100th Bomb Group Ceremony Starts It Off

Kelli and Billy are fun couple and their very spirited wedding party helped keep things interesting all day. The reception at the 78th Street Studios in Cleveland even exceeded my high expectations.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

The girls all gathered around the mirror in the dressing room
at the 100th Bomb Group in Cleveland before the ceremony. I loved
the glow on their faces and they made sure they were looking gorgeous
and fabulous and many other words.

Just before the ceremony the sky turned the darkest I had
seen in the middle of the day in quite some time. Since the venue
is mainly window light this made my job a much larger challenge.
Luckily I use great equipment and my experience helps me deal with
any situation thrown at me. While viewing I don’t think you even
notice just how dark it was.

Before the ceremony Billy was all about being Mr. Cool and
I found out it was just a show when his bride walked
through the door with her father John.

Clearly Billy thinks the world of Kelli. What a sweet moment.

Notice the blonde woman on the right? That’s a past bride
named Lauren. Kelli found about me after seeing her wedding photos.
I love it when brides find me from other wedding photos I’ve done.
This is the best form of praise knowing that my work was appreciated
enough that someone sought me out over the many choices out there.
Thanks again Lauren! (I’m also photographing her sister Melissa’s
wedding in a few months) I will post her wedding photos in a link
at the bottom for everyone to check out.

I loved Winston Churchill’s quote with the couple as it was so appropriate.

Billy and Pat enjoy a toast as Winston classed up the photo.

Our first stop was the Brookview Tavern where the couple
first met. One of the owners, Amrit is a good friend
and was in the bridal party.

Then we were off to Cleveland for a little coverage
as the skies were threatening more rain.

Kelli is close with her brothers Jonathan, Ryan and Adam.

Maid of honor Kim bustled Kelli’s dress before
the reception at the 78th Street Studios.

This building is an art and design complex with 170,000
square feet of art galleries, art studios, design showrooms and
other creative spaces. The building is sprawling and multiple
levels. It’s a great place to do photos before the reception.
Last winter I even stopped in to do some engagement photos of
a couple. YES-I will share the link to that at the end of this!

I loved the way all of the guests were listed for
their tables. The decor was great and Kelli
was involved in all of it.

Best man Pat checks his toast before the cocktail hour.

Everyone streams in to find where they’ll be sitting.

The couple had a reception signing album that featured
my engagement photos of the couple. We had the most amazing
sunset when we did their photos. The link to those? I didn’t
have the blog going then. Maybe I will put them this winter
to warm everyone up viewing them.

This is an example of why I feel the engagement photo
session is so important. Beforehand Kelli and Billy were both
a bit hesitant about it. They weren’t big fans of having their
photo taken and worried how they would look. After a few minutes
they saw how great I was capturing them and relaxed and enjoyed
the session. On the wedding day they trusted me completely to
get great photos. They and some of the wedding party were kind
enough to say they’ve been in a lot of weddings and had not seen
photos of this quality from their photographers before. Not
boasting-just telling you what I was told!

I love all of the ever changing art around the buliding.
Hilary Gent helps coordinate the wedding day and owns the
HEDGE gallery at the 78th Street Studios space. She was a
HUGE help with everything. The art I’ve seen her create is
amazing. Check her place and all the others there out soon!
The third Friday of every month the entire building has an
open house. I try to get to it every month. Lots of great
art, food and people watching.

For weddings and other events look for Hilary
and SmARTspace at 78th to book something.

The golden sunlight that invades the building is wonderful.

After the energetic introductions there were some
funny and heartfelt toasts from Kim and Pat.

This time it was Kelli’s turn to get a bit emotional.

The food by A Taste of Excellence was just that. Excellent.

I liked the parking lot view of the party
as you will see with a few more photos.

More of that great light streaming into the reception space.

I found this couple, Denise and Tom, dancing in the dark in the parking lot.

What a great wedding!

Here are some links I promised:

Lauren’s wedding:

https://https://scottshawphoto.com/laurennickdowntownclevelandwedding/

78th Street Studios Engagement:

https://scottshawphoto.com/melissa-and-wills-engagement-session/

Thank you,

– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer