A Sentimental Engagement Session: Elise & Ron at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland

Stories Forever Weddings

Jun 15, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Silhouetted couple sharing an intimate moment in a dimly lit church pew beneath stained glass windows and religious artwork—captured by Stories Forever Weddings during a romantic engagement session in Ohio.

Elise & Ron's engagement session at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland, Ohio was deeply personal: it took place in the church Elise and her family attended throughout her childhood. We believe the best engagement sessions go beyond pretty backdrops, and capturing this one in both photo and video let us preserve the quiet moments, the meaning and the intimate beauty of this sacred space.

Silhouetted couple standing in a warmly lit Catholic church surrounded by arched ceilings,
stained glass windows, and religious artwork—captured by Stories Forever Weddings during a romantic Ohio engagement session.

Why St. Vitus Church

Although Elise & Ron are not having a church wedding, it was important to incorporate Elise’s spiritual roots into their engagement session. St. Vitus, Cleveland’s oldest Slovenian Roman Catholic Church, is where Elise and her family attended services throughout her childhood. Sharing this space with Ron for the first time was more than symbolic—it was spiritual, emotional, and filled with love.

Watch Elise & Ron's Engagement Film

See their engagement session come to life—press play.

A Quiet Moment of Prayer

As Cleveland engagement photographers and videographers, we were honored to witness and document these meaningful moments. Their prayer shots were especially powerful. Through both still imagery and cinematic video, we were able to capture the quiet reverence of Elise & Ron praying together. These moments were not posed—they were real. The emotion in their eyes, the peaceful energy surrounding them, and the connection they shared during that prayer is something we’ll never forget. These scenes shine in both their engagement film and photo gallery.

Engaged couple sitting together in a church pew with heads bowed in prayer, softly lit by stained glass reflections—captured by Stories Forever Weddings during a peaceful and intimate engagement session in Ohio.

Mural of a man in a robe with outstretched arms over a church interior. Two people embrace near the altar.

Couple sitting in a church pew, the woman resting her head on the man's shoulder. Ornate arches, chandeliers, and stained glass windows.

Couple kneeling and gazing upward in a dimly lit church, with wooden pews and religious art. "Stories Forever Weddings" text on image.

A couple in gray sweaters sits in a church's wooden pews, gazing at each other with smiles. Stained glass windows in the background.

At the Altar

At the altar, the emotion ran even deeper. Elise stood in a place that held years of memories from baptisms, confirmations, and holidays—this time with Ron by her side. We used both photography and videography to honor the atmosphere: the way the light poured in and the stillness of the church that amplified every small gesture. From wide shots capturing the grandeur of the sanctuary to close-up footage of their joined hands at the altar, this session was filled with heart.

A couple kisses in an ornate church with ornate murals and detailed arches. The mood is romantic. "Stories Forever Weddings" text visible.

A couple in gray sweaters smiles while hugging in a warmly lit church with wooden pews. Text: Stories Forever Weddings.

A couple in a warmly lit church gazes at each other, holding a book. Stained glass and arches adorn the background. Mood: romantic.

Hands holding an open book, one with an engagement ring, against a gray background. Text reads "Stories Forever Weddings." Calm and intimate mood.

Man kisses woman's forehead in a church with statues and draped fabric. Both wear gray. Text: Stories Forever Weddings. Romantic mood.

Photo and Film Together

This engagement session is the perfect example of why we love offering both wedding photography and videography in Cleveland, Ohio. Through film, we preserved the movement, sound, and sacredness of their time at St. Vitus. Through photos, we captured the timeless stills they’ll hang in their home for generations. It’s this full experience—this complete storytelling approach—that sets our work apart.

A couple walks hand in hand in a church with colorful tiled floors. The woman wears a white dress and heels, the man wears black shoes. Text: Stories Forever Weddings.

A couple embraces in a church with stained glass windows and ornate arches. Wooden pews fill the space. Text: Stories Forever Weddings.

A couple embraces in a church aisle under warm lights, framed by wooden pews and a colorful stained glass window. Text reads: "Stories Forever Weddings".

Couple hugging in a warm-lit room, smiling at the camera. They're wearing gray tops. Background shows wooden pews and a light fixture.

Couple embracing and smiling in a warmly lit church aisle with wood accents, wearing gray and white. Text: Stories Forever Weddings.

A couple embraces in a dimly lit church with ornate arches and a blue stained-glass window. The mood is intimate and warm.

A couple embraces and smiles in a dimly lit church, with a large blue stained glass window and intricate chandeliers in the background.

Couple stands embraced on church balcony, under large stained glass window and organ pipes. Warm lighting, romantic atmosphere.

Couple embracing in front of a large stained-glass window and organ pipes in a church. Warm lighting, detailed patterns enhance the serene mood.

Silhouette of a couple kissing in a dimly lit ornate church with decorative walls and a grand ceiling mural. Mood is romantic.

A couple embraces tenderly in front of church organ pipes and a vibrant stained glass window, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Elise & Ron's Wedding at White Birch Barn

Elise & Ron have since married at White Birch Barn in Medina, Ohio, and we photographed and filmed their wedding day as well. Watch their wedding film below, and read their wedding story.

Their wedding vendors: DJ, C-Town Entertainment · Hair and makeup, Piper Klefman · Bride's dress, Radiant Bride · Bridesmaid dresses, Birdy Grey · Tuxedos, Men's Wearhouse · Cake, Baraona's Bakery · Catering, Village Catering · Photo and film, Stories Forever Weddings.

Planning Your Engagement Session?

If you're planning a wedding in Cleveland and looking for a photography and videography team that captures the heart behind the moments, we would love to tell your story. Whether you’re drawn to a sentimental location like your childhood church or want a modern downtown session, we’re here to create something authentic, emotional, and unforgettable.

See more of our engagement sessions, compare our photo + video packages, or check your date. For another historic Cleveland location, see Jacqueline & Marc at the Cleveland Public Library.