Giving is Awesome Winner Announced!

This years deserving recipient of the Giving is Awesome Package is the Mantell Family who was nominated by Stephanie C.! The Mantells are awarded a $500 Photography Package for photography services, photos, albums etc. Plus as an added bonus, the person who nominated them decided to give them her $150 package!

The Mantell Family experienced the loss of their father, Donald Mantell, on December 12, 2008 in his fight against cancer. This left his wife Nicole to raise 3 year old triplets and a five year old on her own. The other thing about this family that struck a chord deep within me is that Donald was an Officer of the Lyndhurst Police Department. So he also served other people. From the articles and emails I read, he was a good husband, awesome father, a fighter, and also a hero to some. So I'm very happy to award this Package to the Mantell Family.

Thank you so much for all of the nominations! It was definitely a hard choice given the economy and the stories I received. For those people who did not win the Giving is Awesome package, I would like to offer them something also. So I will be contacting all of you very soon!

Package Winner Update!

I apologize for not announcing the winner yet! The Holidays definitely ran away with me. I will be posting & calling the winner tomorrow (Friday) evening! So stay tuned!

Giving is AWESOME!

You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside within 1 hour of Cleveland, Ohio. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : weddings@PlatinumPhotographyOhio.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Terry Michelle Goodman

Due to the private content of most of the emails I've received, the stories will not be printed. The name of the winner and their photos will be posted on the blog.


Platinum Photography volunteered for a website called Giving is Awesome. If you know someone in another state who deserves this gift, you can view the website for other photographers around the United States who are also participating. If you are a photographer, you can sign up to participate! http://www.givingisawesome.com/

Jon & Jill: The Reception!

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I normally don't say anything for a Part II slideshow but I was so overcome with happiness while I was editing the dancing photos that I needed to say so! Look at the love in their faces. I'm such a romantic!

November 15, 2008: Jill & Jon

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Jill & Jon were married at Michaud's in Strongsville. The theme of their day was "Snowflakes" which I thought was such a great idea! When I first met with Jill & Jon, I was awed at how beautiful their love for each other is. So I was thrilled when Jill hired me on the spot. Since then, we had a great time with their engagement photos and it was such a pleasure to be a part of their Wedding Day. We were treated like family. And you could feel the love in the air!

A few photos in this slideshow were taken by Jamie Vaquez.
Part 2 will show up tomorrow evening!

Edgewater & OSU Engagement Session.....

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Chris, Michelle, and I started out at Edgewater earlier in the week for some more formal/romantic photos for Michelle. And being the lovely woman she is, agreed to go to OSU Stadium for Chris over the weekend.

Edgewater was a fun time getting to know Chris & Michelle. They brought their cute little doggie too. And we captured one of the last days of fall.

Then over the weekend we traveled to Columbus to photograph at the OSU Stadium. It was FREEZING!! Chris acted like a little boy in a candy store! He ran the length of the field. It did meet his approval. At one point he kissed the field which I did get a photo of! And a few band members were out on the field so they allowed us to snap a few photos! Thanks for such a great time Chris & Michelle!

Gary & Danielle's Freezing Engagement....

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Gary and Danielle were referred to me by Gwen Damron an earlier engagement session this year. I had not had the pleasure of meeting them until their engagement session. Gary has a wonderful sense of humor and Danielle has such a great personality so I am so happy to have met you. And even more happy to be photographing your Wedding in 2009! And they brought their buddy along. A cute little Jack Russell Terrior!

The Green Family: Lance, Meghann, & Logan

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I enjoyed spending time with the Green Family so much! Logan is such a little sweetie. He melted my heart almost immediately. And he wanted to come to me and pull my hair..LOL..which made me feel like he was accepting me. I just wanted to love him to pieces! I smiled the whole time I edited the Green Family Photos!

John & Mary Walsh: The Reception-October 21, 2008

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What can I say? Mary and John's Reception was an awesome P-A-R-T-Y! It was held at the Hi-Fi in Lakewood. Since Mary and John were actually married in Las Vegas, they had a small ceremony at the Hi-Fi before the Party started. Their ceremony and reception were very Non-Traditional which I loved! From Mary's awesome dress, veil, and bright red heels to gorillas and cakes including castles and dragons, this was definitely a party to remember!

FYI: Let's just say a lot of the photos I'm keeping under wraps for Mary & John. I would have to put a warning and password on them to include them on my Blog..LOL.

Joe & Allison: October 18, 2008!

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Joe and Allison are such a great couple. Allison won last year's Bridal Fair drawing and I immediately liked her and Joe. It was such an exciting wedding. I had such a great time working with Joe and Allison during their couple shots in between the ceremony and reception.

The crazy and talented Marino Brothers were in charge of music and fun for the reception. Joe, Allison, their friends and their family seemed to have a blast. From dancing on speakers during "Save A Horse" to their fun Halloween masks for entering the reception it was a crazy and fun evening! Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your Day!

Chris & Sierra's Engagement....

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I had the pleasure of photographing Chris and Sierra this past October for their Engagement Session. Chris proposed to Sierra at a beautiful lagoon like area down around Akron. So this is where they decided to have their Engagement photos done.

I photographed Sierra's sister Amber's Wedding last year. And it was such an honor to be around Sierra and Chris again. We had such a lovely time. I'm looking forward to their Wedding in 09!

Kevin & Beth: October 11, 2008

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Kevin & Beth had such a beautiful ceremony full of smiles and elegance. We of course stopped off at Rocky River Reservation to capture some beautiful portraits. And everyone hopped back into the SUV Limo to make a pit stop at a local bar which was tons of fun. They have some fun and exciting friends! Then we arrived at the Irish Heritage Center where they partied all night complete with some wild dancing.

It was such a pleasure to work with Kevin & Beth. They are such beautiful people inside and out! I'm blessed to be able to work with such amazing clients.

Lincoln & Jennie: The Year After

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I photographed Jennie & Lincoln's Wedding last year. I already use their album as one of my portfolio albums and am using one of the photos from this shoot for my business card. They are definitely a beautiful couple.

However, what I find the most beautiful about them is how much in love they are. Most of the photos from this shoot are just stuff they were doing and feeling during the shoot. You can see the love in the way they treat each other and the way they communicate. I was honored to have them model for me.

Brian & Danyel Esser: October 4, 2008

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I immediately liked Danyel & Brian. We had an awesome time at their Engagement Sessions and it seemed like they were old friends by the time we came to their Wedding. On the Wedding Day, it was no different. You could feel the love in the air. Their friends and family are so happy for them. You could tell how close they are and how important their friends are. I was so honored and happy to be a part of their Day. Thank you so much for allowing me to capture your memories!

At the Salon....October 4, 2008

Normally I don't do seperate posts of a specific Wedding, however, I've been sick over the past week and wanted to give the Bride a few tidbits before I get the main slideshow up! The rest of the day will be posted in a few days!

October 3, 2008: Rainbow Babies

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On my birthday, I had the pleasure of photographing a charity event held for Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital by some of the nurses! It was a fabulous event, complete with a dinner, silent auction, dancing, poker, and door prizes. Jaime & I photographed the event. The slideshow is a mixture of both mine and Jaime's photographs.

Gwen & Doug's Engagement in Mohican....

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I tend to have a knack for getting into trouble with the Damron Family. I photographed Gwen's sisters Wedding and Engagement Session last year. The engagement session happened to be on a cow farm with lots of climbing. As luck would have it, Gwen & Doug also took me on an adventure over hill and trail...LOL. Thanks for the adventure! I'm looking forward to photographing your Wedding!

Sarah & Jason's Engagement....

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I had such a great time photographing Sarah & Jason's Engagement Session. We spent time with Jason's cool fish and their dog. We also took a tour of the spot Jason proposed to Sarah which was fun. I always love hearing engagement stories! I'm looking forward to photographing their wedding in May 2009!

All In The Family.......

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I had the pleasure of doing some family photos for my good friend, Staci! I had a blast. You were so fun. We should do it again sometime! And thanks for the referrals! I have some wonderful new clients because of you!

Gianna & Michael: September 26, 2008

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I absolutely adore Gianna & Michael. They decided to have a more intimate wedding with about 40 guests at the O'Neil House. I had such a great time getting to know their family and friends. And spending their special day with them! I had a lovely time.

October 2008 Bridal Fair Winner!

Congratulations to Stephanie Becker and Jonathan Radtke for winning Package #1 in our Bridal Fair Giveaway! I'm looking foward to photographing your Wedding!

Nathan & Jessica Savon: September 20, 2008

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I've been looking forward to Nathan and Jessica's Wedding for almost 2 years! I had such a great time hanging out with them all day. Their family and friends were great! And Nathan & Jessica are such a sweet couple!

Jon & Jill: Downtown Cleveland

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I had so much fun hanging out with Jon & Jill last weekend. Jill has this contagious laugh. You just can't be around her without being happy or laughing which is great. And Jon is such a teddy bear. He just makes you want to give him a big squeeze. I've been looking forward to hanging out with them ever since they booked me. I will be photographing their Wedding on November 15th so keep an eye out!

Lynne & Jason: September 6, 2008

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Lynne is one of the nicest and most compassionate people I have ever met. And Jason is such a sweetheart! We had such a great time photographing such a special day for two wonderful people!
They made it comfortable and fun for everyone involved. Their wedding included hayrides, cupcakes, cornhole, volleyball, dancing, and a lovely fire out on a farm.
And before the evening was over, they gave me my very first present from a Bride & Groom. It was a lovely red glass necklace and a bookmark. It was so thoughtful. Thank you so much for allowing me to a be a part of your day! You are both such wonderful people!

#5 on the HOT List

Thanks to my wonderful clients, Platinum Photography is now #5 on Fox's Hot List! We're moving on up. So if you haven't voted yet, please go to http://myfoxcleveland.cityvoter.com/platinum-photography/biz/85545 or click on the link to the left and vote for Platinum Photography! It will take you a few moments because you have to enter a screen name and password. But it would be very appreciated!!

Ad for Rainbow Babies Event

Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital is having a charity event on October 3rd to raise money. This is the ad I am placing in their booklet. They do a lot of amazing work so if you are ever in need of a charity to donate money to please consider them!

Joe & Allison in Lakewood.....

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We started out shooting at the Detroit Movie Theatre thanks to the young woman at the popcorn stand. Then moved onto the tracks across many streets through Lakewood. Joe & Allison were about having fun and I think we definitely accomplished that. Stay tuned for their Wedding in October!

Rob & Tessa On The Farm...August 30, 2008

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Rob & Tessa are family. So how could I resist photographing their Farm Wedding? It was such a beautiful day. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and everyone was in a glorious mood. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Pat & Emily @ Voinovich Park

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With the wind blowing in our hair, we had a great time getting to know one another at Pat & Emily's Engagement Session. I can't wait to photograph their Wedding next year!

Rob & Erin in the Year After

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Rob & Erin volunteered for a model photoshoot the year after their Wedding. We went out to Newbury Ohio to a Farm complete with a barn, farmhouse, and pond. It was a wonderful experience. The fabulous Cat McKinley helped out and we created some really beautiful images. Thanks for volunteering Rob & Erin!

Mandee & Mark...August 16, 2008

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Mark & Mandee's Wedding was such a blast. The Ceremony was absolutely beautiful. We took lots of photos in between the Ceremony and Reception first in the church and then moving onto the Lagoon over around University Circle. Their Wedding party was not only very entertaining but such a blast to be around. And when it came time for the Reception, we definitely had an invitation to a P-A-R-T-Y!

One of my favorite parts of the day was the Motorcycle photos I talked Mark into before the Ceremony and the Sword Detail at the Wedding and Reception. I had no idea they actually smack the Bride in the butt with their Sword! I guess Mandee's part of the Marine family now! Thank you so much for having us be a part of your Day! We had such a great time!

Ron & Jen Minne'....August 15, 2008

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Ron & Jen are such an easy going couple. From the moment I met them I knew I wanted to photograph their Wedding. You could see in their eyes how into each other they are! And how much fun they have together.

And these feelings were very prominent all throughout their Wedding Day! There were lots of smiles and little looks stolen all throughout the night. Laughter was included in the getting ready photos, the ceremony, and the reception. And to make their day even better, they both have great families. I became instant friends with both Moms. And I hope we can all remain in touch. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your day!

The Day After.......

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Cat & I stayed behind the next day to photograph Kelly & Andrew the day after their Wedding! We had a great time! These photos are all photos I took. Maybe Cat will do a sneak preview of hers!

The 100th Entry Contest!

Congratulations to Amy Wish & Andrew Trotch for being the 100th Entry in our 100th Entry Contest! Their Wedding will be held in December of 2009.

If you are interested in booking Platinum Photography, please email your name, wedding date, and phone number to weddings@PlatinumPhotographyOhio.com. Every 10th Entry receives 10% off their Package!

Also, if you book before September 15, 2008, you will receive 2 Free 5x5 Parent Albums with photos of your choice!

Andrew & Kelly McVeagh.....August 9, 2008

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Andrew & Kelly held their Wedding at Landoll's Mohican Castle. We couldn't have asked for a better location. Not only were they sweethearts but their families are some of the nicest people you have ever met.

We started out the day in Landoll's Beautiful suite photographing Getting Ready Photos. Then moved down to the ceremony location with the Castle looming in the background complete with a Piper and a Horsedrawn Carriage.

We finished out the day at a Reception complete with Scottish symbolism and good friends. I was lucky enough to have the Amazing Cat McKinley shooting with me throughout the day. Some of the above photographs are thanks to her.

Stay tuned for Kelly & Andrew's "Day After" Session.

Free Package Contest & Monthly Special!

Updates!

The 100 Entry Contest is almost to an end! I should have the winner in the next week or so depending on how many entries come in! The Winner will receive Package #1 FREE! Which includes 6 hours of coverage, two photographers, unlimited locations, a DVD w/print release, and an online gallery for ordering! Email the Groom's Name, the Bride's Name, Phone number, and Wedding Date to weddings@PlatinumPhotographyOhio.com with Package #1 in the Subject Line. Only one entry per couple. No one else may enter for you. Wedding must be held in the Cleveland/Akron/Youngstown Area. Clients of Platinum Photography may not enter. No other offers can be combined with the Free Package.

If you book and put down a deposit by August 31, 2008, you will receive 2-Free 11x11Canvas Prints of your Choosing plus a Free Engagement Session!

Any couples looking for a Destination Photographer (anywhere in the US but Ohio) will receive a Free 40 Page Album as well as a huge break in price for any traveling fees!

Ethan & Pam: August 8, 2008

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I had the pleasure of photographing Ethan & Pam's Wedding. You couldn't meet two nicer people! They made sure we had refreshments and food in the evening. We even sat with them for dinner and had such enjoyable conversation.

They had a gorgeous ceremony at St. Pats in Ohio City. Which ended with them being surprised by a piper. Pam cried with surprise and joy!

Unfortunately, someone left the lights on in the car, so Pam & Ethan's friends pushed them down Bridge until they could POP the clutch. It made for some fun photos!

And my favorite part of the day was taking photos at the Franklin Castle in Ohio City. The owner, Charles, is a friend of Pams. I don't think either of them understood HOW EXCITED I WAS about going INSIDE the Castle. We used to live right around the corner and I would spend some of my Saturdays walking around the gate that surrounds the castle and photographing what I could see. I used quite a few of those photos in my college projects. And I am thrilled and infatuated with the stories that surround the castle. Anyone up for a good ghost story?

We ended the day at the Nicholson House which is a beautiful yellow house on Detroit in Lakewood. A Taste of Excellence catered the party with a really cool potato bar among many other things! The event wouldn't have been complete without a JUG Band. Awesome! Thanks for a wonderful time!

Mike & Amanda's Engagement....

What an adventure! I ended up on the wrong side of Mill Creek Park in Youngstown. Asked a police officer for directions. Instead he gave me a police escort to Mike & Amanda's location. We had about a half hour before it started raining. We had a good time though and I can't wait to photograph Mike & Amanda's Wedding!

Presenting Mr & Mrs. Edgell....July 18, 2008

I love photographing Weddings that are referrals from other Brides! Noelle was a Bridesmaid from a Wedding I had last year with Alexis & Mark! So I was definitely looking forward to photographing the Wedding.

The Wedding took place on a landing in the front lobby of a hotel in Akron. I have never been able to be above the ceremony which was a really cool perspective. The Reception included 300 people in 2 large rooms. And let me tell you, they partied the night away with a really amazing band called SUMRADA.

Earlier in the day, someone set off the fire alarm in the hotel so the wonderful firefighters in the area let us take some photos by their engine! Totally cool.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day! I enjoyed myself so much and am looking forward to taking horseback riding lessons with you Noelle!

Lynne & Jason's Cooking Hot Engagement.....

Lynne came up with a very original Engagement Plan. She wanted me to photograph her and Jason cooking together. What a great idea!! I had an awesome time cooking and strolling along Lake Erie with Lynne & Jason. And.....they sent home some great chicken and veggies..YUMMY!

Gianna & Michael's Engagement.....

As soon as I met Gianna, I knew I wanted to photograph her and Michael's Wedding. We had an immediate rapport. I love photographing couples who are totally in love and you can see it in their faces. This was my experience with Gianna and Michael!

Part 2: Brian & Danyel @ Stan Hywet

Finally! Due to some rain, sickness, and a scheduled event, we rescheduled a few times for Part 2 of their Engagement. I'm so happy we were able to meet and finish their Engagement Session. I can't wait for the Wedding!

Susan & Curt: July 12, 2008

Susan & Curt's love was apparent all day long. It was in the way they looked at each other, the way they held each other, and the smiles on their faces all day long! I was honored to be a part of your day! Thank you!

The ceremony was held at St. Rita's Church and was absolutely beautiful. The Reception was held at the ever popular Bertram Inn. The wonderful Brenda was of course running around getting things ready. And Susan & Curt had a wonderful wedding Coordinator by the name of Katie who did an amazing job!

Ian & Tiffany; July 11, 2008

What a great time! Tiffany and Ian invited me to photograph their Wedding held on the Majestic Yacht complete with Poker Tables and Dance Floor. It was a temptation all night long to stay away from the Texas Hold'em Table!

This fun couple had the time of their lives dancing the rest of the evening away after having a lovely dinner prepared by the Majestic Crew. Their Wedding was officiated by the Captain of the Majestic. How cool is that?

NOTE: Terry has been sick the past 4 days and is just now getting back to editing. So any Weddings after July 11, 2008 should be coming up this week or next! Thanks for your patience.

My Adventure with Beth & Kevin!

What a fun couple! We started out at the Little Met Golf Course for some fun action shots. Then we moved to downtown at Jacob's Field (Progressive? Come on!) We ended with a nice romantic stroll along the beach at Edgewater. Kevin was a little shy at first with the camera, but by the end of the shoot he was a natural. And Beth turned on her great charisma throughout the entire experience. Thanks for a fun day!

Doesn't Kevin look so handsome wearing the white shirt with the strips!?

Cory & Monica Wed @ The Clifton Club

What a classy Wedding! Monica and Cory were both adorable throughout the day. We thought for sure the Groom would be crying during the ceremony but he reserved it for the special toast he made which of course brought me to tears behind my camera. Monica and Cory seemed to have such a wonderful time together throughout the evening. Everytime I saw Cory he was laughing except for dancing. Dancing was serious business at this Reception. The DJ Ray Show provided the music including the chicken dance which the Groom had never done. And what can I say? But that Monica was radiant all through the evening and got down on the dance floor!

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day! You are such a brilliant and wonderful couple!

Cory & Monica's Lakewood Rehearsal Dinner...

I had such a great time getting to know Monica & Cory's family this past July 4, 2008. They have such an amazing family and lovely friends. I couldn't wait to photograph their Wedding on the 5th! I will be posting the Wedding over the Weekend.

Carmen & Cleavon; June 28, 2008

I met Carmen and Cleavon over a year ago. And I immediately liked them and the relationship they have. I photographed their Engagement Session here in Cleveland and noticed how much in love they are. I absolutely couldn't wait to photograph their Wedding. Their style and their love was apparent throughout the entire day!

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Ron & Jen's Engagement @ Stan Hywet

Recently I spent most of a day at Stan Hywet photographing a few engagement sessions. One of those sessions was with Ron & Jen. Jen is incredibly beautiful and Ron is devilishly handsome guy, but the best part of the day was seeing their love for each other! Wow! I can't wait to photograph your Wedding!

If you click on Martha's link later this evening, you can see her engagement session at Stan Hywet!

Jaime & Eli; June 14, 2008

What can I say about Jaime and Eli? It was such a pleasure and an honor to be with them on their special day! I immediately had a wonderful bond with Jaime and was so thrilled and excited to meet Eli. The whole day was such a joy. They were wonderful. Their friends and family were wonderful.

I had such a blast doing the park photos. However, my favorite photo of the day is the dancing photo (B&W) with the turntable in front! There were so many amazing opportunities for photos! Thank you so much for making me part of your day!!!

Best Dressed June 14, 2008!

This does of course exclude the Bride & Groom! The Best Dressed always seems to include the Best Dancers!

Danyel & Brian's Engagement @ Mapleside Farms

Danyel & Brian's Engagement was so fun. Brian has such a fun nature. And Danyel is such a sweetheart. We had a really great time getting to know each other again since we haven't spoken since Danyel booked me. We are actually going to do a Part 2 at Stan Hywet sometime in July so stay tuned for that! I can't wait to shoot your Wedding!

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Things have been extremely busy for Platinum Photography.

Meredith & Larry's Wedding; May 31, 2008

What a day! We started out at Pundersen out in Newbury, Ohio with Meredith and Larry getting ready for their day! As the sky became darker, we all jumped in our cars and headed to Fowler's Mill Golf Course. Unfortunately there was a delay of Wedding. But being the troopers that Larry & Meredith are, they were still married on the Green as soon as the rain was over. And what a beautiful ceremony it was!!

Larry & Meredith are such a great couple and their friends and family are all wonderful as well. We had a wonderful time taking fun candid photos at the reception. We even started a new blog series called the "Best Dressed" which you can find below. There are also more photos from this wedding on my Associate Photographer, Martha's Blog. The link is the left of this post!

Best Dressed from May 31, 2008

So, I've decided to post a new Series called "Best Dressed" for each Wedding just for fun! So feel free to leave comments below. And this of course does not include the Bride & Groom because they are the "Best Dressed"!

Jaime & Eli's Engagement!

Jaime & Eli are getting married one week from today! I am so psyched to be photographing their Wedding. We had such a great time during our engagement session. We started out talking at Tommy's on Coventry. Then we moved to the park on Coventry to do some fun photographs. Jaime is infatuated with St. Ann's on Coventry and Cedar so we stopped there and did some beautiful romantic photos! Then we moved onto Lake Erie down Martin Luther King Blvd. I can't wait for them to see the photos!

Come & See My Show Tonight!

For all of you Brides out there, the show is called Fear, Death, & Fascination! One of my fascinations is Wedding Photography so there will be a slideshow of my work playing! So come out and say HI! All of the info is on the photo above!

Christy & Jake Rutkowski; Part 2!

Every Bride & Groom has a story! I absolutely loved Jake & Christy's Engagement Story. There is more to story but I'm giving the condensed version..LOL. Christy & Jake were playing Texas Hold'em. I believe they were seperated at one point but eventually ended up back at the same table. After waiting quite awhile, (we all know time is of the essence in Texas Hold'em with "going all in") Christy finally bet on a hand, when the betting came to Jake, he slid an engagement ring onto the table and asked Christy to go "ALL IN" with him? The story still gives me chills!

Christy & Jake are such a fun couple! We had a great time getting to know and photograph everyone throughout the day. And Jake's daughter is such a beautiful little girl so we have TONS of photos of her. And his son is so handsome so we had to include some of those!

We had many fun adventures and a couple experiences I will never forget thanks to a certain Groomsman! You know who you are! And as a bonus, one of Christy's Bridesmaids, Monica, is one of my future Weddings so it was really great to see her and Cory!

Thank you so much for such a Wonderful Adventure with such a Great Couple!

Christy & Jake; Part One!

I'm PUBLISHED!!

Sandy Mitchell, the author, of Little Italy asked me to photograph 10 current locations in Little Italy which are included in the book. So check it out if you can. I will also have some copies this week at my show on Thursday Night!!

May 17, 2008-Janette & Jared

Janette & Jared are such a great couple! They had some wonderful ideas about their Ceremony & Reception. I loved that Jared walked his Mom & Dad down the aisle instead of walking out with the Officiant. I also loved when they gave communion to their parents. How beautiful!

Their Reception was held in the B&O Train Depot in Mount Vernon. Their Cake was done by Jan's Culinary Delights. You could tell whenever they looked at one another, how much in love they are! Congratulations Janette & Jared. I hope you have an amazing time in England!

My Upcoming Art Show!!

If you can come out and support me for my latest show, that would be awesome!

Melanie & Greg's Engagement....

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I played Assistant to my Associate Photographer, Martha, this past Sunday. We made our way over to Baldwin Wallace to photograph Melanie & Greg for their Engagement. We had such a fun time over in Berea. The Campus was beautiful. Greg brought his toy car and his soccer ball. And Melanie was just happy being at BW. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Martha is available with a 50% off discount of regular prices!

Wedding in Niles, Ohio!

So..this past weekend, I went to my hometown of Niles, Ohio to photograph a Wedding for my best friend from High School's sister-in-law. Travis & Tricia are such a great couple. You can see the love in their eyes. They have such a beautiful family and I was so honored to be a part of their day. There were definitely some fun moments. Little kids dressed up as chickens, cake smashed in the face, a caucasion Michael Jackson with a MiniMe, policewomen, indians, bikers, construction workers, Ohio State & Hang On Sloopy and much much more! They were married at the Victorian Ballroom in Niles, Ohio.

Another fun fact is that I was actually in the Best Man and the Matron of Honor's wedding ten years ago. So there were a lot of familiar faces and wonderful renewed connections! Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your Day!!

Cleveland Heights Maternity Session

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What a beautiful family! We were working towards a maternity session but Lola, their first child is so beautiful she just kind of steals the show. I just can't seem to tear my camera away from such a gorgeous little girl. However, we did get to the maternity photos. We had some homeade waffles along the way which were absolutely delicious, thank you Dom! And of course Christie is such an amazingly gorgeous pregnant woman! I had such a great time. Thanks for sharing your family with me!

Rainy Day Engagement....

I spent the rest of my Rainforest Day with Mandee & Mark who are such a great couple. You can tell just by the way they look at each other how in love they are. I can't wait to see what kinds of photos we come up with on their Wedding Day.

Jessica & Nathan's Engagement...

It was such an amazing experience to work with Nathan and Jessica! We met almost a year ago, so it was wonderful to get to know them again! We had such a wonderful time at the Cleveland Zoo. We started in the Rainforest and ended up at the Aquarium. I noticed during the shoot that Jessica has the deepest blue eyes I have ever seen. Wow! They were gorgeous in all of the photos. I can't wait to photograph your Wedding!

New Ad in Today's Bride Magazine....

This is my new ad which is being placed in Today's Bride Magazine! I would love to know what you think! Post comments by clicking on comment below.

Ohio State Engagement.....

I had the pleasure of spending this past Saturday in Columbus at Ohio State University & a Wine Bar with Meredith & Larry. We were a little worried about the weather, however, it never interfered with our Photoshoot! Meredith and Larry were such sweethearts. And Larry was such a gentleman. I am photographing Meredith & Larry's Wedding this May so stay tuned for more with this Columbus Couple!

Some of the Best Photos of 2006 & 2007!

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Scroll down for more of Platinum Photography's Work!!

Associate Photographer- Martha's Portfolio

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This is a Portfolio for my Associate Photographer, Martha. She has been my Assistant for the past 2 years. This year, 2008, she is shooting her own Weddings at a discounted Rate. If you are interested in Martha's work or her Pricing, shoot me an email!

More 2007 Favorites!!

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So my engagement session did not happen this past weekend due to the Blizzard which hit Cleveland on Saturday. We postponed for a later date this month and I'm so glad we ended up post-poning due to the fact it took me two days to dig out of my driveway. Sheesh!

Anyway, I have decided on my new logo which I will post soon. And I have been going through all of my past Weddings to choose my favorites for my New Website also coming soon. I'm so excited.

If anyone is looking for maternity or family photos, please let me know. I'm offering discounted rates at the moment so I can have new photos for the website!!

Favorites from 2007!

More Textures...Tell Me what YOU think!

This is a more subtle use of textures than below. Please feel free to comment.

Soon, I will be releasing my BRAND New Logo. Also, I do have some engagement sessions coming up which I will be posting. And lastly, I should have a brand new website and blog up in about three months from now.

I'm so excited about all the wonderful new adventures I'm going on this year. Most recently I booked a Wedding in Loudenville Ohio at a Castle. The Bride & Groom are having a Traditional Scottish Wedding complete with Men in Kilts, bagpipers, and horse drawn carriages. Unfortunately I have to wait until August. However, I am going to have lots of exciting Weddings in May including an old train station in Columbus and Cabins out towards Newbury Ohio. So I'm extremely excited for the Season to begin. It is too bad there are not many Weddings during the winter months in Ohio. They can be some of the most beautiful!

I do have an engagement session coming up on Sunday and not too far in the future, I'm headed to the OSU Campus to shoot an engagment Session. So definitely check back soon!

Are Textures for You?

I have been working on an album lately for Erin & Rob Wilson! During this process I started shooting different textures of rocks outside and layering them into some of the photographs! I posted a before and after photo above. I would love to know what people think, so feel free to post comments.

A Few Favorites......

My Assistant Photographer, Martha and I went out this past Sunday Morning on an Engagement shoot in Tremont, Ohio. Our Bride & Groom, Jasmine & Gino, are in love with art so we decided to shoot in the Ohio Center of the Art Movement. We had a blast. Martha will be photographing their Wedding and we both photographed the Engagement Photos.

Luckily, Dana from Asterisk Gallery was in on a Sunday Morning at 10AM so he allowed us to shoot for a little while in the Gallery which created some amazing photographs! We also did some photographs in front of Doubting Thomas and the wonderful sandwich shop La Bodega!

Martha is extremely excited to photograph Jasmine & Gino's Wedding! More photos from our session are in a slideshow below this post!

Gino & Jasmine in Tremont Ohio....

SugarCreek Ohio Wedding....

What an adorable couple! I photographed their Engagement Photos on a Cow Farm in SugarCreek which was tons of fun. So I headed back to SugarCreek with my assistant Martha to photograph the Wedding! Lynsi & Jared had tons of fun ideas for their Wedding. They actually had a small movie during their Wedding ceremony with photos they've taken along the way, my engagement photos, and friends & families voices telling stories about them. It was really cool.

They had beautiful candles along the walkway between the church and reception. Also, friends & family held sparklers while they walked to the reception along the path. It was absolutely beautiful.

It was of course dark and really cold, but Lynsi being a trooper let me drag her around for some photos outside before we went in the warmth of the reception!

The reception itself was a blast. The AMAZING Rich from Academy DJs made the event flow. His professionalism and talent not to mention his sexy English accent were an amazing addition to the reception! Everyone had a great time on the dance floor. Jared & Lynsi had some great moments!