St. John Cantius wedding

Sara and Barry’s St. John Cantius wedding day was wonderful.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

St. John Cantius wedding

This was my second St. John Cantius wedding in the last year. I’d wanted to photograph there for so many years and finally got the chance twice!

After asking questions of the couple they wrote their story for this St. John Cantius wedding blog and I’ve decided to go with it since it’s done very well so here you go:

Sara and Barry’s St.John Cantius wedding day was the kind of celebration that felt layered with history,
serendipity, and the quiet magic of a love story that found its way back after more than a decade.

Their journey began in 2011, when they met and briefly dated while both living in Arlington,
VA. Life took them in different directions, but they stayed in touch and in 2023, it was a
Savannah Banana’s baseball game that brought them back together, reigniting something that had
never fully faded.

They chose to marry in Cleveland, the city where they’ve built their life together and where
Sara’s family is rooted. It felt right to begin their married life there as they celebrated with loved ones from near and far
at their St. John Cantius wedding.

Several members of Barry’s family traveled all the way from Ireland to celebrate with them, filling the day with
warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable joy of two families becoming one. A second reception in
Ireland later allowed them to celebrate with Barry’s extended family, continuing the celebration
across the ocean.

The ceremony took place at St. John Cantius Church in Tremont, the parish Sara joined when
she first moved back to Ohio in 2020. The church’s historic charm and intimate atmosphere
created a setting that felt reverent and deeply personal for their St. John Cantius wedding.

One of the most special parts of the day was having their officiant, Fr. Mike Sampson, a
long‑time friend of Sara’s, travel in from Arlington, Virginia to marry them at their St. John Cantius wedding.
His presence added familiarity, warmth, and a deeply personal touch to the ceremony, making the moment feel even
more meaningful.

Music played a huge role in the ceremony — something Sara had been excited about from the
very beginning. A longtime fan of the hymns from Sister Act, she worked closely with Ashley
Nemeh, who incorporated an ensemble from OPUS 216 to bring her vision to life.

Sara: “I wanted the music to feel like me. Hearing the Sister Act version of ‘Hail Holy Queen’ at
mass and seeing everyone light up and enjoy the music — it was everything. I was smiling from
ear to ear, dancing along from my seat on the altar.”

Sara also surprised Barry by walking down the aisle to an instrumental version of their first
dance song, “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding — a meaningful nod to the Ellie
Goulding concert Barry took her to during their early time together.

When asked what felt most emotional, Barry said it was watching Sara walk down the aisle. Sara
felt the same from walking with her father down the aisle to meeting Barry at the altar. She
chose not to have a formal wedding party, but her “Bride Tribe”, eight of her closest friends,
lined the aisle behind their families, all wearing beautiful flower crowns, created a moment that
felt intimate, emotional, and perfectly her.

The reception was held at Collision Bend Brewery, a place already tied to joyful memories. A
few years earlier, they attended their friends’ wedding there and immediately fell in love with the
atmosphere: the water, the food, the energy. Once they got engaged, they knew without
hesitation that Collision Bend was where they wanted to celebrate.

The riverfront setting gave the evening a lively, vibrant feel. Guests gathered along the water,
enjoying incredible food, drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a wedding feel like a
true celebration rather than a formal event.

Barry’s brother, Peter Creedon, served as Best Man, and Sara’s sister, Vanessa Wehrley, stood
by her side as Matron of Honor. Their families played a central role throughout the day, adding
depth and emotion to every moment.

Barry said what surprised him most was how fast the day went even as he tried to take it all in.
Sara was surprised by how smoothly everything came together and how much she genuinely got to enjoy
the day. A special thanks goes to Tricia, their day of coordinator, whose guidance and calm presence helped everything run seamlessly.

Their St. John Cantius wedding wasn’t just a celebration: it was a story of reconnection, intention, family, and
joy. From a love that sparked in 2011, to a reunion in 2023, to a ceremony filled with music and
emotion, to a reception on the water surrounded by the people who shaped their lives: every
part of the day felt like a reflection of who they are.

A story of coming home. A story of choosing each other again. A story of two families: one in
Ohio, one in Ireland, celebrating a love that was always meant to find its way back.

Bridesmaid Amber adjusted her flower crown before the St. John Cantius wedding.

While making portraits of Sara her father Mike asked if he was in the way. I said nope and decided to capture something of him relaxing in the chair.

Best man and groom’s brother Peter helped with Barry’s suit.

The “Bride Tribe” and their flower crowns framed Sara and her father Mike as they walked down the aisle.

Ashley Nemeh sang beautifully as Opus 216 played the music.

The Veterans Memorial Bridge was open on the subway level for the historic walking tour so we took advantage of the one day a year opportunity.

Ring bearer Alby left a note for the couple.

Flower girl Nancy danced with the bride.

Officiant: Fr. Mike Sampson
Ceremony: St. John Cantius Catholic Church
Reception: Collision Bend Brewing Company
Wedding planner: Tricia Dever, Always Eventful
DJ: Burning River Entertainment
Singer: Ashley Nemeh
Strings: Opus 216
Cake: Hearth Patisserie
Florist: Urban Orchid
Dress store and designer: Radiant Bride, Essence of Australia
Suit: Indochino
Engagement Rings: Alson Jewelers
Wedding bands: Alson Jewelers
Hair & Makeup: Kristin Weber Hair and Makeup
Bus: A-1 Mr Limo
Accommodations/Getting Ready location: Hotel Cleveland
Assistant: Julia Waugh

What a beautiful St. John Cantius wedding!

Bonus links:

St. John Cantius wedding info:

https://stjohncantiuschurch.org/sacraments/

Sara and Barry’s engagement session:

https://scottshawphoto.com/sara-barry-engagement-session/

Thank you for viewing their St. John Cantius wedding,

– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer