Here's What You Need To Know!

What are fashion designers creating for 2025? It will be all about making a statement and bold is in! Patterns, colors, textures, and heightened creativity are the elements you will find in wedding apparel and decorations for 2025. If you're shy, this may be the year to break out! If you're all about style that stands out, you're in luck. Floral appliques, laces, and geometrics that add interest and depth will be seen in 2025.  As always, when it comes to style, you need to select some looks, but not all! You want the look you choose to create a cohesive picture for the audience.

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Daniel Photo Pro is a top 10 best wedding photographer in Northeast Ohio
 

When a professional photographer like Daniel Photo Pro does a wedding shoot, we may take up to 3000 photos in one day. That quantity and years of experience allow us to find the seconds that capture the true love between the two who are marrying. With that many photos, editing is a lengthy process, but finding those little nuggets of pure love in the photos is one of the joys of our business.

Daniel Photo Pro is a top 10 best wedding photographer in Northeast Ohio

Why You Need Both!

With friends and family snapping photos at your wedding events, you'll have a record of it all, even though it will be a mishmash. While the professional photographer works with light, backgrounds, and poses that capture the significance of the wedding, they can take candid photos. If you use phone photos only, you may get one you'll want to frame and pass on to your children, but there is no guarantee. It's also a good idea to ask guests not to take phone photos during the ceremony. You want their full attention on you and the commitment to a new life being made, not on how to "frame" you. Phone photo-taking is annoying to guests who are trying to experience the once-in-a-lifetime moment happening. Think it through and use both pro and phone photography effectively. As you go through the decades of your life, your wedding photos take on more meaning.

Preserving the Timeline

First wedding anniversaries are when couples open the photo album to re-live that most memorable day. If you had professional photography, you'll have a timeline of the day, rather than a mishmash of photos. It will be exhilarating to remember the tingle of anticipation as you dressed, the deep emotion of the vows, the feelings of relief and joy strolling down the aisle as husband and wife, and the warmth of the tears and expressions of delight from your loved ones.

At Daniel Photo Pro, we are very conscious of this tradition a year away, and we take care in preserving the flow of the day from the nervousness at the beginning to the tired but ecstatic last dance of the reception. Emotion is the grand experience of a wedding for all involved. It is what shows up in great photography and why you'll be grateful you invested in Daniel Photo Pro for your wedding.

Daniel Photo Pro is a top 10 best wedding photographer in Northeast Ohio.
 

Indeed wedding receptions are about celebration, dancing, hugging, and all the joy that a new marriage brings for family and friends. There all always some guests, however, who find their excitement in the food. It may be the presentation, or the taste, or the sugar high, but they look forward to the wedding to eat! Food can be a major budget item so great care should be taken so that you honor your guests by providing delicious foods without breaking the budget. It's possible, it just takes consideration and planning.

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Daniel Photo Pro is a top ten northeast Ohio wedding photographer

What if you wanted a touch of the exotic in your wedding design? Colors, shapes, sounds, and lighting that were evocative of a faraway, mesmerizing place?

It's challenging and expensive to create such an atmosphere from scratch, but surprisingly, the place already exists in northeast Ohio! The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a wedding that can handle a sophisticated dinner and provide intriguing and unusual experiences. The oceanic spectrum of aquamarine colors is there, as well as the greens of the plant world, and the explosive colors of coral. They're all lit in intriguing ways to create the right mood for the inhabitants and the guests. 

The Aquarium gives guests who might not know each other, lots to talk about, for they're surrounded by many exquisite creations of nature. Located on the Flats West Bank in downtown Cleveland, the venue is accessible and has the facilities needed for small to medium ceremonies and receptions. 

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Daniel Photo Pro is a top ten northeast Ohio wedding photographer.

 

After a long summer’s day, the moments when the sun slowly sets are magical.One can imagine the sun imitating the flames of love that have burst from a newly engaged couple. It can also be said that once in a while the sun and sky become one like the hearts of lovers.With sunset, Nature gives us something beautiful enough to stop us from our busy way of being in the world. Everyone should just stop and enjoy the sunset as it is always as unique as people are.Do not lose any of it. Look for the perfect one, as you look for the perfect half of your heart, and when you find it hold on to it for dear life, and you will keep the memory of the perfect sunset forever. 

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A significant wedding planning challenge is knowing the difference between how long you think things will take and how long they actually take. The main photography session is usually planned between the ceremony and the reception. If not planned well, the photography session gets squeezed. Most brides plan an hour but fail to account for travel time for the entire wedding party, the extra time maneuvering in a long dress takes, and time for the wedding party to find their places and adjust their clothes and makeup. Before you know it, the planned hour is down to 15 minutes. Do not make this mistake! Before the wedding the bride and groom should go through the entire process, imagining it all. However long you think it will take, add more time. In inclement weather plan add even more time. Every person in the wedding party wants to look their best in the photos, so honor them by allowing time.

The other part of this equation is careful planning about what the wedding guests will do while waiting for the photography to be done. It shouldn't be a "waiting time", it should either be crystal clear or they should be directed to refreshments, places to sit, and hopefully some kind of entertainment while they wait. The guests are usually emotional after a wedding. They're still on a high. Plan for them so that they continue to enjoy themselves until you're ready. Most couples spend the bulk of their planning on the front end of the wedding, but the second half is equally important.

These photos took time which was well-planned

Daniel Photo Pro is a top 10 best wedding photographer in Northeast Ohio
 

When it comes to selecting the perfect location for a wedding, The Aviators stands out as a top choice. This venue offers an unparalleled experience with its attention to detail and outstanding location that provides guests with a view of the blue sky and airplanes landing or taking off. The combination of these elements creates a dream-like setting that is sure to make any wedding unforgettable.This unique backdrop adds an element of excitement and romance to any wedding, creating an unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests

The Aviators' commitment to excellence can be seen in every aspect of the venue.  . Whether exchanging vows under the open sky or dancing under the stars, The Aviators provides a picturesque setting that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Aviators is an exceptional choice for couples looking for a magnificent wedding venue. With its attention to detail, outstanding location, and breathtaking views, this venue offers everything needed to create a dream come true wedding experience. From start to finish, The Aviators ensures that every aspect of the celebration is perfect, making it an ideal choice for any couple looking for an unforgettable wedding day.

On the day of your wedding, every detail is carefully planned and executed to create a memorable and cherished experience. From the dress you wear to the vows you exchange, each moment is attached to your memory for a lifetime. The anticipation and excitement leading up to the big day only add to its significance.

As you walk down the aisle towards your partner, surrounded by loved ones and friends, you feel like the most special and beautiful person in the world. The love and support from those around you make this day truly unforgettable. You are marrying the man of your dreams, creating a bond that will last a lifetime.

Looking back at your wedding pictures, you can't help but think "wow" at how everything came together so perfectly. The unexpected moments that may have occurred on that day only add to its charm and uniqueness. Your wedding day is a reflection of who you are as a person and as a couple, making it one of the most cherished days of your life.

Danielphotopro is one of the top 10 wedding photographers.

Whether you're hosting a wedding, graduation, christening, or other event that marks life's special occasions, there are ways to do it that profoundly affect your guests' experience. The secret is to create an experience, not just set up for an event. Entering an experience means that when a guest arrives he or she will feel a change in mood and a heightened sense of curiosity. If the gathering has been carefully curated from a well-thought-out concept, it will make the guests feel special to have been included. Using color, lighting, and arrangement of furnishings and decor, you can transport your guests into a meaningful and memorable experience. Everyone loves to be wowed. Daniel Photo Pro photography of the event below shows how these elements work together so effectively.

Daniel Photo Pro is in the top 10 best wedding photographers in northeast Ohio.

We recommend the Grand Ballroom because the main room has the "good bones" of elegance. The many shining chandeliers, the marble-design floor, and the wall and furniture colors that complement one another create a space that works well for people and photography. It has a timelessness, which is perfect for wedding and reception photography. After all, a wedding is the beginning of a new experience in time for the happy couple and the expanded family. 

To see the website featuring the Grand Ballroom, search www.sausalitocle.com

Your wedding guests spend a lot of time, money, and energy to be participants in your wedding experience. So what do you give them in return for their support? The most meaningful gift is the emotional experience of the event, from the tears of the ceremony to the wild moves on the dance floor. Wedding receptions are one of the few times when everyone of all ages, dresses up in outfits they love, and dances their hearts out. The whole event is about the joy - two people creating a deeper union, surrounded by loved ones who just want to celebrate! The gift of Pure Joy that your wedding gives is unique, so plan it well. Daniel Photo Pro can capture it all so that you can rekindle those feelings for years to come. 

Daniel Photo Pro is one of the Northeast Ohio top 10 Best wedding photographers Coordinating Bliss was the Event Design company for this wedding. Contact them at 216-772-5723

Red is the first color that humans perceive, after black and white. It is the first color babies see. Humans have had strong feelings about the color red for thousands of years. It generates feelings of power, love, vigor, and beauty. Red is the color of our blood and our hearts. It certainly symbolizes passion, love, and desire. Those are the qualities you want in your marriage for the long term! If you like red, it's the ideal color for creating an emotional wedding experience. Even better, the experience comes alive in vivid wedding photos. Red makes a statement! We are in LOVE and plan to stay that way forever!

Daniel Photo Pro is rated as one of the top 10 Best Wedding Photographers in northeast Ohio. See us on The Knot or our website.
 

You may think the purpose of your wedding is to make public the commitment you and your beloved are making and to involve your loved ones in celebrating it. However, what weddings are really about is CONNECTION. Human beings who connect - who tune in to each other even a little more than they were - adds depth, meaning, and joy to everyone's life. 

After the wedding, all those who participated are more connected to you and your new spouse as a couple, to your family, and to your community of friends, co-workers, and neighbors. If weddings weren't about connection, couples could marry and simply post the commitment in the news or online. Connection is made at gatherings, and weddings are one of the most joyful gatherings of all. As wedding photographers, it is the connections and the shared joy that we work hard to capture. As the years pass and the photos are re-visited, it's the smiles and the people who mean more and more.

Daniel Photo Pro is one of the top 10 Best wedding photographers in the Cleveland area and northeast Ohio.
 

Mother's Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the women who have played a significant role in our lives. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for all the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make for their children. On this day, we pay tribute to the mother of all brides past and future, who have raised strong, independent women ready to embark on their own journey of love and marriage.

To all the mothers out there, we send our true and genuine wishes for a happy Mother's Day. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and love as you are celebrated for all that you do. You are truly deserving of recognition and appreciation for your endless devotion and unwavering support.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers out there!

In her book "The Art of Gathering," author Priya Parker writes that "90% of a gathering's success is set in motion before the actual event."

Whether the gathering is a dinner party or a large wedding, advance planning of every detail is important. That may seem overwhelming but it's really good news! If you plan well, and keep meticulous records of everything you're doing and of the agreements you've made, your potential success is much greater. Of course, things happen because weddings are composed of people, and people don't always do what we want. But having a variable of 10% is reasonable. The book gives numerous examples of how to set gatherings up to succeed before anyone has even left for the event. A lot of it is good, old-fashioned thinking about how others will feel being invited to and experiencing your wedding. You may not believe you have time to think about how each guest will feel, but it's important, so take the time. 

Even with a wedding planner, weddings are challenging because most people plan only one (or hopefully just a few) in their lifetimes. Use a notebook and paper or a computer but do plan every aspect from announcement to the last guest leaving, and your wedding is very likely to fulfill your dreams.

Daniel Photo Pro is one of the top 10 Best wedding photographers in the Cleveland area and northeast Ohio.
 

How do you create a stress-free wedding experience for yourself, your betrothed, and your guests? Is it even possible? Isn't stress part of the excitement of it all? First, understand the difference: stress is an emotional state due to demanding circumstances. Stress is negative. Excitement is a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness. Excitement is positive.

So set an intention, yes, decide to be excited on your wedding day, but not stressed. Your bubbling joy is the gift you give to those who love you. Now that you've decided, what actions do you take to ensure that you can carry through with your decision?

Number one: don't experiment. When it comes to your dress, hair, and makeup, go with what makes you feel good. Be who you are! Choose to look special, but don't try to create a new self for this one day. The person marrying you is doing so because of how you have been in the past. Listen to others' ideas if you must, but honor yourself by choosing what pleases you. 

Number two: make a budget and stay within it. Money matters cause more stress and more discord among couples than just about anything else. Just as you learn to say no to ideas that aren't you, say no to being overly showy or grand in your wedding plans. 

Number three: talk with your photographer so that he or she truly understands what you want captured in your photos. Even a simple wedding can look elegant in the photos. 

If you would like a copy of our Wedding Tips, give us a call. We've observed over the years how brides create stress and have lots of tips on how to transcend it. Daniel Photo Pro is one of the top 10 best wedding photographers in our area. 

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In weddings as well as life, little things can make a big difference. In this photo, the groom and his men make their stand with their red baseball caps. In the following photo, the bride's choice of brilliant red is uniquely her.  Fancy or simple, indoors or out, matching or wildly colorful, what brings joy forever are the smiles of best friends and loving family. So add the small touches that make the wedding special for you and your beloved, and be sure to choose a photographer that captures those smiles beautifully! 

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Daniel Photo Pro is a top ten wedding photographer in northeast Ohio. Contact us for an engagement session or wedding consultation.

How to make a bride look spectacular!

Daniel has always had a keen eye for unique and spectacular backgrounds. Whether it's a picturesque sunset over the ocean or a vibrant cityscape, he has a talent for capturing the beauty of his surroundings. When you and your fiancé stand in front of one of these breathtaking backdrops, Daniel's photographs become pieces of art that seem to have fallen straight from heaven.

His ability to find the perfect angle and lighting creates images that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally captivating. Each photo tells a story, evoking feelings of love, joy, and wonder. With Daniel behind the lens, every moment becomes a memory to cherish forever.

So next time you're looking for a photographer who can truly capture the magic of your special day, look no further than Daniel. His eye for beauty and creativity will ensure that your photos are nothing short of extraordinary.

Part of having a memorable wedding is to make the reception fun for your guests. The fun can start from the minute they walk into the room. Here's an example of the seating chart for a wedding Daniel Photo Pro did. This photo of the seating chart illustrates a creative way the couple wove their love of baseball and football into the reception theme. A wedding and reception are all about the blending of friends and family so that they get to know each other.  Carefully considered seating so that each table has a blend of guests from both the bride's and the groom's side is important. A creative theme life this one gives guests that may not know each other a good conversation starter.
 

Daniel Photo Pro is one of Cleveland's top 10 best wedding photographers.
 

A Special Offer for a Special Bride 

April Fool's Day may be known for its pranks and jokes, but it could also be the perfect day to find your wedding photographer. Imagine the surprise and delight on your loved ones' faces when you announce that you have found the perfect photographer to capture your special day. with our expertise, we believe in creating timeless and beautiful images that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees them.

To celebrate this auspicious day, we are offering a complimentary engagement session to anyone who takes a leap of faith and contacts us today. Let us capture your beauty and love in stunning photographs that will amaze your friends and family from the moment you start sharing them. Don't let this opportunity slip away – contact us now and let us make your wedding dreams come true.

There is one big difference between a person who uses photography to record the people and experiences in their lives, and a photographer. The difference is not about training, it's about their sheer delight in capturing a moment in time. Passionate photographers love the actual moment of framing and shooting a scene. It's thrilling to use all of their senses, feelings and knowledge to first see a photo in their mind's eye, and then to click - capturing that nanosecond of life. That's Daniel of Daniel Photo Pro. Whether the potential photo in front of him is a bride or a sunset, he revels in capturing all that exists in that moment. That's why he's very good at wedding photography. Lovers marrying, families full of emotion, friends joyful to be part of the event, that's all part of the passion of living and that's why Daniel specializes in wedding photography. Daniel Photo Pro is one of the best service wedding photography businesses in northeast Ohio. Take a look at Daniel's work on danielphotopro.com

In every wedding, great planning goes into the beginning of the ceremony, when all stand for the bride coming down the aisle. It's a wonderful part of the wedding experience for the guests. At Daniel Photo Pro, we counsel couples to plan a memorable exit too, either to the reception or off to the honeymoon. Marriage vows and the ceremony should be solemn, but the exit can be fun and truly reflective of the couple's new adventure in life as one. Consider how guests will be part of the exit so they go home glad to have experienced your spectacular day. 

Give us a call for ideas on your grand exit and we'll give you ideas about how it can best be photographed. This is where experience matters. Our goal to be in the top 10 wedding photographers in our area, means we're committed to going the extra mile for our engagement and wedding photography clients. 

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If you're a bride-to-be, before you start scanning the web and thumbing through magazines, take an hour to look within and consider who you truly are. On your wedding day, you want to look and even more importantly, feel, authentic. Of course, you want to look your best, but if you don't feel authentic, you'll be acting all day. Your family and friends are there because they love you as you are. When you start looking at styles, you'll see things like classic, romantic, free-spirited, glamorous, modern, vintage, whimsical, etc, etc. Find the word that captures your authentic style before you take on an expert's word. 

Should you experiment on your wedding day with a new style? No! But do experiment before all you want. Try different hair and makeup styles; try on lots of dresses and shoes. The difficulty of being a bride is that it's a one-time thing. You want to win an Oscar for your first performance. Resist that desire, and focus on creating a wedding that reflects you and your beloved, the love you share, and the life you want. Be yourselves. 

In our quest to be one of the best wedding portrait photography businesses in northeast Ohio, Daniel Photo Pro works with brides and grooms before the wedding so that we're ready to capture their special day in the best way possible. Our blogs are full of the wisdom we have gained from experience. We publish one every week at danielphotopro.com/blog

How to wear your hair is one of the great struggles brides have in wedding planning. Hair is the frame of the face and the one thing a bride can have some control over. The weather, the guests, the groom, the technology...there is much that can't be controlled! Women know their hair and how it best behaves. On your wedding day, however you decide to wear your hair - own it! Make your decision and resolve not to worry about your hair. If you want your wedding photos to reflect your inner and outer beauty, wear a dress, makeup, and hairstyle that are you, then let your joy shine through. 

As wedding photographers, we've observed that hair that is styled up, generally stays in place longer than down hair. Hair that is up and contained, isn't as likely to wilt from humidity, heat, or sweat. Still...the priority is for you the bride to show up the way you want to in the style that is you. Don't let anyone else make the all-important hair decision. After all the bride is the queen and it's your day! 

Our goal as one of northeast Ohio's top 10 wedding photographers is to reflect your unique beauty and love in photos you will cherish for the rest of your lives.

Nature and Love: A Symphony in Every Shot

I believe in the powerful harmony between the natural world and the spirit of love. As a top contender among the top 10 wedding photographers, my signature style involves weaving the beauty of nature with the intimate moments of love, creating stunning wedding portraits that stand the test of time. My dedication to the best wedding portrait photography ensures that every image is a testament to the love shared by the couple, enveloped in the breathtaking beauty of the natural surroundings.

The Essence of Time in Crafting Perfection

DanielPhotoPro stands out for my unparalleled service in wedding photography, emphasizing the invaluable role of time in the creative process. I advise my couples to embrace the journey, allowing me the time to experiment and explore various creative avenues. This commitment to the art of photography ensures that I capture moments that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and emotive.

DanielPhotoPro: Where Your Love Story Becomes Art

Choosing DanielPhotoPro means entrusting your most cherished moments to a photographer who is committed to turning your love story into a masterpiece. My reputation as the best service wedding photography provider is built on my ability to create a visual narrative that is as unique and profound as your relationship. My photographs are more than just images; they are a celebration of love, captured with an artistry that elevates your wedding memories to timeless works of art.

Elevating Your Moments: The DanielPhotoPro Promise

As your chosen photographer, my promise is to deliver an unmatched level of service and creativity, solidifying my position not just among the top 10 wedding photographers, but as your personal best choice for capturing your special day. I aim to ensure that each photograph I deliver meets the highest standards of wedding portrait photography, reflecting the depth of emotion and the beauty of the moment in every frame. With DanielPhotoPro, you're not just hiring a photographer; you're investing in a lifetime of memories.

Celebrating Love Through Lens

The accolades I've received as the best wedding photographer are not just professional achievements but heartfelt endorsements from couples who've trusted me with their most precious moments. Their stories shared through my lens, are a true testament to the quality of service and the personal touch I bring to every wedding. These testimonials speak volumes of the trust placed in DanielPhotoPro, and I cherish each opportunity to be part of your love story, capturing it with the respect and dedication it deserves.

In the realm of love and nature, DanielPhotoPro stands as a beacon of excellence, blending the essence of your love story with the majestic beauty of the natural world. Let me capture the heart of your journey, creating a legacy of memories that will forever echo the depth and joy of your special day.

Lake Erie is our very own freshwater ocean. She's like a woman in all her ways of being: passionate, beautiful, stormy, placid, sun-dappled, joyful, and sometimes sorrowful. She is a wonderful background for lovers who want engagement or wedding photos.  Lake Erie and the great, grand, glorious sky above her changes daily and often hourly. Every sunset and sunrise is singular, the palette of colors ever-changing. Like your love story, Lake Erie is maturing and evolving. Let Daniel Photo Pro use our creative magic to capture a unique Lake Erie scene for your engagement or wedding photography. 

As one of Northeast Ohio's top ten wedding photographers, we thrive on the possibilities that photography on Lake Erie offers. Take advantage of our phenomenal Great Lake and Daniel Photo Pro's promise of satisfaction. Give us a call soon. 440-787-3806

It doesn't matter how many weddings there have been in all time; your love story is unique to you. Everything that is on the day of your wedding is singular to you and your betrothed - the light, the temperature, the feelings, the place, the people, the things that you have chosen to include. You can create the overall feeling you want, but recording it for history is the task of your photographer. A great photographer is like a honeybee with 5000 eyes, he is looking far more deeply at the scene in front of him than a normal person. That's why a simple photo can become artful and a source of greater joy to you, the lovers in the story. That is also the joy of doing wedding photography. It's filled with opportunity. Daniel Photo Pro, part of the northeast Ohio top ten photographers, loves the passion that is at the heart of it all. 
 

Go ahead, indulge yourself! If you want to be a princess on your wedding day, choose a dress with a long, elegant train. For some reason, it moves people like nothing else. It extends the aura of the bride as it follows her slowly down the aisle. It thrills the groom to see his beloved looking so graceful and filled with joy. The wedding guests get a sense of the momentous occasion as they witness the bride with an elegant train gliding by. 

The dress with a long train can also be an enjoyable surprise for friends and family used to seeing the bride in casual wear. Your wedding day is the day to break out of any shell of shyness. A long train is grand for everyone. If you possibly can, keep it a secret so the experience of it is even more amazing.

The train can serve as a stunning backdrop. In photography, the train adds depth, structure, texture, and a sense of timelessness. In the photo below, see how the train adds a creative dimension to the woman standing at a window in a simple setting. The lightness and transparency of the train billowing on the floor speaks volumes about her day ahead.

As your chosen photographer, my promise is to deliver an unmatched level of service and creativity. We take our place in the top 10 wedding photographers of northeast Ohio seriously. We ensure that each photograph we deliver meets the highest standards of wedding portrait photography, reflecting the depth of emotion and beauty in every frame. With DanielPhotoPro, you're not just hiring a photographer; you're investing in treasured memories.

There's a good reason people being photographed are encouraged to smile. It makes them look better! Weddings are serious but when it comes to photography, smiles create light from within that the camera loves. Brides are often so self-conscious about looking good that they can't smile naturally so their smiles appear forced. 

Authentic smiles cause tiny creases around the eyes so that the whole face appears to be smiling. Smiles that are forced do not genuinely convey the joy a bride or couple may be feeling. Weddings are happy occasions! Create your best overall look but when it's time to smile...SMILE with your whole being. You'll love how your photos turn out. We will do our best to make you love, love, love your photos if you and your new spouse do your parts and express your happy selves. Daniel Photo Pro, a top 10 wedding photographers of northeast Ohio, is at your service.

As soon as they're engaged, many women think first about how to make their wedding social media worthy. Resist! The pressure is ridiculously great today to make yourself and your relationship look a certain way online. However, in five years, when those anniversaries roll around and you're cuddled up looking at the photos with your spouse, those Instagrammable shots won't matter. They may not even exist. Everyone you created the photos for will have moved on through countless weddings. Your wedding photos are for you, for the walls of your home, for your albums, for your children. Triumphs on social media are short-lived. With Daniel Photo Pro, our mission to be in the top 10 wedding photographers drives us to create photos that will bring tears to your eyes years from now. Keep it real. 

Everyone waits with anticipation at the wedding reception for the First Dance. It's a well-loved tradition, and also one that the bride and groom often do not look forward to! However, the First Dance is the spark that puts the sparkle in the union of two souls who have now become one. That's one reason everyone loves it. Even for those couples who aren't especially fond of traditions, the First Dance should not be missed. It's not just for you. Especially for older people, the First Dance brings back memories of happy times and the great loves of their lives. So dance with smiles on your faces and joy in your heart because it's a one-time dance and the camera is watching! In our quest to create the best wedding portrait photography, we've found that first dance photos can be transformed into truly memorable photos.

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Do you want to add a little wild life to your wedding plans? The Cleveland Zoo is a great place to do that and for unique and memorable wedding photos. In addition to being a world-class zoo, it offers many beautiful spots for engagement and wedding photos in every season. Stillwater Place is an ideal venue for a reception of 300 people or less. There are several other venue spaces within the Zoo and the Rainforest which make for highly enjoyable wedding experiences for your guests. Kids will love it. As a bird and wildlife photographer for decades, Daniel of Daniel Photo Pro particularly loves shooting photos at the Cleveland Zoo. Every day and every moment is different. Your photos will be unique and will capture the wonder and character of the place. The Zoo's website has details. Just go there and search: wedding events.

NE Ohio Venue Review!

Begin your exploration of wedding venues here with this sampling of Daniel Photo Pro favorite spots. NE Ohio has an abundance of venues where engagement and wedding photos are always good. Below is a sample of client favorites. If you have a range of date possibilities for your engagement or wedding, text us for a list of suggestions: 440-787-3806

Lake Erie - Lorain East Beach

Lake Erie - Cleveland Edgewater Park

Avon - Tom's Country Place

Cleveland Museum of Art

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Cleveland - The Sign!

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Chagrin Falls - Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens

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Do you yearn for a touch of drama in your wedding photos? Some brides yearn only for tradition, some want a style that's hot today, and some brides want a bit of dramatic flair in their wedding experience. Drama, done well, creates emotion in a photograph. It is evocative of memories of dramatic experiences in one's past like unforgettable sunsets or first kisses. Knowing in advance whether or not you and your betrothed want drama in your photos, helps you narrow down the choices for your venue or at least places to do the photo shoot.

The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel downtown is an example of a place that offers architectural elements that make dramatic backgrounds for wedding photos. Any venue with a grand staircase is ideal for brides because long wedding dresses look so elegant when the fullness of the dress can be used. Black and white photos also add depth and drama to the scene. Another way to create drama, if architectural elements are unavailable, is to use creative staging and lighting in a single element such as the shoes below. Dramatic photos have a timelessness to them. Take a look at our website and you'll see several examples of drama. 

A tattoo is a different kind of lifemate. It will always be with you like the person you are marrying. Your tattoo was chosen to express to the world for all time, an idea that is deeply meaningful to you. It may be as important as hair and makeup in your wedding planning. If you want your tattoo to show prominently in your wedding photos, choose a dress that works with it. Your tattoo can add beautifully to your wedding attire. 

Red is the color of romance, love, and passion! Throughout history, it has been associated with fire, longing, energy, sexuality, and joy - the intense emotions in life. So red, interspersed with white and gold, is an ideal color palette for a wedding. Red also symbolizes courage and strength, two traits needed for a long and meaningful marriage.

“Even a touch of red in a photograph, pulls the viewer in to look more deeply at the image,” explains wedding photographer Daniel Ivan. 

Color, shape, and symmetry are all important in creating images that are unique and compelling. As you create the decorative elements for your wedding, take the time to look with a critical eye at your creations and imagine what they’ll look like in a photo.

 Weddings are short, photos are forever! 

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Sapphire Creek Winery was created in 2016 to bring the integration of nature and wine lovers to Ohio in the tradition of the Napa Valley wineries. The marriage of nature and fine wine evolved into a romantic location for weddings and receptions. Enjoy a glass of wine with your significant other in this romantic place immersed in nature and watch what happens! A wedding may follow one day!

If the wedding proposal has already been made and accepted, Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens is a lovely place to bring your loved ones together for the event of a lifetime. It is located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. 

Why is it that the train of a wedding dress makes such a statement? Why does it add elegance to even a simple dress? In part, it's because of a very long and dramatic history. In medieval times when it began, the wedding dress train was an indication of wealth and power. In modern times, it's not so much about wealth; it's more about style, elegance, and a strong sense of self. All brides want all eyes on them when they walk down the aisle, but one dragging a ten-foot train is really making an impact! A wedding dress with a train also adds a variety of elements to the wedding photography.

On the most memorable day of your life so far...TAKE THE TRAIN!

Why take professional photos at Christmas when you can take hundreds on your phone? Why go to a special place? The malls and shops are full of decorations. Why go to the time, trouble, and expense of having location photography done at Christmas? The answer is simple. The photos taken will not get lost in the black hole of phone photos. They will be meaningful and worthy of framing. They will capture your lives at a moment in time that is both precious and unrepeatable.  Both the experience of the photo session and the particular Christmas will become embedded in your memory. For parents and grandparents, quality photos and real prints make wonderful gifts. 

Some brides know clearly whether or not they want to allow children at their wedding and/or reception. Others wrestle with this dilemma. If the bride or the groom is re-marrying and children already exist, it's typically clear that the wedding is the genesis of a blended family and they should be part of it. Sometimes a couple has young nieces and nephews whom they cherish and want to include. Some couples don't want the added stress and unpredictability that children bring. What if a baby starts wailing during the vows? 

From a photography perspective, children can add a fun and lively dimension to a wedding or reception. They are often entranced by the lights, colors, emotion, and unusual adult activity at a wedding, which results in photos of wonder. On the other hand, if the couple is creating a certain ambiance that doesn't work well without the full cooperation of the guests, children are best left uninvited. Make that clear early in the process so childcare can be arranged. The main thing to remember is that it's your wedding. One day in a whole lifetime of days; it's okay for you to have what you've dreamed about. 

Hold Two Events so All Can Come

Destination weddings are fabulous, but not all can attend. Mobility, expense, work... many things prevent invitees from attending. How do you include everyone in your wedding joy? A simple home wedding following the destination wedding is a cost-effective and satisfying solution. Photos or videos of the destination wedding can be shown, but keep the presentation short.

There is no need to re-create the destination wedding; it's best to have a new approach. The "home" can be anyone's home - parents, grandparents or friends. In planning, take an observant walk through the home before the planning process begins. Don't try to create special spaces from scratch, use what's there. A simple table or window sill can be decorated. That's the fun of home weddings - they allow more creativity. Be sure to think through the movement of people throughout the event. From arrival when coats need to be hung, to seating for those who will need it, to eating and drinking. If possible in the original invitations, tell the guests they may choose one event to attend. It's better if the home wedding is planned in advance instead of as an afterthought. Everyone will feel honored.

Look at what you're creating through the eyes of the guests and through the eyes of a camera. This is a very important part of the wedding preparation process. The way your guests see things and the way the photography will capture them is different. For example, guests will look at a little table with theme-based items on it and think how cute. The camera will capture the shape, size, color, and style of the items. When you look at your photos over the years, you'll remember those special touches and be glad that you created them. During the long process of wedding planning, it can feel like this is just too much trouble. Yet the photography will prove that isn't so.

It's also important for brides to let a trusted friend look closely at the details for an objective viewpoint. The rule of thumb for objects to be pleasing is to put them in groupings of three or five. Plan the visuals for your wedding with great care and you'll treasure both the smiling faces of those you love and the unique ambiance you created for years to come.

Wedding photos are priceless. They are taken on one of the most important days of a couple's life. Only the birth of children takes precedence over the day a couple commits their entire future to each other. The expressions of emotion on the faces of the bride and groom, and on those of family and friends cannot be recaptured on non-wedding days. They are unique to weddings because for thousands of years, some form of this ceremony of commitment has existed. It's in our DNA. We humans love and value weddings. 

Photo Books are the best way to truly preserve your photos. Technology is constantly evolving. Your photos are best protected when printed and hard-bound. Plus a book is easy to grab off the shelf and enjoy any time with anyone for decades to come. Our Photo Books, available in a variety of sizes make great gifts for parents and grandparents. 

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Venue selection is one of the top three wedding decisions to be made. The other two are your dress...and the groom! Seriously, spend time looking at your venue selections like you were a photographer. It needs to have a variety of photo-worthy backgrounds. Having both indoor and outdoor spaces for photographs is a big plus. Good weather is never guaranteed. If your selection has great outdoor spots for photos, but there’s no sun and everything will be held indoors, the venue should have good lighting and areas for photos. When you’re choosing your venue look at these: Lighting both indoors and outdoors at the time your wedding or reception will be held; spaces where you can assemble all of the wedding party for photos, and romantic little spots for the photos of you and your beloved. 

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Most couples when planning their wedding photography think of the venue and what the wedding party will be wearing. Little thought is given to the background, or backdrop as photographers call it. If you want photos that are different and extraordinary, think about the backdrop early in the process. In any season, even winter, there are places and spaces where nature can provide the beauty and drama that make photos memorable.

Mountains or even little hills, great glorious trees, water - whether in a great lake or a little pond - always adds depth and drama. Reflections in still water give a timeless effect to the photo. There is something compelling about the combination of primordial nature and the brand-new beginning of a marriage. It takes more time to plan and to execute photography that incorporates nature on a grander scale, but the resulting photos become art for the walls of the new home, not just photos in a book.

If you long for a traditional wedding, then create one! Disregard what magazines, friends or influencers say is “trending.”  It’s your dream! The beauty of a traditional wedding is that it celebrates your religious or cultural background and provides a bridge to your future. Do what feels “right” to you and your betrothed. Don’t get caught up in the social media madness that everything in your wedding has to be curated. Weddings are all about creating new branches on a family tree. Be authentically you.

Most brides choose flowers that will go with their overall wedding theme. Weddings require so many flowers - for the bride and bridesmaids, the wedding venue, the reception, etc. Often the bridal bouquet is just a bigger version of the bridesmaids’ bouquets.  We suggest an alternative! Coordinate the flowers all you want for the entire wedding, but customize the bridal bouquet so that it enhances you, the bride!

When you walk down the aisle, the first thing people see is the bouquet you’re carrying, followed by your smile, then your entire dress. The flowers you are carrying should complement your dress, your skin, and your hair.  They will be part of your unique look both to the guests and especially in the wedding photos.

When you choose your dress, plan your bouquet too so that it blends beautifully with your radiance as a bride.

Most graduating seniors focus on their appearance for their senior photos. The whole idea of senior photos is to preserve a record of who you were at this pivotal time in your life. It’s essentially the launch of the rest of your life as a grownup! What will matter, years from now, is the spirit and zest for life that you exemplified when you were a senior. That’s what will thrill you. How full of promise and potential you were as a vibrantly alive human being.

Work with a photographer who cares as much about who you are as what you look like. You’ll have photos to remind you to live up to your potential!

We often speak with couples trying to find the “right” photographer or one that “fits”.

Anyone can buy a bunch of equipment and become a wedding photographer, but that does not mean great photos. Excellent photography captures the emotion, color, spirit, and special moments of a wedding.  It comes from the eye, experience and passion of the photographer. That’s what sets Daniel Photo Pro apart. Daniel loves and lives for photography.

That’s why we encourage and offer free engagement sessions. Daniel wants to see you through the lens of the camera. Some people always look good in photos, others need the photographer to discover how to capture their best look.

As far as the nuts and bolts go, we offer packages to meet the wide variety of needs and budgets, but it works best when we hear what you want so we can customize for you. In the end, it’s about the photos and whether or not they will thrill you. Ours will.

Put a little Wild in your Wedding!

Northeast Ohio is a land abundant with natural beauty both in the wild and in the cultivated areas. The great Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a little of both! With dappled natural light coming through the trees, our Zoo is a marvelous place for photography for it adds a quality of timelessness. The softness and colors of nature bring out the beauty in humans as well.

Plus, the Cleveland Zoo has created First Class venues for weddings and receptions; state of the art facilities that pamper guests and nurture the bride and groom. We love doing wedding photography at the Zoo. You will love everything they offer.

Give us a call to explore natural areas for your engagement, wedding, and family photo needs.

Daniel Photo Pro photography brings out the best and most beautiful in you!

https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/plan-your-event/zoo-weddings-events

There is something truly magical about the moment when two people exchange vows and commit to spending their lives together. It is a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a beautiful journey. In order to preserve this special occasion for eternity, it is essential to have a skilled photographer capture every precious moment.A wedding photographer is not just someone who takes pictures; they are an artist who can encapsulate the emotions, joy, and love that radiate from the couple on their big day. They have the ability to freeze time and create memories that will be cherished for generations. By allowing a professional photographer to capture your wedding day, you are ensuring that every detail is documented flawlessly. From the nervous excitement before walking down the aisle to the tears of joy during heartfelt speeches - these moments deserve to be preserved in all their glory. Moreover, having a professional behind the lens allows you and your loved ones to fully immerse yourselves in the celebration without worrying about capturing every single moment yourselves. You can relax knowing that an expert is capturing all those candid smiles, stolen glances, and intimate gestures that make your love story unique. The investment in a wedding photographer goes beyond just capturing images; it's an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. These photographs will become family heirlooms passed down through generations, reminding future family members of your love story and how it all began. So why not put those rings on your fingers and allow your photographer to capture this magic moment? Trust them with preserving one of life's most significant milestones so you can relive those cherished memories over and over again.

            Weddings are often seen as grand events, filled with extravagant decorations, lavish venues, and a multitude of guests. However, it is important to remember that the true essence of a wedding lies in the celebration of love and commitment between two individuals. Therefore, a small family wedding can provide just as much satisfaction as a big expensive wedding. Firstly, a small family wedding allows for a more intimate and personal experience. With fewer guests in attendance, the couple can truly connect with each guest present and create lasting memories. This closeness fosters an atmosphere of love and support that may be lacking in larger weddings where the focus is often on impressing others rather than cherishing the moment. Additionally, smaller weddings are often more budget-friendly. By opting for a smaller guest list and simpler arrangements, couples can save significant amounts of money that can be used towards other important aspects of their future together such as buying a home or starting a family. This financial freedom allows for greater peace of mind and less stress during what should be one of the happiest times in their lives. Furthermore, small family weddings offer an opportunity to prioritize quality over quantity. With fewer guests to cater to, couples can invest more time and effort into creating personalized experiences for their loved ones. From heartfelt speeches to meaningful gestures, every detail becomes more significant when shared with those who truly matter. While big expensive weddings may seem appealing on the surface due to their grandeur and extravagance; it is important to recognize that true satisfaction lies in celebrating love surrounded by those closest to us. A small family wedding provides an intimate experience filled with genuine connections and cherished moments that cannot be replicated by any amount of money or extravagance.

PWE - Pre-Wedding Event!

If there is one word to describe destination weddings for both the wedding givers and the wedding attendees it’s this: expensive! There are usually family and/or friends that you would like to attend but can’t afford the travel or can’t do it for health or timing reasons. It’s disappointing for all.

The solution is a Pre-Wedding Event (PWE). It’s not a shower or an engagement party, it’s a gathering of people who share in the engaged couple’s joy and want to give them the hugs and good wishes they would give if they could attend the wedding. This type of event is a loving and gracious way to treat those who can’t attend the grand affair. PWE’s can be simple or elegant, depending on your budget. Sometimes they are hosted by relatives who are willing to open their homes for a small crowd, or to offer use of their church or club for a gathering. The intimacy of such a gathering can be very special.

As in all events, food and drink, however simple, are the connecting elements. The PWE can be a luncheon, or just an afternoon of desserts and drinks. The aim is to connect with those who cannot attend and to make sure they don’t feel left out. It’s a great chance to include photos of people important to the engaged couple who won’t be at the official wedding, in the whole wedding experience. 

When the Cleveland sign was installed at Edgewater Park a few years ago, wedding couples rushed to be photographed there. If you’re a west-sider, you may want to be photographed closer to home. The bright new sign next to the Black River proclaims the name not only of the city but of the county: Lorain! It’s a terrific place for photos that announce your engagement or wedding, and shout out your joy! Photos of the nearby Black River and the Lighthouse on Lake Erie add to the collection of photo-friendly sites. The Lorain sign is fresh and new and part of the whole rebirth of the area including the expansion of the Black River Landing in Lorain. Call Daniel Photo Pro today to schedule pictures of your home.

If your wedding or engagement party theme is Cinco de Mayo, you’re guaranteed to have dynamic, colorful photos to remember your celebration of love. This remembrance day of Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862 is still celebrated with grand fanfare. The ideas of warm beaches, mariachi bands and dancing, colorful drinks, tropical fruits, and an abundance of mouth-watering foods are only part of the fun. The colors that Cinco de Mayo brings to mind – vibrant red, orange and yellow, hot pink, sparkling green – are a glorious background for the bride in her breathtaking white dress. This decor and theme are also perfect for a quinceanera party.

Years from now when you’re looking at your wedding pictures on an anniversary, you won’t even think about the size of your wedding. In the long run, it doesn’t matter. It will be forgotten. What matters is the smiling faces in the photos, and the fun little memories that pop up. You’ll be in wonder at how much younger you look. You’ll realize how happy you appear, even if you were stressed. Time is the great smoothing agent. It helps us hold on to beauty and joy, and diminishes discomfort.

People all over the world have weddings of every size and in every imaginable locale for one reason: Love. That is why we humans do it. We love to fall in love, be in love, and share our love. So plan a wedding that will delight you and that will give you good photos to enjoy in decades to come, but don’t worry if it’s different or smaller than those of your friends. Trust it will be wonderful and indeed it will.

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In northeast Ohio, we are blessed with one of the Great Lakes, our own Lake Erie. Wedding photography is special when taken near any body of water, even a pond, but there is a magnificence about photography on our great lake. Sunset photography is almost always exquisite because you have the backdrop of the huge lake and the huge sky.  The palette of colors that Mother Nature creates on this background makes the most amazing photography especially when you throw people who are deeply in love into the mix! Daniel Photo Pro specializes in lake scene photography. 

This is your Guide to being an organized bride on your wedding day. You'll be calm and centered because you've got this list in your memory, and you can just check items off. Before you know it you'll have glided onto the dance floor after the best day of your life. This is the magic list:

Quick review

Get ready

Photos with bridesmaids

First look

Photos with groom/groomsmen

Ceremony

Post ceremony photos

Location spotlight photos

Reception

Cut the cake

First dance

DONE!

Schoepfle Garden in Wakeman, Ohio is a phenomenal place to photograph people in love! Schoepfle is springing forth right now in the glorious colors and variety that only Nature can create. It's only a 45-minute drive from Avon and is part of the Lorain County Metroparks open to the public. Call us to book an engagement session or post-wedding photos. 

Schoepfle Garden has 77 acres of gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River, so it's fairly easy to find a secluded area to take your photos. Everyone looks their best in natural light, so we love photographing couples in this environment.
 

When people marry and become one couple, their dreams marry as well. Of course, each person retains his or her personal and professional dreams or goals, but the wedding created a new entity – the shared dream of a happy and fulfilling life together. The wedding is the first step onto a bridge that leads to a shared life and it’s important for the couple to realize that. Sometimes people expect that being able to place the marriage first will automatically happen upon completion of the successful wedding.  Sometimes it does! Usually, however, that’s when the work on communication, open-mindedness, finding balance, and compromise begins.

It will be helpful in getting settled into your marriage to look at your wedding photos, remembering the day when you rose to the occasion of putting your relationship above your individual self. Look at the photos of the parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, who walked across that same bridge in their day, and not only survived but thrived. Other than the birth of a child, a wedding day is when human hopes are at their height. Couples step forward in faith and hope that they are creating a wonderful new life together. Knowing that their elders did that too helps. 

Take three minutes to look over a prospective photographer’s website. Take three minutes to talk to him or her. If your heart speaks to you, then you’re all set for the next step in booking your wedding photography. It really is that simple.

You listened to your heart when you said yes to getting married. It will be helpful in all your planning to listen to your heart in making the myriad of decisions required to have the wedding of your dreams. You’ll listen too much to other people’s ideas if you don't. This is your once-in-a-lifetime event. Only you and your fiancé know what best presents you as a couple and your commitment, to the world.

Take advantage of the beautiful Lake Erie Sunsets.

No matter how much you love your family and they love you, wedding planning puts stress on everyone. At the time when people should be most supportive, they sometimes revert to childish behaviors and old grievances. When trouble arises, or you seem to be worrying more than having fun, stop, take a breath, and reach out to those you can count on to help you restore peace.

Happy people…happy photographer…happy bride! Happiness will shine through your wedding pictures. Almost every one of all ages looks better with a smile on their face. That’s why babies coo and wiggle their arms and legs when people look down at them smiling. Humans are wired to respond to smiles. Weddings are typically happy occasions when there is a lot of smiling so the photography turns out well. However, if the bride is too stressed, no one is happy.  More than anything else, a happy bride means beautiful pictures. So plan well and on your special day, let it all go and smile!

The first kiss of the newly minted husband and wife is important to nearly all couples, yet it usually occurs in an awkward situation. So, what’s the solution? If only for the purpose of the photo, do the first kiss in a private setting. Make it a stress-free first kiss, so all the emotion and joy you feel is present. It’s okay to do two first kisses – one for the audience – and one for the photo.

May it be the first of a million kisses you will give to one another over a long and joyful marriage.

Wedding expenses are no small matter. Being part of someone else’s wedding party can be expensive too. Today there are so many facets of a wedding: engagement party, bachelor party, bachelorette party, destination travel costs, gowns, clothing, and of course…the gift!

The average cost of being a bridesmaid ranges from $1200 to $2000 these days. Sometimes all the expense infringes on friendship. The more people in the wedding, the more costly it will be. Some brides and grooms now choose to have one attendant each, and they don’t have to be the same sex.  A bride can have her brother as attendant, a groom his sister, etc.

If it is important to you and your fiancé that the wedding include a shared meal, then cutting down on the wedding party expenses can be a way to find funds for food.

Wedding traditions evolve and change. Each couple is free to create their own experience. Just to be sure to photograph it all for your future generations!

If you find an exceptional day for your photo shoot, but it’s not the wedding or engagement day, give Daniel Photo Pro a call. If at all possible, we will go to the special place you’ve found that you want to be part of your life story right away. Sometimes the best photos are spontaneous. Keep your boots at the ready!

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Northeast Ohio is photogenic! We have many spaces indoors and out that make memorable engagement and wedding photos. Regardless of the season or size of the wedding, we can create your unique love story in pictures that you'll love. To choose a great engagement or wedding venue, you have to look with a professional photographer's eye. Light, lines, patterns, framing, symmetry, spontaneity, changing light through the day, natural elements, and manmade elements - all of these come into play when creating a great photographic background.

Cleveland Sign

Iza&George 2015 The Arcade in downtown Cleveland

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Cleveland Museum of Art

Heinen's of Downtown Cleveland

Lake Erie

Miller Nature Preserve - Lorain County Metro Parks

Schoepfle Garden

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Olmsted Falls East River Park

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Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

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Wedding planning often starts with looking through magazines and websites to find the pieces and parts that will make your wedding uniquely yours. Look deeper. Your own life, your treasures, your experiences, and what you consider to be style should be in the plan. This is a good thing to keep in mind when you’re looking at others’ photos. What is your style? What is your art of living?

British actress Helena Bonham Carter has a great quote about this very subject.

“I think everything in life is art.  What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.”

She’s right. For many young people, a wedding is the first time they integrate all the aspects of themselves and their relationship into an event. It will set the stage for the unfolding of the rest of your life and your art of living. Look carefully at the style of our photos. We try to capture the style and spirit of our subjects. That’s why they differ. At Daniel Photo Pro, we have no set “wedding style”, we seek to capture the art of living of our clients.

If you got engaged over the holidays or even talked about marrying in the next two years, congratulations! Becoming engaged ignites an inner joy in two people that is like no other. The realization that you’re in love enough to commit to each other for life is an incredibly good feeling. Hold on to that awareness through the process as planning gets hectic. Know also that when you stand across from one another in the wedding ceremony to speak your vows, that feeling will come back again even stronger.

So after the initial euphoria of getting engaged has diminished, what do you do? First, have some heart-to-heart talks with your betrothed to understand what kind of wedding you want to have. Do it together. Weddings, like the marriage that follows, are about two people. If one wants a large one and the other wants something intimate, work out a compromise.

 When you have it, start planning. It helps a lot to imagine the wedding day and backtrack from there. Reach out to the big four as soon as you can: the venue, the officiant, the photographer, and key family members. Engagement photos supply you with the Save the Date photo. Post-pandemic travel is at an all-time high so you need to get your Save the Date cards out fast. Then, the caterer, the band, the florist, and all things that involve professionals should be booked. Of course, a heart-to-heart talk with each other and/or parents about paying for your wedding should occur early on. Don’t forget the honeymoon!

Use the excitement within you to energize your wedding planning. You can do this…together.

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Free Valentine's Day Couple Photo Session 

Value $250

Photos for Valentine's Day save the date or engagement announcement

Two hour session (includes setup)

Choice of settings both indoor and outdoor

Photos can later be added to an engagement or wedding album

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings, and also with children, families, and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

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Free Family Photo Session 

Value $550

Family photo for future save the date or engagement announcement

Any size family

Two hour session (includes setup)

Choice of settings both indoor and outdoor

Photos can later be added to an engagement or wedding album

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings, and also with children, families, and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

Free Pet with Couple Photo Session 

Value $350

Photos for save the date or engagement announcement

Photos of pet alone and with couple

Two hour session (includes setup)

Choice of settings both indoor and outdoor

Photos can later be added to an engagement or wedding album

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings, and also with children, families, and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

Free Photo Album with Engagement Session 

Value $300

Full color 12 page album

Includes your favorite engagement session photos

Hardbound cover with 8 X 10 inch pages

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings and with children, families and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

DanielPhotoPro

Free Pet with Couple Photo Session 

Value $350

Photos for save the date or engagement announcement

Photos of pet alone and with couple

Two hour session (includes setup)

Choice of settings both indoor and outdoor

Photos can later be added to an engagement or wedding album

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings, and also with children, families, and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

Value $250

Photos for save the date or engagement announcement

Two hour session (includes setup)

Choice of settings both indoor and outdoor

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings, and also with children, families, and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro

Free Photo Album with Engagement Session 

Value $300

Full color 12 page album

Includes your favorite engagement session photos

Hardbound cover with 8 X 10 inch pages

No contract requirement

Contact us today:

Phone for Voice or Text: 440-787-3806

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.danielphotopro.com

We are an Avon Lake-based photography studio serving clients throughout northeast Ohio. We are a registered Ohio business.

These Christmas deals are our way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with new friends who are considering becoming engaged or married. We desire only to offer you photos for your pleasure that we are certain will bring you joy. We have 20 years of photography experience primarily with engagements and weddings and with children, families and pets.

Call today to schedule your Christmas deal or to ask questions. There will be no pressure whatsoever other than our availability on a date that works for you. Merry Christmas!

On your wedding day, what’s old is new again. What in the world does that mean? You’ve known the woman or man you’re marrying for some time. You’re familiar with many expressions or mannerisms that are unique to them in times of delight, happiness, excitement or even sorrow. By the time the wedding day rolls around, you’ve both done so much planning that you’re sure you know exactly how it will all unfold. Yet…when the day dawns a certain magic unique to wedding days swirls in the air and suddenly you realize it’s going to be a day like no other.

The first look at your bride in her wedding gown or your groom in his tuxedo is often where the magic begins. A wave of emotions will sweep over you…pride, joy, wonder, gratitude. The first look into each other’s eyes when the wedding vows begin to be spoken, the first kiss as a married couple, the first time you turn to face your friends and family as husband and wife…they’re all moments of life that are exquisitely unique to you and your beloved. The magic continues through the day as more and more first looks take place for you, your new spouse and your families. It’s why weddings are loved by all.

Because brides traditionally do a lot more of the wedding planning, on the wedding day, they’re not only brides, but event planners too. Brides cannot help but look around to make sure everything is the way they want it. Grooms are often part of the planning, but on the wedding day, they generally have more time to think. What do they think about? In interviewing grooms, we hear that in the back of their minds, they’re pondering what a very big deal this day is in the history of their lives. They’ve reached a milestone that puts them in a new league – that of husbands and possibly fathers – who have families of their own. The reality of the idea that it’s not just me anymore, sinks in. Grooms often feel not only an overwhelming love for their brides, but also a little bit of pride in themselves that they have come this far in life. Brides can shower their grooms with extra love on the wedding day by realizing that their beloveds might be secretly thinking very deep thoughts about their lives and future.

Some weddings are meant to be large and splendid; others - particularly second or third marriage ceremonies, are meant to be small and simple. That’s the beautiful thing about weddings…each couple can choose the experience they want to have when they wed. The important thing is to always give space in the wedding event for love to shine. Weddings are not meant to be fast-moving events. They are significant milestones in people’s lives where solemn moments, like looking into each other’s eyes during the vows, should be allowed ample time. Choosing the setting or venue for a small wedding is also important because it is part of the blend of elements that create the feeling of a wedding. Nature, such as the large weeping willow tree, next to a body of water, is an ideal setting. Big trees with their outstretched branches are like arms that nurture those beneath.

Many couples, when planning their wedding, want dozens of photos of activities, family, and friends. However, the heart and soul of the day and the commitment being made are often found in the quieter photos.  Leave time in your photography schedule for nature and spirit!  After the big day is over, and you're looking at your pictures, you'll be happy that you did. The wonder of your wedding experience will be reflected in the quieter photos. 

Every couple who falls in love and decides to marry creates a new vision for their lives. When the “you and I” thinking transforms into the “we” thinking, fresh and exciting possibilities emerge. That’s why bridal showers, wedding showers, and gifts are part of the celebration. They help the couple to begin life anew. How then, to integrate one’s past, one’s culture, and one’s family traditions into a wedding and still keep it authentic to the desires of the couple?

Honoring your culture and your parents without letting them take over the vision of your wedding experience takes some careful consideration, especially if they’re paying for it. Before you begin, think deeply about what you love about your culture or traditions and get clear in your mind about the aspects you want to integrate into your wedding. Be sure you and your fiancé are in agreement, then respectfully but firmly work out the details with your family. There are ways to honor your past and unfold your future if you take the time to understand within yourselves what that means to you. Think before you plan!

Life is a wonder! Marriages that bring two families together to create a new family are the springboard for joy to come. The creation of families is why humanity, with all its disagreements and discontent, goes on and on. In a relationship where two people have fallen in love deeply enough that they are ready to wed, it seems that the relationship is all about them. However, when the time comes to tell others they’ve decided to wed, the announcement is a spark. It’s the alchemy that begins the creation of a new and greater family. As love grows for the two lovers it affects everyone.

Not always, but sometimes, children are the result of love and marriage. And they are the greatest wonder of it all. They are the reason that love never dies on our planet. Like the wonders of each season, children carry on the tradition of families. So if you’re planning a wedding, remember that after all the work is done and you are wed, it will all be worth it.

In the days following their weddings, most brides and grooms reflect on the experience a great deal – what worked, what they wish they had done differently, what they would do if they could do it all over. In our years of wedding photography, we have seen one thing that makes a wedding successful. Attention to Detail.

Wedding planning can be maddening because most couples haven’t done it before. Yet, they need to create one of the most important experiences of their lives! Attention to detail which starts long before the actual event, is critical. If a bride is not naturally a good record keeper or organizer, this is the time to get someone to help.

The second most important thing is not to procrastinate, but to act decisively. That can be difficult when you don’t feel like you know what you’re doing. If ever there was a time in your life to renounce procrastination, wedding planning is it. Book your venue, your photographer, your officiant, your caterer etc., as early as possible. Ask them to help you think everything through. In photography, engagement sessions are particularly helpful in the realm of attention to detail. A photographer who is shooting your photos for a second time will know how the camera sees you. All people are photogenic with an excellent photographer, especially if he or she has the advantage of time. The secret to a satisfying wedding experience is Attention to Detail…Now! 

Why is Fall a Great Season for Weddings?  
 Historically June has been the most popular month for weddings. It has the potential of good weather, and lots of flowers in bloom. However, June can be temperamental. Cold one day and hot the next, June can also be overcast and rainy. Fall is a surprisingly good time for weddings. In early fall, the weather tends to be cooler which is much nicer for most guests and for stressed-out brides and grooms. You can always add a layer of clothing in the fall, but there are only so many clothes you can take off at a summer wedding, as men who’ve sweated in suits and ties will tell you!  The best part about fall is that the colors of changing leaves, in their vibrant yellow, gold, orange and red hues, offer a warm palette that enhances both skin and hair. These warm tones also work well in creating stunning décor for the reception. Fall blooming flowers in a multitude of warm tones can be used in pots for the wedding and also grace your new home once you’re married. Fall colors look wonderful in all kinds of wedding photos. Yes, fall is a colorful and pleasurable time of year for a wedding.

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Undoubtedly, wedding planning is stressful for numerous reasons. Cost is certainly one of them. Since most couples only plan a wedding once (hopefully) or twice in a lifetime, they have a lack of experience that sometimes yields disappointment after the event is over. There are two areas which should be handled carefully in wedding planning to assure a happy future.

One area is in the handling of family, especially future in-laws. Although each couple should be true to themselves in creating the wedding that suits them, including family in the process can influence relationships for years to come.  Try to include all of your new family in your wedding planning in some way, however small. Be patient with those whose help feels like interference. In the end, everyone just wants to be happy.

The second area is in the realm of photography. The photos you have taken grow in value as the years go by. They capture this essential experience in your life as nothing else can. Imagine looking through them on your 20^th wedding anniversary. Choose a photographer that will take exquisite care in photographing your unique wedding experience.

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Our magnificent Great Lake Erie with its rocky shoreline and fascinating cliffs create a natural and stunning background for engagement and wedding photos.  The lake and its shore are millions of years old so that in photos, the continuity of nature supports the beautiful ideal of endless love. Sunset photos are fabulous for the play of color and light. The grand expanse of the water itself is a magnificent background as well.  Plus our great city on the lake provides wonderful wedding or engagement backgrounds.

Lake Erie Engagement Lake Erie love at sunset

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Brides do crazy things when preparing for their wedding day…like not eating the day or two before the wedding. That can result in the bride’s brain not working when she needs it most or feeling faint. Grooms party too much at bachelor parties with hangovers that are still present on the big day. Don’t do those or other unhealthy things! Remember, your wedding day is the day for your most radiant self to shine. Your joy and happiness should be like a glorious sunrise over the crowd of loved ones who have gathered to support you. There may have been millions of weddings in the history of mankind, but this one is YOURS. Prepare to be your most beautiful self on the outside in your wedding clothes, but more importantly, on the inside in your heart where love resides. When you look back at your wedding photos on your first anniversary, we want you to look with pride on how brightly your inner and outer light shone on that day. 

When you and your betrothed share a great love for a place or city, a team, a particular hobby, or experiences, they can be captured in engagement photos that your friends and family will enjoy. Plus, you'll love looking at them decades after they are taken. Engagement photos are a slice of life that is usually more in line with your everyday life, whereas wedding photos are one particular day in your life. Give some thought to what you wear and where you want to be for your engagement photos. They should communicate your happiness at the great news of your impending wedding, as well as the life you will share in your future.

Wedding color fads come and go, but the reality that women and wedding stuff look pretty in pink doesn't. Pink is a happy color, who doesn't love the pinks in a sunset sky? Pink is mesmerizing and timeless. It's truly perfect for a summer wedding, but it can be dazzling in a winter wedding when everything is a bit drab. There are numerous shades of pink that can be used in a wedding color scheme. It can even blend into purple, as the photos show. Think pink if you're planning a wedding, especially if you think it's not your color. You might be surprised by the power of pink!

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Northeast Ohio is full of wonderful places for engagement and wedding photography. Here's a sample our clients have chosen. Many are good spots for engagement photos too! Email us for our list of great locations.

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Cleveland Sign

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro The Arcade in downtown Cleveland

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Iza&George 2015 East Fourth Street

Cleveland Museum of Art

Iza&George 2015 Heinen's of Downtown Cleveland

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DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Miller Nature Preserve - Lorain County Metro Parks

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Schoepfle Garden

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro The Cultural Gardens

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Olmsted Falls East River Park

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Progressive Field Cleveland Indians

Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

DanielPhotoProDanielPhotoPro Edgewater Park

Except for preparing for the birth of a child, planning for a wedding has more components than just about any other one-day event in your life. Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most important choices, and it can be very difficult. Not only will you wear the dress for many hours, it’s usually not the kind of dress you’re used to walking around in. The ceremony is often a small part of the entire wedding and reception day, but brides usually focus on it when they’re selecting a dress. Be sure to think through wearing that dress all day and dancing in it. (Some brides choose two dresses, one for the wedding and one for the reception.) 

Looking at pictures of other brides to see what styles are available is helpful, but there are other ways to approach finding your own style. Think about your life, what kind of things bring you joy? Are you a nature lover, or a sophisticated city lover? Do you love shopping for clothes, or keep wardrobe selections as simple as possible? When you’re looking at pictures, don’t look at the face, try to see your face and your body in the photo. When you’re looking through dresses in stores, use your power of imagination. If you can easily see yourself moving about in a particular dress, then that may be your style, if not, then move on. Your true style emanates from within you. Your dress should be one that makes you feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally, and reflects your personality. Your photography will come out better when you look and feel comfortable and attractive in your chosen dress.

In the months before your wedding, you may be perusing wedding magazines or online sites dreaming of the upcoming event of your life. You’ll probably see lots of intricate hairstyles that you love and can even see yourself wearing. You want to look your most exquisite self on your wedding day, and you can…with planning. So remember when you’re sitting in a comfortable spot dreaming, that the actual day of the wedding could have weather that affects your hair. In seasons where humidity can be high, think about wearing your hair up if possible. Muggy days can make hair frizzy. Even if the event is all indoors, there will still be movement from cars or limos to indoor spaces.

Try to plan some versatility into your hairstyle early on, perhaps choosing a few different styles depending on the wedding day weather. Communicate them to your hair stylist or friend doing your hair. Also remember, that your professional hair stylist will want to create something that makes you look fabulous sitting in their salon chair, but it may not work if the weather is cranky. Stay in control of your wedding day hair destiny!

A wedding day is typically a LONG day! You’re up early to get ready, and dancing late into the night. Plan for it, so that your magnificent style at the wedding ceremony, isn’t totally shot by the end of the night. Some brides prefer to keep their hair simple and close to their everyday style. That can make the day a bit less stressful. But if you want a stunning, memorable style, go for it!  Just plan for the weather, and how you can fix it if it wilts.

This sounds easy, doesn’t it? You just tell your photographer who and what you want photographs of on your wedding day. He or she makes note of it and you can check that off your to-do list. Easy deal, right? No, not really, because what you see in your mind’s eye and what the photographer thinks you see may be quite different. Also, before your wedding day, you are consumed with a list of things to get done, organize and arrange. What you feel on your wedding day, and what you ultimately experience will be very different from the planning.

Photographers are obviously visual people. They see photos everywhere, whether or not they have their cameras with them. The really good ones are also skilled at seeing the potential feeling that a photo can evoke in the viewer. Since you hire a photographer to capture the joy and feeling of your wedding day, take the time to have a conversation about how the wedding appears in your mind’s eye and how you want it to feel.  Do you see it as romantic - all about you and your beloved? Or, as a time for the two of you to bask in the love of family and friends? Or, do you see it as an event that you want to feel proud of? Do you feel strongly about tradition, or do you want a wedding that springs from your own creativity? What do you want? Share with your photographer, what you’re hoping to create in your life by holding the kind of wedding you hope to have. The more you and your photographer can create a shared vision, the better the resulting photography will be. This process may also help you to understand more clearly what it is you actually want in your wedding and in your life!

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First impressions are everything, they say. It’s certainly true of weddings and receptions, whether they’re big or small. Guests arrive with the expectation that something very special is about to happen. The visual they experience upon arrival can have great impact if planned well. Natural light is always good (especially for people photos), but artificial light can be used to create an intriguing and emotionally satisfying scene. Using colored lights to create ambiance can also be easier on the budget.  Done well, lighting combined with floral arrangements will set the scene more economically than multiple floral pieces. Together, light, flowers, and artistic items will really wow the guests. And don’t forget sound! Appropriate music as guests arrive is a layer in the magic of an effective entrance.

If your budget or other circumstances lead you to having a small wedding when you really wanted a large one, use lighting to add a sophisticated, creative, and dazzling effect. Guests won’t remember the size of the wedding, but they'll remember how it made them feel.

In northeast Ohio, we are blessed with one of the Great Lakes, our own Lake Erie. Wedding photography is special when taken near any body of water, even a pond, but there is a magnificence about photography on our great lake. Sunset photography is almost always exquisite because you have the backdrop of the expansive lake and the glorious sky.  The palette of colors that Mother Nature creates on this background makes the most amazing photography especially when you throw people who are deeply in love into the mix! Try to time your first kiss as a couple to the time of sunset! 

As wedding photographers, we meet many couples who have finally decided to tie the knot, after living together for some time. Most of us know, or know about, couples who live together and appear to have successful relationships. In general, society does not look down on couples who live together outside of marriage as it did in the olden days. Then why do people still get married by the thousands every year?

There are, of course, many financial and legal reasons to marry. Our national systems, taxes for example, generally favor married couples. Marriage makes life more secure for children in most cases. There are many religious people who marry to be more fully embraced by their communities. In short, there are numerous practical reasons to get married. However…from our observations, they are not why people marry.  Couples marry, for one overwhelming and primary reason. Love. They are simply in love. That’s it! Human beings fall in love and usually, there isn’t anything they can do about it. The heart overrides the brain and romantic love emerges.

That is why the concept of “falling in love” has never disappeared since the term was coined by a poet in the 1500’s. The reality of “falling in love” existed long before the poet. Once couples fall in love, they look at all of the practical reasons they should marry and that’s what they tell their families and friends. Although the couple is believed, in the back of their minds, family and friends know the truth.  The happy couple is simply head over heels in love and wants to create a new life together. Weddings are so beautiful because they are founded on love. 

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It’s important for a betrothed couple to make a list of all the photos they want to be taken on their wedding day. Photographers need an idea of what and especially who should be photographed. Sometimes the dressing of the bride surrounded by her friends is a big deal; sometimes the groom wants photos with his buddies and prized car. Both want one of the most important days of their lives to be properly documented! Any good wedding photographer will do that. However, for photographers who are more romantic at heart and creative in mind, the unplanned photos will turn out to be the favorites.

It’s the glances, the tears, the tenseness, and the unexpected outpouring of joy that capture the life of a wedding. The creative photographer is always looking for them. One of the most important reasons to have a professional photographer is because he or she is constantly scanning the environment for shots; he’s not focused on the chain of events. When the audience is only looking forward at the ceremony, the photographer is looking everywhere for candid, emotional shots. Emotion is the currency of a wedding. A photographer who loves his work will zoom in on emotion in a hundred ways the marrying couple didn’t even consider. The result is often a triumph for both newlyweds and the photographer.

“Life is what happens when we’re busy making other plans,” John Lennon famously said. Occasionally those first marriages don’t last for one reason or another. People and life change. It can take some courage to be willing to try again after the challenges and sometimes heartbreak of divorce, but it’s important to summon that courage!

Having photographed many couples marrying again, we share this wisdom: create the wedding of your dreams. The dream, however, may have changed since you’re now older and wiser. Some introspection is needed to see the new dream clearly. Many people who have had a first wedding are more open to what they want the next time around, rather than what they think they should create to impress family and friends. We often see a deeper expression of romance in second weddings; couples understand more clearly what they are getting into, and know the absolute importance of a deep and lasting love.

The same elements that make up a first wedding apply of course, to subsequent weddings: the right venue, meaningful ceremony, music, flowers, ambiance, celebration, and comfort for guests. For a second wedding, it’s good to incorporate what’s special or romantic in your relationship, or what’s unique. If you both love horses, get married in a field! If you love the water, get married at the beach. The second time around has to be about and for you and your beloved. Don’t compare it to your first wedding or anyone else’s wedding. Make it uniquely yours as a couple courageously choosing to love again.

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Weddings have many elements, and most couples want them all to be perfect. That can sometimes be challenging and expensive. However, since it is a wedding, the ceremony should be the one element that is just right for both bride and groom. The ceremony is the heart of a wedding.  

If the couple shares a religion and wants a church wedding, the choice is easy, although it can be difficult to decide how many to invite and how elaborate to make it. If the couple does not share a religion, it is important to work out what a meaningful ceremony will be for both of you. Of course, not all wedding ceremonies have a religious component; some couples want to take their vows surrounded by nature, or simply family. The primary idea is that the ceremony is the pivotal moment where you make a commitment for a lifetime to another person. It should be carefully considered so that the memory and imprint it makes on your minds, will sustain you as life unfolds. 

Weddings are typically carefully planned and curated events. Brides want photos that capture the beautiful and often expensive dresses, flowers, decorations, and ambiance of the day. However, in years to come when couples look through their photos, they will look for emotion, those meaningful glances, tears, laughter, and joy of the day. Weddings are and should be emotional times for the participants and guests. A wedding is the sacred fusing of two families and the springboard for new generations of the family. They should be emotional. It’s difficult for a couple to understand this before the wedding, especially when they’re talking with their photographer. They get it afterward, almost immediately, having experienced the wide range of emotions a wedding creates within them. If a couple wants photos they will love, they need to not only allow, but encourage their photographer to focus on the emotional moments. These photos express emotion – the unspoken words of a father and son, the exhilaration of having finally gotten married, the softness of love between a bride and groom. May your wedding day be filled with emotion!

Many brides have firm ideas and long-time dreams about how they want their wedding day to be. Most welcome ideas from their friends and others in their generation. However, mothers and future mothers-in-law are often as excited about wedding planning as the bride. It brings back good memories and they want the bride to be as happy as they were. Remember this very important point: the wedding lasts one day; the relationships with your extended family, and particularly your mother-in-law will last a lifetime.

Be generous with your time in allowing other family members to suggest options and possibilities. Listen carefully and thank them for caring so much. Tell them every idea will be considered. Try to choose at least one idea from your mother and one from your mother-in-law to incorporate into the wedding day. How you handle your wedding planning, especially with your new in-laws will set the tone for the future. It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of planning. Everyone gets caught up in the excitement of that one magical day and forgets the thousands of days to come. For generations, people have married in order to create a new family to integrate into the joined families of the bride and groom. Wise brides and grooms consider family through the whole process, while still staying true to themselves. It’s a tricky process, but no less important than the rest of wedding planning.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As green abounds everywhere on this great traditional holiday, it’s a reminder that Spring is also coming. Hurrah! At long last, after a long winter, and two long years of a worldwide pandemic, the beauty of Spring is appearing. With Spring and Summer come engagements, weddings, and other family gatherings, all of which create Joy, especially for children. It’s been said that if you want to go somewhere fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with friends and family.

The many hues of green are huge in home decorating and wedding planning these days. The isolation required by the pandemic led to a boom in using plants to bring the solace of nature indoors. Many people have created “urban jungles” in their homes with hanging, trailing and giant potted plants filling the spaces. The jungle vibe has also taken hold of wedding planners and decorators as many turn to plants rather than florist’s flowers to create indoor gardens for a wedding. Because Mother Nature can be fickle in Spring, many brides plan outdoor weddings but also prepare indoor spaces decorated with plants as a backup. Plants can be rented of course, but if you purchase them for your wedding décor, they can move with you and your beloved to your new home. Think Green! 

From the engagement to the wedding to the christening of children, to graduations, family gatherings, and milestone anniversaries, photos over time tell the story of a family. When the special occasions are photographed by the same photographer, the story in pictures has a dimension of quality and continuity that doesn’t happen in a mishmash of photos.  Over time, the photographer gets to know how to set up the photos so that the best attributes of each person appear. The best light, angles, and mood of the occasion can be more easily set up by a photographer who knows the subjects. That’s why famous painters, paint the same subject over and over. Da Vinci worked on the Mona Lisa for seven years!

If you’re engaged, looking forward to a long life, creating a family and your unique story, consider your initial photographer carefully. Does he or she have children? (Photographers take countless photos of their own children and become very good at capturing the spirit of kids). Are they able to create great photography indoors as well as outdoors? Will you look forward to working with the photographer over the years to create your story? Your engagement and wedding are the springboard for a wonderful life. Take good pictures!

As pandemic fears and cases subside, life is changing, but it will never be the same as before. People, especially the older generation, are more aware of their vulnerability. Weddings are traditionally a gathering of friends, family, and associates where physical proximity is a huge part of the experience. Hugs and kisses, dancing, and close conversations have always been normal at a wedding. As a bride or couple planning a wedding you may wonder “what is the new normal?” How do you plan the wedding of your dreams that accommodates the concerns and feelings of those you love?

First of all, accept the reality that there is a new normal and no one is quite sure what it is, because it’s evolving. Also accept the reality that even more than before, the generations see things differently, as do people with health challenges. If you want your family and friends to lavish love on you by being part of your wedding, think of them with empathy. What will make your grandparents, parents, and older attendees comfortable in regard to physical proximity? Ask them! Before you plan the seating for the ceremony or the reception, ask them how they feel about it, so there’s no uncomfortableness that day. A happy bride is an organized and informed bride – you don’t want to be scrambling on the day of the event to make people comfortable. When planning food and beverage, keep in mind that almost everyone is more conscious of the downside of shared food. No hands in the chips anymore.

Open-air events are more comfortable for everyone these days, and fortunately warmer days are coming. Sometimes a combination of church and outdoor reception works well if marrying inside a church is important. Don’t stress over planning your wedding, just think of others and plan, plan, plan!

Rain is a funny thing. It can be wonderfully romantic if you’re walking arm in arm with your lover under an umbrella. The same rain can be a great annoyance for someone rushing to work without one. Rain is one of a bride’s worst fears, especially if she has a sunny summer’s day wedding in her dreams. Inclement weather happens even with the best of planning and technology. Simply plan for it and make a conscious choice not to let it spoil your wedding day. Decide to find the romance in the rain!

To plan for rain make a step-by-step written plan for your dream wedding in two columns – one for perfect weather and one for imperfect. For example, if you’re taking wedding pictures outdoors on a bridge, visit the bridge in light rain and in heavy rain. Make sure that if the rain has stopped but the bridge is wet, it won’t be too slippery. You might want to have colorful umbrellas available if your heart is set on the bridge and you have no other worthy backup location. Whatever the setting, just plan for contingencies. If it rains on your wedding, don’t let it rain on your parade! Remember that the love of a couple getting married surrounded by the family and friends who love them will shine brightly regardless of the weather. The married life you have ahead of you is full of bright days and rainy ones, and together with the love of your life, you’ll make the best of them all.

There is a rhythm to weddings. As the day begins with the wedding party gathering to dress and get ready for the big moment, the momentum builds. The event builds to a crescendo as guests arrive, the bride walks down the aisle, the ceremony unfolds, and the magic moment occurs when the couple is announced husband and wife! Then the march out and all the well wishes, tears and joy of the moment occurs. And then…the couple has to rally the family for the photos. This is the time when things can go awry. However, family photos grow in importance over the years as cherished loved ones move on. Here’s what to do:

After all the drama, it’s sometimes a big letdown to have to get the family organized so that everyone gets photographed and there are no hurt feelings or missed photo opportunities. It’s one of the most important things to plan before the wedding so that it goes smoothly! Someone in the family can be appointed to organize the people for the photos so that the bride and groom can relax. A written plan made in advance can be given to the photographer and the appointed family organizer. Family photos can be great fun if done well which means well planned. Your family that has assembled to love and support a new married couple is important. Take the time to take all the photographs needed so that everyone ends up happy. Taking the time to organize it well before wedding day is time well spent!

It’s daunting that an engaged couple planning a wedding has to make some of the most important decisions of their lives about things in which they have no experience! There are no classes in high school or college about planning a wedding or being married for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer is near the top of the list of challenging decisions.  A professional photographer knows the important moments of the wedding, so you’re sure to get photos of those, however, there are other important aspects to understand.

The post-wedding editing and the actual number of photos and format you’ll receive them in is an overlooked aspect of the process. Most brides book the photographer and check it off their list with relief. That’s just the beginning. Booking the photographer should be followed by an agreement of what the deliverables will be.

Professional photographers often take hundreds or even thousands of shots at a wedding. The process of going through them and selecting the best is long and tedious. It’s also a photo editing skill that is learned only through experience. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more is better! Talk with your photographer before the wedding about what you think you want in terms of the photos taken and the editing of specific photos. If you receive 400 great photos but know that 2000 were taken, understand that the 400 are the best. Photography involves skill, talent, and experience. Successful, professional photographers will release only their best work. After all, social media allows it to be used forever so it’s important to honor the standards of professional photographers. Take the time to work with your photographer so that you know what you’ll receive before the wedding. Then on the Great Day, focus on the joy of getting married, knowing that all is well with the memories your photographer is creating.

Why are Flowers a Bride’s Best Friend?

Flowers and plants are a bride’s best friend when it comes to decorating. They can transform an altar or an entire wedding reception space if chosen wisely with an overall plan in mind. How do flowers and plants do that? They mask the plain or dull background around them because color and interesting shapes draw the human eye toward them, so that people see and feel beauty. Flowers and plants arranged in groupings from tall to small also draw the eye and give a sense of pleasure. That’s why you can put a big green plant in a plain space and transform the room. It’s easier to turn the floral decorating over to a florist but much more expensive than doing at least part of it yourself. Plus, florists promote the flowers that are easily obtainable and that have higher profit margins. By using her own plants and those of friends, and supplementing them with fresh flowers purchased locally, a bride can create plant and flower groupings that provide just the look and feel that she wants. From a photographer’s point of view, flowers and plants are ideal for enhancing a setting. There’s usually a lot of waiting that goes on with weddings and receptions. Give your guests beautiful, colorful things to look at while they’re waiting for what everyone comes to see - the bride!

If there was ever a year that humanity needed to focus on love, this is it! What the world needs now is love, love, love! Are you engaged?  If so, preserve this time of new love in your life with engagement photos that will keep the experience alive in your memories forever. Becoming engaged is truly an important life experience. It declares that regardless of world conditions, you and your fiancé believe in the transcendent power of love. Life is better together. Marriage is good. Family is wonderful.

If you would like photos celebrating your engagement with a Valentine’s Day theme, reach out to Daniel Photo Pro as soon as possible. If you plan to become engaged on or around Valentine’s Day, call today to schedule your free engagement photo. We offer free engagement sessions because it’s a time for you to experience working with us and to see the results. Plus, it’s fun to do photography at a time when everyone is more relaxed. Wedding day can be stressful for all, engagement photo sessions are joyful. Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, and Congratulations!

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We can probably all agree that to be a professional photographer, one must be intelligent. Understanding the physics of light, and all the camera technology stuff is not for everyone. What makes photographers different? Some love the technical challenges, some love the creativity, some want to do what they enjoy and make a profit, some want their photos to tell stories. There are as many different reasons for doing photography as there are photographers.

Daniel of Daniel Photo Pro is drawn to creating photos like a curious child in an enchanted forest. He finds nature compelling and people’s expressive faces as well. He derives enormous joy from using all of his knowledge and skill to create a shot, then he studies his creation. Daniel spends quiet time studying his photos, contemplating what he loves about them, and what he would do differently. Just as a painter steps back from his or her canvas and studies a painting, Daniel studies his photographs with a critical eye, but also allows himself to enjoy their beauty. That kind of contemplation nurtures his mind to explore ways to evolve his work.    

The hundreds of photos that people take of their children, crowding their phones with documentation of every event, has made the old-fashioned idea of a simple photo album more precious. Imagine that you’re a young adult and you want to look back over your childhood days. Either you scroll through hundreds of photos with none more important than another, or you hold a book in your hand with carefully selected photos that capture the spirit of your childhood without the sheer volume of photos. It’s the difference between looking at a mountain of trees of every kind, versus a singular tree in all its beauty. Phone cameras are a blessing, but curated photo albums that you can hold in your hand, allowing you to take your time thinking about each picture, are more meaningful.

Yes, photo albums take a little time and cost a little money, but they last for decades. Your photos on your phone may or may not last. Everything in technology is subject either to loss or inaccessibility. So this Christmas take a little time to select a handful of photos that are truly special and preserve them in a small album. You’ll be surprised at the wonderful gift you create.

Why we love is such a mystery! Especially when it comes to the one we have already married or are engaged to be married. Why one person and not another who might be very much like the one we love? Why is the one we fall in love with often very different from the one our family and friends feel suits us? What is it about the one we love that makes our heart lift a little when we walk into a crowded room and see him or her? Falling in love can happen in an instant or take a long time to percolate. Regardless, most people find themselves at some time in their life “falling in love” in a way that is almost unstoppable.

It is the Christmas season, a time when we think more of the ones we love and how we might communicate or show them our love. It’s a good practice to pause and think about why you love your fiancé or wife or husband. It’s also a good time to think about all whom you truly love whether a child, friend, parent, or grandparent. Christmas is a time for sharing. Please tell us in a few words or sentences why you love someone deeply. You need not share who it is if you don’t want to. It will be enriching for all who see this post to see what being in love means to others.  It can be difficult to put feelings into words but just try. You’ll probably be surprised how good it makes you feel.

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Science has proven that memories are interwoven with emotion. You are likely to remember the “wow” moments of your wedding day – taking your father’s hand, walking down the aisle, the “I do” words, the kiss, your entrance into the reception, the first dance, etc. There are, however, many little experiences and scenes of your wedding day that don’t feel important at the time, but later on, when you see the pictures, the meaningfulness of the moment comes back to you. In relationships with family and beloved friends that are part of your wedding day, the individual moments are sometimes far more special than the major events of the day.

At Daniel Photo Pro, we know that little moments mean a lot. There are pictures a photographer takes that are un-posed and unexpected that add a wealth of emotion and meaning to the wedding day long after it’s over. Those are the photos that capture the elusive ideas of love, friendship, pride, and joy. Let your photographer be there for everything and you’ll be surprised by the photos that become your favorites.

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Purple is a color that invokes mystery and magic. People either love it or prefer to live without it. If you love purple and are planning a wedding, marry the two together and create a Purple Wedding! Purple is so interesting because it combines the calm of blue with the fire of red. That’s often a combination of couples too – one is calm and quiet and the other is energetic. Purple also reminds people of opulence, creativity, wisdom, grandeur, and an independent spirit. Purple makes a good thematic element for a wedding because the color is so alive and vibrant. Guests will feel the energy and possibilities of magical purple.  If you’re a purple person and your beloved is one too or is okay with making purple your theme color…go for it! 

If the celebration of your brand new marriage is going to go on late into the evening, remember that you must plan to feed your guests over time! The cake and pastries are important for the theme and beauty of the event (and for the photography), but partying guests need real food to sustain them. Providing food in plenty also cuts down on the alcohol costs. The more people drink without food in their stomachs, the drunker they get, and the more they drink! If you’re having a reception without a full meal, at least have plenty of healthy snacks trays so that guests can stay full as they drink and dance the night away.

Food trays that include protein, sweet potatoes, salmon, avocado, berries, oats, and even bananas are good to eat before or during drinking. Do a little research so that you balance creative snacks or theme foods, with foods that are best for eating along with drinking.  Be careful of overly salty snacks. It’s very important for people to stay hydrated while drinking alcohol so be sure to have water readily available. Keep those water pitchers full!

And brides…don’t forget to eat! If you’re too excited to eat a meal or worried you won’t fit in your dress, plan ahead for some healthy nourishment during the long day. You want to end the wedding still looking radiant from love, not alcohol!

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The busy summer wedding season is over, so we at Daniel Photo Pro now have time on our schedule for one of our favorite activities: engagement photos! We offer free sessions because it’s a chance to photograph love in bloom without the stress of the wedding day. We have done engagement sessions in all kinds of environments and our clients are always amazed at them. These sessions give us the opportunity to experiment with perspective and light so we can see what works best in shooting photos of the bride, the groom, and the couple together. Every couple wants to be unique, and they are unique! However, it takes creativity and effort on the part of the photographer to find what makes them so special and beautiful together.

Call or email today for our free engagement session which typically lasts about two hours. Natural light is best so if we can photograph you outdoors, even if it’s chilly, we’ll have even better photos. Let’s have some fun! Text 440-787-3806 to book your free session.

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Let’s face it, the coronavirus pandemic has changed just about everything, including the willingness of people to attend weddings. Older people, in particular, the grand and great-grandparents that are so much a part of the family experience, want to feel safe. One of the best ways to protect your loved ones is to make a commitment to an outdoor wedding.  Fortunately, they are very much in vogue now because adding Nature to your wedding ambiance is nurturing to everyone. To many engaged couples, it sounds more expensive to create an outdoor wedding but if you’re willing to spend time checking out possible locations, and you can think beyond the vision of your indoor wedding, it’s possible to do it economically.

An outdoor venue adds so many elements to a wedding. First and foremost is Light! In natural light, people are more relaxed which is reflected in wedding photography. Birds, breezes, and even chattering squirrels can be pleasant.  (Be careful that the sound of cars is far enough away from the ceremony site that it doesn’t interfere.) The seating is often more comfortable than in a church pew, and chairs can be more easily moved if needed. Plus, if you pick a beautiful place, Mother Nature herself provides a lot of the décor.

Some event venues have outdoor pavilions or areas that can accommodate a crowd, but these can be more expensive. Northeast Ohio is blessed with many parks, rivers, lakes (including a very large one!) where weddings can be held. Dazzling spring, summer, and fall outdoor weddings are possible here.  

Couples planning a wedding know they’ll need a photographer and usually want to book one and check it off their long list! Before beginning the search, it’s helpful if couples have a chat about what kind of photos they find most appealing. If the bride leans toward drama and the groom toward candid, it’s best to come to a compromise first or find a different style that you both agree upon. At Daniel Photo Pro, we strive to provide a variety of photos that capture the entire event and the emotion. It is helpful, however, to know what style of photography blends with the couples’ personal style. Here are several ideas about types of photography to start a conversation.  This list will also increase your awareness of photography styles when you’re looking through magazines or at photos online.

• Artistic
• Candid
• Documentary
• Dramatic
• Drone
• Modern
• Photojournalistic
• Traditional 

Traditionally, it's all about the bride in wedding planning. Marriage, however, is better if it's a 50-50 deal. Start your marriage off right by including the groom in all planning. The groom should think carefully about what kinds of photos he wants of himself and the people and things that he feels strongly about. Everyone has stuff they love, and both bride and groom should be able to include some in the wedding. Most guys love their cars or trucks. Brides may not want them in the wedding, but things special to the groom can be included in the photography. Love grows when both bride and groom plan the wedding and think carefully about what memories they want to preserve.
 

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In wedding planning, choosing the cake is a big deal; much like the dress, it has to be uniquely you! Why is that?

Why do we have wedding cakes at all? Here’s a fun historic rundown beginning in ancient Rome. The ceremony included wheat or barley cake broken over the bride’s head for luck and fertility. The newly married couple would share a few bites as well. The English took on the bread idea and in medieval times started stacking buns and scones, and even cookies as high as possible (that’s where the tiered idea originated). In olden times the couple was supposed to lean over the cake and kiss without toppling it! (What happened when it did topple? Yikes!)

Then those wonderful French took up the idea and cakes became confectionary. Yum! Full of sugar the way we love them today. There’s a lot more to the story but the idea of cakes being a major element in a wedding goes back millennia.

Tiered cakes, the higher the better, work well with wedding photography as you can see in the photos. Cakes that shimmer and shine or are artistic in other ways make memorable photographs. Gold, silver and red are vibrant colors for cakes and are always romantic.

If your budget is tight, have a small tiered cake for the photos, and a big sheet cake for the guests. Just remember, the cake is far more important to you and your beloved than it is to the guests, so choose a design you love. Don’t forget to save a piece in the freezer for that first anniversary!

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Why are there so many tears at weddings? There’s crying when everyone is getting ready – both the females and the males!  Tears appear when the adorable little kids head down the aisle, and they really start when the bride and her father or escort first appear. More tears during the vows, then happy tears when the couple is pronounced husband and wife. Tears during heart-warming toasts and first dances. Even tears of relief when it’s over. There is so much crying at weddings, it’s no wonder everyone is ready for a drink!

Love is the guilty party in all this crying. Yes, blame it on LOVE. It’s what makes grown men cry when they realize how blessed they are to have found the love of their lives. Brides, who have emotion continually building during the day, always shed tears. Proud mothers and fathers, grandparents, friends, everyone is touched by the undeniable fact, that no matter what happens, love exists. It always has and it always will. Humans will be drawn together to connect heart to heart as long as there are humans.

A wedding we recently photographed shows the evidence of an abundance of love everywhere we looked. This was a family that was so supportive and loving of each other. We have no doubt the bride and groom, will live long and joyfully. We hope you enjoy the photos. 

If your wedding day is supposed to be one of the most meaningful of your entire life, why is there so much stress getting to that day and through that day? Has it always been that way? Do consumer lifestyles and the demands of social media make wedding preparations more stressful than in olden times?

Wedding planning has most likely always been stressful for women. In the distant past, brides were often very young, and mothers did all the planning. Brides-to-be actually had very little to say about anything. (They mostly worried about the wedding night!) Today’s brides-to-be are inundated with advertising and promotion about how weddings are supposed to be. In truth, the wedding is supposed to be the springboard for a long and happy marriage and the joining of two families. That ideal can get lost in the shuffle so fast. Even the most independent women in control of their own lives can feel they're losing control during the wedding planning process.

Strange as it may sound, a bride-to-be who has a breathing practice, no matter how simple, can build a protective wall around her emotions so that she can navigate the tumultuous waters of wedding planning where everyone has a suggestion.  Breathing exercises can be done anywhere and no one has to know. Close your mouth (and your eyes if possible) and inhale through your nose for a count of four.  Hold for a count of seven. Exhale slowly for a count of eight. If you’re in a store surrounded by salespeople, or with your anxious mother-in-law-to-be, just quietly do your breathing exercise and you will relax. Bad and costly decisions are made when people are stressed.

If you develop a breathing exercise like the above, or some other meditative exercise and do it over and over as you plan the wedding, you will have it within you for the wedding day. You will be able to remain poised, calm, and enjoy yourself. Plus, you’ll look more beautiful in your wedding photos when you’re relaxed and your joy is spontaneous and genuine. 

Photography builds a bridge of memories from the joy of the wedding day to the weaving of families through the birth of a child. We love being asked to do family photography for clients whose wedding we photographed. Besides being a treat to see the happy couple again, it’s a joy to see the results of their union in either a baby or simply how love has expanded in the blended families. With a professional photographer, everyone gets to be in the photo and there are no weird selfie angles. Enjoy these photos from the wedding and the family get-together two years later. Autumn is a wonderful time of year for colorful family photos, so reach out to us if you would like to schedule a session.

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In the not too distant past, children were always part of weddings. Some couples today want kid-free weddings and receptions and that’s okay. If the wedding theme is sophisticated, and carefully curated, kids can mess it up. However, in most cases, children add a wonderful dimension to the event. Babies and kids are a clear sign that life is meant to go on and on.

Communication is key to having kids actually in a wedding or just attending. Talk with the parents to let them know that you want the kids to be present, but also give the parents your expectations of kid behavior. Parents differ wildly in the behavior they allow. Just talk to them before the event so they understand what you want on your wedding day, and you understand the needs of their kids. Don’t be too rigid though, kids are kids, and they bring a spontaneous joy to the occasion which comes through in the photography. 

Even very young children sense that weddings are special because they’re a blending of families. To a child, family is everything. If the bride and groom can relax and enjoy the children at the wedding, they’ll have photos they’ll love to share. The more kids, the merrier. 

If you want a wedding look that’s jazzy and energetic, incorporate the color red into your palette. Don’t overdo it though. Red is a powerful color. Like fireworks, it needs to be used cautiously!

All through history, red has been associated with deep longing, energy, sexuality and joy, the intense emotions in life.

Red is also associated with the ideals of courage and strength, two traits needed for a long and successful marriage!

Daniel says that “even a touch of red in a photo compels the viewer to look more deeply at the image”.

There are many elements that are critical for creating great images like shape, shadow and balance. Color is a big one. As you create the decorative elements for your wedding, take the time to look with a critical eye at your creations and imagine what they’ll look like in a photo. Weddings are short, photos are forever! 

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One of the pleasures of being a wedding photographer is seeing the unusual ways in which each couple creates their authentic experience.  The basics are often the same - ceremony, reception, family photography, etc. It's the little things that make lasting memories and memorable photos.  Creating decorations, gifts, little flourishes that capture your personalities and the various aspects of your relationship can be fun. Although most brides (and some grooms) want their weddings to make an impression, in the long run, it’s more important that they create memories for themselves. Creativity doesn't have to be costly.  Simple, natural things put together can give your guests a memory of what you and the day are all about. If you don’t think you’re naturally “creative”, forget the word and just find decorations, flowers, colors, and other things that you like. 

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In northeast Ohio, we are blessed with one of the Great Lakes, our own Lake Erie. There are also many inland lakes and even ponds and streams in the Metroparks that can be ideal backgrounds for engagement and wedding photography. Being married near a body of water adds an element of timelessness to a wedding. Lake Erie has looked like it does now for ten thousand years. That’s 400 generations of humans! Even with the long history of our lake, your engagement or wedding photos on Lake Erie will be unique. The sky and the sunset are different every hour of every day.

Sunset photography is almost always exquisite because you have the backdrop of the huge lake and the huge sky.  The palette of colors that Mother Nature creates on this background makes the most amazing photography especially when they surround a couple who are deeply in love. If you want a smaller, easier to access body of water, take some time to visit the parks and wooded areas, where they may be found. We also have many Location Spotlights in our list of blogs which with water features.

There are reasons beyond budget to hold your wedding in your home or the home of a loved one or great friend. For many people, home really is where the heart is, as the old saying goes. A home wedding can be soul-satisfying because if done well, it can bring a deep feeling of satisfaction that you’ve started your new life with your beloved emphasizing the importance of home and family.

Here are some things to think about in deciding whether to wed at home or at a venue:

What rental items (chairs, tents, lighting, etc.) will you need for the size wedding you want? Will you end up spending more on your own rentals than you will for a professional venue that already has the items?

From the photographic point of view, are there places within the home or lawn that will make good backgrounds?  Gardens are great if they are weeded or if enough flowers are in bloom. Look at all the spaces in your home and yard that might be used for photography with a critical eye.

If the wedding or reception is to be held indoors, is there available natural light? Natural light is the secret to the most beautiful wedding photos.

Is there enough space so that the guests are not too close to the wedding couple during the ceremony? 

Remember also, that this is one day in your wedded life. There are hopefully years and years to come.  Don’t buy furniture or do renovations that are expensive for this one day, unless you and your betrothed love them.

Brides-to-be pour-over glossy magazine pictures and internet sites featuring everything from glorious wedding dresses and shoes to jewelry, gloves, hairstyles, makeup, and the whole array of wedding paraphernalia. Dreaming is easy but just remember, you’ll want to be a vision of beauty for the whole day and evening too on your wedding day.

Comfort is an element of planning your wedding attire that brides seldom seriously consider, until the wedding day when it is too late. Your groom will most likely be wearing comfortable flat-heeled shoes while you totter on heels that show off your dress, but make walking and dancing a major feat to be accomplished. Even small weddings may mean a long day from the time you begin getting dressed until the last guest leaves. Changing clothes for the reception is an option, but many brides want to remain the star of the show until the last possible minute. Everyone wants photos on the dance floor in their dresses.

If you plan carefully, you can go all day without wilting or getting blisters. Well-planned, you’ll remember the day as being wonderful instead of hot, scratchy, and overwhelming. When you find the dress you love, use your imagination to see yourself wearing it through weather changes and all of the activities of your wedding day. Choose shoes that are wearable all day or have multiple pairs available. Break them in before the wedding. If you plan to kick them off on the dance floor, make sure you won’t trip over your dress!

Consider the weather and your comfort in makeup. We’ll have a future blog on applying makeup for optimal photography. The glossy magazine photos and Instagram shots that attract you are edited. Weddings are real-life events that require careful consideration. Years later when you look at your photos and see how comfortable and happy you were on that spectacular day, you will be glad you took the time.

There are pivotal moments in each person’s life when choices are made that create a path in a new direction. The choice to become engaged and married is certainly one of those moments. Many women and some men too find that the decision to marry and to hold a wedding propels them into looking deeper within themselves. “Who am I?” is an age-old question. For couples who have never planned anything as monumental as a wedding, that question comes up. The questions of “who are we as a couple?” and “how do we want to present ourselves as a couple to our families and community?” are more concepts to think about.

Wedding planning that starts out simply often takes on a life of its own, especially when friends, family, and professionals get involved. It goes better when you’re clear that your wedding is the springboard for the rest of your lives together. In planning how you want your wedding to look, and more importantly how you want it to feel, be true to yourself. Shakespeare said it best centuries ago… “this above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man”.

These Daniel Photo Pro photos of four brides show how each was true to the vision that felt right for her. 

What happens when you let the colors of your imagination run free?  This is what happens…the colors that make your heart fill up with emotion also begin to glow in your mind. Life overflows with wonderful colors. Think about it. Does Lavender make you feel beautiful?  Does Orange fill you with a zest for living? Does Red remind you of your passionate side?  Does White emanate romance?  Does Turquoise bring on your peaceful, happy place? Does Yellow make you want to jump for joy?

Your wedding is one of the most important times in your life when you can use the colors that you LOVE to set the stage for your new life. Just like walking into a colorful home gives you a sense of the owner’s personality, your chosen wedding colors vividly say who you are and what brings you happiness.

There are many design elements used in wedding decorations. Whether you have a wedding planner, a friend helping you, or are doing your own planning, the choice of color must be yours. Color will play a big part in your wedding photography and your guests’ emotional experience of the wedding, so create it with the color or colors that are YOU!

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Flowers have always been integral to weddings, from ancient times when a bride carried a bouquet to make her smell good, to modern weddings with towering vases of flowers created by floral artists. Some brides choose outdoor weddings that incorporate Nature into the theme. However, for a truly splendid setting, a well-kept, sculpted botanical garden is incomparable. Here you find outdoor natural beauty made even grander by professional landscape designers and artists.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden has been nurtured since its inception in 1930. It is now integrated with the famed Holden Arboretum. With nearly 200 years of tender care, the Garden has developed into an extraordinary place for wedding photos.  With generations of love poured into its care, no wonder the Cleveland Botanical Garden exudes LOVE!

Do you want wedding photos that evoke Romance, Elegance, and Timelessness in the mind of the viewer? If so, choose the Black & White version of photos and these qualities invariably appear. Photography in Black & White, especially when the viewer is expecting color, typically causes the viewer to pause. The brain says…ah, this is different than what I expected. We live in a color-filled world so when color suddenly disappears, yet we still have the familiar shapes, the photo becomes intriguing.

No one quite knows whether this response to the B&W photos is because that’s all that was available in early photography, thus they seem old, or because in the absence of color, light and shadow add a deeper dimension.  

Black & White photos add mystery and artistic quality to photos as well. A good photographer loves to play with the light and shadow that adds depth. If you love the B&W look, let your photographer know in advance. Enjoy these samples of Daniel Photo Pro images and pause to think of the qualities they evoke in you.

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Why do people the world over gather in the evening to experience sunset together? Because it’s the most magical, mysterious moment of the day!  Sunrise is sweet and hopeful, the awakening of a new day, but Sunset can be dramatic and that’s why photographers and lovers flock to photograph it. Nothing says passion like a loving couple posing in the glowing embers of a sunset.

The other wonder of an evening spent taking engagement or wedding photography at sunset is the variety of backgrounds that appear over a short time. The photo at the pivotal moment of sunset may be red hot, but later, the afterglow of the dispersing colors across the sky creates a very different palette and mood.

Yes, it can be difficult to arrange your photography on a day when the setting sun and the clouds will cooperate. It’s not always possible, but very often the result of the extra effort is well worth it. No amount of money can create the artistry the setting sun can make. More importantly, like your love, it’s real. The two of you and that evening sky are absolutely unique in all of Time.

It’s Summer!

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to take your engagement photos outdoors in natural light.

Wrap yourself and your beloved in Nature for photos that you will cherish. Everyone is more beautiful when the face and body are relaxed and happy.  With years of experience, we at Daniel Photo Pro understand how engagement photos can lead to great wedding photos because we have the opportunity to study how the camera sees you. It’s the artistry of photography.

Contact us today to discuss engagement photos while the warmth, beauty, and wonder of summer stretch out before us.

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Have you ever noticed how your world changes when you’re watching the sun slowly set and all around you nature begins to glow with a blend of breathtaking colors?  Color is one of the great joys of life. Colorful lighting brings a transforming ambiance that makes an event become an experience. If used carefully, it can add a stunning dimension to your wedding or reception. Natural light outdoors at certain times of day can create magic. For indoor events, artificial lighting can be used effectively to create mood and to reflect the personality of the couple being joined in marriage.

Whether the event is at home or in an event center, using colored lighting along with carefully curated settings can make the event memorable. If you choose to use artificial lighting, be sure to see how it appears during the time of day that your event will be held. It can look very different in the morning than it does at night. The light coming in through windows will affect it.  As you can see in these photos, artificial lighting creates a much different look than standard lighting would. Creating color-impacted events doesn’t have to be done by a professional, but it does take some time and experimenting. Be brave and have fun with color!

It’s important to remember that this may be just the beginning of integrating color into your lives!  Decorating a home comes next, and in a happy marriage, the home is a reflection of both of you. Working out color choices for your wedding that bring happiness to both of you is a good way to start your new life.

In the photos below, turquoise is the dominant color. Combining blue and a small amount of yellow, it fits on the color scale between green and blue and radiates the peace, calm, and tranquility of blue and the balance and growth of green with the uplifting energy of yellow.

Beneath the photos, you’ll find highlights from Psychology Today that explains how color is reflective of personality.

Black. People who choose black as their favorite color are often artistic and sensitive.

White. People who like white are often organized and logical and don't have a great deal of clutter in their lives.

Red. Those who love red live life to the fullest and are tenacious and determined in their endeavors.

Blue. If blue is your favorite color you love harmony, are reliable, sensitive, and always make an effort to think of others. You like to keep things clean and tidy and feel that stability is the most important aspect of life.

Green. Those who love the color green are often affectionate, loyal, and frank. Green lovers are also aware of what others think of them and consider their reputation very important.

Yellow. You enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others. Finding happiness comes easy to you and others would compare you to sunshine.

Purple. You are artistic and unique. You have great respect for people but at times can be arrogant.

Brown. You are a good friend and try your hardest to be reliable and dependable. Flashy objects are not something you desire; you just want a stable life.

The combination of sunset over the lake and the historic Lorain Harbor Lighthouse is unbeatable for couples who want their love photographed among nature’s most passionate colors. Beginning in late April, our part of the earth is positioned for gorgeous sunsets in this area. The extra benefit is that every single sunset is unique, as are the love and dreams of every couple.

It is possible to hold small weddings or engagement events at the Lighthouse itself, but there are significant costs. See the Lighthouse website for details. For photography only, there are ideal locations on land from which Daniel can shoot your photos with you in front of the Lighthouse bathed in sunset’s glow. Give us a call to discuss the options.

Spring at Schoepfle Garden in Wakeman, Ohio is dazzling, a photographer’s dream! Comprising seventy-seven acres of botanical gardens and woodlands near the Vermilion River, Schoepfle Garden is the perfect place in spring and summer for the photography of lovers. The bloom of love evident on the faces of engaged couples blends with nature’s extraordinary bloom in gardens like Schoepfle.

How do spectacular places like Schoepfle Garden come to exist? They typically grow from one person’s curiosity about flowers. In this case, a man who was once a banker, and then publisher of the Elyria Chronicle, traveled to Europe and came home brimming with ideas about flowers.  The result of his passion and willingness to study botanicals is that decades later, ordinary people like us can enjoy their transcendental beauty.

We hope you enjoy the glories of Schoepfle Garden, collections of rhododendrons, roses, hosta, cannas, flowering shrubs, magnificent trees, and much more. It would be our great pleasure to photograph you and your beloved, or your family and friends in this place of love and passion.

Northeast Ohio is a land blessed with natural beauty both in the wild and in the cultivated areas. The great Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a little of both! The famed cherry blossoms of Washington DC have a serious competitor in the blossoms of Cleveland.  Our zoo is a marvelous place for photography with dappled natural light coming through the trees that adds a quality of timelessness indoor photography can rarely achieve. The softness and colors of nature bring out the beauty in humans as well.

These photos were taken in spring with the blossoms in bloom, but throughout the seasons the Cleveland Zoo is a wondrous place for photography. It's especially good for engagement photos because it offers a wide variety of spaces within the zoo and the surrounding Metroparks from which to choose. Give us a call to explore natural areas for your engagement, wedding, and family photo needs.  Daniel Photo Pro photography makes you see how beautiful you are!

Spring into Action to Create Your Ideal Wedding

As the U.S. slowly opens up again, thanks to the ever-increasing number of vaccinations, lovers everywhere are thinking about engagements and weddings. Except for the birth of children, weddings are the most splendid way of spreading excitement, happiness, joy, and LOVE! Weddings are a message to the world that no darkness lasts forever; love always triumphs.

If you’re good at organizing, you may not need this, but if you’re good at procrastinating about things you’re not experienced with, this one’s for you!  

The pandemic has produced a huge backlog of weddings. The best of the following will be booked quickly.

Key Things to Do Now:

• Choose a date - check with the people you most want to attend before setting it
• Choose a venue
• Choose a photographer
• Choose an officiant
• Choose a caterer
• Choose musicians