I always love finding out backstories (when there is one) when there are sentimental ties to the wedding locations and this wedding may have one of the most meaningful ones.  On a beautiful day in June 2015 Darrell and Donald were engaged on the steps of their church on the day that marriage became legal for everyone in the United States.  That same weekend a year later, they were married at the same place in one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I’ve ever been a part of.

All day these two gentlemen were just so darn excited to finally be able to celebrate their love with their loved ones.  EVERYONE was so excited for these two and tears of joy were everywhere during the ceremony and huge grins and smiles were abound at the reception.  It was such a great day full of love!  That feeling will stick with me for a long time (hopefully forever).

Many congratulations to you both!  Thank you for trusting me with your day and documenting your love.

Ceremony: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral / Reception: Crowne Plaza Cleveland South /  Cake:  Wild Flour Bakery / Florist: Urban Orchid / Photo Location: Cleveland Cultural Gardens

I started out with the guys at the Crowne Plaza as they got ready together – which I love when my couples do!

We headed over to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens before the ceremony for portraits.  I loved that their attendants came with us as well!

This may be my favorite portrait of them from the day on the stairs at the Italian Cultural Gardens.

We headed over to the neighboring gardens since we had a lucky day where there was no one else around and it was magical!

We made a final stop at the Hungarian gardens and found a small spot of shade to hide in.

Before the ceremony Donald and Darrell signed the book at the church.

Then the ceremony was underway and within moments everyone was teared up, including myself.

It was SUCH a beautiful ceremony.

After the ceremony there was a bit of a break in the schedule which allowed the guys to take a breather (which I always encourage my clients to schedule in!) and allowed myself to capture images of the ballroom before any guests arrived.

I really loved the classic black and white decor they had.  It was simple, elegant and beautiful.

Their cake was a beautiful and classic from Wild Flour Bakery.

I’m still in love with the topper – the dog IS SO CUTE!

The guys had converse to change into at the reception and I am OBSESSED with them.  I tried to find a pair to buy for myself and sadly they are sold out.

Once they entered the reception they cut the cake.

They then went into their first dance which was a beautiful version of “I’ll Cover You” from RENT.

After dinner they danced with Mom/Grandma and I loved it!  The smiles were infectious!

Once the dance floor opened up everyone was having an absolute blast.  The music was mostly throwback which EVERYONE loved.

I had a lot of fun playing with their rings with their centerpieces!

Before I left one of their attendants suggested this pose with their soles of their amazing shoes showing and it definitely turned out to be one of my favorites of the night!  LOVE!