I got to know Katie and Bart rather well at our engagement session the previous May in Chicago.  I spent a few hours with them walking all over the city and I was so excited to see them again for their wedding at the Silver Grille in Cleveland.  I was especially glad when the weather was on our side again and it was a beautiful day in Ohio.

Katie and Bart chose not to see each other until the walk down the aisle, which is totally fine. After the ceremony they were both SO much more at ease and you could tell that their souls were just so happy to finally be together.  It sounds a bit woo-woo so forgive me but there was such a light that came out in both of them when they finally were back together.

Their love is the cozy kind of love.  The one that keeps a permanent smile on your face, the kind where they both are seeking the others eyes no matter where they are in the room, the kind that always reaches out for a light touch when nearby.

Thank you SO much for allowing me to document your beautiful wedding.  Special thanks also to my amazing second shooter Tom Forrest who always is amazing!

Ceremony: Church of the Holy Angels / Reception: Silver Grille at The Higbee Building / Band: The Orchestra / Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander via The Perfect Bride / Cake: White Flower Cake Shoppe / Florist:  Breezewood Gardens / Hair & Makeup: Arra Salon / Menswear: The Black Tux

Tom started off bright and early with the guys (and lady!) at The Ritz Carlton.

I love this photo Tom got of Bart getting ready!

Hotel rooms can be notoriously tricky for getting ready but Tom rocked it (so did Bart!).

The Black Tux is somewhat new on the scene and from what I have seen, I like!

What a great “groomal” portrait of Bart!

Bart’s attendants included his sister which I loved (and that blue dress!).

Meanwhile I was getting started over with the ladies at Katie’s Mom’s house in Chagrin Falls.  I adored this lace Justin Alexander gown that Katie chose.

It was time to get dressed once they finally all arrived back from the salon.

I am obsessed with this gown and the veil!

Unfortunately things happen and sadly at the rehearsal dinner Katie’s Mom fell and hurt her arm.  Thankfully she was able to make it to the wedding ceremony but sadly she wasn’t able to push through to the wedding reception.  My heart sunk for Katie and her Mom but everyone rallied around her all day to try and keep her spirits up.

Things will happen, it’s how weddings and life is.  However, if you choose the right people to be by your side – be it on your wedding day or just another normal day – life is a bit easier to bear when things happen.

One final touch up before the walk down the aisle.

These guys (and gal!) had a bit more waiting around to do so Tom took them into the gorgeous courtyard in the downtime before the ceremony.

Finally it was time for the ceremony to begin, yay!  I loved that Bart’s parents both stood with him while they waited for Katie to make her way down the aisle.

Katie and her Mom made their way down the aisle beautifully!

It was a beautiful ceremony!

How gorgeous is this church?

It’s official!  Ta-da!

After the ceremony we headed downtown to Chagrin Falls for pictures.   I loved this photo mostly due to the fun peep of Katie’s green shoes!

The light is always tricky down here – sometimes it is all on the falls so balancing the two is tough.  Sometimes it’s the other way around.

Then sometimes it’s super windy and people get soused when taking photos.

THEN!  If all the other things are on your sides it’s a SUPER popular spot so it can be jam packed full of people and getting any kind of shot can be a nightmare.

On our way back up to the street I had them pause in this little nook where I loved the way the light was coming in.

I love this spot above the falls, the light seems to be pretty even here and you can get a bigger group here a lot easier than below.  It was a perfect spot for some more photos!

These bridesmaids were SO amazing all day and so crazy helpful.

I also want to say how much I LOVED these dresses and bouquets!  Gorgeous combination!

Katie was a stunning bride!  I adored the lace on the skirt.

How gorgeous are these two!?

Breezewood Gardens made such a beautiful bouquet that tied everything together!

These guys were great and kept everyone laughing all day long.

I love that Bart’s sister was on his side!

One quick stop at the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop before heading downtown.

Tom was able to ride the bus with everyone so he was able to hop off with them at Public Square for some photos before heading into the cocktail hour at The Higbee Building.

I hadn’t yet been to Silver Grille at The Higbee Building  for a wedding so that was fun to photograph this gorgeous space!

I loved how the fountain was full of flowers and candles.  Perfect use of the space.

Their wedding cake from White Flower Cake Shoppe was perfection!

Before everyone came in they practiced their fist dance to make sure everything worked on the dance floor.

After they entered they cut the cake and it was beautiful!

They went into their first dance afterwards and it was perfection!

There were quite a few toasts and every single one was heartfelt and beautiful.

After dinner Bart danced with his mother.

Originally Katie was going to dance with her Mom but her sister took her for a spin on the dance floor instead.  I loved it!

Bart’s Dad is SUCH a kind man so of course he was happy to step in after Katie’s sister to share a special dance with is new daughter-in-law.

I loooove Irish dancing (my maiden name is Doyle, I think that says it all?) so I get excited when there’s some good irish dancing at a wedding and this reception had some amazing dancing!

Katie and Bart’s first date was at a donut shop so it was only perfect that they served donuts alongside cake and ice cream at their wedding!

Which meant that I HAD to grab one for photos with the rings!