Check out Ashley and Jeff’s slideshow of their downtown Cleveland wedding.
State of the Studio
I’m writing this tonight, not only to address the distinguished men and women reading my blog, but to speak frankly to all our clients and friends from the past, the present and the future. I know that for many of you reading this now, the state of wedding photography is a great concern of yours. If you aren’t personally affected by this, you probably know a friend, a neighbor or a family member that may by thinking, “who is going to take my picture?”. Maybe you have a friend, recently married, and you’ve heard them say “I should have hired a professional photographer” or “Uncle Harry shot our wedding……now we don’t speak to Uncle Harry” The impact of wedding photography is real my friends, and it’s everywhere.
But, while wedding photography may be weakened by the so called “budget” photographers and the Uncle Harry’s” out there and your confidence shaken by the state of Cleveland wedding photography, I assure this: There are many talented and competent photographers in Ohio and my hometown of Cleveland. We will have unparalleled knowledge of our equipment, run our businesses with integrity and capture your day creatively, beautifully and with passion.
While we at Thomas Wodzisz Photography, will uphold all the above mentioned. Our enjoyment in building lasting relationships with our clients who we consider our friends now and the passion we have for capturing beautiful imagery drives us to move ahead, building an even stronger business to strengthen our services, our products, further educating ourselves in the craft of wedding photography.
First I’d like to say that 2009 was a spectacular year for our studio. It was our first year and frankly, we did not know what to expect. Our expectation was to just get out there, shoot a few weddings around Cleveland and give our clients the best we have. Well, what we didn’t expect was the tremendous clients we’d get. Each and every client in 2009 has a special place in our heart. Each one took a leap of faith in a new studio. You guys ROCK! Another integral part of our success often overlooked, but extremely valued, is our assistant Robert Kaminoski. His help and knowledge of lighting equipment is invaluable to our service. He’s always thinking one step ahead and on top of it all, he’s shooting and capturing some pretty sweet shots of his own. He and his wife Connie, have started a photography business this year and will be shooting a few weddings of their own. They’re much in the same place we were last year, and they will be rocking it this year. Check them out at Kaminoski.com. They’re a fun couple that will have a great future in this……besides, Connie is my sister..Love ya Sis!
2010 is proving to be another stellar year. We’ve already shot our first wedding this year, and we only have a couple of available dates left. Our service that our clients have grown to love, will remain the same throughout this year. 2010 will be our “make it simpler” year. Our package and pricing is the simplest out there and we are going to be make it even simpler. We will be refining our product line this year, providing the finest quality prints, canvas wraps, fine art prints on canvas and fibre papers. 2010 will have us working on a new service and product line. Something that is not available anywhere Cleveland……and I’m not telling. Well not just yet. All I can say is that it’s going to be unique, artsy and beautiful. We’re really excited about our idea and hope to start offering it for our 2011 and mostly our 2012 couples. 2010 will also be our “let’s get even better” year. We’ll be attending seminars and classes with world renowned wedding photographers……I can’t wait to start asking them a million questions. Oh man, they are going to love me…..or hate me…we’ll see. I can’t wait to work with Yervant, Anothony Vasquez and David Beckstead. These are just few of my favorite photographers and they are always inspiring me to take things to the next level.
Well guys, that’s it. The state of the studio is solid and growing. 2010 is going to rock :)
- Clever! I enjoyed that post!
- Great post! You're right...I can attest that 2010 IS in fact going to rock. Can't wait to hear your new ideas!
[...] Read this article: State of the Studio | Thomas Wodzisz Photography Blog – Cleveland … [...]
Ashley and Jeff – Wedding bells ringing in the new year!
Well, what can I say……we just shot our first wedding of 2010 and it was one that we won’t soon forget. Gisella and I had the opportunity to spend the day with a couple that was so fun, easy going and friendly that it was hard to leave their wedding……we want to do it all over again! Ashley and Jeff are an amazing couple that wanted a winter wedding. What can I say, they got one! It was cold………..and gorgeous. Earlier this week I was a little worried. Watching the news, I thought there was going to be a blizzard and we were preparing ourselves and our equipment for the worst. You kinda get used to that if you’re a Cleveland wedding photographer…………but, you also get used to the weather reports being a little off too…….as luck would have it, the day ended up sunny and beautiful.
I started off the day meeting Ashley, her mom ,sisters and the rest of the girls in the bridal party at Studio Blazon in Rocky River. There they had a blast having their hair done and enjoying a mimosa or two, I think I even heard Ashley break into a song! I guess there was a little nervous energy in the room. After the salon I followed them to the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel where Gisella and Rob joined me in capturing the boys getting ready in their room, Ashley and girls having their makeup done and getting the gorgeous bridal gown on in another. More nervous energy, more singing and more fun! After the Hyatt, we headed off to The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Not much to say about St. John’s Cathedral except…..WOW! Absolutely gorgeous, laid out with seasonal Christmas decorations, this church really was a feast for the eyes. Ashley’s cousin Naida, provided the perfect vocals for the perfect ceremony. Well done! After the ceremony we were off to the Shoreby Club in the city of Bratenahl for our portrait session. This was our kind of bridal party! Fun and creative. You guys rocked! Next stop, our final destination….Sammy’s Metropolitan Ballroom in downtown Cleveland. The wedding cake was created by Ashley’s cousin, Dawn Larson. The Metropolitan’s ambiance was perfect as well as the service and dinner. Steve & Jason from The Marino Brothers DJ service kept the dance floor hopping all night long.
Here’s a little sneak peak at their wedding day!
In memory of Ashley's Grandmother. Ashley was able to use the buttons and fabric from Grandma's dress to design and create her gown. Even though her grandma was not there in person, her spirit was with Ashley throughout the day.
You guys rocked!
Have a great time on your honeymoon!!!
Click here is you would like to be notified when Ashley and Jeff’s pictures become available.
Check out Ashley and Jeff’s Album!!
Well that’s it! Our start to 2010. If this is a sign to what the rest of our 2010 weddings are going to be like….Bring it on. Can’t wait!
[...] boy, did it work! You can check out all the highlights of this wedding at Thomas Wodzisz’s blog HERE - but for now – here’s the Photo of the [...]
Best of 2009…….well, at least our Top 40. More coming soon!
Hey everyone. I know……It’s been way to long since I’ve blogged. I’ve been busy working on a few projects for Thomas Wodzisz Photography, my personal photography, as well as my music projects. I’ll be blogging about all those in the upcoming months. I can’t wait to share what we have in store for you. It’s going to knock your socks off. Oh and I’ve been taking a little R&R time too. Hey, give me a break! It’s the holiday season and that means spending time with family and friends, which I love doing. I’ll be be picking up the blogging pace soon after the new year rings in. In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite bridal and bride and groom portraits from 2009. I’ve choosen a few from each wedding. Keep your eye out for a few more blog posts like this!
Hope you like these as much as I do.
Hallie and Max......our first couple in 2009 and our first official client. We will always remember them for that!
Love this shot of them taken at the Country Club of Pepper Pike.
Emily was so ready for her day and you can just see it in her.
The Walden Inn located in Aurora, OH provided the perfect backdrop for Emily and Joe. I don't think I asked them to dance.....perfect.
Emily and Joe were fantastic to work with. Filled with emotion and love.
If there is one image in my portfolio that says FUN!......this is it!
Perfect way to end the portrait session! Heading back to the party.
Cara and Mat were a blast too.....can you tell? Mat's begging her not to let go ; )
BAM!
Cara. Lake Erie. 'Nuff said.
Love the covered bridges in Geneva, and this shot is my favorite from the one we visited.
As soon as I spotted the vineyard, this was the image I envisioned from the get go. Nailed it on the first shot. Personal favorite of mine.
This is powerful....Cara rocked it.
Alison leaving the Arcade to meet Chris. Beautiful.
Just before the ceremony......having fun downtown!
Old Stone Church and a beautiful bride.
Kate in deep thought before the ceremony.
Gisella got this shot as I was working with Kate.....one of the reasons I love shooting with her. She's able to get these great shots without the bride even knowing.
Matt and Kate in front of the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin.
Ok....so I always try to get at least one shot that is a bit traditional. St. Clarence Pavilion in North Olmsted.
Allison and Matt's wedding was a blast, as was their portrait session. I shot this shortly before her "first sight" meeting with Matt.
You'd never guess this romantic image was taken at the Mall. Eton Collection
Allison was a trooper the day of her wedding. She didn't let the rain put a damper on her day!
The Rocky River Park location always seems to offer up something special.
My favorite from Allison and Ron's wedding.
Erin and Erik, sitting in a tree....K.I.S.S....I.N.G.
Voinovich Park provided some very cool opportunities.
Another at Voinovich Park.
I just love the "golden hour".
Megan having fun with her "Couture" pose.....I think she's got it in check. LOVE IT! Makes me want to do a fashion shoot with her.
The heavens above....thank you for this perfect day!
We found this spot when we scouted the location the day before the wedding. Glad we did :)
One of the many cool shots on this dock that Megan and Shawn got married on.
Each wedding I try to capture a romantic image at the end of the day, before the sun fully sets. How's this?
I didn't have many chances for a cool veil shot this year. I managed to get a couple.....this is my favorite. Jasmine nailed it.
When Jasmine and Ryan weren't having a blast in front of the camera, they definitely knew how to be cool. I loved working with them.
Relaxed and beautiful.
The buzzard roost in Hinckley provided a pretty cool location. Don't ya think?
Doesn't get any cooler than this..........
More coming! Check back soon!
- Beautiful pictures from all of your weddings. Love Cara and Mat's pictures that made the Top 40! Now, I just need the link, so I can get them ordered!
- Very cool post! Love it!
Mina and Phil – The Baby Bump
Tom and I had the pleasure of shooting our first Baby Bump Session. This shoot was extra special for us. Mina is my sister. They are a beautiful couple, in love and awaiting the arrival of the newest member to our family :) Since this was our first opportunity for a “baby bump session” we were excited when Mina and Phil said they would be interested in a shoot. As always, we sat down to discuss what they would like out of the session. To understand their likes and dislikes and in doing so, we were able to capture this special time in their (and our) lives….. We ended up going down to one of our favorite places to shoot, Rocky River Park. We thought this would be best since some of their wedding photos were taken not too far from the park and they both love the beach. Being in Cleveland is sometimes not the most thought of places when thinking of a beach and water, but Lake Erie can sure fool some people when snapped just right. We can make believe we are somewhere near the ocean…and I think we got just that. There is something to be said about being outdoors, capturing mother nature and a soon to be mother….and of course being my sis and all…I can honestly say it is beauty at it’s best. We had a blast and can’t wait to do more of these. Mom an Dad are doing great and we can’t wait to meet our little niece or nephew! ….yes it is a surprise for all of us! (more…)
- Love Cara and Mat's pictures that made the Top 40! Now, I need the link to get them ordered!
- Great first attempt!! I love these images. Merry Christmas!
A Wedding Wish Special
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to let you in on a deal that one of our favorite vendors is offering. But first, let me tell you something about great wedding vendors. This being our first year, we really didn’t know what we were getting into. We wanted to capture great images and offer the best photography service we could possibly manage. Heck, we did just that. It was a fantastic wedding season for us, and we couldn’t possibly ask for more. One of the things we learned this season was just how important it is in having great wedding vendors throughout your event. Everything from the florist to the caterer to the DJ and of course an awesome photography team………..yeah, me and my crew……thank you very much……and everything in between. When we all sync up and become the well oiled wedding vendor machine we can be, the event just becomes that much more special. There are a ton of ingredients that go into a wedding day, but in my opinion, one of the most important parts of that well oiled machine is the Wedding Coordinator. They just make the day go off without a hitch, and when there is a hitch, you’d never know. We had the pleasure of working with event coordinator, Angela Wish, from A Wedding Wish this year and she definitely made the day run smoothly and the bride and groom had no worries with her in charge. That makes the rest of us vendors happy too. So if your planning your wedding, do yourself a favor and check out her website. Plus she has a special going on right now……go check it out! While you’re at it……vote for her on the fox8 hotlist.
E-Session with Alicia and Tom – La Vita Bella
Ok, one of the greatest things about being a wedding photographer is getting to know the couples and working with them to capture beautiful images. Alicia and Tom were no exception. We first met them a couple of months ago, at our initial meeting and after discussing the plans for their wedding and getting a little taste of their personalities, we were stoked to be chosen as their photographers. Their wedding is going to be a blast and we can’t wait to to be part of their day. But first….an e-session! After exchanging a few emails with Alicia, we found out when they first met, Tom had an apartment in Little Italy. And, one of their first dates was at La Dolce Vita restaurant. It was the perfect part of town for their e-session. We did a walkabout around this charming part of the city and snapped some shots of them hanging out. Even though it was a cold October morning, they warmed up to the camera for some fun shots. After Little Italy, we headed over to Wade Lagoon, which is just around the corner, for a few more. After this session, we can’t wait for their wedding day!
Check out a few of their e-session photos.
Tom's really really camera shy :)
Thanks for the great shoot guys!
We are so looking forward to your May wedding. It’s gonna rock!
Jasmine and Ryan – Sail Away with me honey!
Yesterday, Gisella and I capped off our wedding season with our final wedding of the year. This is one wedding we will remember for a very long time. Jasmine and Ryan hosted one of the coolest weddings we’ve ever documented. If you’ve been following our blog, you may recognize Jasmine and Ryan from a downtown e-session we shot earlier this year. We had a great time with them then and it just carried over to their wedding day. It all started with Gisella and I meeting Jasmine and the girls at the Dante Lucci Salon in Rocky River, OH. Cool and collected, that was the best way to describe Jasmine. She and the girls were a blast to work with. We got great shots of them at the salon and at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Middleburg Hts., OH where all the bridesmaids helped Jasmine get into her beautiful dress. Ryan and the boys showed up to the hotel for Jasmine and Ryan’s “first sight”. It was an emotional moment that we had the privilege of witnessing. Then off to Hinckley Lake for the bridal party session and some fun and creative portraiture. I just love October weddings. The fall colors and the dramatic sky always lend themselves for beautiful pictures and this was no exception. After this fun shoot we headed off to the Skyview Lodge in Brunswick for a beautiful “movie themed” wedding. The ceremony was held outdoors. With perfect timing, a few drops of rain began falling with the first kiss and the popcorn flew as the recessional began. Once inside, the guest were seated by classic movie titles instead of table numbers…yes movie buffs they are! So, someone may have been sitting at the “Gone the Wind” table or “Sleepless in Seattle.” Great idea guys….we loved it! The bridal party sat at the “Seven” table. Kinda creepy…..what?@!, was this a wedding with 7 deadly vows? Naw……just kidding……it was the first movie Jasmine and Ryan saw together :)
Sneak preview of their wedding pictures.
Jasmine and Ryan – you guys are awesome!
Have a great honeymoon!
Check back soon for their album slideshow.
- What a great way to end the season! I LOVE the image of them out of focus w/ the black eyed susans in the foreground!!!
- Amazing! The whole day was simply amazing! I was with the Bride, Groom & camera crew all day. The pictures turned out even more beautiful than I imagined (and it was gorgeous in my mind to begin with). Well done! Well done! Can't wait to see more! Congrats again to the happy couple! Eric Schroyer (one of the Groomsmen)
- What fun to see a sneak peak. Since I did not take my own photos it is great to share these. Wonderful shots. Thank you
- Tom, Gisella, and Robert- We love the photos! They look amazing. Can't wait to see the rest. Thanks for making us look good! -Jasmine & Ryan
Megan and Shawn-have got somethin’ goin’ on
Like two islands in a stream – that is what Megan and Shawn are. What a great couple this is. Ever since we first met them, we knew we were in for a great ride. Their picture perfect e-session just confirmed that. Check it out! Anyway, let’s get back to yesterday’s wedding. We hooked up with Megan and her bridesmaids at the Zen Metro Spa on W.25th in Cleveland, Ohio. What a cool salon this is…..highly recommended. Everyone walking out of there looked like they should be on the cover of a magazine….guess where I’m getting my hair styled next…..Ohhh yeah baby….wait till you see me on the cover of Vogue…..I’ll be striking a pose ;-) Ok, I’m striking a pose as I write this…… Let’s move on because my wife is just looking at me totally weird. Anyway, after the salon, we headed over to the Hilton Garden Inn located in the city of Twinsburg, to catch Megan getting in her dress and we got some great creative portraits there too! Talk about striking a pose. Check out Megan’s fashion pose on the edge of a rock cliff! Next, we headed over to the beautiful grounds of the Blair Riding Stables for the ceremony and reception. This was the first wedding they hosted at this naturally charming location in Hudson, Ohio… we imagine they will be hosting many more weddings in the future. Really great photo opportunities and a beautiful ceremony location. They got married on the dock! Wow, we look forward to working here again. The reception afterwards was just as spectacular and we have to say……Marigold Catering served up probably the best wedding meal we have ever tasted….for all the future brides out there…..check Marigold Catering out. I want to experience those spareribs again….or… Guda mac’n'cheese which was pretty good too…..the mushroom stuffed chicken…I can go on and on…..anyway, check it out! After dinner, The Uncanny XE LA band provided the entertainment and afterwards we had some pretty cool karaoke going on with Shawn serenading Megan and family and friends tearing up the stage. We had a blast……and we feel very fortunate to meet friends like these. Oh, and we are going to convince them to do a trash the dress shoot. We think it would be incredible…and Megan has 2 dresses to trash!
Sneak peak at their wedding photos!
What a truly beautiful day they had and we loved capturing it!
Check back soon for a slideshow of their album!
Oh….and check out our newest member of the team.
Drew has got it going on!
- What can I say!.....Beautiful,.... beautiful pictures!!!!!!!!
Erin and Erik O-H-I-O Wedding!
Gisella and I arrived at the Charles Scott Salon and Spa in Westlake, Ohio to capture a few shots of Erin getting ready. When we walked through the door, we found a very nervous bride waiting to get her hair done. At least she told us she was nervous, because we would never have guessed it. She was smiling and enjoying the morning with her sister Shannon, Erik’s sister Dana, and her friend and bridesmaid, Christina. After the salon we headed over to Erin’s home and shot her dress and her getting into it. Once the dress was on and she was ready, we got to share a moment with Erin and Erik…..what we like to call, the “first sight”. We love shooting these moments and this was no exception, the emotions where flowing and they shared a beautiful moment together. Then off to Edgewater and the 9th Street Pier and Voinovich Bicentennial Park for pictures. This was a great bridal party to work and have fun with. After the good times on the lakefront we headed over to Deluca’s Place In The Park in Lorain, Ohio for the ceremony and reception. It was great working along side of the wedding coordinator, Angela Wish of A Wedding Wish, who did a wonderful job of keeping the ceremony and reception moving along smoothly. With a touching toast from the best man, who happens to be Erik’ father…….and a great dinner served up by Deluca’s…..it was time to party! Rocco and Tommy of Marino Brothers DJ’s kept the tunes pumpin’ and the Shutter Clutter Photobooth was keeping the guest entertained. The big win today didn’t go to the Buckeyes, it went to Erin and Erik!
View their album slideshow
Ok…..enough of my dribble….here’s a sneak peak at Erin and Erik’s day!
Thanks to Erin and Erik and their warm and friendly families!
We had a great time!
Ohh….wait……what is this? The Shutter Clutter Photobooth traps me and the crew!!!
Me, Gisella and Robert.........hmmmm.....probably not the best publicity photo...ahhh, what the heck.
- Thank you guys so much for shooting our wedidng day. We can't wait to see the rest of them. I am so glad Allison referred you guys! It wouldn't have bene the same with out you there!!! Great photobooth pics!!! Erin and Erik
- WOW.....these pictures are sooooooooooooo great!!!! E & E, u both picked a real winner with this guy. Can't wait to see the rest. What a creative eye this photographer has :-)
- Here is to an amazing trio...awesome photos already. You will give us a fabulous rememberance so we can relive Erin and Erik's most special day. Thank you for capturing each moment and doing all of the family shots and having a few laughs with us too.
- I forgot, were is Tom's cowboy hat?.....
- Amazing!!!!!!!What a beautiful work you do at each Wedding!!!!!! And you look great,at the photobooth!!!!!! :-)
- Congrats Thomas, Gisella and Robert - you do amazing work! Congrats to Erin and Erik on a fabulous day!
[...] up are Erin and Erik. Check out Thomas Wodzisz Photography’s pro pics here! Gisella and Thomas were amazing that day and captured oodles of amazing shots! Here is one of my [...]
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