Cleveland Ohio LGBTQ Wedding at Ariel International Center: Christa + Rachel

I first met Christa while shooting her sister’s 2016 wedding in Columbus (Dana + Alisha!)… fast forward to 2022, it was like a little reunion, when I had the honor of shooting Christa + Rachel’s Cleveland wedding! On rooftops, beneath strung lights, against the waterfront… we celebrated these two brides and their city from morning to night. And their wedding party was one of the liveliest I’ve seen!

We began our day getting ready at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel in downtown Cleveland. They got ready in their Van Gogh Room, which was artsy and colorful and really fun for photos! After each of them were dressed, I staged their first look in a nearby alley. The spot was so lovely, a truly downtown alley full of brick, a bit windy, and these two had a special moment together just the two of them.

From there, they hopped on the party bus with their wedding party and we traveled around town for portraits! We visited E 4th Street, the Flats, and the waterfront, including a stop at the Cleveland sign in front of the Rock Hall! We had a beautiful day, with light that cooperated throughout, it couldn’t have been a more perfect time spent exploring the city. We ended our time at their venue, Ariel International Center, where their indoor ceremony followed.

Lots of smiles, tears and laughter as the two brides were married. And then it was time to party! After their first dance, toasts, dinner and cake cutting, their guests celebrated all night on the dance floor. Of course, we had to end the night with some night shots on the rooftop against the city lights. It was epic! Congratulations to the newlyweds, Christa and Rachel!

Amy Ann Photography

I aim to capture moments and expressions that tell the story of a day, and are authentic to the people involved. If you can look at a collection of images I’ve taken of a total stranger and get a feeling for who they are and what they felt, then I’ve done my job!   

Leave a Comment