Jenna McCarty Photography Blog

Carly and Sean Lyon’s Wedding at Orchard Hills Center

July 1, 2020 by jennamccarty

Carly and Sean were married on June 20, 2020 at the Orchard Hills Center in Chesterland, Ohio. They were originally supposed to get married in October of this year in California but life had other plans for them and we were beyond honored to be a part of their day.

Before I tell you about their wedding day, let’s look at how these two met and how Sean proposed. Carly’s college roommate was dating Sean’s coworker at the firehouse and they suggested that Carly and Sean go out, so she added him on facebook and he messaged her the same night. Then, they went out on their first date at The Melting Pot in Legacy Village.

How did he propose? During a friends trip to NYC in December 2019, Sean asked Carly to marry him in Central Park. They followed up their proposal with a carriage ride through the park.

Now when I say that 2020 has been a year to remember, I also mean that no one knows what is going to happen this year. When Carly had contacted me about their wedding day, she told me why they moved their wedding back to Ohio in June. Sean’s sister Rebekah was sick and they knew that she could not travel to California to be in their wedding. Then, the day before their wedding Carly texted me to let me know that there was a chance that Rebekah would pass away either that day or on their wedding day. When, I say that no one knows what to expect this year, I truly mean it. My heart was so broken for them and their families. Rebekah passed away that Friday, the day before their wedding. As you read this, please keep these two and their families in your prayers.

On June 20, 2020, Carly and Sean were married at the Orchard Hills Center. Carly and Sean started off their days by hanging out with their bridal parties and families. Here are a few of my favorites from before their ceremony:

Then, came the ceremony. Their ceremony location was a beautiful spot overlooking a valley. Here are some photos of their ceremony:

After their ceremony, it was time for family photos, bridal party photos, and then a few photos of the two of them.

As it was a really hot day, we agreed to come back out during the reception to get more photos once it cooled down a little. Next, came their reception. It was a reception filled with lots of dancing, and beautiful toasts, including a toast by the groom to his sister, which made everyone cry (even Andrew who never cries). Here are my favorites from the reception:

We wish Carly and Sean a lifetime of love and happiness!
Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Lyons!

If you’re new to our blog, let me introduce myself. My name is Jenna McCarty of Jenna McCarty Photography. I work alongside my wonderful husband, Andrew McCarty, to capture weddings all over Ohio and Pennsylvania. We love weddings and believe in the beauty of marriage. We enjoy getting to know our couples, their families, and their friends. If you would like more information about our wedding photography services, please contact us.

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Sarah and Alex Fitzgerald’s Wedding in Warren, Ohio

June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 by jennamccarty

On June 13th, 2020, Sarah and Alex were married in front of their families and friends. It was actually our first full wedding since February due to COVID-19 but I have to say it was an amazing way to start wedding season again.

Sarah and Alex first met in Chemistry class during their sophomore year of high school. They were lab partners and became really good friends. We could say they had really good “chemistry” (sorry no more puns I promise…). However, they did not start dating until their senior year in 2013 and they have been together ever since.

Before we discuss their wedding day, let’s look back at the day that led to their wedding day. Alex came up to visit Sarah in Cleveland while she was in nursing school. It was a beautiful spring day and he said he wanted to do something new so he took her to the Botanical Gardens in Cleveland. They walked around for a bit and then went to the butterfly room. He kept looking around very intently and Sarah was quite shocked that he was so interested in the butterflies. So they went up onto the canopy ledge where he asked her to turn around. When she saw that he was on the ground, she originally thought he had fallen, but then she saw him down on one knee and it was perfect. There was no-one else around and there was sunshine coming in a butterflies flying around.

Now onto their wedding day.

Sarah started off her day by getting ready with her bridesmaids and mother. Her hair was styled by Nicolette Wilden. Then, both of the wedding parties arrived at the church to finish getting dressed before their ceremony. Here are a few photos from their getting ready:

Their service was conducted by their pastor at Central Christin Church in Warren, Ohio. Alex definitely shed a tear or two seeing Sarah come down the aisle and we all giggled as the flower girl came hopping down the aisle. Their ceremony included their own vows. Here are a few moments from their ceremony:

After their ceremony and their bell exit out of the church, we took family photos in the church followed by going to The Women’s Park in Warren, Ohio for bridal party photos and of course, photos of the two of them. Here are a few of our favorites:

Originally, their reception was supposed to be at Mr. Anthony’s, however, due to COVID-19 changing their plans, they were blessed that Leo’s Ristorante in Warren, Ohio was open for their day. From entrances, to toasts including song and dance, to cake-cutting, to full party dancing, it was so wonderful to experience a wedding day again, especially with a lovely couple and their amazing wedding party and families. You truly never realize how much you miss the little things until they are gone for awhile. Here’s a sneak peek of their reception:

We wish Sarah and Alex a wonderful and blessed life together. Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald!

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Tori and Josh Herington are married!

June 11, 2020 by jennamccarty

Covid-19 may have postponed their church ceremony and their big reception, but it did not postpone their desire to be husband and wife.

Tori and Josh were married in a small ceremony in their backyard with their family and close friends on their original wedding date June 6th, 2020.

They both got ready at their house and their ceremony was in their backyard surrounded by their friends and families who were socially distanced and wearing masks. They had the best wedding favors: masks and hand sanitizer!

During their ceremony, Josh surprised Tori with a Patriots Super Bowl ring in lieu of his actual wedding band as a joke. They also had the cutest ring bearers or should I say ring puppies.

Here are a few photos from their ceremony:

After their ceremony, we took a few family and bridal party photos and then photos of the newlyweds.

Their second part of their wedding will be next July and we cannot wait to celebrate with them again! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Herington!

f you’re new to our blog, let me introduce myself. My name is Jenna McCarty of Jenna McCarty Photography. I work alongside my wonderful husband, Andrew McCarty, to capture weddings all over Ohio and Pennsylvania. We love weddings and believe in the beauty of marriage. We enjoy getting to know our couples, their families, and their friends. If you would like more information about our wedding photography services, please contact us.

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Ashley & Brian Kolar’s May Wedding

May 5, 2020 by jennamccarty

As I am writing this blog, I am thinking about all the craziness that 2020 has brought so far, between COVID-19 and now murder hornets… but I am also reflecting on how even through all of this craziness, love still prevails. This past weekend, I had the honor of capturing part 1 of Ashley and Brian’s married life.

When you first get engaged and start planning your wedding, you never imagine that a pandemic can completely change your plans and alter your wedding day. So sacrifices are made and dreams are altered to make room for a brighter tomorrow. Changing your dream wedding day is not an easy decision and my heart has been breaking since March with all the sacrifices that our couples have had to make. However, your love story will still go on.

Ashley and Brian decided to keep their original wedding date and were married this past weekend with just their parents and two members of their bridal party. Dresses were not fitted, tuxedos were not rented, and they only had one floral bouquet but none of that mattered as much as being husband and wife.

They started off their day by walking through the ceremony with their officiant. Due to covid-19, they were unable to have a rehearsal the night before. Ashley got dressed at the church with the help of her mother and maid of honor and then it was time for the ceremony.

Their ceremony took place at St. Stephen’s Church in Niles, Ohio and I have to say it was one of the prettiest Catholic churches that I have been in (outside of Europe). They had a full mass with an altered communion, all while their ceremony was live streamed on Facebook. Here are a few highlights from their ceremony:

After their ceremony, the newlyweds were told to go outside by the groom’s mother. Several of their guests were outside to celebrate with them (from a safe distance of course). Ashley & Brian had no idea that this was going to happen and I only found out about this minutes before the ceremony started. This was such a sweet moment and it definitely made me tear up.

After family portraits in the church, we went to The Avalon Inn, which is where their reception will be this September. We took full advantage of the beautiful weather and the extra time to take their portraits.

This September, we hope to celebrate with them again and to finally party it up with their guests.

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Ashley Kolar!
We cannot wait to celebrate with you again!

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Maryellen and Alex Monico’s Wedding

August 31, 2019 by jennamccarty

Maryellen and Alex were married August 3rd, 2019.

Maryellen and her bridesmaids started off their morning by getting their hair styled and Salon Glow in Mentor, Ohio. Then, they headed to Quail Hollow Resort in Painesville, Ohio to finish getting ready. Here are a few photos from their morning:

After getting ready, we all headed to St. Gabriel’s Church in Mentor, Ohio for their ceremony. Their ceremony was so beautiful and included a guitar player serenaded the crowd. Here is a sneak peek of their ceremony:

Following mass, we took family photos in the church and then headed to St. Denis Golf Course for bridal party photos and photos of the newlyweds. Here are a few of their gorgeous portraits:

Then it was time for their reception. I love all the personal touches that Maryellen and Alex added to their wedding. They had a cupcake bar which all the guests loved! They also brought cornhole so their guests could go outside and play. Their guests tore up the dance floor all night long! Here are a few of my favorite photos from their reception.

We had such a great time celebrating with Maryellen, Alex, their families, and their friends. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

Special thanks to all the amazing vendors:
Ceremony Location: St Gabriels Church
Reception Venue: St Denis Golf Club
DJ: Jesse Webb Entertainment
Flowers: Flowers by Emily
Cake: Crave Custom
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Tiana and Tim’s Downtown Cleveland Engagement Session

August 20, 2019 by jennamccarty

Tiana and Tim could not have chosen better places for their engagement session. It has been a dream of mine to do a session at East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland forever so I was so happy that they wanted to go there too.

They first met in high school at Avon Lake while they were in study hall. (So many of our couples are high school sweethearts which is amazing!) Their first “date” was actually at Giant Eagle in Avon Lake. They were originally going to get ice cream at Dairy Queen but they ended up just sitting in the Giant Eagle parking lot and talking for hours.

So how did he propose?

Tim proposed while they were on vacation in the Philippines for Tiana’s family reunion and vacation. They did a lot of island hopping while there for two weeks. One day, they did a boat tour on Palawan island. On the last stop, they stopped at a beach where Tim proposed to Tiana there with all of her family present.

We cannot wait to celebrate with these two, their families, and their friends next June. Here’s a few more photos from their engagement session:

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Amy and Anthony’s Engagement Session in downtown Warren, Ohio

August 15, 2019 by jennamccarty

I can say this with 100% certainty, Amy and Anthony are the cutest and goofiest couple ever.

Their engagement session was the first time that I met Amy and Anthony as they live in Arizona but it felt like we all have been friends for years.

As they are not from our area, they trusted me with their location. Their only requirement was that we had to go to a baseball field. I immediately knew where we wanted to go: Perkins Park and the areas around it.

But that’s enough about the location… let’s talk about Amy and Anthony. They first met at work and have been together for almost 2.5 years.

So how did he propose? Here is their proposal story told by Amy:

In the moment, it wasn’t planned or expected. Anthony was nervous but couldn’t quit put my finger on why, until he got down on one knee, said the most sweetest things, trying so hard to get the words out but really just stumbling over his words, when he reached for my hand, and with his other hand presented my ring and asked me to marry him. It wasn’t what he said, rather how he looked. So nervous, excited, scared and in love. A moment I keep with me always.

I told you that they are the cutest couple ever!

So what does Anthony love about her?

Her heart. How deeply, irrevocably and undeniably in love she is with me. In her I see my future, my dreams and I can accomplish anything with her love. When I need peace, her arms provide me such, when I need encouragement, her hugs give me motivation. Without her I am nothing.

And what does Amy love about him?

The way he lives. The integrity he has, the way he treats others with respect and kindness even if he is given none. He makes me want to be a better person. But why I fell in love with him is because he made me feel secure and safe for the first time in my entire life and was my strength when I had none, carried me when I could no longer stand, loved me harder when I felt nothing and then brought me back to life. His devotion, loyalty, honesty and love have healed my broken pieces yet he never asks more of me. He deserves the universe, yet settled for little ol’ me and I am forever grateful.

They are getting married September 12th, 2020. We cannot wait to celebrate with them, their families, and their friends. Here’s a few more photos from their engagement session:

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Madeline and Justin Goodwin’s Wedding

August 8, 2019 by jennamccarty

Maddie and Justin were married on July 27, 2019 in Newton Falls, Ohio.

Maddie and her mom started their morning of by getting their hair styled by her maid of honor, Miranda. Then the ladies finished getting ready at the General Assembly Church of God in Newton Falls. Justin also got ready at the church. Here are a few photos from their morning preparations.

Once they were ready, they decided to see each other for the first time on the lawn near the church’s pavilion. After their first look, it was time for portraits with their bridal party. While taking portraits, I noticed the Army tank in front of the American Legion next door to the church. This was fitting, of course, as Justin serves in the armed forces. Here are a few of their portraits.

After their portraits, it was time for their ceremony. Their ceremony was led by the bride’s grandfather and was the first event in the church’s beautiful brand new sanctuary. The bride’s father brought everybody in attendance to tears when giving his daughter away. Their ceremony included a unity candle and a special musical performance by the bride’s uncle and a close family friend. Here are a few photos from the ceremony.

Right after the ceremony, everybody went to the old sanctuary, which had been transformed into a reception hall for the night. Following dinner it was time for the bouquet toss, garter toss, and cake cutting. The bride’s first attempt at tossing the bouquet ended somewhat unexpectedly, and required a second attempt. The newlyweds spent the remainder of their reception socializing with their guests.

We had such a great time celebrating with Madeline, Justin, their families, and their friends. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

Special thanks to all the amazing vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: General Assembly Church of God
Cake: Sam’s Club
Bridesmaid Gown: Macy’s
Bridal Gown: Evaline’s Bridal
Tuxedo: Kohl’s

If you liked this blog, check out some of our other amazing couples.

Kaitlin and Phillip Bridges Wedding at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, Il.

July 24, 2019 by jennamccarty

It’s not every weekend that we get to shoot a wedding in Illinois so we were very honored to be a part of Kaitlin and Phillip’s wedding day.

Kaitlin and Phillip started off their day by getting ready with their bridal parties and families at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lisle, Il. The girls got their hair and makeup done while the guys hung out. Here are a few pictures from their morning:

When we arrived at the church, Kaitlin gave each of her bridesmaids a letter to thank them for being a part of her day. Then, Kaitlin opened her gift from Phillip. As part of the gift, he included a letter that he had written from when they first started dating in which he said that he knew he was going to marry her one day. It was such a beautiful moment. Kaitlin then had a first look with her father, which was a very special moment.

Then, it was time for the ceremony. Their ceremony took place at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale, Il, which was special to Kaitlin because that is where she attended school until she and her family moved to Ohio. Their ceremony was beautiful and was accompanied by the gorgeous voice of Phillip’s sister.