Capturing the Moment

from Jstyle Weddings Fall 2021

by Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Magical Memories

By Becky Raspe

A good photo can impart vivid memories of the exact moment it was taken. But, how does one ensure their big day is remembered in the way they want? According to Lindsey Beckwith, owner and photographer at Lindsey Beckwith Photography in Cleveland; Jonathan Koslen, owner and photographer at New Image Photography in Chagrin Falls; and Stephanie Uptmor, owner and photographer at Imagine It Photography in Avon Lake and Cleveland, choosing the right photographer is the best place to start.

Lindsey Beckwith Photography

LINDSEY BECKWITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Since photographers are one of the only vendors that will be with couples the entire day of their wedding, Beckwith says choosing a photographer you like will ensure the best result.

“You’re going to see your day through your photographer’s lens,” she says. “Memories fade, we’re going to get old, but you will always have those photos. So, you want someone you get along with, that you gel with. A person that makes sense to you – because it is through their eyes. That’s how you’ll remember your wedding.”

Couples should also consider how often the photographer shoots weddings. If someone is a weekend warrior or photography is a side gig, they might not be able to deliver the volume of photos couples have come to expect, Beckwith says.

“Weddings are a diff erent type of photography and require a vast number of skills,” she says. “A wedding photographer is a portrait photographer, photojournalist and director all at once. You want someone with enough experience to shoot under any condition, emotion or weather wise. You need someone who can stay calm under all of that pressure.”

When interviewing potential photographers, Beckwith says to make sure you see samples of the work – especially samples from the actual person in charge of your wedding coverage.

“You want to make sure the samples they provide are actually their work,” she says. “You want to make sure the person you’re talking to is actually the person shooting your wedding. Tell them about your venue and make sure they’ve shot at that venue before.”

Lindsey Beckwith Photography

Imagine It Photography

NEW IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

If the “wrong” photographer is chosen who doesn’t match the needs, the couple may feel upset about it for years to come, Koslen warns. This is why couples should be sure the photographer can do what they need, especially when it comes to the intricacies present in traditional Jewish weddings.

“Families will never live it down,” he says. “There have been so many issues and debacles with photographers, especially with more traditional weddings. There are so many parts. And if you have someone that doesn’t know what they’re doing, I can guarantee they don’t know the significance of the traditions. When you miss something like that, you know the family will be unhappy. There are no two ways about it – you’ll only get one part of the story.”

Koslen notes couples should be confident in the fact their photographer is competent and reliable.

“You need to like their work, obviously ... and try to get a lot of examples and a referral or two from their friends, the venue and their wedding coordinator,” he says. “You should also be able to ask for specific photos from weddings, from specific moments. If the photographer understands the lingo, there shouldn’t be an issue.”

And many studios don’t start their wedding services at the ceremony itself, but before. Koslen says he wishes more clients went to a photographer at the beginning of their planning process for an engagement shoot.

“It would be great to have them come in and meet us,” he says. “I like being able to get to know all of my couples.”

New Image Photography

Imagine It Photography New Image Photography

IMAGINE IT PHOTOGRAPHY

Uptmor says couples tend to know when they’ve found the right photographer when they feel “a peace of mind” on their wedding day. That’s when it’s clear the person they chose will capture every interaction.

“It’s about feeling confident that you’ve hired someone who is going to capture all of those moments,” she says. “One of the things brides seem most concerned about when they talk to us is hiring a photographer that can capture all the moments of the day, every smile and look. We don’t want to miss anything. So, for our team, we have unlimited hours on ceremony days and only leave once we feel like we’ve captured everything.”

When selecting a photographer, Uptmor suggests couples request to see full wedding albums to get a sense of how a photographer operates from start to finish.

“This way, they can see more than just the pretty photos on a blog,” she says. “You want a clear picture of what they can do, not just their favorites on their website. What’s super big right now is photos that are edited super dark or warm, but do you want the whole gallery to look like that?”

Before making their final choice, couples should make a list of what is important to them and compare it to what each potential photographer can deliver, Uptmor says.

“Are unlimited hours important, or do they only need someone for six to seven hours?” she asks. “Do they need two photographers? They need to know what they want going into it, at least a little bit.”

Ryan Lurie & Peter Levy

Wedding Day June 19, 2021 ThornCreek Winery & Gardens | Aurora

Today Ages: 33 and 35 Hometown: Pepper Pike

How did you meet?

We went to high school together but didn’t know one another too well since we were in different grades. We reconnected at a bar, The Fairmount, in 2017, where Ryan showed Peter pictures of her recent brown recluse spider bite. While that didn’t do the trick, we eventually matched on a dating app and the rest is history.

How long did you know each other before you got married?

We were dating for three years before we got engaged. We were married six months after the engagement.

When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?

Ryan: I knew after three months of dating. Peter had just cooked me another delicious meal and we were sitting in his kitchen in his downtown apartment and it just hit me that this was the man I was going to marry.

What did you plan for the proposal?

Peter: The plan came together quickly when we decided to take a trip down to Miami over the holidays last year. We really wanted to get away after a year of being stuck inside. It just so happened that Ryan’s whole family (parents, sister, cousins, aunts and uncles) had a similar plan to head to Florida. I popped the question when we arrived at the hotel. I had arranged for champagne and chocolates to be sent to the room, and worked with a florist who put together a beautiful flower display. It was very romantic. The following evening we were able to celebrate at Ryan’s uncle’s house (in a COVID-19 safe way). He made a bunch of food. It was awesome!

How did the pandemic a ect your wedding plan and wedding day?

We were very much a COVID bride and groom. Due to the pandemic, we had to keep our wedding smaller and we chose a warmer month so we could all be outside. We started planning shortly after we got engaged in January 2021, when they were just beginning to administer vaccines. We weren’t sure what the world would look like come June, but we decided to go for it anyway. We had no idea that two weeks before our wedding the state would lift mask mandates. We had the best time with our family and friends – it was great to see people again! It was one of the first events where people were able to be together again. We had the best time.

Were there any con icts between the two of you or your families in the planning process? Did either of you have to make any sacri ces?

It was just a bit stressful at first because we began planning the wedding in the middle of a pandemic, when they were just starting to administer the COVID vaccines. We weren’t sure who was going to show at the wedding, even close family members had their concerns. In the end, our closest family and friends were able to attend and we had a blast.

What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding/partnership?

We liked the signing of the ketubah. Cantor (Kathy) Sebo put our parents on the spot and they gave us their best advice and wishes for a happy life together. We also really loved the ceremony and all of the Jewish traditions that came with it, from getting married under the chuppah, to circling and breaking the glass. “I had a lot of fun planning the wedding with my mom, Sunny. I think the best part for both of us was getting our families involved in the planning process. We truly enjoyed incorporating many of the Jewish traditions into our special day.”

- Ryan

Planning

• Engagement: Dec. 26, 2020 • O ciant: Cantor Kathryn Wolfe

Sebo • Wedding Colors: White and Blush • Dress/Veil: Calla Blanche • Shoes: Badgley Mischka • Hair: Deena Nicely, Studio MZ • Makeup: Makeup by Merideth • Bridesmaids Dresses: Their own choosing in blush/pink • Groom’s Formalwear: Custom suit from Joseph Albershtat • Groomsmen: Black suits