Danielle and Craig's Outdoor Fall Wedding | Shangri-La Event Center | Garrettsville, Ohio
I always feel so honored when my friends ask me to photograph their wedding day. I feel even more honored when it’s someone I’ve been friends with for 10 plus years like Danielle. Before wedding planning with her, I don’t even remember the last time we had seen each other. Being able to reconnect with her for one of the biggest days of her life seriously makes me ten times more grateful for my career path!
We were fortunate to have sunny and relatively warm weather (hey, I’ll take 65 and sunny over 45 and rainy ANY day of the week!). While Craig was getting ready in their home, Danielle and her friends were relaxing in the bridal suite at Shangri-La Event Center in Garrettsville, Ohio. As you probably know, I’m a sucker for detail photos and I know Danielle is, too, so I grabbed every little bit I could use to style and photograph. From her cathedral veil and gorgeous jewelry to her Maid of Honor’s dress, I did my thing while the girls finished their hair and makeup.
I preach over and over again about how much I love weddings that do a first look, but did you know it’s actually a time saver on a wedding day? We not only did the first look, some bride and groom photos and bridal party photos, but we were able to squeeze in immediate family photos before the ceremony. Since the ceremony and reception were at the same venue, it left a much smaller gap between events and helped with the flow of the day. Plus, that gave us even more time for after the ceremony to sneak away on the boat and head off to the island for some personal photos with just Danielle and Craig.
We arrived back at the reception tent for dinner, heartfelt toasts and lots of dancing. Everything worked out beautifully and I couldn’t be happier for my friends, Danielle and Craig. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds!! <3
Vendors:
Venue: Shangri-La Event Center
DJ: DJ Kyro
Hair: Hair by Katie
Makeup: Alexandria Rhine Beauty
Catering: JD’s Posthouse, Hartford Apple Orchard, Midway Concessions
