From the very first moment to the final dance, Emily and Joe’s St Clair Ballroom wedding was the kind of day that makes you fall in love with weddings all over again. Packed full of personal details, generational love, and joyful tradition, their celebration was both deeply emotional and incredibly fun; exactly the kind of story we love to tell. 

A Joyful Start to a Classy and Playful St Clair Ballroom Wedding

Emily looked radiant in cat-eye sunglasses and held up a custom “Best Day Ever” Chicago Tribune newspaper, the perfect blend of classic city vibes and playful charm. These little touches made the morning so full of personality and set the tone for the heartfelt day ahead.

Quiet Moments Before the Ceremony

One of the most emotional moments of the day came when Emily stepped into her wedding gown. With both her mom and Joe’s mom by her side, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was a sacred, quiet pause before the day truly began, and we were so honored to document it. 

Emily’s first look with her dad was another unforgettable moment. Then, she visited with her grandparents while joined by their cousins. Her grandma gifted her a delicate purple glass rose, which Emily tucked into her bouquet, a sentimental touch that carried her legacy down the aisle with her.

And, of course, we can’t share about quiet moments before the ceremony without telling you about Emily and Joe’s choice to read private vows to one another without actually seeing each other. They stood back to back around the corner of a wall, held hands, exchanged words, and held back tears. It was intimate, emotional, and deeply moving. A beautiful way to ground the day in their love before stepping into the spotlight. 

Reception Magic

With the bridal party being in classic black, the ceremony felt timeless and chic. But the reception itself was a full-on celebration. A live band kept the dance floor alive, and champagne flowed through a stunning tower. Truly, we don’t think we’ve ever experienced such a classy and playful wedding before.

Intentional as always, Emily and Joe made sure to steal a private moment together to soak it all in. Just before guests arrived, they shared a first look at their full set reception space hand in hand, beaming with pride and joy. It was one of those rare pauses in a fast-moving day that we know they’ll remember forever. 

They also had a private dance in the empty room, another of our favorite moments of the day, just the two of them, music echoing throughout the room, soaking in those first few minutes of forever. It was romantic, grounding, and the perfect way to close a day filled with emotion and beauty. 

A Day to Remember

From jumping on the bed to the purple rose from Grandma, every piece of Emily and Joe’s classy and playful wedding was intentional and unforgettable.. It was a celebration of not just two people, but of family, tradition, and love that spans generations. 

Emily and Joe, thank you for inviting us into your day. Capturing your joy, your tears, and your timeless style was a true honor. 

We’re Courtney and Robert, and we’d love to help you create a timeless masterpiece as well.

Here at the Cannons Photography, we’re where kind hearts and honest moments never go out of style. We serve Cleveland, Columbus,  Cincinnati, Chicago, and Detroit, and beyond. We would be absolutely thrilled and honored to capture your wedding day’s special moments – you can learn more about our Wedding Photography Experience here.

VENDORS:

VENUE: @stclairballroom

RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: @thegrandeventband, @citylightsentertainment__

FLORALS: @nppdesigns

VIDEOGRAPHY: @redrosecinema

TRANSPORTATION: @platinumpartybus

BEAUTY: @lindsaylondonbeautycle

RENTALS: @eventsourcerental, @hellovidabooth