Mike and Kelly know how to throw one heck of a party!  They wanted the full Cleveland experience, and pulled it off smashingly.  Portraits in the Palace Theater at Playhouse Square, followed by a heartfelt ceremony and the Cleveland foodie experience at Fahrenheit in Tremont.  

What was my favorite part of the wedding (other than the Korean BBQ tacos, served from the food truck)?  The intimate, heartfelt ceremony was truly moving.  The candlelit ceremony was so emotional, it was a privilege to be there as a wedding photographer.  

Thanks to Mike and Kelly for making Black Dog Photo Co. a part of their special day.  I sincerely hope they enjoy their wedding photographs as much as we enjoyed creating them!

Ryan

I ran across this article at realsimple.com and couldn't resist sharing.  Being happy can be a simple choice.  What does this have to do with being an Akron Wedding Photographer?  Nothing.  Just go out and be happy this weekend!

Ryan

PS  I posted a few photos that make me feel happy.  Share what makes you happy on our Facebook page.
1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better... 

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also...

7. Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. Do good, feel good―it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

Cancer sucks. We have all been touched in one way or another by this disease. Since 1993, nearly 8 million walkers have raised more than $450 million to help fight breast cancer through the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I absolutely love taking photographs at this event. It's loaded with powerful emotion, and it's fun to be able to use my profession to give back.

This year I decided to have some fun and created a fusion video of the walkers. The video contains photos and video set to music by Amanda Joy Hall. I'm pretty excited about the finished product, and couldn't wait to share it with you! Check out the video, and some photos from the event below.

Want to know more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? Hit the link.

Like Amanda Joy's music?  There's more on her website:  www.amandajoyhall.com


Ryan

PS    Black Dog Photo Co. creates fusion video as a part of our wedding photography coverage, and during play date family portrait sessions.  Want a video like this of your family or event?  Drop me a line here.

PPS  I'm pretty pumped about the upcoming Brown's season (As evidenced by the photo of Usama young and I...). What did you think of their draft picks? Let me know on the Black Dog Photo Co. Facebook page!

Looking for an Akron Wedding Photographer? Sending Save the Date Cards to your wedding guests? If so, this is the deal for you. Book Black Dog Photo Co. as your wedding photographer by June 1st and receive free Save the Date Cards for all your guests! Here's all the details on our info.friends.events page.  

Dates are still available this summer and fall, but they are filling up fast.  Give me a shout out here for more info about working with Black Dog Photo Co. as your Wedding Photographer.

Ryan

PS     I'm so excited for the wedding season and all the new ideas I have for photography. The anticipation is my favorite part of being an Akron Wedding Photographer. What's your favorite part of your job? Share it on the Black Dog Photo Co. Facebook page.

Andy (biker guy) is my son Tommy's (big wheel guy) godfather. He got Tommy the big wheel for his birthday, and we have been planning to grab a pic of the two of them together for a long time. Schedules and weather finally worked out and we met up in Cuyahoga Falls for the photo. I love the way the photo turned out, and just had to share it with you guys.

Ryan

PS     Got an idea to challenge your Akron Photographer? Bounce it off of me and we will get it done!

PPS   I wouldn't mess with either of these dudes, it looks like they both missed their naps.

It's here.  Wedding season has arrived in Northeast Ohio.  Couples are finishing up last minute planning and getting ready for the big day.  Have you left the wedding favors until the last minute?  It's OK, here's a couple of ideas!

When planning a wedding, don't overlook the importance of wedding favors. Wedding favors serve as a “thank you” to your guests, but can also become part of the fun of the wedding reception.

Traditions are changing and it's no longer necessarily the bride's parents who foot the bill for the wedding ceremony and reception. Couples, now more than ever, are paying for their own weddings and may be working with strict budgets. Couples looking to stretch their wedding dollars should opt for wedding favors that also serve a practical purpose. Place card holders favors are one example of this. Coordinate seating arrangements and leave a special keepsake for the wedding guests with this dual-purpose wedding favor.

Other dual-purpose wedding favor ideas include:

• Candle wedding favors. Decorate the tables with personalized candles that can be taken home by the guests after the wedding.
• Wine wedding favors. Pop the cork on this idea and leave the guests salivating for more. Order personalized wine bottles for each guest. Supply the wine glasses and leave a wine cork on every table.
• Weddingbubbles! Leave bottles of personalized wedding bubbles at every table and encourage guests to play. This kind of wedding favor adds to the wedding reception ambiance and encourages fun and laughter.
• Personalized placemats and/or coasters help protect the table from food and drink, and the guests can bring them home after.

There are many ways to turn wedding favors into dual-purpose gifts. Use your imagination! Your wallet will thank you. 


-Ryan