Hitched Teasers!

Hair and Makeup by Teresa Carbone and Kelly Jenkins (of Fringe Studio). Bouquet by Blush Custom Weddings. Gown by A Bride’s Design. Menswear by American Commodore Tuxedo. Image by Ben and Jodi Photography.

 

Last weekend, BEN AND SAMANTHA GOT HITCHED!!!!!  We’re delighted to share a few “teaser” photos (and video) with you!

 

Ben and Samantha Teaser from Sandham Films on Vimeo.

Gown by A Bride’s Design. Menswear by American Commodore Tuxedo. Styling by With Love & Whimsy. Minister by Our Wedding Officiant. Image by Ben and Jodi Photography.

Special thanks to our entire team for making this wonderful wedding possible and to our wonderful couple — Ben and Samantha!!!

Happy Days Lodge’s Main Hall. Lighting Design and Lighted Monogram by Something New Entertainment. Cake by Dolce Colpo. Styling by With Love & Whimsy. Flowers by Blush Custom Weddings. Place Setting Design by Old Carolina Barbecue Company. Tableware by Miller’s Party Rental Center. Image by Ben and Jodi Photography.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be featuring spotlight segments of Samantha and Ben’s planning journey working with the Hitched team on several different facets of their planning, including Samantha and Ben’s reflections on what it was like to work with each of those vendors and how they achieved their event’s unique style.

Happy Days Lodge’s Main Hall. Lighting Design by Something New Entertainment. Styling by With Love & Whimsy. Flowers by Blush Custom Weddings. Place Setting Design by Old Carolina Barbecue Company. Tableware by Miller’s Party Rental Center. Image by Ben and Jodi Photography.

In the mean time, though, here are Samantha’s thoughts just a few days after the wedding:

To our Hitched Team,

The words “thank you” will never be enough to express how grateful Ben and I are for all you have done for us the past six months. It’s not often that you run into complete strangers who so selflessly give their time, money, and services to turn a strangers dream into a reality. We are still flabbergasted (I can’t think of a better word) at how perfectly each and every little detail of the wedding matched our vision! We are so grateful that we have been able to form life-long friendships with each of you, and we want you to know that you have truly changed our lives and touched our hearts. We love you all so much!!

Thank you for making memories with us!
Love, Ben & Samantha

Gown by A Bride’s Design. Menswear by American Commodore Tuxedo. Image by Ben and Jodi Photography.

 

Hitched Featured on NewsNet5 Cleveland

Samantha, Jodi, and Ben, during their interview session with NewsNet5. Adorable photobomb courtesy of WEWS Multimedia Journalist and Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Archer.  What a Great Team!!! Photo by Ben and Jodi Photography.

Yesterday afternoon, our Hitched Bride (Samantha Tippel) and our Founders (Ben Hall and Jodi Jacobson of Ben and Jodi Photography), met with Reporter Deborah Lee, Multimedia Journalist Brian Archer, and the team from WEWS ABC News Channel 5 to talk about Hitched.

Shortly after 5:00 PM, WEWS posted a teaser on their Facebook page, and during the 6:00 PM News, they aired a short piece about Hitched!

Check it out:

Watch the video and read the full story, on the WEWS website.

A very special thanks to Deborah Lee and to the entire team at WEWS for noticing our project!  As the story mentioned, we are still looking for a tuxedo shop and a licensed bartender to donate their talents to our cause!

Want to learn more about Hitched?  Visit Our Team or Giveaway.

Interested in giving?  Visit our Sponsor Page.

Press Inquiries: please contact Hitched Public Relations Liaison and Hitched DJ/MC/Lighting Designer Anna-Jeannine K. Herman of Something New Entertainment via e-mail at hitched@SomethingNewEntertainment.com for more information or to schedule an interview.

Meet the Hitched Team: Event Coordinator Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance Wedding & Event Planning

Hitched: What first interested you in coordinating weddings?

Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning: I have been obsessed with weddings since I was twelve years old, and watched Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. I love everything about weddings, parties and other special events. I love making other people’s dreams come to life!

H: How long have you been coordinating weddings?

KL: I have been in the wedding industry since 2000.

H: How would you describe your style?

KL: My personal style is classic and comfortable. I carry that over into my business. My meetings are never stuffy or formal. Many times, I will sit down to a lunch or dinner meeting. I try to keep the mood light, but rest assured, we are getting work done!

H: What special training, certifications, awards, or other honors establish you as an expert in your field?

KL: I have been in the industry for several years. I take business webinars and go to conferences when I am able to. Continuing education is very important. I attend industry networking events to interact with other wedding and business professionals, as you never know where your next client or referral will come from. In 2013, I had the honor of meeting Ms. Linnyette Richardson-Hall from Baltimore, who has been featured on several seasons of “Whose Wedding is it Anyway”, and Mr. David Tutera. I have participated in several bridal shows, as it’s a good way to get your name out there. I will continue to do that more this year. I moderate several internet message boards relating to wedding and event planning, and update my blog and twitter account regularly.

H: What do you enjoy most serving wedding clients?

KL: I enjoy making my clients happy. To know at the end of the day, I have done my best work for them, to see them smile, makes it all worthwhile.

H: What is the most important consideration couples should make when hiring a service provider in your field for their wedding ceremony and/or reception?

KL: Find the vendor that “fits” you. A vendor such as a wedding planner or photographer will be spending lots of time with you, before, during and after the wedding. You don’t want someone hanging around you that you can’t tolerate. Personality is a big part of the equation. You will want someone who will guide you as much or as little as you need through the planning process, offering advice when needed. Price range is an important, but secondary necessary quality to look for in a vendor. You want to get the best value for your money, but that doesn’t always mean the lowest price. Quality of services is what you really want.

H: What’s the question I’m not asking you but you wish I would, or What’s the question that clients usually don’t ask you but you wish they would?

KL: Quite possibly, “What would I do if I had an unlimited budget for an event?” I would be over the moon! I have so many ideas for great events, but sometimes it isn’t possible to execute all of them. Budget comes first. That’s the challenge of being an event planner. Making the client’s vision come to life within their monetary budget. But it is a challenge I thoroughly enjoy.

H: What do you look for in a great wedding vendor “dream team,” and what are your colleague pet peeves? How can your “co-workers” help you, hurt you, or irritate you throughout the day? Tell us why you’re excited to be working as part of this team.

KL: What I look for in a “dream team” of vendors is a group of people whose enthusiasm matches my own for the special event industry, whose excellent service is highly regarded, and truly love what they do. I try to get along with everyone, so if I have a problem with a vendor, I will try to resolve it quietly, and in a civil fashion. I love to meet and work with new people, and I am more than willing to help others out. As a part of this event’s dream team, I know that the vendors involved will work well together to produce a wonderful wedding for a great couple. I can’t ask for anything more.

About Kimberly Lehman: I have been a wedding/planner since 2000. I am from Massillon, OH, and my clients are mostly from Northeast Ohio, but I happily travel all over the state for weddings and events. I am married to my wonderful husband Mark, and we have two daughters, Annika, who is 10, and Kendallynn, who is 2.

About Love, Laughter, and Elegance: We are a full-service wedding and event planning company. We offer many packages, including Partial and Full Planning, as well as Day of Wedding Coordination. We offer an A La Carte list of specialty services. We are happy to customize planning for everyone, and to work within our clients’ budgets. Excellent customer service is our goal.

Meet the Hitched Team: Venue Coordinator Brittany Mullett of Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Happy Days Lodge

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge.

Hitched: What first interested you in venue management and coordination?

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park‘s Brittany Mullett: I have always loved staying organized and helping other people. I have always been service oriented and have loved our National Park. Once I heard about the Conservancy, I was automatically intrigued by their mission to enhance our park right here in Northeast Ohio. By coordinating weddings with the Conservancy, I am able to help brides make their vision come to life while helping the park at the same time, it’s a win-win!

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge. Lighting Design by Hitched’s own Something New Entertainment.

H: How long have you been hosting weddings at Happy Days Lodge?

BM: I am currently going into my fourth wedding season with the Conservancy, but we have been doing weddings at Happy Days for about ten years now. The growth we have seen in the past few years is incredible and we are excited to give back.

H: How would you describe Happy Days Lodge’s style?

BM: Our wedding style is rustic chic to the fullest. We love the idea of having an event that is one with nature, while being elegant and functional at the same time. Happy Days is the best of both worlds with the windows showing off the beautiful park outside, but we are protected from the elements with both heating and air-conditioning 🙂

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge.

H: What special training, certifications, awards, or other honors have you earned to prepare you for this position of responsibility?

BM: I graduated with honors from The Ohio State University where I was ServSafe and ManageFirst certified in numerous fields. I am blessed to be going back to school currently for my masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Kent State University with a focus on parks.

H: What do you enjoy most serving wedding clients?

BM: My favorite time at each wedding is the look on the guests’ faces when the see the reception hall decorated for the first time and their full vision come to life. Making that moment happen for people is my never-ending goal.

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge.

H: What is the most important consideration couples should make when choosing a venue for their wedding ceremony and/or reception?

BM: I think the most important consideration is one for your guests. You have to make sure your guests are going to be comfortable and happy, and that you hire the right people to make that happen for you.

H: What’s the question I’m not asking you but you wish I would, or What’s the question that clients usually don’t ask you but you wish they would?

BM: I think clients are shy to over-communicate. I just want everyone to know that I do not mind! We can email back and forth every week if you’d like. The more I know about your wedding, the better I can serve you.

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge.

H: What do you look for in a great wedding vendor “dream team,” and what are your colleague pet peeves? How can your “co-workers” help you, hurt you, or irritate you throughout the day? Tell us why you’re excited to be working as part of this team.

BM: A vendor dream team would be anyone who has as much respect and love for our historical building and the park as I do. When we serve these weddings, it is easy to forget that we still must protect the wonderful space we have been blessed with. I am excited to work with this group of professionals because I think they “get it.” They see our mission and are excited to work in our space. They also know how to serve our guests above and beyond what is expected by industry standards.

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge. Lighting Design by Hitched’s own Something New Entertainment.

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About Brittany Mullett:

I am Brittany Mullett, and I am the Events Coordinator for the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I have a passion to create magical weddings each and every weekend at both of our wedding venues, and I truly believe in extraordinary customer service.

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About the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park: The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a non-profit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. The Conservancy aspires to engage the public as advocates, volunteers, and philanthropic supporters to ensure that Cuyahoga Valley National Park achieves its full benefit to the citizens of Northeast Ohio and the nation.

Meet the Hitched Team: Lead Coordinator Meredith Masaveg of Rain Wedding Planning

Hitched: What first interested you in planning weddings? Meredith Masaveg of Rain Wedding Planning: All my life I have always ended up in the role as “event planner’ from the first tea party I planned as a child, to being …

Hitched Makes the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Check out this article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, featuring an interview with Jodi from Ben and Jodi Photography!

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Win a free wedding, thanks to Ben and Jodi Photography and other Cleveland-area vendors

Who doesn’t want a free wedding? (Bob Booth/Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

 

By Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer
on January 21, 2014 at 3:14 PM, updated January 21, 2014 at 3:41 PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Have you been talking with that certain someone about tying the knot? Have you been putting off the big day because money is tight right now following the holidays? Well, this may be your lucky year.

The owners of Ben and Jodi Photography are offering a wedding giveaway, a total prize package worth about $10,000. It includes a wedding planner, hair and makeup for the bride, a cake that feeds 150 people, a dessert table, an officiant to conduct the ceremony, a wedding dress, flowers, photography and custom favors for the guests. As word spreads, more vendors sign up, so the package might end up being worth more.

All you have to do is email a short essay about why you and your beloved deserve a free wedding to info@benandjodiphotography.com by Feb. 12.

Jodi Jacobson, 26, and her fiancé Ben Hall, 32, came up with the idea over the holidays. Their company is in its first year, but they have shot almost 50 weddings together.

“We like the idea of giving back to the community,” said Jacobson. “I thought of the idea but wasn’t sure what Ben would think.” He’d actually been thinking the same thing and brought it up to her first.

Hall said he got the idea from watching reality television.

“We’re a small business trying to uplift the community,” said Hall. “People tend to get a really good feeling watching shows like ‘Extreme Makeover [Home Edition],’ ” he said. “I want to do my part for my community and for my profession.”

Jacobson said it surprised her how eager her other wedding service colleagues were to participate once they heard the idea.

“My friend the florist wanted in right away,” said Jacobson.

To enter, couples must submit a short essay that explains why they are ideal candidates for a free wedding. Send submissions by email to info@benandjodiphotography.com. Vendors will vote on the winning essay. Among the vendors: Blush Custom Weddings, Bob Javorsky (officiant), JennyBees Sweets, Dolce Colpo, Rain Wedding Planning, A Bride’s Design, and Love Laughter & Elegance.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Feb. 12. The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day — Friday, Feb. 14.

“We would love to give a fabulous wedding to a Cleveland area couple who might not be able to afford one otherwise,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson and Hall have not set a date for their own nuptials.

“We’re always too busy around wedding season,” she said.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/photographers_ben_hall_and_jod.html