Stephanie & Michael are two of the most wonderfully down-to-earth people we’ve met & we are so grateful that we got to photograph their beautiful wedding at the new(ish) wedding venue in Warren! The Union Bank Tower only recently began to host weddings & receptions and Stephanie & Mike’s wedding ceremony was our first at the unique venue. Stephanie & Michael met while in the back of a van together. haha! We kind of can’t resist putting it that way, but the whole story is sweet. They were both on their way to kindergarten tutoring as freshmen at Hiram and they struck up a conversation as they rode in the back of the van together. Stephanie stayed the course in elementary education & is now a beloved kindergarten teacher, but Michael realized he was better suited for a different career & became an attorney. Throughout all of college & then long-distance as Mike worked hard to receive his J.D., Stephanie & Mike dated and fell in love. This past Saturday they made it official after 11 years together! We loved the warm light pouring in through the large windows surrounding the ceremony site on the center landing of the staircase as these two said their vows & exchanged rings observed with love by their closest friends & family members. It was a day to remember, full of love & joy. Stephanie & Michael, thank you both for sharing such a special & important day with us! We loved being part of your day! 
Stephanie started going to Hiram House Salon when she was in college & she loves the stylists there so much she knew she wanted them to be part of her wedding day even though it is somewhat of a drive from Warren. Everyone there was friendly & fun and they did a great job with hair, makeup, and staying within the wedding day timeline! I always appreciate that! 
Josh was with the groom & the guys as they got ready in the vault. What a rad getting ready location, right?! The bank building has lots of charm & one of Mike’s favorite parts was the vault.
Excuse me while I gush about our friend Jenny Wehr! She is the florist responsible for this gorgeous creation & WOW! She did a fabulous job bringing Stephanie’s vision to life! Stephanie wanted something pretty & also wild and Jenny nailed it! We will wholeheartedly recommend The Willows by Wehr in Columbiana to everyone we know! 
Stunning & so happy! I adored getting to hang out with Stephanie on her wedding day! She is a gem.
The guys in their Jos. A. Bank attire & The Vault.
Then it was time for Stephanie & Mike’s First Look. Oh, the anticipation gets me every single time. We LOVE first looks, guys! Stephanie & Mike are going to receive sooooo many portraits because they made time for them on their wedding day & that makes us really happy.
We can’t get over these bride & groom portraits in the Union Bank Tower. Stephanie & Mike rocked it by being themselves, enjoying the moment, and being cute as heck.
Now that is a beautiful bride! 
Don’t you love that braid?!
Mike pretends he’s not photogenic, but he was looking dapper & his wedding day “glamour shots” are legit.
This was a fleeting moment between mother & daughter just before she walked down the aisle & I’m so happy I was close by! 
Then it was time for the big moment. Stephanie & her dad walked down the aisle & everyone’s breath caught for just a second at her beauty & joy.
This crew was a hoot & a half! Anytime we have a bride who is a teacher & she has her teacher friends in her bridal party, I know it’ll be a fun day. Teachers know how to have a great time! 
We can’t get over this shot! Should it be a huge canvas or metal print on their wall? Either will be epic! 
We took the short walk to Courthouse Square in downtown Warren for more bridal party & bride & groom portraits. It was a little chilly with the wind that day, but it was not too bad at all & we were very thankful for the sunshine & dry weather! 
We love the sweetness & comfort between them that comes from having been together for so long. These two are definitely part of each other already & now will be for life.
Oh, a little healthy Jiu Jitsu match on your wedding day is good for the soul. ha! This is one of their favorite hobbies together so this was just for fun.
Seriously so thankful for that lovely golden sun! 
Their reception was at the Hippodrome Banquet Center just across the street in Warren. It all looked really pretty! Darlene from I Do So You Don’t Have To helped decorate the reception.
A friend of the bride’s did a lovely job with the wedding cake! 
Amanda’s MOH speech hit me in the feels. So sweet! 
And the rest of the evening was a wonderful celebration all about Stephanie & Michael! DJ Sean Melnik did a great job keeping the event organized & allowing people to have fun & dance. 
Stephanie’s parents- so cute! 
Thank you again a million times, Stephanie & Mike, for choosing to share your wedding day with us! We appreciate you both & we’re grateful we’ve gotten to know you. We wish you the very best with your marriage! And give Olivia a few nice pets from us 🙂
If you’re a new blog reader around here, hello! We’re so glad you stopped by! We’re Josh & Danielle Menning, a husband and wife wedding photography duo based in the Youngstown, Ohio area. We photograph weddings for joyful couples who value marriage. We’ve been wedding photographers together for about 8 years & absolutely love getting to know each couple whose wedding we get to be part of! If you want to follow along with the fun & see more about our marriage, our cute kiddos, our ridiculous pugs, and our work, we can be friends here:
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