Westin Hotel Wedding
I always enjoy a Westin Hotel wedding and Sarah and Ricky’s was so much fun as you’ll see!
Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer
I’ve known Sarah for a long time as she babysat for my daughter many years ago. She has wonderful parents and a
great brother and sister-all three kids have grown quite a bit since I’ve seen them and it was so nice. I was
thrilled when they contacted me as one of the photographers they were considering for their wedding.
At least once I helped her brother Joe with his pitching skills – before photography I considered the major leagues
as a slightly possible option. When I arrived for getting ready photos sister Liz reminded me I took a photo
of her playing in their yard when I was a photographer at the Plain Dealer. She couldn’t find it but promised
to show me later. Still waiting!
Which brings us somewhat up to date. Getting ready photos were very lively with all of her bridesmaids. At one point
the majority of them sang a Magnificat song where they went to high school together. I noticed the Father of the
Bride dvd and thought it would make a fun ring shot which you’ll see below. The ring on the right is from her
maternal grandmother, Bertha, who has since passed and she wore this on her right hand.
This couple is Full Cleveland and I’m not talking about their wardrobe! Sarah: “Our hotel gift bags had all things
CLE – Bertman’s (had to have mustard of course), Malley’s, popcorn balls, and Ricky’s cousin, Matt,
brewed beer for us and customized labels.”
They surprised everyone with the Cleveland Indians mascot faves from Bertman Ballpark Mustard. “Ricky is obsessed
with Mustard so he was the favorite of the three hot dogs. We love the Indians and are so happy we
managed to pull of the surprise of having them come to the wedding. Clearly they were a huge hit!
“We wanted something downtown because we LOVE Cleveland and love living here! We also wanted something downtown so
it was in the middle of Ricky’s family on the east side and my family on the west side – neutral
territory! Loved the idea of having it at a hotel for convenience purposes – our overnight room block
was 58 rooms! So happy we went with the Westin. They did a fantastic job and we were extremely pleased
with the night.”
Sarah’s mother, Marilyn, helped her with her dress.
Sister Liz checks on how to attach the veil.
Ricky’s parents, Amy and Rick, and Sarah’s, Dave and Marilyn moments before the couple are together for
the first time on their wedding day.
A toast at the Treehouse in Tremont where the couple visits once a week.
A Westin Hotel wedding is always beautiful.
I noticed Jim Thome while looking at the seating cards and wondered why they didn’t tell me he would be at the
reception. Then I noticed more celebrities. Sarah: “Ricky and I came up with the idea to do the celebrity
names of people we love and we thought it would be hilarious when the guests started noticing them just
sitting in alphabetical order amongst the other names! I also think some guests thought the Browns players
may end up stopping by since they were staying in the hotel the night before their home game! We chose celebrities
that we love: Cleveland athletes (generally sat at the table as the same # they wear), characters from movies
or TV shows that we like, or musical artists.” This photo showed all but a few-some guests must have snagged
Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute and Bruce Springsteen earlier.
Sarah: “Well over 20 people brought desserts for the cookie table! It was fantastic! Also, hardly any leftovers I sadly
might add. It’s an Italian family tradition to do a cookie table with Ricky’s family. My dad is from Youngstown and
my mom is from the Pittsburgh area – also a tradition in both of those cities. They fight over where it originated.”
Sarah’s grandma Nancy and cousin Mary Therese watched the couple dance.
Family danced with grandma Nancy and Sarah said they call her “The Grandest”.
Sarah and Ricky danced with Mustard, Ketchup and Onion.
Sarah danced with Tim and Ketchup.
Family friends Maribeth and Kathleen got their inner Star Wars out.
Vendors–
Officiant: Fr. John Chlebo
Ceremony: , St. Christopher Parish – Rocky River
Reception: Westin Cleveland Downtown
Florist- Mary Huerner
Cake: Costco
Desserts: family and friends
DJ: Christian Dela Vega
Dress: Radiant Bride (Rocky River) – Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaid
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Makeup and hair: Eye Do Makeup & Hair
Rings: La Placa Jewelers
Limo: Platinum Party Bus-Dawn
Escort cards: Love, Anji
Photo Booth: Clear Choice Photo
Videographers: Payton and Gavin from Cardboard Films
Assistant: Amy Kuntz
https://scottshawphoto.com/rocky-river-engagement-sarah-ricky/
Thank you for viewing this Westin Hotel wedding,
– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer
