Western Reserve Historical Society Wedding Photographer — Stephanie and Ben

Stephanie and Ben’s Western Reserve Historical Society wedding was perfect. Yes. Perfect. They were in love. And they allowed me the creative freedom to photograph that love. For an artist, that is perfection.

Photographing weddings every week, I’m swept up in a continuum of love that ebbs and flows with the clients I’m documenting. Some clients hold the photographer at arm’s length, while others pull me in (sometimes literally). In both cases, I always feel privileged to be part of such a monumental day in my clients’ lives. It is thrilling to be in the presence of Love. Gratifying to document life-changing moments.

When I arrived at the hotel for photos of Stephanie getting ready, I could sense the nervous excited tension. The wry jokes flying back and forth between the bridesmaids, the effort to get every pale pink sash adjusted just so. That tension didn’t dissipate until Stephanie saw Ben. They did their first look outside the hotel, where she twirled in yards of ivory deconstructed ruffles for his appraisal.  It was sweet and beautiful to see.

From there we went downtown for some Cleveland city skyline photos, then to the Cultural Gardens for more photos. There were many fun, hilarious moments to capture as we hung out with their wedding party. But I think the Moment that stands out the most from Stephanie and Ben’s wedding, is their Moment After.

I have said before that the moment after the ceremony is one of my favorite parts of any wedding day. The looks of joy, happiness, elation and more on peoples’ faces after they pledge their lives to one another are varied and beautiful. I think of it as the Moment After.

Stephanie and Ben walked back up the aisle, and inside the WRHS. I trailed behind as they slipped into a sun-filled room lined with books. They touched foreheads, and then hugged. Quietly. If they said words, I didn’t hear them. I hung back in the doorway, camera glued to my face, treading that fine line between intruding, and documenting one of the most beautiful moments I’d ever seen.

It was a perfect wedding day.

Here are some favorites from Ben and Stephanie’s Western Reserve Historical Society wedding…