Eric and Dusty had the perfect March day for a romantic Cleveland engagement session, the sun was shining, the snow was melting and everything felt just right. I was so excited when I got an email from Dusty asking if we could start their session at the first place they had met, IN KINDERGARTEN! How could I possibly say no to that?
I met them in the parking lot of Our Lady of Angels, a quaint Catholic School just a few short minutes outside of Downtown Cleveland. The air was brisk to say the least. But for a March 1st session, we could not complain. If you’re from Ohio you know just how lucky we were not to be squinting our eyes to shoot through a snow storm. The sun was at just the perfect spot to grace these two with the most beautiful light.
We started with my favorite warm up pose just to break the ice, but Eric and Dusty definitely didn’t need it. Their chemistry and connection took over right away, making my job way too easy. They laughed, smiled, stared deep into each others eyes and shared the sweetest kisses. They were the epitome of perfection, two people made for one another.
We breezed through this location and as I pulled them into the open away from the building for the last couple photos the wind hit us. As nice as it was to feel the sun on our skin, we knew that the wind at their next location would be much colder. Eric and Dusty had chosen Edgewater Park for the second half of their Cleveland Engagement session. They wanted a photo with the Cleveland Script sign and the downtown skyline in the background.
We knew the wind rolling off of the wide open lake would be brutal even in the sunshine, so we immediately began brainstorming. Listing off a few alternatives, we decided to head to the Old Arcade. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, it was the perfect spot to get out of the wind.
I met them at the door of the Arcade and we headed in. I got them in the perfect spot to start, unpacked my camera and when I looked up my eyes met the security guard of the Old Arcade. You could tell he was not happy with us. I approached him and asked for permission to photograph my couple in this beautiful building. He instructed me that I needed to see the hotel front desk and pay a fee.
We weren’t planning on a place that required a fee, though it would have been well worth it. So we humbly approached the front desk, explaining our situation. With the sun quickly setting I knew if this didn’t work out we would have to move elsewhere and fast. The manager was incredibly kind and allowed us to use their beautiful venue to get some amazing images.
Spectators watched and pointed, but that didn’t stop the love between these two. We used both of the breathtaking staircases, the elegant walkways and the adorable ice cream shop, Cathy’s, tucked in the corner by the entrance. It was all amazing.
When we finished up with the Arcade we walked across the street to East 4th, an iconic Cleveland spot. The alley lined with restaurants and shops, adorned with hanging Edison bulbs was going to make for a stunning ending. We even managed to hop into the CLE Clothing store and snag a couple photos in-front of their light up signs!
Eric and Dusty’s Cleveland engagement was nothing short of perfect. I know their October wedding at White Birch Barn will be too. Check out a few of my favorite images from their session and leave them some love below!
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