It was only my second time in Sandusky and my very first Sandusky wedding, and it was incredible! I had the pleasure of being the associate photographer for this lovely couple. I started the day off with the fellas of course. He was SO excited, he told me about how they met, and their first date and I loved every bit of it. Getting to know clients love stories are so exciting to me. I myself, am super lucky to have met my wife at a young age so hearing these love stories is truly fascinating to me.
The ceremony included the bride coming through these giant white doors in the hedges creating a beautiful scene. Nowhere near as gorgeous as her and that dress though! It's amazing I get these opportunities to be a part of these awesome couples day and I couldn't be any more thankful.
First off what a cute place! I found this garden while second shooting for another wedding and we stopped here to grab some quick photos. As soon as I ended my night I reached out to some friends who were looking to redo some wedding photos because they didn’t have a photographer for their wedding. We came here not too long after to get photos and I absolutely loved it. It’s a small area, so ladies you don’t have to worry about walking to long in those heels! And even though it’s a small area, there are A LOT of photo opportunities and diversity here. Thanks again for having me and so soon, it truly meant the world.
Starting with number 5 we have The Astrodome in Parma, Ohio. I feel this is a great place to start with if you're seeking a wedding venue. Its large enough to hold a ton of guests and is affordable. And I have to mention Anne the event host. She was so attentive to every guest needs and even mine. She went out of her way to introduce herself and check if the lighting was ok with me, so I have to give her a huge kudos. The staff here was incredibly friendly as well, so much so, that even the kitchens chief was popping in to check in with guests. If you're looking for a large space with top service, I highly encourage checking this venue out!
At number 4 is The Penthouse at the Earnest and Young building in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. This venue is stunning for every occasion but saying you're I do's so high up with Lake Erie right behind you is absolutely breath taking. The venue is on the smaller side I feel, as it holds up to 200 guests with plenty of room to spare for dancing and comfort. The Venue also offers everything, from table and cloth, catering and bar, to even the cake! And by the way, your able to taste test 6 months in advance. This venue covers all the bases and has a friendly staff that seemed eager to do a great job, and they delivered on that.
My 3rd top venue is Stillwater Place at the Cleveland Zoo. This venue has a 300-guest capacity, is affordable, and God is it gorgeous. It has plenty of opportunity to hold your ceremony here as well which I highly advise as there's an incredible fountain located directly behind the venue. Your able to book year-round and there's a beautiful patio with fireplace as well. Your also able to book some time to get photos on the carousel, and who doesn't want to go on the carousel? Your also able to have a staff member bring an animal up to greet and get photos with, how cool is that!
Number 2 is Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula, Ohio. It's listed with a guest capacity at 200 although I feel it could be larger if you utilize the outside area. The venue features a stage, great for live music if you're into it. And has space for an outside ceremony as well as a covered area that looks very nice as well. The venue is in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park so there are plenty of photo ops outdoors. This historic building has done a great job in preservation while still having modern touches to create a truly beautiful scene.
And now for my number one venue. White Rose Barn in North Lawrence, Ohio. When it comes to looks this place definitely takes the cake. They have perfectly combined rustic with elegance. This venue holds up to 250 guests and has bridal and groom suites. And ladies, the bridal suite is the cutest! It's just across the barn and has plenty of space and comfort. And I have to mention the fact this venue has no fee if you want outside vendors! For such a beautiful venue with a lot of space I'm actually pretty shocked the prices are as low as they are. Do not, I repeat, do not sleep on this venue it is totally worth it.
I am still so happy about this wedding! When I first began photography I had the pleasure of assisting another photographer to get some quick portraits at the arcade in downtown Cleveland. I had never been there before and was captivated by the beauty of this location. After leaving it became a personal goal to one day photograph a wedding here, and in 2022 I finally had the pleasure thanks to this lovely couple.
We started the day with getting ready photos at the hotel at this location followed by a first look. And let me tell you, if your thinking about doing a first look, do it! From my experience, after the ceremony your spending the rest of the day with all of your loved ones. So this special time with just your spouse is definitely worth it. If your thinking "but it will take away from the feelings when we have the actual ceremony" I get it. After all the waiting and preparation, you've finally laid eyes on them, it wont be "as special" when they walk down the aisle. It makes sense, but I have never seen this in all the first looks I've done and this couple is a great example as they both cried AGAIN when they saw each other.
Each wedding is so special and each moment therein is one of a kind. This location, this wedding, and this love is one to cherish. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have checked this goal off my list with the two of you and I'll always remember it.