In July I found out that I needed surgery and while I knew I should be okay to photograph Erin and Mark’s rehearsal and wedding, I wanted a security blanket with me just in case.  Luckily for me, I had the best security blanket with me both days, my favorite wingman Nicole.  It’s always kind of scary when you find out that you need surgery but I’m so thankful I have a great support network here just in case something went awry, I had a backup plan and a plan to back THAT up.  Whew.  I ended up being just fine but it was nice to have someone with me!

Some of my favorite weddings are those that come from referrals from past clients and the ones that are within the family are always extra special because I get to see the families again too.  Nicole and I were both utterly charmed by BOTH Erin and Mark’s families, they were so amazingly kind and generous and we loved every minute that we spent in their presence during the weekend.

The night of the rehearsal was one of the hottest of the year, over 100 with the humidity!  It was held at the beach house at Clifton Beach which is an amazing and charming little private nook just outside of Cleveland.  The food was so delicious – an italian spread that Mark’s families put on (they own a restaurant).  The weather may have been a bit warm but it was still a delightful evening to spend with friends and families.  We ended the evening with a mini-engagement session just before sunset on the sand.

I loved the casual but festive decor that they decorated the beach house with.  Their colors were yellow and red and I loved the little nautical touches they incorporated into the theme.

Such a lovely view from the beach house!

Isn’t this an adorable way of setting the silverware out?

The Beach Club at Clifton Beach –  such a great location for a rehearsal dinner.

The ladies…

The gents…

…and the whole bridal party.  About thirty seconds after this picture the skies opened and it poured!  You can see a few raindrops in this picture if you look closely.

While I was on the beach Nicole was inside capturing the kiddos nibbling on some of the delicious cookies!

I love this sweet image of Mark and his grandmother.

This is about as exciting as the sunset got that evening but it was still a pretty night.

Due to conflicting schedules, we weren’t able to get an engagement session in before the wedding so we did a quick mini session on the beach at the end of the evening.

Aren’t these two adorable?

Favorite!

So sweet!

More storms moved in so there was just this sliver of sun before the clouds took over at the end of the night but I thought it was an usual sunset all the same.