Grand Pacific Hotel Wedding | Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Kristy and Dave’s love story began at work in Ohio, although it was an a hour apart. Even with Dave living in the country and Kristy living in Lakewood, they made the commute work for 4 years. Dave proposed to Kristy on a family trip in Sodus Point,NY. While on the trip, Kristy was skipping some rocks on the water and Dave got on down on one knee. Kristy turned around and was so shocked she accidentally pushed him over!

Everything about their wedding was uniquely them! Dave and Kristy selected Grand Pacific Wedding Gardens in Olmsted Falls to hold their outdoor ceremony with the reception following at the Grand Pacific Hotel. The ceremony site over looks a stream with two charming cottages for the bride and groom to await their guests. Built in the 1830’s, the Grand Pacific Hotel is the one of the oldest historic structures in Olmsted Township. The hotel was perfect from their intimate wedding.

Every wedding detail was personalized. Kristy had her creative hand designing wedding invitations. She even created the logo with their faces on the invite and the match box covers. Wedding florals by were both playful and elegant ( Helen from A New Leaf Florist knocked it out of the park!) A backdrop of colorful ribbon and pompoms blew in the breeze behind Dave and Kristy at the ceremony. Handmade name cards with ninjas and cars greeted the guests at the reception. The wedding day was uniquely them!

Wedding Vendors

Cleveland Wedding Photographer: Elizabeth Glorioso

Ceremony Venue: Grand Pacific Wedding Gardens Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Reception Venue: Grand Pacific Hotel Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Wedding Boutique: Lilliana Bridal Lakewood, Ohio

Hair: KS Collective | Kate Skinner

Makeup: Face Canvas | Jennifer Cruz

Groom’s Attire: Indochino

Entertainment: A Bride’s DJ

Florist: A New Leaf Florist | Helen Frantz

Wedding Cake: KB Confections

Transportation: Titan Limousine

Union Club Wedding | Kali + Jon

Photographing Kali and Jon’s day at Cleveland’s Union Club was the perfect kick off the start of this wedding season. During 2020, couples who planned a wedding definitely had to take “Love is Patient” to heart. Rescheduling wedding showers, engagement parties, ceremonies, receptions: EVERYTHING was turned upside down for anyone getting married. After having three wedding dates, Kali and Jon finally tied the knot at St. Gabriel’s in Concord and held their reception at the Union Club in Cleveland, Ohio. The traditional Catholic wedding ceremony was full of smiles and tears. For over a year, some family members had to stick to staying safe at home and didn’t get to be with loved ones. Joining together to celebrate Jon and Kali’s wedding day was wonderful way for family and friends to see each other again.

Magnet Street had the perfect invitation designs that coordinated with the delicate blue wedding color.

Kali decided to surprise Jon with a custom groom’s cake by Wild Flour Bakery.

Venue: The Union Club

Wedding Invitations: Magnet Street

Bride’s dress : Radiant Bride

Hair and Makeup: Jennifer and Co

Groom’s attire: American Commodore

Entertainment: Rock the House

Florist: Bouquets by Becky

Wedding Cake : Wild Flour Bakery

Videographer: Lasting Love

Transportation: Platinum Party Bus

Elizabeth Glorioso: Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Blue Heron Wedding in Medina | Stephanie + David

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It has been an unusual year for wedding planning( to say the least!) Brides and grooms equally stressed over details, Stephanie and David just rolled with it. Moving forward with so much excitement to get married!

Stephanie met David while attending Brecksville High School. Eleven years later, Stephanie could not wait to marry her best friend. The smiles did not leave their faces all day.

Blue Heron in Medina is a beautiful venue for hosting a summer wedding! Having both an outdoor area for a ceremony and indoor space for the reception, Blue Heron was perfect fit for Stephanie and David’s day. With a bit of rain in the forecast, fingers were crossed for some sunshine for their ceremony. Luck on their side! The sun peaked out long enough for the bride and groom to have a first look, take a few outdoor portraits and have their ceremony to go off with out a hitch!

Stephanie had chalk board signs made for each bridesmaid. The words written on the boards are how she met each person.

Getting ready at her family home. Stephanie got help from mom with her veil.

A tearful first look for both the bride and her dad.

Cathedral train Stephanie wore with her wedding gown was a stunner!

Before the ceremony, a quick first glance of Stephanie with her birth father.

The summery outdoor ceremony included their pup, Gunner, who stood in as the ring bearer.

Invitations: Basic Invite

Wedding Dress: Lablanca Bridal

Hair : Jessica Salerno and The Lipstick Twins

Makeup: The Lipstick Twins

Groom’s Tux: Lablanca Bridal

DJ: Troy Entertainment

Florist : Socially Artistic Events

Wedding Cake : Nothing Bundt Cake

Transportation: A-1 Mr. Limo

Ring: Diamond Direct

Elizabeth Glorioso, Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Downtown Cleveland Engagement |Sage and Ted

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First summer engagement session on the first day of summer. Sage and Ted are in the middle of planning their December wedding at White Birch Barn in Medina. With a winter theme for their wedding day, they thought it would be awesome to do their engagement photos with a summer feel. Sage selected downtown Cleveland for their engagement session so it would be a nice contrast to their barn wedding.

Since weddings and events in Ohio have postponed because of Covid-19, getting back to photographing portrait sessions in June has been awesome! Sage and Ted were up for their engagement session on June 20th, but it wasn’t until we got downtown when I realized it was the summer solstice officially the first day of summer. The summery evening in Cleveland did not disappoint!

Sage suggested that this was a perfect spot for a dip. Engagement sessions are a great time to have some fun practicing it before the wedding day. Ted had his dip down!

Elizabeth Glorioso – Cleveland Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Shawshank Woodshop Wedding | Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Small hometown weddings are some of my favorites. I love when couples pick a location that has meaning for them for their big day! When I met with Joey and Jennifer, they spoke excitedly about their wedding plans in Upper Sandusky. Being a photographer from Cleveland, I didn’t know much about Jennifer’s hometown. Upper Sandusky is small town with a lot of character. It was one of several film locations for the movie, The Shawshank Redemption. When they revealed that the Shawshank Woodshop was the location for the reception, I knew this wedding would be a blast!

Getting married at Jennifer’s childhood church, we started the day at Trinity United Church of Christ. Jennifer and Joey both choose to get ready there with family and close friends. The church was intimate and the perfect size for the ceremony.

The brooch with her grandmother’s initials was added to the bridal bouquet as the something “old” and something “borrowed”.

Detail of the wedding rings placed on the embroidered handkerchief. Jennifer carried it with her bouquet.

Mother of the bride was so happy to help Jennifer get ready.

Father of the bride was so excited to see his daughter in her dress for the first time.

Beautiful view of the back of the bride’s dress from the choir loft.

Old Stained glass on the interior of the choir loft of the church was perfect for a wedding portrait.

A pocket of nice light in the stairwell from the choir loft created spot for a candid portrait.

Located next to the Sandusky River, Indian Mill Museum was a gorgeous backdrop for portraits after the ceremony.

Shawshank Woodshop and Museum was perfect for an intimate wedding reception.

Bride and groom hung out with a few wedding crashers.

Yummy naked wedding cake with fresh berries.

With the glow from the reception inside, Jennifer and Joey enjoyed a moment alone and the last photo of the night.

Cleveland Ritz Carlton Wedding | Moran + Eric

Cleveland in December. You never know what weather you are going to get on a wedding day. Photographing in downtown Cleveland in the winter can be dreary, but Moran and Eric wedding day was bright and cheerful. Eric and Moran met overseas and planned to have wedding celebrations for both families. Because they were having a wedding ceremony in March in Moran’s native Israel, they choose to have an intimate wedding with family and close friends here in Cleveland.

The bride and groom got ready for their day at the Ritz Carlton downtown. The Ritz was the perfect venue for their intimate ceremony and reception. The hotel has gone through amazing renovations, including the lobby. It was great spot for their quick first look. With the sun on our side, we ventured outside of the Ritz for portraits on Public Square. Even after the leaves and flowers are gone, Public Square is an inviting space to take photographs.

Moran and Eric had a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. Ceremony began surrounded by family the signing of a Ketubah, their marriage agreement. Friends held up their lovely Chuppah, a canopy beneath which Moran and Eric said their vows.

After the ceremony, a private dinner reception held for their wedding guests. To kick off the evening, family and friends enjoyed a few cocktails before Eric and Moran’s parents and siblings shared hear-felt words for the bride and groom. Documenting their wedding story was truly a pleasure.

A wedding portrait on Cleveland Public Square.

Bride getting makeup Ritz Cleveland Ohio

pink orchids and white roses bridal bouquet Cleveland Ohio

Bride’s bouquet with delicate pink orchids and white roses.

Bride getting ready Ritz Cleveland Ohio

Moms are placing the veil on the Bride before the ceremony.

Bride with veil Ritz Carlton Clevland Bride with mom Ritz Carlton Clevland

Mother of the bride the Ritz Cleveland Ohio

Both moms shared a few tears while the bride finished getting ready.

A detail of the groom’s silver cuff links.

Groom getting ready at the Ritz Cleveland

Groom and his brother the best man getting ready for the wedding day in downtown Cleveland.

Groom at the Ritz Cleveland Mother of the Groom Cleveland Ohio Portraits of the Bride and Groom Cleveland Ohio Bride first look at the Ritz Cleveland Ohio Groom First look at the Ritz Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom Terminal Tower Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom Cleveland Public Square

Wedding portraits on Cleveland Public Square

The groom’s classic navy suit complimented pink and white florals in bride’s bouquet.

Bride and Groom walking on Cleveland Public Square Bride and Groom photo at Cleveland Public Library pink and white bridal bouquet Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom Cleveland Public Library Bride and Groom photo in downtown Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom portrait in downtown Cleveland Ohio Bride and groom walking downtown Cleveland Ohio Ketubah signing photo at the Ritz Carlton Cleveland Groom looking under the bride's veil Cleveland Ohio Bride walking down the aisle Ritz Carlton Cleveland wedding ceremony Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ohio father of the groom Ritz Carlton Cleveland photo of a wedding ceremony Ritz Carlton Cleveland Wedding ceremony photo Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ohio reception place cards Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ohio Reception Ritz Carlton Cleveland photo of words from Mother of the groom Cleveland Ohio Family wedding toast Ritz Carlton Cleveland Parents toasts Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ohio Bride and groom wedding reception Ritz Carlton Cleveland bride and groom photo at wedding reception Ritz Carlton Cleveland bride and groom kiss wedding reception Ritz Carlton Cleveland Ohio

Elizabeth Glorioso | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Equestrian Bat Mitzvah | Cleveland, Ohio

In Cleveland, I have photographed Mitzvahs with many unique themes. Amanda’s Equestrian-themed Bat Mitzvah celebration was something special.

Before her service, Amanda started her day with a portrait session at Temple Emanu El. Her smile and laugh was infectious. The service was lovely with a heart-felt speech from Amanda and special words from Mom and Dad. I love when I have the opportunity to photograph those moments!

The evening celebration was held at the Bertram Inn in Aurora. The ballroom sparkled with teal and purple decor. With Amanda’s love for horses in mind, the space had fabulous equestrian details designed by Whimzey Events . Horseshoe table cards greeted the guests at the entrance along with a special portrait of Amanda and her horse, Breezy. The kids’ tables had glittery horse and rider centerpieces while the adult tables had the adorable custom logo: Amanda’s Mane Event.

The party was filled with fun for the everyone. Rock the House rock it( of course!) with music, dancing and fun games for the kids. The photo booth was non-stop all with laughter especially with the addition of the equestrian-themed props. Particularly memorable, all the guests joined Amanda and her parents on the dance floor for the hora.

Amanda had a truly joyful celebration!

Bat Mitzvah girl Cleveland Ohio

Bat Mitzvah girl with tallis Cleveland Ohio

Grandparents presenting a special tallis for the Bat Mitzvah girl.

Bat Mitzvah girl on bimah Temple Emanu El Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl with mom and dad Temple Emanu El Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl with kippah Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl on bimah Cleveland Ohio Bat mitzvah reading Torah Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah service Orange Village Ohio Bat Mitzvah Equestrian Bertram Aurora Ohio Bat Mitzvah Equestrian Ballroom Bertram Aurora Ohio

Ballroom Bat Mitzvah Equestrian Bertram Aurora Ohio

Amanda’s tables were decorated especially with kids in mind.

Candy Bar Bat Mitzvah Bertram Aurora Ohio

The custom candy bar was filled with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite treats.

Equestrian centerpiece Bat Mitzvah Bertram Aurora Ohio Equestrian Bat Mitzvah Bertram Aurora Ohio Equestrian Bat Mitzvah Place cards Bertram Aurora Ohio Equestrian Bat Mitzvah Ballroom Bertram Aurora Ohio Bat Mitzvah portrait Bertram Aurora Ohio

Family photo in the ballroom at the Bertram Inn Aurora Ohio

A quick portrait with mom and dad before the party kicks off at the Bertram.

A custom Bat Mitzvah logo for Amanda’s equestrian theme.

Bat Mitzvah girl jump Bertram Aurora Ohio hula hoops Mitzvah party Cleveland Ohio Mitzvah Party Bertram Cleveland Ohio

Mitzvah introduction Bertram Aurora Ohio

Amanda was all smiles for grand entrance.

Mitzvah Party Cleveland Ohio Equestrian Mitzvah Party Bertram Cleveland Ohio kids photo mitzvah party Cleveland Ohio Mom and Dad Mitzvah Party Cleveland Ohio Mitzvah girl with friends Bertram Aurora Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl during Hora Cleveland Ohio dad during Hora Cleveland Ohio Mom during hora Cleveland Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl dancing at the Bertram Aurora Ohio Bat Mitzvah party Bertram Aurora Ohio

Mitzvah group portrait Bertram Aurora Ohio

Pals from the barn take center stage for a portrait with the Bar Mitzvah girl.

Are you kidding with these props?! Horses had to be a part of the photo booth.

Bat Mitzvah photo booth Bertram Aurora Ohio

Bat Mitzvah girl dancing at the Bertram Aurora Ohio Rock the House Bat Mitzvah Bertram Aurora Ohio Bat Mitzvah girl portrait at the Bertram Aurora Ohio

Ariel International Wedding | Alison + Matt

There is nothing like getting married in your hometown. Alison and Matt came home to Cleveland have their wedding ceremony and reception at the Ariel International Center. With panoramic views of the Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline, Ariel International was the perfect choice in venue.

Their wedding day began at Alison’s parent home where Alison and Matt decided to do a first look in the backyard. Even though it is less traditional, a first look is a great idea for couples who want to do portraits before the ceremony. And Matt was all smiles when seeing his bride for the first time.

Rain was in the forecast, but held off long enough for some outdoor photos. From Alison’s parents’ home, we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Art and Wade Oval. The museum with its wonderful architecture and landscaped grounds is a natural spot for great wedding portraits.

The ceremony and reception went off without a hitch. Beautiful white draped background was hung in the ceremony space. The reception room glittered with gold tablecloths with pink hydrangea and rose centerpieces. The Cleveland skies cleared in the evening so we went up to the roof deck to catch the those 360 degree views.

Sunset wedding Ariel International Cleveland Ohio

A sunset wedding portrait on the roof deck at Ariel International Center in Cleveland, Ohio

Wedding dress Cleveland Ohio

A detail of the heirloom pin the bride’s grandmother wore on her wedding day.

The family dog did not want to wander far as Alison’s sister zips up her dress.

bride with her mom Cleveland Ohio Bride and her dad Cleveland Ohio Groom during first look Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom first look Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom under the bridal veil Cleveland Ohio

Outstanding pinks, golds and greens in this stunning bridal bouquet by Blooms by Plantscaping.

Wedding portraits at the Cleveland Museum

Bride and Groom with the fountain at Cleveland Museum of Art

A portrait of the the bride and groom in front of Chester Beach’s 1927 Fountain of the Waters.

wedding photos at the lagoon at Cleveland Museum of Art

The wedding portraits taken on the steps of the 1913 building of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Wedding Cake at Ariel International Cleveland Ohio

A simple four tier buttercream wedding cake with pink roses was perfect for reception.

Ceremony at Ariel International Center Cleveland Ohio Bride at herCeremony at Ariel International Center Cleveland Ohio Exchanging rings at Ceremony at Ariel International Center Cleveland Ohio First KissCeremony at Ariel International Center Cleveland Ohio Wedding floral centerpiece Ariel International Center Cleveland Ohio Wedding reception at Ariel International Cleveland Ohio Wedding rings with pink flowers Cleveland Ohio First dance Ariel International Cleveland Ohio Bride and Groom night portrait with Cleveland Skyline

Elizabeth Glorioso | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Cleveland Wedding | Lindsey + Stephen

I was excited to photograph Lindsey and Stephen’s wedding story. They are the cutest match! They have a shared love for the Cleveland Indians, Ohio State Buckeyes and their two fur babies, Buckeye and Brutus.

Lindsey arrived with her bridesmaids at her parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Parma. She shared moments with her dad before the ceremony while Stephen spend time with his groomsmen. They had a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony, with family and friends all smiles. Afterwards, we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Botanical Gardens for wedding portraits and time with the bridal party. The wedding reception that evening was held at Saint Clarence Pavilion in North Olmsted, complete with a sparkler exit at the end of the night.

wedding party Cleveland Botanical Garden

The wedding party at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in front the the reflecting pool.

Wedding rings with succulent plant

Bride with father Cleveland Ohio

Groom getting ready Cleveland Ohio Bridal bouquet Cleveland Ohio flower girls Cleveland Ohio bride getting ready Cleveland Ohio bride walking down the aisle Parma Ohio Wedding Ceremony St Anthony of Padua Church Parma Ohio Wedding Bubble Exit Parma Ohio Wedding Bubble Exit St Anthony Church Parma Ohio Bride with flower girls Wedding Parma Ohio

Bride and groom had their dogs brought to church after the ceremony. Stephen talking over photos with Brutus.

Bridal Party at Cleveland Museum of Art Groom with his groomsmen at the Cleveland Botanical Garden Groom at Cleveland Museum of Art Bride at Cleveland Museum of Art Bridal Bouquet at Cleveland Museum of Art

Bride and Groomat the Cleveland Botanical Garden

Portraits taken in the cool shade of the Japanese Garden at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Bride and Groom at the reflecting pond at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

The one of the centerpieces of the Cleveland Botanical Garden is the 74 foot-long reflecting pool.

Bride and groom at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

The spacious English herb garden with its formal design makes for a beautiful location for wedding portraits.

Wedding portraits at Rose garden at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

Even in the fall, the English Garden still had a few roses in bloom.

Bride and groom at Japanese Garden Cleveland Botanical Garden bride and groom kiss at Japanese Garden Cleveland Botanical Garden Wedding portraits at Japanese Garden Cleveland Botanical Garden bride and groom at sunset Cleveland Ohio

Detail of their custom engraved wedding flutes. perfect for toasting.

First dance Saint Clarence North Olmsted Ohio

First dances at the wedding reception at St. Clarence Pavilion in North Olmsted

Twinkle lights for a romantic background during Lindsey and Stephen’s dance.

Hummingbird Bake Shop made a fabulous naked wedding cake.

Groom’s socks with their dogs, Brutus and Buckeye.

Stephen’s surprise for Linsdey: a groom leisure suit complete with pink Parma flamingos.

Sparkler exit wedding North Olmsted Ohio

The evening ends with a sparker exit at the reception.

Wedding kiss Sparkler exit wedding North Olmsted Ohio

And a dip and a kiss!

Elizabeth Glorioso | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Creating Stress-Free Wedding Photos

Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasion, but too often, the stress of ensuring the day goes off without a hitch takes its toll on the happy couple. Brides and grooms, take a deep breath, relax and actually live in the moments that represent the start of your life with your partner. With these simple tips, you can help your wedding photographer capture the true beauty of the day.

Bride and Groom Cleveland Botanical Garden

Cleveland Botanical Garden is a gorgeous location for wedding portraits any time of year.

Pick a venue that represents you.

Do you want a formal country club affair or is a more relaxed park setting more your speed? Pick a location that will make you feel like yourself and don’t let others pressure you into having your wedding where they want you to.

Wedding ceremony Ariel International, Cleveland, Ohio

Wedding ceremony at Ariel International, Cleveland, Ohio

Wedding reception Mapleside Farm Brunswick Ohio

First dance at a wedding reception at Mapleside Farm, Brunswick, Ohio

Bride and groom at Lake Forest Country Club

A quick kiss after signing the Ketubah for a Jewish wedding ceremony at Lake Forest Country Club in Hudson, Ohio

Don’t over-schedule your day.

Don’t try to fill your schedule so tight with everything you think you need to do. Make sure you leave time to enjoy all aspects of your day. A relaxed bride is a happy bride, after all.

Bride and Groom Stan Hywet Hall Akron Ohio

We found a lovely spot in Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron Ohio on a rainy wedding day.

Bride and Groom at Smart Space Cleveland Ohio

Finding beautiful light for a portrait outside of SmArt Space at West 78th Street Studios in Cleveland, Ohio.

Allow enough time for formal shots.

Make sure you leave enough time for formal shots; you know, the ones you have to have because your parents and grandparents insist. Think about how many groups you want to capture and factor in about two to three minutes per group. Oh, and add a buffer for Aunt Sally’s bathroom break, a flower girl or ring bearer having a meltdown, and a bridesmaid looking for her bouquet. Allowing enough time for these shots gives your photographer the extra time to make sure the veil is perfect, the boutonnieres are straight, everyone is smiling and as a result, the shot turns out perfect!

Portraits taken at Cleveland Courthouse

No need for a long shot list.

You don’t want your wedding photographer checking off a to-do list versus capturing moments as they happen naturally. A shot list that merely states “1. Photo of the Bride. 2. Photo of the Groom 3. Photo of the Bridal Party,” etc., is obvious to your professional photographer and isn’t needed. A more helpful is a short list that includes “key players” and a few must-have shots. A handkerchief handed down from your great-grandmother that you are carrying down the aisle. A close aunt who traveled for special for your wedding day. A bridesmaid or family member can be helpful point out to that special person to photographer.

Wedding dress with blue bridesmaid dresses

The wedding dress along side the teal bridesmaid dresses at hung in a window at Tudor House in Akron, Ohio

A lovely wedding ring detail in the succulent plant table center piece.

Custom engraved champagne flutes for toasting at the reception.

Pick only one or two special locations for creative photos.

Going with our theme of “less is more”, don’t try to get pictures at every attraction in the city. Pick a couple that are the most meaningful to you and let your photographer work his or her magic.

Bride and Groom Westfield Ohio

Bride and Groom Cleveland Ohio

Bride and Groom Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cleveland Ohio

Most importantly, congratulations on finding the love of your life! After all, that’s really what the day is all about.

Elizabeth Glorioso | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Elizabeth Glorioso's Photography Blog

Wedding and Event Photography | NE Ohio

Grand Pacific Hotel Wedding | Olmsted Falls, Ohio

Union Club Wedding | Kali + Jon

Blue Heron Wedding in Medina | Stephanie + David

Downtown Cleveland Engagement |Sage and Ted

Shawshank Woodshop Wedding | Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Cleveland Ritz Carlton Wedding | Moran + Eric

Equestrian Bat Mitzvah | Cleveland, Ohio

Ariel International Wedding | Alison + Matt

Cleveland Wedding | Lindsey + Stephen

Creating Stress-Free Wedding Photos