Church in the Circle Wedding

Church in the Circle wedding

Tracey and Drew’s Church in the Circle wedding and Truss reception was a beautiful journey celebrated.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Tracey and Drew are such a wonderful couple. We had so much fun with their engagement session and I knew the wedding day would be even better.

I started with Drew as he got ready at a rental for the day in Lakewood. Then I went to Tracey as she was renting a nice older house in Cleveland Heights.

The couple did a first look at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was super windy so I picked a spot that was shielded. Then we spent a few minutes on the grounds before the wind became too much.

This turned out to be nice as it gave us more time for portraits before their Church in the Circle wedding. I walked around looking for locations in the grand old church. It’s also know as University Circle United Methodist Church to some.

After their ceremony we went straight to Truss for the cocktail hour and reception. They have an amazing view of Cleveland and I had suggested they might want to bring some champagne for a photo out on the deck which went well as you’ll see below.

I always ask my couple for thoughts about their wedding day and Tracey wrote her own, third person, account of the day, for me to take bits from. She did it so well I’ve decided to leave it exactly as she wrote it:

A Love Letter to Cleveland: Drew & Tracey’s Wedding Day

“Drew and Tracey’s late-May wedding was more than just a beautiful celebration—it was a heartfelt tribute to the city they’ve called home for over two decades. Set against the timeless backdrop of Church in the Circle and the modern charm of Truss, the couple thoughtfully chose venues that told a story—their story.

From early dates spent wandering the museums of University Circle to evenings at Severance Hall, these parts of Cleveland hold a special place in their hearts. Hosting their wedding in these beloved neighborhoods felt like the perfect way to bring their love full circle. With so many friends and family traveling in from across the country, Drew and Tracey wanted their guests to experience the best of Cleveland—its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.

And experience it they did—from the moment guests stepped into the soaring sanctuary of the church to the final dances under the city skyline at Truss. The venues themselves, with their blend of classic elegance and modern design, reflected not only Cleveland’s evolving identity but the couple’s own—rooted in tradition, yet full of contemporary charm.

There were so many sweet and funny moments captured throughout the day—like watching their young nephews meet for the first time and become instant best friends. Drew’s youngest nephew was especially overjoyed to discover he was no longer the “baby” of the family!

The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Cam Miller, a beloved family friend and recently retired minister, who made the long journey from Geneva, New York to marry the couple. His presence added a deeply personal and reverent tone to the day, one that the couple will treasure always.

Of course, no wedding day would be complete without a few laughs—like Drew’s bow tie, which he admittedly never quite mastered…its “pinwheel” state by the end of the night was photographic evidence. Or his demolished boutonniere, which didn’t stand a chance once he hit the dance floor—earning him the nickname “Mad Man” from guests who cheered him on through the final songs of the night.

Even the swarm of Cleveland midges couldn’t dampen the joy—though they certainly became a conversation starter among out-of-town guests who weren’t quite sure whether to be amused or alarmed!

In every photo, you can see it: the joy, the warmth, the love—not just between Drew and Tracey, but radiating from every friend and family member who came to celebrate their journey. It was a day rooted in memory, filled with meaning, and unmistakably, beautifully them.”

Here’s a few things she said about vendors I recommended for her Church in the Circle wedding and Truss reception: “We chose Brandi of All Events Planned as our day-of coordinator because I instantly clicked with her on our first phone call. It was clear how exceptional she was at her job, and I knew she immediately understood my needs and vision for our wedding day. The same holds true for our music vendor, DJ Eric Smith, aka The Bearded DJ, with Cleveland Music Group, who is simply awesome.”

I was surprised when I saw Debra, Jess and Jan all using their floss picks at the same time!

Tracey’s mother Jan helped with her veil.

Portrait time before the ceremony at the couple’s Church in the Circle wedding.

The reception signing album from our engagement session at Brewdog.

Chess and Jess gave toasts at Truss.

Drew’s children, Taylor, Maddy and Sean were busy on the dance floor all night with their cousins and friends.

Officiant: Rev. Cam Miller
Ceremony: Church in the Circle aka University United Methodist Church
Reception: Truss Event Venue
Catering: Truss Event Venue
Cake: Isabelle Grace Cakes
Florist: Roses For Weddings
DJ: Eric Smith – Cleveland Music Group
Dress: Radiant Bride
Wedding dress alterations: Sarah Lottes Bridal
Veil: Veil Trends
Suit: Ticknors
Bride’s shoes: Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer
Groom’s shoes: Firmani
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands: Kleinhenz Jewelers
Hair: Haley Delzani – Lather A Salon
Makeup: Elizabeth Cook, MUA
Ceremony Music: North Coast String Quartet
Signage: Invites, seating chart, thank you cards: Zazzle
Welcome sign: APKweddings on Etsy
Dance lessons: Kayla at Tabitha In Motion
Linens: L’Nique Specialty Linen
Furniture & Tableware rental: Event Source
Day-of wedding coordinator: Brandi Fisher – All Events Planned
Assistant: Amy Kuntz