Date Night Downtown – A Stylish Downtown Cleveland Engagement Session
June 5, 2025
A Downtown Cleveland Engagement Session That’s Personal and Stylish
As a Cleveland wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing so many love stories—but this one hits extra close to home. These engagement photos are of me and my fiancé, Michael, captured during our very own Downtown Cleveland engagement session. And the person behind the lens? My incredibly talented team photographer, Marah.
Marah began as my assistant years ago and has grown into a phenomenal photographer. Watching her take on weddings with grace and passion—and now photographing my wedding—has been such an honor. So when it came time for our own shoot, I knew there was no one better to document our love.
The Reasoning Behind Our Date Night Inspired Engagement Photos
We wanted our photos to reflect us—date night vibes, a little editorial, and full of in-the-moment joy. We didn’t want anything overly posed or stiff. Instead, we focused on just being present with each other. Marah made that easy. Her calm energy and direction helped us relax, laugh, and genuinely have fun together.
Our engagement session started at one of our favorite local dive bars—Gilbert’s Tavern. This cozy spot holds so much meaning for us. We’ve spent countless Wednesday date nights there having deep conversations, dreaming up business strategies, planning our wedding, and racking up TouchTunes credits.
Outfit Details: Dress is from Hello Molly
Photos Outside Downtown Cleveland’s City Hall (Despite Being Chilly!)
After Gilbert’s, we made a quick stop for a few snaps outside Cleveland City Hall. It was freezing—a classic March-in-Ohio moment—but we braved the cold for a couple of quick shots that still captured those classic Downtown Cleveland engagement vibes.
Outfit Details: Dress is from Amazon
Want to see more chic Cleveland wedding inspo? Read about Alex & Danny’s Old Courthouse Wedding.
Arcade Fun at Punch Bowl Social
Next, we headed to Punch Bowl Social in The Flats. This was the most fun part of our session. We danced to the music, played arcade games, ate yummy French fries, took Polaroids, hit up the photo booth, and just enjoyed each other. The mix of playful and candid moments made this experience feel so uniquely us.
Outfit Details: Dress is from @shop12thtribe | Boots are from: Amazon
Planning Your Own Cleveland Engagement Session? Here’s My Advice:
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels like you—something stylish, meaningful, and true to your vibe—I hope this inspires you to do something outside the box. Make it your own. Choose places that matter to you. Wear something fun. Go somewhere familiar. Just be yourselves. Because that’s when the best moments happen.
Looking for a Cleveland wedding photographer or live wedding painter? Let’s connect here
Vendors + Links:
- Photography by @marahmariephotography
- Hair + Makeup: @beautybykirsten.erika
- Dress: @shop12thtribe / Hello Molly / Amazon Dress
- Boots: Amazon Boots
- Arcade Fun Spot: @punchbowlsocial
www.arastasiaphotography.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
thank you SO much for reading – I truly appreciate it!
til next time my friend!
with love and kindness,
Arastasia Rolain
owner of Arastasia Photography
Wedding Photographer, Mural Artist, Live Wedding Painter
based out of Cleveland, Ohio
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