Lindsay & Jonathan's Catawba Island Club Wedding
There is something about photographing a wedding on the water in early fall that I love. Lindsay and Jonathan's wedding at Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton, Ohio was the perfect transition into the season, with deep burgundy, green, and soft pink tones set against the lake and the beautiful surroundings of the club.
Catawba Island Club felt especially meaningful for Lindsay and her family. They live nearby and have spent a lot of time there over the years, so bringing their closest friends and family together in a place that already held so many memories made the day feel even more personal. I loved that the setting gave the wedding that classic yacht club and private club feel while still allowing everyone to enjoy being right on Lake Erie.
The day started with an overcast sky, but just as Lindsay and Jonathan's outdoor ceremony began, the sun came through. They exchanged vows overlooking the water, with the lake stretching out behind them. One of my favorite moments from the ceremony was seeing their dog, Charlie, come down the aisle with the rings. It was such a fun and personal addition to the day.
One of the moments that meant the most to me was photographing Lindsay's first look with her dad. Their relationship is so clearly full of love, but also so playful, and that continued throughout the day with their father daughter dance and all of the little moments between them.
After the ceremony, we spent time taking portraits along the water before heading into the reception tent. Lindsay and Jonathan had been together for nearly ten years, and more than anything, they wanted their wedding to feel like one big celebration with the people they love. They absolutely accomplished that. The dance floor was full for hours, and Lindsay was out there dancing nearly the entire night.
My favorite photograph from the reception is one of Lindsay, her mom, dad, brother, and Jonathan all dancing together to Livin' on a Prayer. To me, that photograph says so much about their wedding. It feels like a glimpse into the kind of family they have built together, where Jonathan fits right in and joins the family jam session without hesitation. Everyone is completely themselves, everyone is together, and there is so much love and joy in that one moment.
I loved photographing this Catawba Island Club wedding because it had everything I enjoy about photographing weddings in Northeast Ohio: beautiful surroundings, a meaningful connection to the place, thoughtful color, and most importantly, a couple who wanted to be fully present with the people they brought together.
