A Wedding Vendor Event Rooted in Community Over Competition

May 1, 2025

Why the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland Event Mattered

A Recap of the Wedding Masterclass Luncheon in Cleveland, OH

Wedding vendors networking at State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland event

There’s something truly special about gathering with passionate professionals—not to compete, but to connect. This past Monday, I had the honor of attending and photographing the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland luncheon at Majestic Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. It encapsulated everything I cherish about our creative community: warmth, vulnerability, shared wisdom, and a collective drive to grow in this dynamic industry we call home.

Presented by The Wedding Masterclass, this wedding vendor event transcended typical networking. It was a thoughtfully organized afternoon filled with honest conversations, learning, and genuine connections among Northeast Ohio wedding professionals. Events like these underscore the importance of intentional spaces, especially as our industry continues to evolve.

A Creative Community That Understands

From Cleveland wedding photographers and planners to florists, DJs, and calligraphers, the event united a vibrant mix of wedding creatives who genuinely care about their craft—and each other. This wedding vendor networking experience felt more like a deep exhale than a sales pitch.

Highlights from the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland Event

A standout moment was the panel featuring women-led businesses sharing insights, vulnerability, and vision:

Kristin Brewster of Merkel’s Floral Studio discussed balancing artistic creativity with client expectations—a relatable topic for every vendor.
Rekira Luketic of Rekira Luketic Photography shared her evolution as a photographer and her approach to navigating the digital age with intentionality.
Nadine Marie Todd of Sugar Lake Weddings emphasized the importance of protecting your energy and setting boundaries to avoid burnout while staying creatively fulfilled.

Each story served as a poignant reminder that being a small business owner in the wedding world is deeply personal. We invest so much of ourselves into our work, and hearing these women speak with clarity and heart was truly rejuvenating.

Guest panel speaking at State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland luncheon

What Set This Wedding Vendor Event Apart

Let’s be honest—networking events can sometimes feel transactional. But this wasn’t that.

This gathering was thoughtful, grounded, and infused with intention. From the curated space and cozy details to the meaningful conversations between sessions, it was evident that this event was crafted by and for individuals who understand the heart behind the hustle.

As an Akron wedding photographer, I spend most of my days behind the lens, capturing the love stories of others. But events like this remind me that my own story—my growth and community—matters just as much.

Whether you’re a planner, florist, or HMUA, there’s something deeply energizing about being surrounded by fellow Ohio wedding professionals who believe in rising together. This is small business networking done right.

The Vendor Team Behind the Vendor Collaboration at Its Best

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the talented vendor team who brought it to life. Every detail felt intentional and collaborative—proof that when creatives come together, beautiful things unfold:

Event: stateoftheweddingindustry
Produced by: the_wedding_masterclass
Venue: majestichallcle
Catering: marigoldcateringevents
Day-of Coordinator: weddingswithsonya | caileehasajob
Florist: storyfloraldesign
Event Photographer: luxcophotos
Event Video: alexdanielsweddings
Calligrapher: looseleafcreative
Photo Booth: mip_photobooths
DJ: djrevdev | catalyst.events.design
Linens: lirentsevents
Cake/Sabering: jankishlpf
Floral Wholesale: fiftyflowers | farm_exports
Mapkin Sponsor: mydrap_northamerica
Hotel Sponsor: theschofieldhotel
Speakers: rekiraluketicphotography | the_co_station | nadinemariedesigns | merkelsfloralstudio
Partners: aislesociety | emergeeventcollective | fiftyflowers

It was a perfect showcase of vendor collaboration, and I was honored to document it.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when creatives step out of the daily grind and into intentional community. It realigns your “why.” It reminds you that you’re not alone. The long nights editing, the emotional investment, the behind-the-scenes hustle—it’s all part of something much bigger.

While I’ll always love being behind the camera, I also want to continue showing up for spaces like this—for conversations that challenge me, people who inspire me, and opportunities to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Supporting the Northeast Ohio Wedding Community

If you’re a wedding creative seeking a community that values depth over competition, consider this your invitation to get involved. Whether you’re a photographer, florist, planner, DJ, or HMUA, there’s space for you here. And if you’d like to grab coffee and chat about the industry, I’m always up for it.

Want to collaborate on something meaningful? Let’s connect.

📸 Photos from the Event

Scroll below for some behind-the-scenes snaps of the day. If you spot yourself and want a copy to share—just reach out, I’d be happy to send it your way.