, thanks Devin!

Thanks for reading!