A Wedding Vendor Event Rooted in Community Over Competition

A Recap of the Wedding Masterclass Luncheon in Cleveland, OH

The State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland event brought together passionate professionals—not to compete, but to connect. Hosted at Majestic Hall, this powerful afternoon captured everything I love about the wedding world: warmth, vulnerability, and a shared drive to grow. If you’re a wedding creative in Northeast Ohio, you’ve likely heard buzz about the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland—and for good reason. This wasn’t just another networking event; it was a heartfelt reminder of why we do what we do and who we’re doing it alongside.

On Monday, I had the honor of photographing and attending the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland luncheon at Majestic Hall. Presented by The Wedding Masterclass, the event united passionate wedding professionals to share wisdom, connect intentionally, and support each other in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

A Creative Community That Gets It

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

Highlights from the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland Event

One of the most impactful moments was a panel of powerhouse women business owners:

• Kristin Brewster of Merkel’s Floral Studio spoke about the tension between artistic freedom and client expectations.
• Rekira Luketic of Rekira Luketic Photography shared how she balances digital strategy with intentional, personal growth.
• Nadine Marie Todd of Sugar Lake Weddings gave honest insight into protecting your energy and building a sustainable career.

These stories weren’t just inspiring—they were reminders that small business ownership in the wedding world is deeply personal and incredibly powerful.

Why the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland Felt So Different

Let’s be real: most networking events can feel like surface-level schmoozing. But this wasn’t that. This gathering was grounded in authenticity, filled with meaningful conversations, and surrounded by cozy, curated details.

As an Akron wedding photographer, I spend a lot of time focused on others’ love stories. But events like this remind me that our own stories—our growth, our community—matter too.

Whether you’re a planner, florist, or HMUA, there’s something energizing about showing up with fellow Ohio wedding professionals who believe in rising together.

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.

Cleveland Wedding Community Takeaways and Reflections

There’s a unique kind of spark that happens when creatives step away from the grind and into intentional community. It reminds us of our “why,” recharges our spirits, and makes the behind-the-scenes hustle feel worth it.

While I’ll always love being behind the camera, I also want to keep making space for these moments—where we grow together, support each other, and keep the heart in this wild, beautiful industry.

Supporting the Northeast Ohio Wedding Community

If you’re a wedding creative looking for your people—those who value connection over competition—consider this your sign to get involved.

✨ View my wedding photography portfolio ✨ Learn more about The Wedding Masterclass ✨ Connect with me on Instagram ✨ Let’s collaborate

Photos from the State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland Event

Scroll through the images below to relive the day. Want a photo of yourself? Just reach out—I’d be happy to send one your way.

Vendor List:

Full Vendor Team – State of the Wedding Industry Cleveland

Until next time, let’s keep supporting one another and creating magic together in this beautiful, wild industry. ✨