As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today on the blog is a striking private estate horse farm wedding. As if the location wasn’t enough of a wow! factor, the bride and groom are designers and curated a delightfully whimsical and romantic experience for all their guests.
Maddie and Adam’s wedding invitation featured the estate’s signature 6-sided barn on the front. The whole day was accented with a palate of soft greens and pinks. With details galore, everywhere you looked was eye candy of the most beautiful sort. Some of my favorite details included Maddie’s Happily Ever After clutch, her embroidered guest book, her hand-made cocktail hour backdrop made from sno cone cups, pom poms that lined the bar, and letterboards that displayed drink options. Needless to say, it was a photographer’s dream.
Their ceremony was nestled within a wooded area that featured towering trees. To say it was picturesque would be an understatement. The naturally swaying canopy of trees above made the couple’s vows feel even more intimate and meaningful. As part of the ceremony, they planned a small tree together using soil from their respective homes.
After Maddie and Adam said “I do”, guests were welcomed to a stunning outdoor cocktail hour. Bistro tables were adorned with flowers in bud vases. Drinks were shared out in the beautiful sunshine or under the shade of an umbrella.
During dinner, the couple and I snuck out for some more photos. We were able to get a few with the barn and out behind the barn as the sun became lower and warmer in the sky. Some of my favorites from this dinner session were with a classic car that was brought onto the property.
As the evening went on, so much laughter and love was shared as speeches were given under the tent. In true Ohio fashion, the weather was doing crazy things. Each time I looked at the radar on my phone, it said we were standing in a thunderstorm. The funny thing is, it wasn’t raining at all. The sky did become dark, however, and the most amazing thing happened. A gorgeous rainbow appeared across the sky. You better believe we took some photos with it.
Maddie and Adam’s wedding was simply put, enchanting. I think everyone who attended was left with memories of a truly unique and unforgettable evening. Thank you so much for having me there to capture it all!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Allison and Mark knocked it out of the park when they had their Columbus Museum of Art Wedding last July. It’s not every day you can celebrate such an incredible life event amongst so much beauty.
Their ceremony took place at Edwards Court. The ceiling is entirely made of windows which allows for natural light to pour into the space. A larger-than-life glass artwork by Dale Chihuly called Isola di San Giacomo in Palude, sits on one end of the atrium. It is an elegant and unique space and offers an experience only an art museum can.
The bridesmaids wore different shades of blue and Allison looked absolutely flawless in her white lace-trimmed A-lined gown. Details of white and blue could be found around every corner. Cascading bouquets were flanked on either side of the ceremony wall, the wedding invitations were adorned with a blue satin ribbon, a custom wedding hanger was embellished with blue and white flowers, and a blue velvet ring box showed off how beautiful Allison’s wedding rings were.
Inside and outside of the museum offered grand portrait backdrops. The lighting outside played against the walls and made for some pretty epic spotlight portraiture of Allison. One of my favorite details from the day was their ring bearer wore a bear costume and thus became known as the “ring bear.”
After portraits around the museum, we went to their reception venue, The Ellis. Allison is an avid swing dancer, so there were so many fantastic dance moves both during cocktail hour and the open dancing. Guests were also treated to a specially choreographed dance from Allison and her fellow dance group. It was so much fun to watch and super impressive to see her do it all in a wedding dress, no less!
Congratulations to these two. It was such an honor to be a part of this magical celebration!!
I cannot think of a better way to kick off Pride month than to feature this wonderful Nationwide Hotel LGBTQ Wedding! It was such an honor to capture Matt and Michael’s loving, genuine, and incredibly authentic celebration last year.
Eight years ago on June 26th, 2015, I was actually photographing a gay wedding. The couple didn’t know if their ceremony was going to be legal or not at the end of the day. It was announced at the reception that LGBTQ persons were now legally allowed to get married, and oh what a celebration that night was! People cheering, crying, and signing LEGAL documents! It’s become one of my favorite wedding-day core memories and a moment I’ll never forget.
It’s hard to believe up until that date and that moment, same-sex couples had been denied the right to legally marry. It goes without saying that for many reasons including this one, the LGBTQ community has felt excluded and marginalized. For that reason, any time an LGBTQ wedding happens, it’s also a celebration of equality and the right to marry and love whoever your heart loves, no matter what gender. These weddings are brave and make a statement to the world about love triumphing always. It’s one of the reasons LGBTQ weddings are some of my very favorites.
On this special day, Matt and Michael wore matching navy blue tuxedos with black accents. Everyone in their wedding party wore the same navy color and it was STUNNING. I adore monochromatic everything. Matt and Michael said their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends in the Edgewater Room at Nationwide Hotel. The sun beamed in on them as they made their marriage official.
Their reception was accented by a custom logo made from both of their initials. Elegant blue and white flowers decorated every table. My favorite part was the eye candy that OMG Sweets provided for the dessert table. As always, Nationwide knocked it out of the park with its incredible food.
After dinner, the couple was showered with love and some hilarious speeches. They then moved into the dancing room for their first dance where the love between them was simply palpable. Soon after, guests danced into the evening and celebrated and cheered Matt and Michael as they officially launched this new chapter of their lives together. Last month was their one-year anniversary and I’d like to wish them a very happy one year down!
One of the highlights from my 2021 lineup was this Amelita Mirolo Barn Wedding! All of the bright reds, pinks, and purples make this a perfect post for the days leading up to Valentine’s Day early next week!
You might recognize Megan and Sathyan from their engagement shoot that I posted on the blog late last year. I was lucky enough to join them again for their Indian wedding celebration.
When you walked into the barn at Amelita Mirolo, every inch was bursting with color. Stacks of cupcakes with fluffy icing were adorned with brightly colored flowers. Vines and flowers were used to tie back the most vibrant canopy where the ceremony took place. Pink and orange table cloths spotted the room and made the whole space feel so vibrant and dynamic. During the ceremony, they had the back doors to the barn open. This created a beautiful backlit light that felt almost like we were outdoors.
Megan wore two dresses. Her first was the ceremony sari that was a deep purple. After the ceremony, she changed into a more comfortable but equally stunning red sari. I really loved photographing both of them and we even had some fun spinning the second one on top of a small hill nearby.
A special thank you to Megan and Sat for having me with you on the first of two wedding days you celebrated last year. It was an honor and a privilege! I can’t wait to see what’s next for you both! XO Jess
When the pandemic hit, Brianna and Theo were forced to put their large wedding on hold. However, the couple didn’t want to put their love on hold and decided to move ahead with a Flat 51 microwedding in Columbus, Ohio with only nine of their closest loved ones in attendance.
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we planned to have a traditional wedding with nearly 300 guests in October 2020,” recalls Brianna. “As the pandemic continued throughout spring 2020, we decided to cancel the original wedding and plan a microwedding for September 13, 2020. We decided to change the date to commemorate our dating anniversary in September. Our planner, Lucretia Williams of Distinct Event Planning, guided us in adapting our original vision for a three hundred person wedding to an event for eleven of our closest friends and family. We had two style inspirations, city-chic aesthetic and elements of nature. The freshness and brightness of the greenery contrasted with the minimalism of the white and black.”
The couple’s all-white loft space provided a black slate backdrop to their contemporary wedding which was filled with plenty of greenery, sleek glass accents and pop of jet black. Since so few people were in attendance, the couple even sat everyone at one giant square table for an intimate dinner. “We like a city-chic aesthetic and elements of nature,” says Brianna of what inspired the aesthetic of their wedding at Flat 51 in Columbus, Ohio. “We wanted to bring the freshness and brightness of the greenery to contrast the minimalism of the white and black.
The combination of candles and greenery created a calm and tranquil environment. A simple arrangement of greenery on the wall was the backdrop for the ceremony. The simple touch cemented the city garden feel for the ceremony. Our table decor included candles in votives of various heights, white flowers, black china, and black silverware. When the sunset during dinner, it felt as though we were at an intimate garden dinner party.”
Beyond decor, the couple’s fashion choices for the wedding in Columbus, Ohio, were also uber chic. Brianna rocked a robe with feather trim atop her wedding dress. “I did not want to wear my original wedding dress for the microwedding but I struggled to come up with a different vision,” says Brianna. “I wanted to wear something unique and unexpected. One day about two months before the wedding while standing in a socially distanced line outside the grocery store, the vision for my look hit me. I wanted a look that incorporated elements of my everyday style but was unique for the wedding. I envisioned a simple sheath dress with an elaborate robe over it. I looked endlessly online to find the perfect dress and robe combination. My dress had a simply chic vibe – exactly what I was looking for. The sheath silhouette, mini shoulder pads, and side cutouts exemplified my preference for elevated basics. I wore a sheer white robe with ostrich feather sleeves on top. The ostrich sleeves were the perfect touch to elevate my bridal look. I wore baby’s breath statement earrings to compliment the organic greenery of our decor. I made the bold choice to wear a smokey eye and absolutely loved how Yodit of Amlaz Faces did my makeup. I wore my hair simple and sleek to keep the dramatic focus on my robe’s feather sleeves. I felt like a 70’s ethereal goddess.”
Meanwhile, Theo paired his green suit with a fun floral tie. “After discussing the theme of the micro wedding with Brianna I had an idea of what I wanted to wear. I knew from that day on I wanted to wear a suit that had green in it. My next job was to find the perfect green suit that I would want to wear. I ended up trying out a custom suit company called Indochino. I was able to customize everything I wanted on the suit and even put a monogram ‘TB 9.13.20’ into the suit jacket pocket. I chose peak wide lapels and a wilted chest pocket for the suit jacket. I went back and forth between how many buttons I wanted but I ended up going with a 4 button layout of a double-breasted suit jacket. I had the inside lined with a green tropical print. To complete the outfit I found some brown shoes, a nice white dress shirt with the perfect collar, and a floral tie with a little blue in it to really pop with the green suit,” says Theo of his bold green look. Beyond the couple’s chosen attire being stunning, the anticipation of finding out what Brianna was wearing was particularly memorable for Theo. “For me, the part of the wedding that I anticipated the most was seeing Brianna walk down the aisle. She did everything under the sun to keep me in the dark for what she was wearing,” he recalls. “When she came into view I was stunned. She had never looked better. To this day I am still in shock.”
Looking back on their contemporary green-and-white wedding at Flat 51 in Columbus, Ohio, Theo encourages all current to-be-weds in the throes of wedding planning to “take your time. Be patient. Take time to really bask in the engagement, it goes fast.” Meanwhile, Brianna reflects on how “planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic made us all focus on what matters the most. Although our wedding may not have been our original idea, it was the day of my dreams more than I could have imagined. Our wedding focused on our love for each other and reflected who we are. I had the perfect day.”
Last year, I was so excited to learn that this wedding had been published on the knot!
This backyard Columbus Ohio wedding was quite simply, a dream. I was hired to photograph Nicholas and Joseph’s wedding because their larger blow-out celebration that was set to be in Chicago was sadly canceled because of COVID last year. When I arrived at their house, I walked into the backyard and was met with the most stunning table set up under hanging bistro lights. The landscaping was to die for. There were lots of little places to sit around the yard, a fire was going, and so. many. candles. You would have thought that the florals had been done by a professional florist, but Joseph actually did them himself!
When I arrived, Nick and Joe were getting ready inside and everyone was bustling about their home. A Cake for Leroy was putting the final touches on their cake in the kitchen. Their best friends were in and out the back door setting everything up. There was such fun energy in the air.
Right before guests arrived, Joe and Nick joined me for a few portraits around their yard. The table setup was so stunning I had to make it part of some shots. These two have such a deep bond with each other and I could really feel how important this day was for both of them. Happy tears streamed from both of them. Their love was palpable.
Joseph’s brother officiated the ceremony amongst an intimate group of friends and family. Their vows were some of the best I had ever heard. They described what it really felt like to meet the love of your life. The vows were also very poetic and sincere. The space these two created at that moment was electric, and one that I’ll never forget.
After the vows were exchanged and the rings were placed, it was time to party and celebrate! Cameron Mitchell provided the most beautiful appetizers and food for the event. Everyone gave Nick and Joe a champagne toast to their new marriage! As the sun tucked below the horizon, guests were seated and the happy couple danced in each other’s arms under the glow of the twinkling lights. Dinner continued into the dark of night and laughing faces were illuminated by the glow of candlelight. It was such a beautiful moment in time. I can’t thank Joseph and Nicholas enough for trusting me with capturing their vision.
These two celebrated their one-year anniversary yesterday so what better time to share their Hilliard Ohio wedding photos with the world! You might recognize them from their engagement shoot I posted a couple of weeks back. Lindsay and Jake are two of the funniest people you could ever be around. I laughed so hard I cried at least twice at this wedding. To have so much joy even though they were in the midst of having to pivot their original wedding plans because of the pandemic is a true testament to their relationship and bond.
When they realized their original wedding wasn’t going to work with COVID restrictions, at the last minute, Lindsay and Jake found the Norwich Pavilion which is a stunning outdoor facility in Hilliard’s Weaver Park. It is painted all white and just perfect for an outdoor wedding that’s also sheltered from a warm June day. As Lindsay walked toward the Pavillion, she and her dad emerged from a covered bridge into the bright sunlight. It was a major WOW factor! She looked stunning. Her dress had beautiful lace sleeves that kissed her shoulders. She wore her hair down in cascading curls. When Jake saw her, he was ear-to-ear smiles.
It wasn’t what they had originally planned, but this wedding was so beautiful and intimate. And, because of its size, we were able to get the best photo of everyone that attended the wedding! Congratulations to Lindsay and Jake and their one-year anniversary yesterday! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you both. Lots of love, Jess
Today I am so delighted to share Eric and Bogna’s Park of Roses Elopement. When the world around you feels like it’s ending, postponing your wedding plans and everything else, I just love what Bogna and Eric said: F it! Let’s do this! I am so proud of them for following their hearts, pivoting during very uncertain COVID times, and tying the knot in a very small intimate ceremony at the Whetstone Park of Roses early last year.
Their adorable doggie joined the party, just like at their engagement shoot. All the trees in the park were newly coated green and some spring blossoms were still in full show. After the small ceremony, we walked around the park and took photos in the spring sunlight. When we came back, the family toasted the happy new couple, including some family across the world that was on zoom. It was so special and heartfelt.
I am so so excited to join them again later this year to have their bigger celebration with family and friends! Keep an eye out for these two on the blog later this year!
I am so excited to share today’s Swan Lake Event Center Wedding for a few reasons. I had done Blaire’s sister’s wedding a few years back so it was super fun to see them all again. Also, this wedding felt so grand to me. They allowed so much time for photos and it really showed. Their final collection is so robust and stunning- not to mention I think this might have been the nicest fall day I can ever remember having for a wedding
For those who haven’t been to this beautiful venue in Powell, OH, it is everything you could ever ask for! The fall foliage was in full regalia as Blaire and Brian did their first look down by the lake. Everything was perfectly manicured and there ARE actual swans that live on the property.
Off to the church!
After the first look and a few portraits, it was time to go get married! The couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in downtown, Columbus. Blaire’s lace-trimmed cathedral length veil was nothing less than show-stopping as she made her way down the grand aisle towards Brian. This wedding was pre-COVID so everyone was mask-free. You know, the good ole’ days.
From St. Joseph’s, the entire bridal party met across the street at the Ohio Statehouse for more photos. The bridal party looked so sophisticated and elegant in the deep purple color. The classical architecture of the statehouse complimented Blaire’s off-the-shoulder gown perfectly. From the statehouse, we ventured over to the Scioto Mile for some fun group shots on the Main Street bridge. I think my favorite photos from this area were down by the water where tall grasses accented the edge of the river giving an ethereal feel to some of the imagery we captured.
Time to Party
Now it was time to party! Everyone met back at Swan Lake as cocktail hour was ending. The fire pit was lit on the back deck, and as the sun slowly set, you could see the fountains in the lake starting to change colors. All of the colors can be programmed to match the colors of the wedding!
All-Star Vendors
Creative Cuisine provided the feast as GMJL Productions kept the music rolling. Hilliard Floral Design did an incredible job with the florals and Got Ya Covered provided the linens. Batter and Bowl made the 4-tier cake and cookies were homemade by family and friends. Shannon from Goode Hair LLC knocked it out of the park-like always! Everything from start to finish with this wedding was spectacular and I felt so blessed to be a part of it all.
Tonight I get to feature Jenn and DWs gorgeous wedding from last year at High Line Car House! I have been so excited to show this one off because from start to finish, this day was just magical. This is also the first time in 12 years that I’ve had a pet stand at the front with the couple as they got married. Cooper was very respectful and didn’t steal the show too much!!
DW and Jenn did a first look at Schiller Park in German Village. It was so much fun to see DW’s reaction as they both turned around. He was overcome with emotion and photographers just live for those moments! From there we casually walked around the park, talking and laughing with the whole bridal party. Jenn’s cathedral length veil was just everything. Long veils make the whole bridal look so elegant and romantic. One of my favorite photos we got was the picture of their basset hound Cooper standing in front of the bridal party. He even had his own little tuxedo!
We all headed back to High Line to watch these two tie the knot! It was so intimate, loving, and warm in that room. From there we all moved to the main space of High Line and got the party started. Tables were accented with flowers from Jewelwedding Floral Studio, candles, and the most beautiful glass pumpkins. Kitties Cakes supplied the most incredible desserts as well! After their first dance, we snuck out to do a few night photos in front of the Columbus Love sign downtown. To finish off the night, guests were treated to The Whirlybirds live band. This day had the best energy from start to finish. So much love to you both DW and Jenn. You’ll never know how lucky I feel that you walked into my life! XO J
