Chagrin Falls

Therese and Joe’s Chagrin Falls wedding was picture perfect.

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

I thought this would be the perfect post for Mother’s Day.
Therese’s love for her children and everyone is so evident! Together
with Joe they’re great parents that are all about family. Joe is a
Cleveland firefighter and Therese is a nurse and has a home care
for seniors business. Their occupations show how much they are about
caring and helping others. Joe’s co-workers at the fire department
were his groomsmen.

I love how close they are and the way they tease each other
and the way they look at each other. Therese really wanted snow on
her wedding day and despite the weather not cooperating she was so
happy all day. She wanted an elegant family focused vintage wedding
in Chagrin Falls and everything took place within a mile or so. We
started with Therese at the John Roberts Hair Salon in Chagrin, right
next door to the former Chagrin Falls Township Hall where the reception
would be held. Then we went to their home where Joe and his groomsmen
were getting ready.

The ceremony was at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls,
portraits down the block at the center of Chagrin Falls and then the
former Township Hall for the reception.

Best man Pete helped Joe with his tie.

In the background is art by Therese’s sister, Bernadette.
I love her art and was a fan before I even knew they were related.

At the Federated Church, Mackenzie got a kiss from Anna,
who is Joe’s niece.

We did the first look in front of the church and I loved
Joe’s reaction when he saw Therese.

Therese said of this photo: “This reminds me of how Joe proposes
to me everyday. He dropped in that picture and asked to marry me again
right before the service. So sweet he is!”

We walked down to the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop-a staple of
Cleveland wedding photographers in this village. A few of the bridal party
felt it was a bit cold for the walk but they endured. After the bridal party
photos we did some photos of the couple by themselves.

“The mink stole I wore was my grandmother’s-that’s why I wore
it truly. She was one of the most special and influential people ever in
my life and it felt like she was with me wrapping me in hugs and warm memories.”

Rev. Mark Simone conducted the ceremony. Therese: “The candle
ceremony where we shared our love symbolically with everyone there
and the special vow ceremony with our combined families was a highlight for us.”

Austin Walkin’ Cane played music during the ceremony. The renowned
Cleveland blues artist is a favorite of the couple. “Joe proposed to me while
hanging out with Austin one date night in Cleveland…no less in full gear and
helmet with his whole crew and engine behind him. We actually found out during
our premarital church meetings with Rev Simone that he considered himself a
“groupie” of Austin’s!”

Therese and Joe’s kids after the ceremony.

Budding Tree made this beautiful bouquet.

The upper falls of the Chagrin River with the Federated Church
steeple on the right.

Brandi and Nataya of All Events Planned did a wonderful job
with all of the many details on the day. It’s always a great idea to have
a planner so the couple can concentrate on enjoying themselves.

The former Chagrin Falls Township Hall was a great space for the reception.

The couple couldn’t wait to taste the icing from their cake by Michaelangelo’s Bakery.

Therese’s parents, Joseph and Carole did a toast with a memory basket.
“My dad was a writer and former English Professor and he wrote us a personal poem
that reflected loving thoughts and words of wisdom and symbolized by items in basket.”

“Joe surprised me and kids with the DJ smoke and lightning.
He used to do lighting for bands in Cleveland and wanted to do something
fun for kids…it obviously was as they crawled through it!”

Ladybug Ranch brought a horse drawn carriage for village rides during the reception.

Therese’s daughter, Alexandria, laughs as she and her friends waited to ride the carriage.

Therese’s cousin Elizabeth and her daughter Rose made
a selfie in front of the reception table.

Chris and Pete have a drink at the bar. “They are Joe’s closest
friends and they battled many fires together with Cleveland Fire
together at Station 30 for about 17 years on the truck. The wine list
signs were professional graphic designs by my brother Tony. He is a
designer and lives in San Francisco and he hand picked and brought Napa
Valley wines with him for the reception.”

The groomsmen enjoyed a cigar outside the hall as Therese says goodnight to guests.

Mackenzie fell asleep late in the ceremony. Therese: “We tried
to have a family celebration/wedding and there were several details
for kids at their table. The maid of honor made special coloring books
for all the kids and Jason the DJ from Audio Extremes made balloon creations.”

Thank you,

– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer