Cincinnati is not really a very big place.  I’m out and about a fair bit as a photographer and as an active member of the community, I know a fair few people.  One of the great joys of my job is when someone I have known for quite a while comes up to me, suggests we work together, and I get to form a new and vibrant friendship with them.  That’s the case with Dan and Mark.

I first met Dan and Mark back in 2003 when I moved to Cincinnati.  At that time, I was the VP of Fundraising for the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus.  I met them when I was organizing the “Brunch Cruise”, an event that took place most years on a riverboat as a fundraiser for the Chorus.  Coincidentally that was also when I first met Jeff Thomas, who was also involved in the catering for this wedding!  How time flies….  They attended the Brunch Cruise, the cook out at Jeff’s house afterwards, and I have seen them at many events since.  It’s had always been nice to see them to say hello, but we had never really had much of an opportunity to do more than chat briefly.  That all changed when Mark asked me if I was available to document their wedding.

I went to their beautiful apartment in Cincinnati (which you can see in the images) and I was struck by what charming and straightforward people they were.  I felt very comfortable with them and we had great conversation about many things on the way to talking about their upcoming wedding.  As a couple, their genuineness and love for each other (and their dog, Maggie!) was very apparent.  I was very taken with the sincerity behind the ceremony that they were planning; just a small, intimate affair.  It would be quite different from the usual events that we would see each other at!

The day began with just the three of us at their apartment in the getting ready phase.  Jeff Thomas’ crew were setting up, and some special friends were also in attendance.  We took some time for some delightful family pictures and then an elegant cocktail party took place in their apartment.  Escorting their mothers to the ceremony, the nuptials followed a similar pattern of carefully planned sophistication.  It was a real joy to be a part of it all.

I’m really glad that I got to discover more of Dan and Mark.  It’s been one of the biggest treats of my photography year so far.  Thanks for having me be a part of your day, chaps!