After a decade in the making, Alex & Connor finally became Dr. & Mrs. Pletz in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, last weekend! Surrounded by their incredible family and friends (and the most precious pups) these two celebrated accordingly with potentially the biggest dance party to ever grace The Ritz Carlton Cleveland.
To put it simply, Alex and Connor have the kind of love story everyone only hopes to find one day. I see trends all over social media of people sharing their relationships and others commenting “may this kind of love hit me like a freight train.” I dare say these two are the epitome of that trend, and if they shared theirs online, it’d go viral in approximately 12 seconds.
Their story started in the fifth grade when Connor showed up at Alex’s doorstep with a stuffed bear. She was too afraid to answer and hid so she didn’t have to face him… but nonetheless she kept his gift for decades on end. (And you better believe you can find that precious bear featured in this blog post) While A&C parted ways for awhile after their incredibly serious middle school romance… life brought them back together in college when they crossed paths at a Kenny Chesney concert in Pittsburgh. From then on, they were inseparable. Through long distance, moving to new cities, completing medical school, opening not one, BUT TWO, “We Rock The Spectrum” gyms, buying a home, and everything else in between… these two have given the title “power couple” a whole new meaning.
Alex and Connor truly are both the epitome of what it looks like to be a good human. It may sound crazy, but I have found myself tearing up numerous times over the last few days, simply because I love them so much and cannot get over all the lives they have impacted and will continue to throughout life together. They are INSANELY remarkable apart, but together, I know they are going to change the world.
I’m not sure how the heck I’m going to narrow it down to the top three things I loved most about their day, but here’s my very best attempt:
- Alex’s effortless beauty & adorable nose-scrunch smile.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone exude genuine joy, grace, passion, and poise quite like this bride. Mind you, I have photographed some ridiculously gorgeous human beings in my career, but the moment you encounter Alex, it feels impossible not to love her. She’s sunshine in human form and breathtakingly beautiful from the inside out. - The endless tears.
From their private handwritten vows, to their adorable families, to endless speeches about how impactful and wonderful they are. I eventually stopped keeping track of how many times tears were shed on this day, which is a real bummer, because I think we would’ve set a new world record. The love that surrounds and exists between Connor & Alex is so tangible it makes my heart wanna burst. - The 10/10 vibes, all day long.
Whew. There ain’t no party like a Pletz party. These people know how to have fun, to the point I was actually concerned for the sound system & suspension on the party bus when it rolled up to the Ritz for their reception. This bridal party brought their A-game when it came to celebrating Alex & Connor’s love in full force. Reception entrance and dance floor photos below, just for proof.
Honorable Mention- The Late Night French Fries
I don’t know if we were simply starving from working for 12 hours straight, or if the fries really were just THAT good. But for real– shout out to the Ritz for dishing out the saltiest, most delicious french fries at the reception. They were immaculate, truly.
Alex & Connor-
This may potentially be a longer blog post than the one I wrote for my own wedding recap, but I offer zero apologies for the way I will forever choose to rave about y’all. The honor it has been to photograph your love and be given a front row seat to the (official) start of the rest of your lives together… Ooof. No amount of words feels like enough. I have to pinch myself pretty regularly over the fact I get to call this my job, because it often feels like I walk away with far more than my couples do. To encounter such amazing humans. To create such incredible friendships. To serve them on the happiest days of their lives. To be inspired by their kindness, joy, selflessness, and love for the world around them. And to THEN get to cheer them on as they continue to grow in life together after it’s all said and done? It’s a gratitude so few have the privilege of getting to experience through their work.
I often question if I’m still in the right place, being a photographer after all these years… but working with you two was the perfect reminder that God has me right where I am supposed to be. From the day our paths crossed well over a decade ago, I never DREAMED I would have the chance to document your wedding one day, Alex. Thank you for allowing me to play even the smallest role in your celebration and lives. I am absolutely GIDDY to see what dreams you tackle together next, Dr. & Mrs. Pletz!
This day never would have been possible without Alex & Connor’s incredible vendor team. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this iconic celebration possible:
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography
Videographer: Blushwood Films
Wedding Coordinator: Katelyn Maureen Co.
Ceremony Venue: Saint Peter Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Cleveland
Hair Stylist: Katie Blasius & Calla Bridal
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Jenna & MKleinman Bridal
Florist: Willow & Sage
DJ: 1 Call for All Entertainment / Edd Johnson
Transportation: Platinum Party Bus
Musicians: Mary Beth Ions (violinist)/Jason Falkofsky (pianist)
Desserts: White Flower Cake Shoppe
Catering: Ritz Carlton Cleveland
Custom Signage: Alex Noel Designs
Bride’s Gown: Lihi Hod
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen/Grooms Attire: The Black Tux
Stationary: Zola
Decor/Rentals: Chairs, Weddingchairs.net
LED Dance floor: Lime Lights Entertainment
