Rick and Galina are both super fun, very stylish and ridiculously smart! They grew up in Lorain County, but didn’t connect until they met at a party in Cleveland as adults. Philadelphia is their current home, but they decided to return to Oberlin for their wedding. They took a chance and booked the brand new Hotel at Oberlin as their reception venue and wedding home base. This was a large leap of faith because the new hotel (as with any construction project) was subject to delays which proved very stressful. Also, the new hotel is attempting LEED platinum status making it one of the most environmentally sustainable hotel projects in the United States! Luckily the hotel opened on time and despite a few hiccups, the room was beautiful, the food was delicious and the staff was so wonderful!
The wedding was held at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lorain because Galina’s mother is of Russian heritage. It was a beautiful and traditional service including crowning, wine and circling the altar three times. Father Basil did break protocol and got a little emotional at the end of the service remembering Galina growing up before his eyes.
The weather was so very hot, but we all weathered the heat and the rain held out for our drive between Lorain and Oberlin. All the details were so lovely and innovative. My favorites were the hangers with all the bridesmaids names on them and ABD for Galina and PhD for Rick. I also loved the fact that Galina chose non-bridal dresses from JCrew for her ladies. They were so chic and fun. In lieu of one wedding cake, Galina and Rick had a variety of cakes available from the local Blue Rooster Bakehouse in Oberlin. Everyone could pick their favorite to try.
I had such a lovely time and it was an honor to photograph the first wedding in the new Hotel at Oberlin. Congratulations again to Rick and Galina!
Wedding Reception: The Hotel at Oberlin
Ceremony Location: Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio
Wedding Dress and overskirt: Jenny Yoo at Nordstrom
Wedding Clutch: Beholden
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein by Men’s Wearhouse
Bride and Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan
Bridesmaid dresses: JCrew
Groomsmen Suits: Calvin Klein by Men’s Wearhouse
Cakes: Blue Rooster Bakehouse in Oberlin
Flowers: Carlisle Flower Shop in Oberlin
DJ: Ryan Kelly of The East/West Collective
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