Going into every wedding, I have built up expectations over time. As I’ve gotten to know each couple over the course of 9-12 months, or more – learned about their story, what makes them perfect each other, what brought them to this day, and all their different plans coming together – anticipation builds for both how amazing it could be, and all moments as they will unfold! Well, for Elle + Vlad, it was a long time coming. Not only did they book me over a year from their wedding day, but I had known them for a while now, as friends-of-friends and guests at the weddings of my previous wedding clients. Elle is an amateur photographer herself, and it was only a matter of time before she would be the one in front of the camera! Elle has one of the most engaging personalities I’ve ever encounterd… she has a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. And, the funniest, cause she is always laughing! Getting to know her and Vlad better, and capturing their big day, was a privilege and a pleasure.
All their wedding events took place at one location – the Savannah Center in West Chester, OH just outside Cincinnati. It was the most perfect fall day in mid-October. It was warm, sunny, and the leaves were changing color. I staged their first look in the on-site gardens, and we took care of all the portraits immediately after. It was super fun partnering with the cinema team at Little Tree Studios to capture all the magic!
Then it was onto the ketubah signing, which were, quite honestly, some of my favorite moments of the day. Elle and Vlad, having first met while in rabbinical school, understood the importance of this moment – the signing of the marriage contract – surrounded by their closest family and friends, you can really see the emotion in the pictures. Amidst all the beautiful chaos of a wedding day, it is truly special if you have a chance to pause, look at it each other, and take it all in.
From there it was onto their outdoor sunset ceremony, and right into the lively reception! The hora was full of energy, which carried into the night as the band played all the best tunes. It was so fun seeing so many familiar faces! Elle and Vlad are two of the warmest and caring people you could ever hope to meet. Mazel Tov!
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