Cleveland Eclipse Wedding 4-8-24

When scientists Marissa and Alex exchanged vows on Monday April 8, 2024, the moon was just starting to pass in front of the sun that would later create a full 3 minutes of darkness. Surrounded by their family, they completed a chemistry experiment and kiss to seal their vows. The wedding party then went outside with viewing glasses in hand to watch the celestial event.

The family gathered as the shadows got deeper and the 3 minutes of darkness provided a strange sensation of sunrise and sunset happening in tandem. We watched in awe as the most magnificent ring formed and then the sun again began to illuminate the earth. It is fitting that the couple decide to skip a ring exchange and let the stars provide the most magical ring of all. A ring that will be remember for a lifetime and viewing that was made possible by science.

photos by Keli Schimelpfenig

second shooting: Whitney Miller

eclipse Close-Up Photos: Hannah Floyd

Brides Hair and Makeup: Natalija Zoric

Florals: Blossom Flower Bar, Lakewood Ohio

Dress: Anthropology for BHLDN Catherine Deane

Venue: Brecksville Family Home (ceremony), Great Lakes Brewing Company Tasting Room

DJ: Rokestar Entertainment, D.J. Liza

Ice Cream: Mitchell's

*The photo nerd part:

The couple pics were taken with a Nikon Z6II and Nikor 35mm 1.4. The photos featuring the couple and eclipse in tandem were taken at f8 and the eclipse was edited using the "burn" technique to darken and enlarge the moon spot. I was laying down on my side with my camera tilted skyward to frame both the couple and the stars. This photo could also be achieved using as split camera setup as they use at Nat Geo for under water and above the sea views in one frame. My aim was to reflect what we were seeing and experiencing in the most natural way possible while taking artistic liberties. I will also remind people that we are wedding and portrait photographers, and we leave the scientific photos to the scientists. Our aim is to highlight people in relation to the natural wonders of the world.

We were at the Brecksville cemetery for the viewing because it provided open sky views in combination with some awesome blossoming trees to help set the scene. I visited the cemetery two days before the show on a sunny day to get the exact alignment of the sun in advance so I would be in place on the ground and the couple would be in position at the start of the ring then I could have them turn and enjoy the view while I snapped them from behind.

Hannah's ring shot was captured with the same camera system and a 70-200mm Nikor Z lens.

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