Katie and Chuck’s destination wedding at Chautauqua Lake was the most beautiful way to spend a Labor Day weekend—it was truly a weekend that I reflected on how incredibly lucky I am to get to photograph weddings and experience weekends like these with couples and their families. From the sunshine to the setting to the people, everything about their day was so joyful and overflowing with love.
Their wedding took place at the historic Athenaeum Hotel, blending timeless elegance with sophistication. Katie is the kind of person who just lights up every room she walks into—so vibrant, so fun, and with the sweetest mix of vintage charm and modern style woven into every detail of the day.
As a Catholic wedding photographer in Cleveland, I photograph weddings all throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond, and I always love when I get to travel for days like this—especially somewhere as beautiful and charming as Chautauqua.
Getting Ready at the Athenaeum Hotel
The morning started in the bridal suite at the Athenaeum Hotel, and the entire space has so much character. The Chautauqua Institution itself is incredibly quaint, and everything about it feels calm, charming, and a little bit tucked away from the hustle of everyday life.
When we pulled up to the circle in front of the hotel, the girls were already outside in their robes with champagne and food, just enjoying the morning together. It felt so relaxed, joyful, and was such a picturesque and memorable start to their day.
A Catholic Wedding Ceremony at the Hall of Philosophy
Katie and Chuck were married at the Hall of Philosophy, just a short walk from the Athenaeum Hotel along one of the prettiest paths through the Chautauqua Institution. The Hall of Philosophy is a historic open-air pavilion off of the lake with towering marble columns and set right inside the charming Chautauqua Institution. Katie and Chuck were able to host a full Catholic Mass there, which made the entire experience incredibly meaningful and special to have such a beautiful and serene setting for their ceremony.
As both a Catholic wedding photographer and someone who shares the faith, it’s always so meaningful to document the Sacrament of Marriage with a full and deep understanding of the Mass. This also allows me to stay unobtrusive and let everything unfold naturally.
Thoughtful Details & A Vintage-Inspired Style
Katie had such a clear vision for the day, and it showed in every detail.
Her color palette included soft shades of light blue, romantic pastel pinks, and wildflower-inspired florals that felt so natural along Chautauqua Lake. Everything felt cohesive and elegant. One of the most meaningful details was the pair of heirloom pearl earrings that Chuck gifted her that morning. They chose them with the intention of passing them down to their future children and generations to follow, which is so thoughtful and sweet. Katie’s vintage gloves added that final, timeless vintage touch—they were such an elegant statement to add to her look for the day.
A Personal Connection That Made the Day Even Sweeter
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to know Katie’s family. They were so kind and welcoming, and we ended up realizing that her family attends the same church where my husband Michael and I were married. One of the priests from that church even traveled to celebrate their wedding, which made the day feel even more personal! Watching Katie’s dad walk her down the aisle was such a sweet moment— I could see so much joy and emotion welling up in their eyes as they descended the stairs into the Hall of Philosophy.
Portraits Around Chautauqua Lake
After the ceremony, we explored the Chautauqua Institution for portraits, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful afternoon. The sunshine, the blue skies, and the water created the softest, most flattering light along Chautauqua Lake. Between the historic buildings, tree-lined paths, and the lake, there were so many gorgeous opportunities for photos. It is such an incredible location in such a quaint small community.
Reception at the Athenaeum Hotel
The celebration continued back at the Athenaeum Hotel with cocktail hour on the wraparound porch, followed by the reception in the ballroom. The porch overlooking the grounds and Chautauqua Lake was the perfect place for guests to relax and take everything in before heading inside for the start of the reception. The speeches were so heartfelt and sincere as these two families welcomed Katie and Chuck into their families officially, and once the dance floor opened, the energy was incredible. These two danced the night away amongst family and friends both indoors and outside on the patio. It was such a memorable evening!
A Weekend to Remember
One of the things I loved most about this destination wedding was getting to experience more than just the wedding day itself. We stayed at the Athenaeum Hotel, and after everything wrapped up, it was so nice to sit out on the porch and take in how fulfilling and special this entire experience was. The next morning, we had breakfast with the family, which was such a thoughtful and memorable way to end the weekend. I ended up loving this the Athenaeum Hotel so much that my husband and I came back later in the year for a quick anniversary trip—and brought our sweet golden retriever, Mahalo, since it’s also a dog-friendly hotel!
Catholic Wedding Photographer Cleveland & Destination Weddings
As a Catholic wedding photographer in Cleveland, I photograph weddings throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond, including Catholic ceremonies and destination weekends like this one at Chautauqua Lake. I love getting to document a mix of traditions, settings, and celebrations, and every wedding feels meaningful in its own way.
If you’re planning a wedding in Cleveland, at the Athenaeum Hotel, or anywhere beyond, I’d love to connect and hear more about what you’re envisioning.
SS for: Jenna Therese Photography
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