On a cold night in March 2014…two lovely people met at a small bistro somewhere between Ashtabula and Cleveland.  The worst case scenario was another bad internet date, the best case, some wine and good conversation.  That first date was 3 hours of conversation they both still remember….and the beginning of a lifetime of great ones.  Cindy writes “We never remember the date, but Todd kept the receipt that night (which let’s admit is the most romantic thing ever!).   Todd wasted no time asking for the 2nd date which Cindy happily accepted before heading out of town to visit her friend Jessica in California.  Todd called right before Cindy’s flight to say goodbye, shocked and impressed Cindy headed to Cali on cloud nine.  That 2nd date will forever be remembered as “Audi’s and Taco’s”.  Todd’s suggestion to help Cindy look for a new car on “Taco Tuesday”.  After test driving cars we discussed the meaning of life over margarita’s….the start of a weekly tradition that would continue for months to come. We have spent the past 4 years truly getting to know the core of who we are – listening to  and supporting each other through everything life throws our way… and laughing a lot along the way.  The other day we were talking about how nice it is to truly “like” the person we are in love with.”

Cindy and Todd’s wedding was filled with gorgeous details and happy moments that were expertly coordinated by Kirkbride’s designer, Allison Miller. Their day began with preparations for their wedding at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. I always love their beautiful staircase and amazing lobby.  It is perfect for wedding photography.  There wasn’t time for the girls and I to take advantage of the hotel, but John and the guys grabbed some nice shots with Todd, his family and the groomsmen there.

The wedding ceremony was held at the sun-filled St. Dominic Church in Shaker Heights.  The ceremony church was light and airy and it was easy to capture the shear joy between this two. The weather was a bit cool, but for the first weekend of November we certainly weren’t complaining!  We made sure we took advantage of  the beautiful  leaves  that were still on the trees and headed over to the Cultural Gardens for some of the formal pictures.  The combination of Cindy and the girl’s white fur coats, the soft sparkly dress and the gorgeous The Budding Tree  flowers, gave their images such a beautiful  fall wedding look.

The wedding reception was held at Windows On The River , in the City View room.  Walking into the room, you literally had to catch your breath with all the sparkly beauty. There were stunning florals , glowing candles on the tables and all along the wall behind the head table.  The tables also had beautiful gold rimmed glasses, plates and flatware.  Every detail was thoughtfully considered and worked together perfectly.  One of the benefits on Windows on the River, is the option to have cocktail hour in the amazing Cleveland Aquarium and Todd and Cindy took full advantage of this.  What a unique place to start your reception!  From there the party opened with great toasts to the couple, a bridesmaid inspired flash mob and of course a delicious dinner.  Once the dancing began, I loved Cindy and her father’s rendition of the “father/daughter” dance.  Check out their singing and laughter! Speaking of dancing….the band they had was phenomenal!  The Sly Band is definitely one of the best and really entertained their guest and us! From the many changes of clothing, to all the participation with the bride and groom, they were simply fantastic!  Overall, it was such a pleasure getting to know Todd an Cindy and capture their wonderful wedding day! Thank you to all the great vendors involved, it was a stunning wedding.  Congratulations Cindy and Todd!

Invitations-Hoopla Design Studio

Hair-Nicki Difiore-Ultra Beauty 

Makeup-Jenny Stefanopoulos

Bridal Shoppe-Radiant Bride

Wedding Preparations-Cleveland Renaissance Hotel

Church/Ceremony-St. Dominic Church 

Wedding Reception Venue-Windows On The River (City View room)

Wedding Coordinator-Kirkbrides, Allison Miller

Florist-The Budding Tree, Erin Manaskas

Video-Prodigy Cinema

Band-The Sly Band

The song we picked was “all of me” which was on the radio the year we met, broke up, and fell in love…once I gave him all of me, and vice versa.