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Shaker Heights Country Club Wedding

M and P’s wedding day was a beautiful and heartfelt celebration, steeped in tradition and personal meaning. The couple tied the knot on a stunning September day.

One of the most significant aspects of their wedding was the location: St. Dominic’s Church in Shaker Heights. For M, the church held a deep, personal significance. Not only was it her long-time parish, but it was also the place where she had been baptized as a baby. For both M and P, their faith and their connection to the church were central to their love story.

St Dominic’s Church, Shaker Heights

What made M and P’s wedding day truly unique was the bride’s choice to walk to the ceremony. As photographers, we’ve captured countless weddings over the years, but this was a first for our team. It was a joyful and unforgettable experience to see her walking down the same street she had often taken to Sunday mass, this time en route to marry the love of her life. Along the way, she waved to passersby, greeted friends and family, and basked in the warm congratulations of strangers who honked their car horns in celebration. It was a magical and heartfelt beginning to their day. The sweetest sight the neighborhood had ever seen I’m sure. 

M and P’s love for their family and friends was evident throughout the day. Their wedding was as much about celebrating their union as it was about sharing moments with the people they cherished most. The couple prioritized candid photography They wanted to capture the genuine emotions and connections that filled their day. Their focus was on being present in the moment and enjoying the company of their loved ones.

The bride’s roots in Shaker Heights ran deep. Although she had spent some time away, she eventually returned to her hometown. The groom on the other hand, had moved around before settling in Cleveland. The two met at a family wedding, where they spent the entire evening talking. Afterward, P called to ask M out, and their connection blossomed from there. P often shares that he knew almost immediately he wanted to marry M, captivated by her warm and easygoing nature.

Shaker Heights Country Club Wedding

Their wedding reception was held at the Shaker Heights Country Club, a venue that perfectly complemented their timeless and classic wedding style. With close to 200 guests in attendance, the celebration was lively and filled with joy. One of the most memorable moments was seeing the two of them spinning on the dance floor. They embodied the timeless spirit of love and celebration.

A standout detail of the day was a set of napkins featuring handwritten notes from the bride’s late parents. These napkins, which M had shown us while getting ready at her family home, were a beautiful tribute to her parents and a meaningful connection to her heritage. At the reception, I had the idea to photograph the napkins alongside the couple’s signature cocktails, thinking it would beautifully blend the old and the new.

In a moment of panic, I thought one of the napkins had been ruined when a server had spilled a cocktail on it. I wanted to grab a detail shot with the napkins, but I thought it would be even better if we included their signature cocktails in the shot. A team member brought out the napkins, and set them on the table. As the drinks were being placed down in front of them, one of the cocktails spilled onto what I believed was a priceless piece of heritage and memory.

Immediately, their wedding planner Dana said, “Whoops,” reached down, crumpled up the napkin, wiped up the cocktail, and walked away with it. I thought my heart was literally going to fall out of my chest. I’m pretty sure I screamed and turned white. Dana and the rest of the staff turned to look at me in absolute confusion. Then, one of the bar staff walked up with an entire pile of identical napkins that had just been whisked away. 

It turned out the napkins were not priceless heritage pieces but rather signature napkins created from notes that each parent had left to our bride. They were designed for the guests to enjoy and to learn a little bit about her parents, who couldn’t be with them that day. 

I also happened to be the only person standing there who didn’t know that little detail. The planning team, led by the talented Dana of Thyme and Details, handled the situation with both compassion and humor. They all had a good laugh then. And now that time has passed I’m starting to see the humor in my reaction. I’m pretty sure if anyone had video record my reaction you would have seen it on something by now – I was not, um, demure. 

Album Reveal

Delivering the couple’s wedding album was a particularly special moment. Watching them relive their celebration, reminiscing about the joy and love they shared with their family and friends, was incredibly fulfilling. Sitting on their back porch with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, they leaned against each other, savoring the memories. It was a fitting conclusion to a wedding that was as thoughtful, heartfelt, and joyful as the couple themselves.

M and P’s wedding was a testament to love, family, and the beauty of living fully in the moment. Their story is one that will continue to inspire and bring joy to everyone who hears it. That and the cocktail napkins – I won’t forget those anytime soon.

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