Kaila and Michael… where do I begin? They are super funny, kind-hearted, animal fanatic, laid-back, open-minded, down-to-earth, no B.S. and UNBELIEVABLY perfect for one another! It’s impossible NOT to get along with these guys!!
Like many of our couples, Kaila and Michael were originally from Ohio but had relocated to North Carolina so Kaila could follow her dreams. Since they live out of town, all of our meetings had been on the phone prior to their engagement session; HOWEVER… I knew from the moment that we first met we were all going to have an amazing time on their wedding day. And we certainly DID!!!!
Not only are Kaila and Michael a total riot to be around but so were their friends and families. I’ve never felt so comfortable and welcomed into an ENTIRE group of people as I did with these guys. The whole day was spent laughing and poking fun at one another. No one was spared and everyone had a great time even if they were the proverbial butt of the joke for the moment! I honestly think that you get a very strong sense of love and laughter in their photos because that’s how it was TRULY happening!!!
For Kaila and Michael, having their wedding at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo made total sense since they both absolutely LOVE animals. We were even fortunate enough to get a couple of “long distance” photos with one of the resident elephants later in the evening. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone speak in baby-talk to a gigantic elephant before and this time I heard TWO people doing it. Although mostly just funny, this moment showed me of the genuine sweetness that these two possess in their hearts.
And can I just say that Stillwater Place looked amazing! From the gorgeous floral designs that Michael’s mother Kathleen created that adorned both the ceremony altar and the entire reception hall to the adorable mini cake and cupcakes from The Cute Little Cake Shop, each detail was perfectly tailored to this couple. But the two things that really topped it all off for me on a personal level was when the new bride and groom entered their reception for the first time to the song “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by the Darkness and then surprised everyone with a very well coordinated, ballroom-style first dance. Why are these two facts so special to me you ask? Well, this was the same song that my husband Paul and I used for our grand entrance almost 13 years ago –AND- I taught ballroom dance many, many years ago. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it just goes to show that great minds really DO think alike! 🙂
Kaila and Michael, I would just like to thank you for being so wonderful and easy to work with. You are so blessed to have an amazing group of friends and family members that adore you and I want to wish you all the love and luck in your future together. I hope that you enjoy these favorites that I’ve selected as much as I enjoyed photographing them!
The Wedding Day Team:
Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Stillwater Place at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo @clemetzoo
Floral Designer: Kathleen Popovic
Cake Artist: Cute Little Cake Shop @CuteLittleCakes
Entertainment: A Bride’s DJ @aBridesDJ
Hair and Makeup Artists: Oscar Geovanni Salon @OscarGiovanniOH
Bride’s Attire: La Blanca Boutique; Stella York
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal @davidsbridal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse @menswearhouse
