Nika called me right after she got engaged because I had been working with her family for the past 2 years and she wanted to make sure I was available before she scheduled her wedding date! How flattering is that?!? I gave her my open dates and she set about getting the rest of the details in place.
Nika and Patrick met while they were still in high school and they have stayed together through college and nursing and medical school. High school sweethearts that get married are rare, but the ones that allow each other to grow and develop during those challenging years, have incredibly strong bonds.
With most wedding packages, I include an engagement session. I do this for two main reasons: one, it gives me a chance to get to know my couples better, and two, it gives my couples a chance to learn to relax in front of the camera and just be themselves. You can check out their e-session from this past winter here.
Nika & Patrick’s wedding took place on a warm and and slightly wet Ohio day at St. Peter’s Church in North Ridgeville. The ceremony was a beautiful and traditional Catholic service. Afterwards we took family photos in Oberlin (where Nika grew up) and then traveled on to the reception at the Elyria Country Club in Elyria, Ohio.
Bridal Gown: 2BeBridal purchased at Bridal and Formal in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff purchased at Catan Fashions in Strongsville, Ohio.
Flowers: The Carlyle Shop in Oberlin, Ohio.
DJ Services: House of Entertainment in Wellington, Ohio.
Ceremony Music: Mayfield String Quartet from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Hair and Makeup Services: Belleza Salon and Spa in Lorain, Ohio.
Check out some of my favorite photos.
I’ve never seen this before. Her niece, Goldie, helped the bride on with her garter. Hilarious and adorable.
Her sister, Mia, helps her on with her dress.
The gorgeous bride!
The handsome groom! I know, this couple is ridiculous right? Just wait until you see them together!
Walking to the church between downpours.
Nika’s mom, Connie is wearing the top of her own wedding dress! How cool is that!
Nika & Patrick did the traditional bouquet and garter tosses, including the part where you make the “winners” put the garter back on. This time was particularly hilarious because the DJ brought the winner woman’s boyfriend up onto the dancefloor. That is him with Nika’s grandmother holding him down while the winner man is putting the garter on her with his teeth! So funny. They were really good sports.
Then they wanted him to put it further up her leg so Nika and Patrick could have more happy years together.
It was an amazing night. Everyone had a blast and I was honored to have been a part of it. Thank you!
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