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Before I am a photographer, I am a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a friend. Maybe that's why I cry during every father daughter dance. I laugh at every toast. I well up when an Officiant pronounces a couple husband and wife. I buzz with joy chasing children around the playground. I feel awe when a newborn's tiny hand clutches my pinky finger. I draw from the emotions I have experienced through my own life's most precious moments to know when and how to capture those of others, and I usually can't help feeling overwhelmed myself! The emotional rush I feel when I'm behind the camera is what makes me love what I do. The joy I bring others through photography is what makes me do what I love.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Carrie and Jay :: Married!





I had a great time in Cleveland photographing Carrie and Jay's wedding on Friday night. They are an amazing couple with equally amazing families.

Carrie and Jay were married in a small, beautiful ceremony at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow, Ohio.








Carrie and Jay decided not to have a bridal party. Instead, they each had their parents stand up for them as witness to their marriage. I loved this!












When I came to Carrie's house before the ceremony, she showed me a picture of her parents from their wedding day in 1966. We recreated it with Carrie and Jay after the ceremony. I love how it turned out.





Following the ceremony, a lovely reception of dinner and dancing was held at the Ritz Carlton, Cleveland. In lieu of the traditional Best Man Toast, Carrie and Jay gave a beautiful toast honoring their parents and the year 1966 - the year each of their parents were married.

They continued honoring marriage with an anniversary dance, where all married couples are asked to come to the dance floor. The couples are asked to leave if they've been married less than 1 year, less than 5 years, and so on, until there is only one couple left dancing. The lovely Helen Welch entertained everyone with her beautiful voice.















A few of the gorgeous details - Carrie told me they were aiming for "simple elegance" and I think they nailed it! The flowers were provided by The Greenhouse Florist in Hudson, Ohio. The Ritz Carlton, Cleveland did an amazing job with the reception details.



Carrie is good friends with Tara and was a guest at Eric and Tara's wedding last year. Thank you so much for referring me (and for everything else you do)!



And I had to take a picture with both of my "Jessica Brides"! My fabulous sister and studio manager, Mandy Rich, took this photo. She was my excellent assistant for the day! I loved having you there with me, Mandy! You make my life so much easier with everything you do for me!




Invitations: Beverly’s Invitations & Stationary, 330.864.4442

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jess,

These images are outstanding!

What a great couple, and what truth there was to their wedding.

~wj

Anonymous said...

Jess,

Another amazing slideshow! I don't know how you do it again and again and again!

Tara

Anonymous said...

great capture of them immediately following the ceremony - her expression says it all! (gorgeous details too)

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Can't wait to shoot together again =)

Anonymous said...

Jess,

that color shot with the Bride and Groom sitting with the stained glass or something colorful in front of them is AMAZING!!!

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