Joe and Nicolina have been together for years, and when you are with them, there is a relaxed and passionately in-love feeling around them. I remember photographing their engagement this past summer and how her parents were so nice to bring both their dogs downtown for the session.  Nicolina said “We first laid eyes on each other during middle school (yikes!) track. I ended up going to high school while Joseph was still in middle school, so nothing really happened until the year 2008 where we hung out at a friend’s Halloween party and everything after that lead us to where we are now!”

The proposal all began when Joseph texted Nicolina during class that his buddy had a gift card to Delmonico’s. His friend “didn’t know what Delmonico’s was,” lived in Mentor, and had a baby so it was said that they didn’t do fancy dinners anymore. Joseph’s friend ended up “selling” the gift card to him for next to nothing. That story was all a lie, little did Nicolina know. Joseph was so excited because Delmonico’s was once of his favorite restaurants because it reminded him of his Papa. He insisted dinner plans happened that Saturday (10.28.17) which was shocking because Nicolina was working and the OSU vs. Penn State game was on. It was definitely a game to remember, for many reasons. After dinner at Delmonico’s, Nicolina needed to drop something off at her mom’s, so a stop at the house to pick up Quorra and Bentley was in place. Despite the freezing weather (20*F) Nicolina refused to get out of the car and ruined Joseph’s plan of proposing in the house that they re-built together since April.  The proposal happened right in the driveway while Nicolina sat in the drivers seat of the car with Quorra and Bentley in the back seat, and according to Nicolina, “it was honestly perfect!” Following the proposal, both families were already in on the secret and waiting for the arrival. The celebration continued.

Fast forward to their wedding day and we began with preparations at Nicolina’s family’s home.  Then Nicolina and the girls headed to where Joe and the guys would be getting ready for the day.  They had a their “first look” in a beautiful sun-drenched sun room that was highlighted by a sparkling Christmas Tree.  It was private, intimate and just perfect.   You might noticed some fun “police props” shortly after the first look…just a little fun since Joe is a police officer! After photographing around the gorgeous house, we all went downtown for some other indoor locations.

Eventually we all made it to the ceremony and reception location, Landerhaven.  This time of the year Landerhaven is beautiful with Christmas trees and lights everywhere. Nicolina made her way down the aisle by first descending down the staircase as all their guest watched in amazement.  After the ceremony, the cocktail hour was in the large lobby outside the ballroom, as the room was set-up for the stunning reception!  Dancing was nonstop, thanks to DJ  Jay R from Selective Sound and all the fun family and guest that were excited to share in Nicolina and Joe’s big day! Thanks for having us as part of your wedding and congratulations!!

Makeup-Madison Karnow/Makeup by Madison

Hair-Hannah Wyman

Dress Shoppe-All Brides Beautiful

Dress Designer-Eddy K

Invitations-Nicolina’s Design

Florist-Sue from Landerhaven

Ceremony/Reception Venue-Landerhaven 

DJ-Jay R from Selective Sound

Cake-Executive Caterers