I have been wanting to work a wedding at the Tangier in Akron forEVER it feels like. I’ve had a few weddings that were supposed to be there but they either moved (one ended up in St. Thomas so I’m not even a little mad) or cancelled. My best friend’s family owns it, which is why I’ve wanted to go! With Kelli and Matthew I finally got to go and it was so wonderful to finally work in one of the most unique wedding venues in Akron!
You may remember Kelli and Matthew from one of my most favorite winter engagement sessions EVER. Seriously, that snowfall was straight out of a movie. What made the session though wasn’t the snow but just how much in love these two are. They made my job easy! That love was even more tangible on their wedding day so it was even MORE fun to document and play with them. What I love most about these two and their love language is their smiles. They have the most infectious smiles that just light them – and everyone else nearby – up.
Their wedding day was such a great day. There were TONS of smiles, lots of laughs and quite a few happy tears. Their wedding was crazy personalized and even though I don’t know them as well as their friends and family do, I left feeling like they were friends I had known for a lifetime. From Kelli’s Dad and brother singing at their ceremony to Kelli’s recorded song dedicated to Matthew that they danced to at the wedding (which was on the CD that they gave to their guests as a favor along with Matthew’s favorite snack) EVERYTHING was about them and their love. It was wonderful.
Thank you SO much for trusting me to capture your day! It was a pleasure to work with you both. Special thanks to Andrea Hallgren Photography who was my second photographer for part of their day.
Ceremony: Bath United Church of Christ / Photo Location: Hale Farm and Village / Reception: Tangier / Bridal Gown: Oleg Cassini via David’s Bridal / Cake: Reeves Cake Shop / DJ: Midnight Music DJ / Florist: Bouquets By Becky / Hair: Bridal Hair by K / Makeup: Rachel Lorraine Artistry / Menswear: Jos A Bank / Rentals: Whiskey and Lace Events / Videographer: Work Shed Weddings
I started my day with Kelli and her ladies documenting them getting ready for the big day. She had an amazing glam team with Kristin and Rachel on site for hair and makeup.
After her hair was beautifully coiffed, Rachel finished up the look with gorgeous makeup.
I love when brides are THIS happy with how they look!
One of my favorite photos from my own wedding was putting in my earrings so I always try to capture this for my brides as well.
Trying to get this many girls on a small bed is always an adventure (that gets lots of giggles)
Kelli’s Mom is SO lovely!
While I was with the girls Andrea was with the guys while they got ready.
The guys definitely knew how to get the party started!
Once at the Bath Church Kelli completed her transformation into a bride and it got the tears going!
First looks with bridesmaids are always fun and these girls were SO excited to see how beautiful Kelli looked!
However first looks with Dads will always be my favorite, almost more than bride/groom first looks. Daddy’s girl forever!
It was time to walk down the aisle and Kelli’s parents both had that honor.
Needless to say, Matthew was overwhelmed.
I’ve been to this church before and was excited to revisit it again. The light is amazing!
They had vows they wrote to one another. They were beautiful!
Kelli’s Dad and brother played a song for them during the ceremony on their guitars. It was perfect.
The kiss!
They did it! These smiles are the best!
I love the ribbon wands!
After the ceremony we headed over to Hale Farm and Village for their photos. This is one of my absolute FAVORITES of the day. When you can’t stop smiling even when you kiss, you know it is love.
I adored this color palette with the pink and grey bridal party!!
While I was taking the wide shots Andrea made sure to zoom in on the details. I LOVED the look of these white and green bouquets against the pink dresses!
As we were walking toward the fence they looked so darn cute I made them stop and kiss.
Again, Andrea was awesome at zooming in on the gorgeous details from the day while I captured the whole picture.
How sweet are these two?? Their love was such a joy to document.
LOVE!
I played with the ladies while Andrea captured the gentleman near this gorgeous barn.
How cute is Matthew?
I am so obsessed with just how beautiful Kelli looked on her wedding day. This dress was just phenomenal!
I need to gush about these girls, not only were they fun to work with but I loved that they all had matching colors but different gowns. It looked SO great!
Swoon.
These trees were so pretty!!! I spent a lot of time documenting them.
Forehead kisses are my favorite.
But let’s be honest, all kisses are wonderful!
I loved that we had SO much time to play and take pictures on their wedding day! Once we got to the Tangier we had time to really have fun with the unique space. This is one of my favorites from our time there!
The pink and gold decor was pretty and perfect for the space especially when combined with the uplighting.
Reeves Cake Shop did a great job with their cake! So pretty!
They started off the dancing with their parents. First Matthew with his Mom, then Kelli with her Dad.
Then Kelli and Matthew did their first dance and their special dance with Kelli singing together. They are SO darn sweet together!
Then the dance floor opened and everyone cut a rug!
They tossed the bouquet and garter and there were tons of giggles!
Before leaving I got to play with their beautiful rings and my favorite was on the LED uplight. I can’t resist a good LED ligh!!
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