Brad & Elissa

Brad and Elissa’s Cleveland Intercontinental Hotel wedding will easily rank as one of our favorite weddings to date for a number of reasons.  Elissa made a very good decision early on in the day.  She decided that no matter what happened she was going to be happy, not let anything bother her, and just enjoy the day to the fullest.  Thankfully, the day went quite smoothly regardless, but the little schedule and logistics hiccups that always pop up left her completely un-phased.  There was barely a moment when she wasn’t smiling or laughing and this attitude spread to everyone around her.  This is something that I think all future brides can learn from.

Brad and Elissa met in New York City where they both live and quickly fell in love. After seeing them together, it’s easy to see why.  Their chemistry is infectious and it was obvious how much they adore each other.  I really enjoyed talking to Brad’s family and friends from South Africa where he grew up and I even got my first taste of Biltong.  I’m now a fan.

The first look took place across the street from the hotel near the Cleveland Clinic.  We found an interesting looking sculpture that we had never used before Brad and Elissa indulged our impulses and I think we can away with some really interesting photographers.   We then headed over to the Cleveland Museum of Art where we were graced several times by the Blue Angels buzzing overhead.

The ceremony took place at the Intercontinental Hotel under a stunning chuppah designed and built by Peter Bouterse and his team.  Brad and Elissa both wrote personal vows to each other with all their closest friends and family looking on.

Brad and Elissa warned us that the reception might get pretty wild.  We have seen a lot of crazy things on the dance floor before, but I think this one takes the cake.  I’ve never seen table clothes and chairs used so creatively before.

In the end, it was just a fantastic day with two incredible people and we feel honored to have been a part of it.  A huge thank you goes out to Tricia Dever of Always Eventful for so expertly coordinating and overseeing all the moving parts that make a wedding day work and to the hard working people at Pieter Bouterse Studio for making the ceremony and reception so incredibly beautiful.

Congrats, Brad and Elissa!