Dan and Kayla met shortly after they both began their freshman year at John Carroll University.  They were both hesitant to jump into something new, but due to mutual friends,  they couldn’t seem to avoid one another.  They made it official before summer began and spent their first summer traveling back and forth from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. Dan and Kayla spent their college years attending numerous sorority dances and wrestling matches, all while making a lifetime of memories with one another and their friends. They celebrated their graduations together and the success of landing their first job after college.  In October 2017, they took a trip to Naples with close friends. On the first night, Dan was persistent about going to see the sunset on the beach, just him and Kayla.  Kayla felt rude leaving their friends out and was giving him a hard time.  She ended up not feeling well and  missed the sunset, but Dan still got her to go. They arrive on the beach, pitch black she said, and after only a few feet on the sand, Dan got down on one knee.  She was so surprised, that she even had to take out her phone light to see what he had! The rest is truly history and this past summer they bought  their first home which they have flipped all on their own and as she said “and is certainly still in the works”. “They continue to challenge one another every day and can’t wait to continue our adventure together after our wedding day.”

The wedding day began at Bertram Inn with bridal preparations for Kayla and the girls. Kayla’s sister, Kourtney  who just happens to be a makeup artist, did Kayla’s makeup! The suite was fill with excitement and lots of food and Champagne. I always love how the girls know how to make the morning special! Kayla had sweet little gifts for her parents and sister.  I found that these thoughtful gestures are pretty typical of Kayla :).  Meanwhile, John was with Dan and the guys at the couple’s old/new home!  We always split up in the morning to be sure to capture both the bride and groom’s preparations. Once all the excitement of the morning was ending, everyone headed to the couple’s college church,  Church of the Gesu

The ceremony was happy and beautiful and after walking out to bubbles, family portraits and some formals of the bride and groom, we crossed the street for fun with the bridal party. Being Dan and Kayla, and most of their wedding party, were alums of John Carroll University, it was only fitting that we photographed them where they met and spent so many of their years together! We then made our way to the reception.  Once there we were able to do a few pictures outside and then we were all set for the party! The hall was filled with rustic details from the moment you entered the doors.  Not to leave out their furry friends, there was a table with custom bags of handmade dog treats,  flanked by their engagement pictures with their dogs (that was a fun shoot). The infamous “Pittsburgh cookie table” was in full force (since Kayla is from Pittsburgh), along with a display of water and custom koozies  for all the guest!  Once at the tables, there were cute lil bags of coffee as well!  After first dances and speeches, Kayla surprised Dan with Irish dances! What fun to see everyone watching in amazement! The rest of the evening was fun and crazy dancing and tons of laughs and moments!

When it comes to writing the blog it’s always a challenge to remember all the things I loved and saw, but what I do remember is just how nice Dan, Kayla and their family and friends were to us!  They truly made us feel like family and we couldn’t wait to have Dan and Kayla into the studio to view their pictures yesterday!  So good share such a special day with such great people!

Preparations-Bertram Inn

Brides Makeup-Kourtney Leech

Hair-Emily Novak, Kami Studio llc

Bridesmaids Makeup-Rachel Lorraine

Church-Church of the Gesu

Wedding Dress Shop-Sorelle Bridal Salon

Dress Designer-Maggie Sottero

Invitations-Minted

Florist-Kathy Stemnock & Jo-Ellen Costar

Rental Company-Lasting Impressions

Caterer-Trifles Catering

DJ-Billy J Entertainment

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