If you follow me/us much (let’s be real, you do) then you may remember Shawna and Andrew’s Kick-Ass Engagement Session .Naturally, their union did not disappoint.
It kinda did the opposite. It appointed. Whatever that means. Right. It appointed.
You might also remember this swell film we did for the two as Shawna entered their wedding ceremony that day.
Our backdrop for the day was The Land that we love. Cleveland. More specifically, The Ariel International Center. This photo captured at sunset from the Reception floor window. Probably the best sunset of the year. Iconic and ironic considering the sun was tucking itself to bed amidst one of the best weddings of the year. The image above, also captured from a dank stairwell window. I wish you could have seen the acrobatics I employed to capture it 😀
Let us set the scene. Beautiful, downtown apartment where this captivating couple resides.
Shawna prepped here. I cannot tell the difference between made-up Shawna and yet-to-be made-up Shawna b/c she’s just pretty.
Andrew got ready atop the new Downtown Hilton. Gorgeous hotel, brand spanking new. Tall, dark, handsome, and contemporary. Much like our dashing groom, here.
Fun fact. Andrew wore the same shoes as OJ did. I can’t remember if it was whilst he was in court a-battling or during the Bronco chase, but either way, that fact is fun.
Anyone else love where chandeliers are going? Much like our Cavaliers, I love where chandeliers are going.
I actually forgot to mention at the forefront that our couple here are HUGE Cleveland people. I mean, huge. Their colors were Wine & Gold, and we waved wine towels when they were announced into the Reception. I love people who love our fair maiden of a city. Love.
It’s the 22nd, right? Yeah. Ok. Just making sure.
Yet another genuine First Look ™ brought to you by Making the Moment. I know, I know. I’ve been harping on them. I know you’re thinking “STFU about the First Look ™ already, Marcus!” I’m gonna keep shouting it from the mountain tops. ‘Twas intimate. More-so than down the aisle, I think.
Champagne immediately following. This is why I love Shawna and Andrew. What a touch.
So, we ended up taking all of our creative photos at the beautiful Hilton Downtown. I absolutely loved it. I had not photographed there prior. We did our first look in the brand spanking new Bar 32 atop the tower, then stuck around there for an hour or so having fun with some Creative Time. The photos are gorgeous. That space is gorgeous. I can’t speak to our excellent planning enough only because it was super, super windy that day. I’m talking at least 30 mph winds. If we hadn’t planned for a back-up/indoor location, we would have had a terrible time trying to do photos outside. Because of foresight, all of this was avoided and we’ve walked away with some stunning imagery.
One of my favorites from the day. Ugh. <3
In my top three for favorite party photo of all time. Once again, thanks to all at Bar 32!
At this moment, I’m holding onto the metal rail for the upward stairs to my left. I’m suspended over the downward stairs to my right. I at least put my Lighting Director below me, you know, in case I needed my fall broken, haha! It was all good though. I’m like a cat. A very tall, very handsome, very human cat. I’m not like a cat.
Not at all.
Call it corny or cheesy, but I love cake toppers that are whimsical. Sue me.
They even stand resolutely and sternly without any sort of guided direction. WTF. People with perfect posture make me sick. Love-sick, in this case.
Oh, The Land that I love.
Towels a’thrashin’ Beer cans hoisted. Hive-fives dished. Cheers rained down like threes fired from DEEP IN THE Q!!!!
Laughing sisters.
Beaming moms.
Vogueing couples.
Dancing, star-crossed lovers.
Chest-strapped, GoPro equipped groomsmen.
Thumbs-up givin’, a’screamin’ party guests.
A freaking packed dance floor. (TY Christian Dela Vega via Selective Sound Entertainment)
White dudes pointing errywher.
Hands in the air like you just don’t care….or like you’s a true playa…
Just all around, raucous, wholesome, upright debauchery.
Shawna. Andrew. Look at me. No. Look at me. You two are phenomenal. You’re exemplary and you’re loved. I think I’m as excited for you as you are. Maybe not, but I’m excited, none-the-less. Continue to fiercely love those around you and we’ll keep on doing the same 😉
