Last July I met back up with Nikki and Robert not far from where we shot their engagement session in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Unlike their engagement session though it definitely wasn’t a cool day for sure but the heat didn’t matter because these two lovebirds were getting married!

When looking back on their day all I can do is smile over and over again because they were just SO darn smiley all day.  From the moment they first saw one another during their first look until the last time I saw them dancing on the the dance floor before I left they had HUGE grins on their faces.  They were so elated to marry one another and that joy spread through the room and everyone was delighted to celebrate with them.

Thank you both so much for trusting me to capture your day!  It was a joy to work with you!

Ceremony & Reception: Happy Days Lodge / Bridal Gown: Patty’s Apparel & Bridal Shoppe / Cake: Karen’s Sweet Creations  /  Catering: Old Carolina Barbecue Company / DJ: Raise the Roof Entertainment /  Florist: Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs / Makeup: M Kleinman Artistry /  Videography: P47 Productions  (see their video here!)

I started my day out with the girls who were at the hotel getting ready.

How cute are their robes??

I loved the sweet hug that Nikki and her Mom shared after she helped her get dressed.

A few final touches before we left!

The guys were finishing up their own details when we arrived at Happy Days Lodge.

Then it was time for the first look!  We got everyone into position and it was perfect!

See what I mean about the smiles?  They were there all day long.

Smiles.for.days!

I love when wedding gowns have interesting backs and Nikki’s gown had the most beautiful lace back.

Are they not adorable together?

Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs always hits it out of the park with her gorgeous bouquets but man, these were beyond amazing.  I loved the addition of the succulents!

Nikki was such a gorgeous bride!

Rob was pretty dapper himself!

We finally let the bridal party out of the room where they were watching to come out and enjoy the fun.

While bridal parties make the best fun for the day of the wedding I always advise my couples to do their first looks without an audience next to them when possible.  It makes the moment more special and less performative.

Now onto these pretty ladies!  I loved their long pink gowns and how the bouquets really popped against them.

I loveeed the pink and grey together.  Such a perfect palette for a summer wedding!  Especially one in the woods with all the green.

The guys looked cool in their grey suits with coordinating ties to the ladies.

Ceremony time!  Remember what I said about smiles, I don’t think you can get a bigger smile than this!

Nikki’s Dad was so proud to escort her down the aisle.

The covered porch at Happy Days Lodge is such a beautiful spot to say “I Do!”

The kiss!

Bubble exits are always my favorites.  Look how pretty!

After some family portraits we went back outside to capture a few portraits after the ceremony.

I loved the sign they had!

We did a quick spin through the nearby path to that connects to the other nearby parks in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

I may have been almost as in love with this bouquet as Nikki’s dress.  Don’t tell them though, I don’t want either to be as jealous.

Their first dance had a lot of kissing… and smiling.

Once the festivities were over everyone filled up the dance floor and busted a move.  Raise the Roof Entertainment kept everyone hoppin’ all night long.

These two were never far from another and I made sure to keep my eyes peeled for moments like this.

Have to finish with a ring shot!  SO pretty!

With that comes to the end of my first (but not the last!) Happy Days Lodge wedding!