Frank & Leslie | Fellows Riverside Gardens | Sept 26, 2025

Hello Sunshine!

I can’t believe it’s November 10th, where did summer go? Where did fall go? One minute it was October, and now I’m lighting my cozy candles and sipping peppermint coffee. But you know what that means… it’s time to feature my final wedding of the season on the blog!

I always wait until my couples receive their full gallery before posting sneak peeks or blogs. I love giving them time to relive their day privately, soak in every joyful moment, and choose their favorites before I share them publicly. Once the photos are out, you know the aunties and grandmas start screenshotting away! 😉

So now that Frank and Leslie’s wedding gallery has officially been delivered, I can finally share the story of their elegant, joy-filled day at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Youngstown, Ohio, with a stunning reception at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland.

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A Friendship Turned Fairytale

I’ve known Frank for years through my dad’s law-enforcement training program, and yes we’ve literally shot together (with firearms, not cameras 😅). In fact, just a week before the wedding, we were both at a night training course. Never did I think I’d be on the shooting range with one of my grooms!

Over time, Frank and Leslie became good friends of ours. Earlier this year, my husband and I met up with them at a rodeo in Columbiana County, and we had such a blast! So being asked to photograph their wedding felt personal, like celebrating a milestone with family.

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Getting Ready at the Marriott at Eastwood Mall

Their September 26th, 2025 wedding day began at the Marriott Hotel at Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio. It was the perfect space for wedding prep — bright, modern, and full of natural light (a dream for photographers!).

When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by Leslie’s sweet yellow lab, who demanded cuddles before anything else. If you’ve ever worked with me, you know I’m the photographer who carries lint rollers and snacks because if there’s a dog in the room, I will be sitting on the floor petting it. 🐾

The room was full of laughter, moms helping with hair, makeup brushes flying, and Leslie’s daughter Marlana (five years old) dancing around in excitement. Frank and his groomsmen were just down the hall, which made for a few careful hallway dashes to keep the couple from accidentally seeing each other!

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First Looks at Fellows Riverside Gardens

By early afternoon, we made our way to Fellows Riverside Gardens, one of my absolute favorite Youngstown wedding venues. With its open walkways, fountains, and gardens in full bloom, it’s the perfect setting for romantic portraits.

Leslie’s dress was timeless; simple, elegant, and full of class. When she tapped Frank on the shoulder for their first look, his reaction was pure joy. Leslie had the sweetest tears in her eyes and I cannot sat for certain if Frank did or not, but I’d never tell.

But the most emotional moments came during the family first looks. Leslie’s son Sterling and Frank’s son Frankie each got to see her in her gown for the first time and yes, I cried behind the camera. Sterling tried his best to keep it together, while Frankie grinned from ear to ear. Then little Marlana had her own first look with Frank, and the way her eyes lit up melted everyone’s hearts.

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Ceremony and Family Portraits

Because Frank has a large family, we scheduled portraits before the ceremony a move I highly recommend if you have a large extended family and want EVERYONE in photos. It keeps the flow relaxed and allows everyone to head straight into the celebration afterward.

It was a warm September afternoon, so I made sure everyone stayed hydrated (yes, I’m that photographer with a cooler of waters and Uncrustables in her car!). We wrapped up portraits just in time for the ceremony, surrounded by the late-summer glow that makes Youngstown garden weddings so magical.

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A Gothic-Elegant Reception at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland

After portraits, we headed to Leo’s Ristorante in Howland, Ohio, where the reception space was transformed into a moody, romantic dream. Think deep reds, black accents, flickering candles, and elegant gold details a perfect blend of Gothic charm and Italian sophistication.

And of course… the cookie table did not disappoint! Two massive tables, completely unique on each side because in true Northeast Ohio fashion, no wedding is complete without enough cookies to fill a small car. 🍪

The couple made their grand entrance as a family Frank, Leslie, Sterling, Frankie, and Marlana dancing together in one big, beautiful moment. It was such a powerful way to begin their evening as an officially blended family.

From the heartfelt speeches to Frank’s emotional thank-you to the man who introduced them, every detail reflected who they are: warm, loyal, fun, and surrounded by love.

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The Perfect End to My 2025 Wedding Season

This day was everything I love about being a Northeast Ohio wedding photographer — family, connection, and joy. It was also extra special because my husband and parents were guests! So when my coverage ended at 8:30 p.m., I set my camera down and actually got to enjoy the rest of the night celebrating with them (and yes, I took home a box of cookies).

Frank and Leslie’s wedding was the perfect finale to my 2025 season…emotional, meaningful, and absolutely stunning from start to finish.

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Exciting Updates for 2026 Weddings!

For my 2026 couples — I have some exciting news!
Starting next year, A Rose’s Touch Photography wedding collections now include a second shooter. No more à la carte add-ons you’ll automatically have two photographers capturing your day from every angle.

Plus, my mom will officially be joining the team full-time as my assistant. She fluffs dresses, fixes veils, checks pockets, and is basically the “wedding day mom” every bride needs in her corner. So when you book with me, you’re hiring a team who’s fully invested in making your day effortless, beautiful, and full of heart.

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Vendors

Venue: Fellows Riverside Gardens (Youngstown, OH)
Reception: Leo’s Ristorante (Howland, OH)
Hotel: Marriott at Eastwood Mall

Just because wedding season is coming to a close does not mean my blog posts are! Even though wedding season is winding down family portraits and Christmas photos are just heating up! I cannot wait to share my Christmas set up with y’all!

If you’re a 2026/27 bride looking to book, click here to learn more about what it’s like to work with me and my custom collection for your special day!

Talk soon lovelies

Xoxo

Kaitlyn

A Rose’s Touch Photography