Anna and Drew's Intimate Youngstown Wedding | Doubletree by Hilton | Youngstown, Ohio
It’s true. On wedding days, you can find me hiding teary eyes behind my camera. It usually happens at least once during a wedding day because I’m a total sap. Not only that, but I develop such a unique relationship with each of my couples that I become so overjoyed by their happiness and excitement. Anna and Drew’s wedding day was no different. I hid behind my camera quite a few times that day. Not only on the wedding day, but each and every time I went through their wedding collection, I cried the happiest of tears. There was just something about this wedding, these people, the circumstances - it gets me every time. Sure, in this blog you’re only seeing a small portion of what I’ve seen in all of the final photos, but I see so much emotion and joy when I look at these. I go through the photos and I see the locket with a picture of Drew’s late mother. This special detail was carried down the aisle at his sister’s wedding, and on this wedding day, Drew had it in his pocket in honor of his mother. Anna had special details from her close loved ones - a coin from her sister, two handkerchiefs - one from her mother and one from her grandmother, Drew’s mother’s bracelet. The table numbers at the reception dinner equalled seven, the same number of years Anna and Drew have been together. Little details like those create a lasting memory and make each wedding unique.
We started the day at the Youngstown Doubletree on Federal Street. The entire day was seriously so relaxed, especially during the getting ready portion of the day. When wedding days start off like this, I just know everything is going to flow nicely. Once the girls were done getting ready, we took a few photos outside of the hotel and headed up the hill to Saint Columba. Following the ceremony, we spent some time at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park. I know I say this all the time, but shooting at the Rose Gardens never gets old!
We wrapped up the night back at the Doubletree for dinner by Bistro 1907 and cocktails. Of course, we snuck out to chase the last of the evening light, which I ALWAYS recommend! It’s the perfect time for the couple to catch their breath and really take in the whole day. Plus, I’m all about more bride and groom photos! They usually end up being some of my favorite photos of the day.
Anna and Drew, I wish you guys nothing but happiness and love. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding! Now grab some tissues, because I know the happy tears are about to fall :] Congratulations!! <3
