Kate and Craig’s wedding day was a nice trip to the east side of the state in East Palestine and Warren.
Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer
We made engagement photos in Chagrin Falls which was great to
get to know the sweet couple. Their son Mason came along
for a few too. There’s a link at the end for those.
The wedding was at Centenary United Methodist Church in East
Palestine where Kate grew up. This is a small town south
of Youngstown. The reception was north at the Avalon
Resort and Spa in Warren.
The couple did a first look outside the church. They didn’t
want to see each other so we chose a corner. They made
sure to include their son Mason to be part of it.
The day was projected to have lots of rain and we were lucky
that it held off until an hour after the ceremony.
I noticed the weather up north had more rain and
decided we had better shoot some photos in town
instead of heading straight to the reception.
This proved to be a good idea as we took photos around the old
train station in town. As we got closer to Warren
the rain was heavier. As a Cleveland wedding
photographer I was a bit out of my normal area
so it was nice to see the station.
We did a few photos outside the Butler Institute of Art as the
rain started really pouring. Then it was
back to the Avalon Resort and Spa for the
cocktail hour that would begin soon.
Kate helped her grandmother Betty with her flower.
Mason looked at a game with flower girl Madelyn who is Kate’s niece.
During the ceremony Mason decided he wanted to be with
Kate and Craig but after a bit went back to sit down.
The flowers were by A Floral Dynasty.
Kate’s cousins Alex and Christian played video games during
the reception. They were lots of fun to watch during
the dancing and other reception activities!
Since it’s close to Pittsburgh the couple followed the always
wise decision of having a cookie table.
Best reception tradition ever!
While Kate and Craig were doing their first dance together
Mason again decided he should join him. He’s so darn cute!
Kate’s dance with her father Greg was very emotional-they have
such a strong bond. Greg’s toast was one of
the best I’ve heard too!
Her mother Nancy looked on.
Mason started dancing while Craig was dancing with his mother
Barb. Then he noticed me taking photos and decided it should
be a private moment and he blocked my camera for a few seconds
until Kate grabbed him. Another spontaneous and funny moment
for this Cleveland wedding photographer!
The beautiful cake was made by Das Dutch Haus.
The dance floor was packed all night. I was so happy to finally
work with friend John Kerata of the DJ Crew. His energetic
announcing was impressive like no DJ I’ve heard. As he likes
to say “he brought it”.
Sisters Mary Beth and Kelly are not camera shy-they
just know all the cool dance moves.
Good luck to Kate and Craig and Mason!
Loved spending their wedding day with them.
Here’s a link to their Chagrin Falls engagement photos:
https://scottshawphoto.com/kate-and-craigs-chagrin-falls-engagement-session/
Thank you,
– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer