Rachel and Chris Enjoy A Stylish Cleveland Wedding Day

Rachel and Chris have a great rapport and their sense of humor meshes so perfectly. This amazing window framed the couple perfectly and is one of my favorite photos I’ve taken.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Their venues-Amasa Stone Chapel on the campus of
Case Western Reserve University and Marigold Catering in Cleveland
were great choices and even better than I hoped.

First I met Chris at their home for a few photos and
then headed over to the home of Rachel’s parents where she was getting ready.

The couple saw each other with a first look before the ceremony at Amasa Stone Chapel.

The bride and matron of honor bouquets were made of babies breath
and hydrangea with Rachel’s adding silver brunia, dusty miller, blue thistle
and white wax flowers to the arrangement.

Rachel made one last check near the bust of Amasa Stone.
The chapel on the campus at Case Western Reserve University was
commissioned by his daughters in his memory. In 1907 architect
Henry Vaughn of Boston was appointed by the sisters to create the
chapel. Designed in the 14th century English Gothic style that had
increased in popularity at the turn of the 20th century, the Amasa
Stone Chapel boasts an impressive tower which was designed to be a
“representative of the aspirations of the University.” The windows
of the chapel have been recognized as excellent examples of
ecclesiastical glass.

Rachel was escorted by her father, Jackie.

All eyes were on Rachel as they made their way from the back of the chapel.

A ring warming ceremony consisted of the wedding rings
being passed through everyone’s hands.

Rachel’s parents Jackie and Irene look on as her
sister Gladys and husband Stephen care for the rings.

Wedding officiant Bob Javorsky came over to collect the rings
from Rachel’s Uncle Hosum and his wife Alden.

The couple went out the side where they would great their guests.

After everyone was greeted they came back inside for a group photo.

Rachel’s dress was bustled after the group photo.

Although we were eager to make some portraits in the University Circle
area of Cleveland I couldn’t resist making a few in Amasa Stone Chapel before we left.
What a gorgeous place!

Then it was off in the limo for some photos around the Peter B. Lewis
Building on the CWRU campus. The building was designed by Frank Gehry and
is the home of the Weatherhead School of Management at
Case Western Reserve University.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a popular destination for photos
and I always enjoy the challenge of getting something unique and interesting there.

I love how Rachel often tilts her head back when she laughs!

The flowers for the groom? Why thanks for asking.
They were white wax flowers with blue thistle and dusty miller.

Rachel made the coaster favors and personalized them with the guests first and last initials.

Appetizers at Marigold Catering included a grilled portabella stack,
seasonal vegetables & hummus, balsamic and red pepper coulis drizzle and
whipped parsnips topped with quinoa salad.

It’s a wonderful place for a reception. The atmosphere is full of character
and very cozy. I love the flower art on the walls.

The cake was done by Kim Coryea of Hummingbird Bakery.
The flavors for the tiered cake were “Lemon cake with ginger creme anglaise
and lime cream” and “Vanilla cake with lavender dacquoise and lemon cream”.
The groom’s cake was “Bittersweet flourless chocolate cake with ganache and
sea salt caramel”. I’ve tasted a few wedding cakes in my time and these
are easily at the top!

The couple toasts with matron of honor Amy and her husband, Rocky.

Each table was decorated with a photo of or by the couple.
The beer mug photos were take at the Hofbrauhaus in Pittsburgh.
The other is Hong Kong taken from Victoria Peak.

Rachel’s Aunt Gladys introduced the tea ceremony. A family friend,
Auntie Betty passed the tea to Chris and Rachel.

The tea ceremony is to formally congratulate and welcome
the couple into the family. Parents and other family elders are
offered cups of tea by the couple as gesture of respect. In
exchange, the couple receives marital advice and a gift of money
packaged in traditional red envelopes. This included Chris’s parents
Lis and Glenn and step parents Tom and Cindy.

The entrees at Marigold Catering were olive brine & rosemary marinated
lamb chops with a yellow pepper béarnaise, whipped parsnips
and grilled asparagus; NY strip steak in a demi sauce,
sautéed onions and mushrooms plus roasted rosemary-garlic
new potatoes and grilled asparagus; a chargrilled bone in
Berkshire pork chop with roasted jalepeno polenta cake, grilled
apricot relish, roasted bacon brussel sprout hash and
pomegranate fig reduction.

Best man Michael gives one of many toasts during the reception.

Chris had Rachel alternating between laughs and tears as he spoke.

While Chris danced with his mother, Lis, Rachel danced with her father, Jackie.

Chris’s Aunt Tammy and friend Megan enjoyed dancing.

Aunt Pat and her friend John had their moves down.

Can you guess which song they are dancing to in this photo?
I was going to say but I think I will see if anyone is reading this and wants
to leave a comment with their guess. C’mon and guess!

One of my favorite photos is the end of the night photo.
I went behind Marigold Catering and found three unique photos behind their building.

This fun couple will soon be moving to Hong Kong.
Please wish them luck in their travels!

Thank you,

– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer