Most couples don’t plan an engagement of over 3 years. But then again, most couples don’t usually anticipate planning their wedding during a pandemic! Back when Ilyssa + Jared got engaged in Columbus in June 2018 (and I photographed it!) and they set their date for May 2020, they had no idea that covid would force them to postpone not once, but twice, and extend their already long engagement to be even longer! Unlike many covid couples, they did not marry on their original date, they left everything to their final date: August 28, 2021. As such, as the day was finally here, it was full of energy, emotion, huge smiles and cheers!
Their festivities took place at the Marriott Key Center in downtown Cleveland. After each side was dressed, we staged their first look outside in front of the fountain. Their wedding party joined and we headed out for portraits! It was an especially hot summer day, but the group toughed through portraits at the Courthouse and Voinovich Park.
Upon returning to their venue, we went straight into family portraits and their ketubah signing, and then it was time for the ceremony! Immediately following, we headed back outside for some sunset photos before day turned to night. Back inside, it was time to celebrate! Ilyssa surprised Jared by having a CAVS announcer introduce them into the reception! Then there were hilarious toasts, a choreographed first dance, cake cutting, and a very lively hora. And the party continued all night long… and we ended by enjoying their late night snack – Swenson’s. Mazel Tov to these two! It was worth the wait!
