Last Saturday the wedding season kicked into gear with Sarah and Jim’s wedding and it couldn’t have been more of a perfect day!  The weather was amazing, mid 70’s, breezy and sunny!  Most of the country is raising their eyebrows and wondering why this “normal” spring weather would be a godsend but last year on the same weekend it was snowing so I considered this a major stroke of luck!  The day was also so perfect – not a single problem and just a great day all around.  Even when problems happen, I always tell my clients that they are still marrying their loved one and THAT is what matters – but I never had to reassure Sarah of this because their day was blissfully perfect!

Their day started at St. Christophers and then we ran to Olmstead Falls to a train depot that Sarah had chosen for her wedding pictures.  I LOVED this train depot and thought it was such a great change from the typical choice of Fortier Park which is in the area.  Even the train gods were with us that day as not a single train passed us by on the normally busy tracks during our entire shoot, enabling a bit of extra leeway when taking pictures around the depot and tracks (which I do not recommend unless you know the schedules or if you have a clear line of visibility for oncoming trains).   The rest of the night was spent at The Arcade which never fails to make guests jaws drop, there are few places that are more stunning for a reception in downton Cleveland!

Everything with this wedding was utterly charming.  From the adorable flower girls that met the night before and were instant BFF’s spinning in their dresses all night, to the tears of joy Sarah cried during the ceremony, to the sweet looks of love that Sarah and Jim kept stealing at each other all day, to Sarah’s Mom who made sure I was OK all night, to the heartbreakingly sweet toast Jim’s son gave to the new Mr. & Mrs and to the poem Jim wrote and read to Sarah in his toast – this wedding was one to charm the socks off anyone.  The details were subtle but oh so perfect.  This was definitely a wedding that made me permagrin all day.  Thank you both for having me along for your wedding!

Wedding Vendors

Cake:  Wild Flour Bakery
Catering:  Hyatt Regency
Ceremony:  St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River
DJ:  Sphinx Entertainment
Florist:  Al Wilhelmy
Reception:  The Arcade
Strings: Mayfield Strings
Transportation:  A-1 Mr. Limo (they had Mr. Trolley which I adored!)

 

These two flower girls met only the night before but were instantly BFF’s and were at each others side all night.  They were so adorable!

I love that both of Sarah’s parents escorted her down the aisle.

This look between Sarah and Jim during the wedding ceremony says so much about their relationship.

The weather was so blissfully perfect!

The bridesmaid dresses in champagne were so perfect against the just married sign Sarah brought along for a portrait.

I adored the necklaces the bridesmaids were wearing!

Sarah lives near this train depot in Olmsted Falls and chose this location ahead of time, I loved the location!

We were lucky enough to not have a single train pass in the hour or so we were there so we took advantage of this!

Sarah and Jim are too stinkin’ cute together!

Love this one!

I loved the custom vintage signs Sarah had at the reception, they fit perfectly with the wedding and the venue.

I love the dramatic setting for the cake at the Hyatt Regency at The Arcade.

The wedding colors complemented The Arcade’s natural elegance perfectly.

At the end of the cocktail hour Sarah and Jim cut their gorgeous cake from Wild Flour before heading down to the reception.

Such a grand way to make an entrance, right?

Jim’s son gave a heartfelt toast and there wasn’t a dry eye at the reception.

I LOVED Sarah and Jim’s favors, custom beer koozies!!!

The first dance.

The father daughter dance to Jefferson Starship’s “Sara” which got a laugh from the bride.

Such a great place to toss the bouquet!  Jim later would throw the garter on a football from the same spot to his guys.

Get a look here at Sarah’s awesome shoes!  LOVE!