I’m not sure if it was Melissa’s thousand-watt, bright, inviting smile; the brilliant, summery colors that the fun bridesmaids wore; the warm compliments we received from the family & guests throughout the day; or the evident sweet, meaningful love that Marshall & Melissa share with one another, but their wedding day was absolutely spectacular in every single way. We strived to craft images sure to showcase that love & happiness to enable Melissa & Marshall to relive those beautiful wedding day moments every time they view their wedding images and look through their fairytale storybook album.
This lovely day began at Marian’s Out of Eden Hair Design in Brookfield, Ohio. Melissa & her bridesmaids got their hair done at the salon, Melissa wrote Marshall a letter to be delivered by a bridesmaid prior to the wedding ceremony, and the girls relaxed together & laughed, mimosas in hand.
The ceremony took place at Believer’s Church in Warren. I have to say that this was one of the most organized and welcoming churches at which we have ever photographed a wedding. There were two wedding coordinators who met us upon arrival to debrief us on the ceremony details. They orchestrated the ceremony perfectly.
Marshall’s & Melissa’s nephew made an adorable ring bearer.
I’m pretty sure she did not stop smiling all day & that smile is quite contagious. 😀
Her dress was stunning. It took five bridesmaids & Melissa’s mom to get her in there without compromising the beautiful job her stylist had done on her hair.
Meanwhile, Marshall was looking dapper in another area of the church. I’ll let you readers decide whether he’s crying while reading the letter from Melissa or feigning tears.
There were photos of past wedding couples in the family. So lovely.
Marshall seeing his bride for the first time:
Daddy giving his youngest daughter away:
And enthusiastically slapping five with his soon-to-be son-in-law:
I’ll let the beautiful ceremony photographs speak for themselves.
Except for this one. 🙂 The best man removed the rings from his argyle socks.
I love everything about this photo. The bubbles are whimsical and romantic. The kiss is so cute. And the bridesmaids in the background have the  best reaction!
The “getaway” car was all decked out. They enjoyed a little spin around the block in this & then joined their bridal party in a limo bus.
We all traveled to Fellows Riverside Garden for bridal party & bride & groom photos.
It was about 93 degrees that day, but the bridal party was so cooperative & accommodating to us. They rocked their photo session.
Michelle at Judy’s Flower Basket designed the floral works of art for the wedding day. Stunning! Melissa said that her florist truly shared her vision for the bright, happy, fun wedding day bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and decorations.
Melissa & her parents:
Then we bid the bridal party adieu to the party bus so we could hang out with Melissa & Marshall for some creative bride & groom shots.
Since they had an engagement session with us prior to their wedding day, they jumped right in with our shooting style- they were ready to go!
♥ Details
Since we had time (yay!), we headed to Lanterman’s Mill for a few more photos.
Their reception was at Antone’s. The food was scrumptious & the staff was really great. I was asked two separate times by different staff members if I needed anything regarding the lights and if I had gotten to eat. You know if the staff is taking great care of your vendors, they’re taking even greater care of your guests. Melissa did a wonderful job with the centerpieces and TONS of detail so I made sure to photograph, photograph, photograph all of it before the guests arrived.
I adored this popcorn & M&M’s table she designed.
Gorge!
These champagne glasses were from Melissa’s parents’ wedding reception.
Grand entrance after being introduced as Mr. & Mrs.!
They shared a beautiful first dance as husband and wife. That’s one awesome wedding tradition I don’t see disappearing anytime soon!
P.S. I know I’ve said it before (and I’ll likely say it again & again) – UPLIGHTING is fantastically visually appealing. It will add to your reception photographs. Ask your venue or DJ about it. There are also companies who simply specialize in lighting reception venues. You’ll be glad you invested in it.
The toasts were phenomenal. Melissa’s sister Holly (also a Menning Photographic 2013 bride- whee!) and Marshall’s brother each gave loving and beautiful toasts.
A glimpse into the future? 😉
I love how Marshall’s parents are in the background looking all lovey dovey.
Melissa shared an emotional dance with her father, and Marshall shared a sweet dance with his mother.
A bouquet and a garter were tossed and caught:
And the dance floor was bumpin’:
These two won the anniversary dance with 67 years of marriage and made me cry.
Melissa’s parents enjoying their evening:
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on, O-H-I-O! Melissa was a Buckeye during graduate school.
All of the guests had a TON of fun!
Marshall’s parents also enjoyed their evening celebrating.
Josh and I left this wedding reception with a smile on our faces because Melissa & Marshall are such an awesome couple. Their families were amazing, as well. We got so many compliments & kind words during the wedding day. Melissa & Marshall, we wish you two the very best in your marriage!
If you’d like more information on having Danielle & Josh of Menning Photographic photograph your wedding day, please call or email us.
330.651.4849
info@menningphotographic.com
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