When Laura and Paul walked into our offices this past summer, excited about their wedding [ and eachother ] we asked for trust. We always believe that working with our wedding photography couples is a two-way street; they’re vetting us, just as much as we’re doing the same. After a few quick questions, we instantly saw the depth of the two, and not only did they put their trust in our artwork, we found ourselves believing in the two of them.
This is Paul. He’s more than just a good looking piece of man-meat. Laura describes Paul as gentle, kind, hard worker.
Meet Laura. She’s lovely; Paul describes her as honest and selfless, putting others first. This photograph was captured in her parent’s home before the Zaffe. Her confidence and engaged eyes give a glimpse into the beautiful soul she is.
Before we dive deeper; as wedding photographers in Cleveland we’re only as great as the fellow wedding vendors we come alongside. We’re thankful to all our wedding vendors who played a part here for this beautiful Lebanese wedding;
- Venue // Taza Lebanese Wedding Venues
- Cake // Wild Flour Bakery
- Dress // Brides by the Falls Wedding Gowns
- Hair // Rania’s Hair Salon
Fun side note; Paul’s last name mean’s “Good Listener” in Arabic. Laura’s mean’s “Falcon”. This means that their offspring will be attentive bird creatures. #Fact #ItsScience
She has probably walked down these stairs 500 times. This time was different.
Laura’s father’s face as he sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding morning. Priceless wedding photograph.
The Zaffe is an important pre wedding ceremony for Lebanese wedding. It involves plenty of food, flowers, dancing and fun.
And by tradition’s decree, small children have to hit drums. Otherwise the marriage will fail and stuff.
I wish that every wedding morning had drums and smoke bombs. Wouldn’t your mimosa be THAT much better if this was happening alongside?
“ok buhhhyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” “I have to get married but enjoy the smoke bombs!”
The two had their wedding at St. Maron’s church in Cleveland. Coming down the aisle, Laura and her father stayed all smiles [ with a wee bit of an emotional exchange at the end of course 😭
The flower girls were reminding me keep it down. One threatened me with violence if I didn’t shush.
..And Married!
Was that a balloon pop I heard? Or was it an uncle firing of a .45 Colt in celebration as they exited the church? Hard to tell. Hard. to. Tell.
It was the uncle. LOL.
Just a few classy guys hanging out on a rooftop in Cleveland. No big. We’re just casually buttoning up at the same time; that’s all. Wait, backstreet boys album cover you say?
Elegance. We value elegance deeply in our wedding photography. I titled this post “connected” due to the intimate and obvious level of connection that Laura and Paul share. Their wedding images bespoke this connected-ness.
Where else to have your Lebanese wedding reception in Cleveland? Taza of course.
I had thought that by “Drawn Butter” that the butter would be elaborately drawn onto the lobster via a sharpie marker or other art utensil of some sort. It wasn’t. To compensate, I took my crayons [ I bring them to EVERY wedding ] and drew mustaches on several of the lobsters [ and one of the groomsmen; Ferris if I recall ] to ensure that we could class things up a bit.
Before entering their wedding reception Laura and Paul played a traditional game of “Pat-a-Cake”
Paul’s face is saying to me in this photograph “You better F___ING give me a high-five RIGHT F__ING now”.
Laura LOVES her sister. They’re super close. Laura shared later that one of her favorite parts of her day were the wedding toasts.
During Laura’s brother’s speech, there was a joke growing up that her brother would be her maid of honor instead. In his speech, he turned it down; not because he didn’t want to walk up the aisle with Paul’s brother, but because he didn’t want to wear the dress.
Them are real tears.
Them are real hand holds.
Them are real words.
Every father of the bride thinks of this dance for years as he raises his daughter.
So does every mom. Our parents labor for years to help us get to this point, I have no idea how they emotionally keep it together during these dances.
Alcohol. That’s the answer to my last question and the reason for the above.
Laura. Paul. Seriously; we adored being your wedding photographers. Freaking thank you. Many years of joy and happiness to you and your families!