Category Archives: Creative Wedding Photography

Introducing Overlook at Astor Park

Columbus has welcomed a stunning new event venue in the heart of the Arena District—Overlook at Astor Park. Located at 600 W Nationwide Blvd, right next door to Lower.com Field, this fifth-floor space offers sweeping skyline views and a trendy, luxurious atmosphere perfect for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. It was my distinct honor to be the first into the space to photograph it!

Overlook at Astor Park

Before we head inside, let’s take a moment to appreciate the exterior. Every time I pass this building, I can’t help but say, ‘Wow—this place is just so cool.’ The windows form a woven pattern that dances with the sky, creating an artful, unexpected effect. Whimsical yet sophisticated, it’s a true showstopper—before you even step through the door.

Spanning 4,500 square feet, Overlook can accommodate up to 300 standing guests or 150 for seated banquets. The venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, lounge-style contemporary seating, a stunning built-in bar, and a commercial kitchenette. It also includes complimentary Wi-Fi, AV equipment, and on-site security, ensuring a seamless experience for any event. Some of my favorite details are the mid-century modern dry smoke fireplace, teal accent colors, plush fluffy chairs, and a breathtaking bar that is the focal point of the entire space.

Overlook officially made its debut with a Grand Opening Showcase on April 27, 2025, inviting guests to sip, mingle, and soak in the iconic skyline views. I was honored to be one of the featured vendors invited to participate in a styled shoot ahead of the event. Alongside some talented photographer friends and some of the city’s top vendors, we transformed the space and captured its magic—offering a glimpse into just how truly special this venue is.

With flexible rental options and the ability to bring in outside catering, Overlook at Astor Park is poised to become a premier event destination in Columbus. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or social celebration, this venue offers a unique blend of elegance and urban charm. And if your event happens to align with the Columbus Crew’s schedule, you might just be treated to a surprise fireworks show—a memorable bonus for you and your guests!

April 27th showcase vendors

Venue: Overlook at Astor Park
Florals: Fiori, Femme Floral, Sweet Blossom Floral
Letters: LED Marquee Columbus
Transportation: Limitless Limo
Catering & Bar: Tenacious Spaces
Rentals: Lasting Impressions, Event Source
Planners: Wegman Events, Tori at Overlook
Stationary: The Hess Press
Engraving: Lovely Arrows Designs
Balloon Arch: Party Pop Balloon Co.
DJ: Josh Staley Productions, DJ Le Blanc
Photo Booth: Flash Fun 614
Content Creation: BTS Creative

A Wedding at the Ellis in Columbus

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Very few things are better than a wedding at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio. Jill and Emily celebrated their unforgettable wedding day surrounded by family, friends, and a breathtakingly romantic atmosphere. This stunning celebration was a true reflection of their love story, filled with meaningful details, lush florals, and unique literary accents.

A Cosmic Connection

In an age of countless online meetings, I just love the story of how Emily and Jill met. Jill fondly recalled, ” I accidentally clobbered Emily as she walked by and I was dancing, and I was pretty sure she was entirely irritated at my existence at that moment. But from then, I just found myself looking over to where she sat against the wall that evening until I finally got up the nerve to go over and talk to her. Once I was next to her, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. Ever again. I slid her my phone number at one point – something I had never done before in my whole life, and felt a terrible empty pull in my heart when she and her friend left for the night. You cannot imagine the thrill I felt when I got a text from her the next day.”

A Venue Steeped in Charm

The Ellis, an intimate and stylish venue nestled in the heart of Columbus, set the perfect stage for Emily and Jill’s wedding day. With its modern yet warm aesthetic, it provided the ideal backdrop for a celebration that was both elegant and deeply personal. The space allowed for a seamless transition from the heartfelt ceremony to a lively reception, ensuring that every guest felt immersed in the love and joy that filled the air.

Making the Wedding Your Own

When asked what advice she would share, Jill said, “My biggest piece of advice is to make it your own. Don’t do anything you don’t really want to do because of tradition or family pressures or whatever. Make it yours and make it about the two of you. One thing we did that I treasure the most was writing cards to each of our guests to greet them at their tables, and then inviting them to write cards back to us by providing blank notecards for them. Those are treasures to me. And I love how our music progressed through the evening and reflected us as well. I loved every moment of our wedding. I loved how the venue looked, I loved how our ceremony felt and how we chose to walk down the aisle, I loved the party we threw for our reception. When I really think about it, though, what I loved most of all that day were the moments Emily and I had alone when we were getting ready together before the wedding, and then landing next to my wife on the couch of our hotel at the end of the night. I have never felt so full in all of my life.”

A Day to Remember

Jill and Emily’s wedding at The Ellis was a beautiful reflection of their love: vibrant, heartfelt, and unforgettable. The combination of stunning florals, literary charm, and undeniable romance made for a celebration that will be cherished for years to come. It was a day where love truly took center stage, proving that every great love story deserves to be told—and theirs was nothing short of extraordinary.

Vendors

Venue: The Ellis
Florals: Fiori Florals
Cake: Alice’s Piece of Cake
DJ: D&M DJ Entertainment (Mark Derenberger)
Makeup: State of Face
Hair: Jennifer King

A wedding at The Ellis

If you are having a wedding at the Ellis, please don’t hesitate to reach out here!

A wedding at The Joseph Le Meridien

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It is always a treat when I get to photograph a wedding at The Joseph Le Meridien in Columbus, Ohio. Especially when it’s for a couple as sweet and fun as Rebecca and Alex. This modern wedding was the perfect embodiment of elegance and sophistication.

The Joseph not only serves as a hotel and event venue, but also a showcase for vibrant contemporary artwork. This setting not only provided a visually stunning backdrop but also enhanced the couple’s modern aesthetic. The contrast of black and white throughout the venue added a touch of timeless elegance, while the art pieces sparked conversation and created a lively atmosphere.

That Magic Moment

The ceremony unfolded with beautiful rituals, such as the signing of the Ketubah, breaking of the glass and the recitation of vows, interwoven with personal touches that reflected the couple’s journey together. The black and white color scheme continued to resonate throughout the event, from the attire of the wedding party to the invitations, creating a cohesive and visually appealing experience.

The chuppah, a traditional Jewish wedding canopy, was adorned with delicate floral arrangements in monochromatic hues. This striking focal point captured the essence of the couple’s style and their commitment to honoring tradition while embracing modernity. This tradition was made even more special because Alex’s father hand-made every inch of it.

After the ceremony, guests were ushered into a chic reception area filled with contemporary artworks. Tables inside the reception were elegantly set with black linens, silver chargers, and stunning centerpieces featuring sprays of white and pale blue flowers. The lighting was soft and romantic, casting a warm glow in a room that overlooked the Short North arch lights.

As the evening progressed, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by a night of dancing with a live band. Every inch of the dance floor was packed from beginning to end.

This modern wedding beautifully illustrates how couples can honor their heritage while embracing their unique style. The combination of a contemporary art gallery, a striking black and white color scheme, and traditional elements created an unforgettable experience that resonated with both the couple and their guests.

VENDORS

Venue: The Joseph Le Meridien
Day of Coordinator: Thyme and Details
Florals: Evergreen Flower Company
Dress: La Jeune Mariee
Dress Designer: Bliss by Monique Lhuillier
Makeup and Hair: Alea Beauty
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Cake: Spencer’s Sugar Shop
Band: Bluewater Kings

A wedding at The Joseph Le Meridien

If you are having a wedding at the Joseph, please don’t hesitate to reach out here!

Downtown Revery Wedding

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Hope and Brett were married last fall in a spectacular downtown Revery wedding that overlooked the Columbus, Ohio skyline. They opted for an intimate brunch wedding, so the space was glowing from all corners with bright early afternoon light.

The Venue

Hope and Brett saw each other before their wedding in the lobby of the industrial venue.
Formerly a warehouse, the space had exposed brick walls, high ceilings and tall windows. The atmosphere was chic and edgy, the perfect complement to Hope’s vibrant personality and great sense of fashion. As Brett turned to see his bride for the first time, his eyes lit up and he smiled from ear to ear as they melted into each other’s arms.

The Vibe

Hope wore a form-fitting lace gown with a cascading train. She paired it with an ostrich feather bolero that added elegance and whimsy to her wedding look. Brett wore a navy-blue suit that complimented the outdoor fall colors and matched the blue accents of the venue.

The Ceremony

The ceremony and reception took place in the same space. All sides of the building were
windows, creating an outdoor feeling with the benefit of being indoors on a brisk fall day. Thr roof opened and the venue was transformed into an outdoor space as the weather became warmer in the late afternoon. Rows of clear chivari chairs provided a clean and minimalistic look. Cream roses with pops of lavender and plum adorned the front aisle and Hope’s breathtaking bouquet.

Making the ceremony more intimate and heartfelt, Hope and Brett had Hope’s Grandmother
officiate their ceremony. Bathed in gorgeous sunshine, they exchanged their sincere vows to one another in front of their closest family and friends. After they were pronounced husband and wife, more photos were taken with family and the wedding party. Hope and Brett were then introduced into their downtown Revery wedding reception with a standing ovation.

The party continued into the early evening and was filled with cocktails and delicious brunch
food. It was a unique, modern and laid-back celebration that was styled to perfection.

I am so excited to announce that the photography from this wedding is a finalist in the ILEA (International Live Events Association) Wedding Photography of the Year Award. Winners will be announced later this year!

Columbus Zoo Wedding

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It’s my honor to showcase this incredible Columbus Zoo wedding today on the blog. What could be better than feeding a giraffe at cocktail hour? Staring down a sloth over hors d’oeuvre? Cradling a Kangeroo? Few things are better than that, but one is marrying your best friend. So this wedding was quite possibly the perfect day.

I met up with Abby in downtown Dublin, Ohio on a sunny summer day. Her friends were so much fun and kept her laughing all morning. Abby looked so elegant in her strapless lace-bodice gown. It was so much fun to pose her in the magical window light of the hotel.

After she was ready, Abby met Brent on the roof of the hotel at VASO for their first look. Brent’s face when he turned around and saw her was pure excitement. We walked around Vaso and the hotel lobby and took advantage of the beautiful natural light and modern spaces.

From the hotel, the entire wedding party ventured out to downtown Old Dublin for some really fun wedding photos. The city is alive with interesting architectural lines. It was really fun to play them up in their photos.

Columbus Zoo Wedding

Then, it was time to go to the Zoo to get these two married! A stunning flower arch stood between roaming giraffes and the wedding guests. To have such beautiful creatures hanging out in the background of your wedding ceremony was breathtaking. At cocktail hour, the Zoo brought out animals for the guests and the bride and groom. I’ve never seen a happier bride in my whole career than I did when Abby was able to hold a kangaroo.

Inside the reception space, the world’s largest cookie table was getting ready for its debut. Still to this day, it was the largest cookie spread of any I’ve ever photographed. I think it probably spanned five 5′ tables. It was glorious.

Abby and Brent were able to sneak out for sunset photos that were just awe-inspiring. The warm light flooded in and made the whole outdoor pavilion feel other-worldly. It was such a special day and I am so lucky to have been a part of it. Thank you so much to Abby and Brent for having me.

Vendors

Venue: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium- Africa Event Center
Hotel: AC Marriot Dublin
Wedding Planner: Limelight Event Planning
Florist: Blooms by Amanda
DJ- Platinum DJ Productions
String Quartet- Columbus Musicians LLC
Cake: Our Cupcakery
Dress: Evaline’s Bridal
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at River Ridge
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Warehouse

Check out Abby and Brent’s engagement shoot here!

Oak Grove Wedding Photography

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I have been waiting a minute to post about this incredible Oak Grove wedding photography, and today’s the day!

Miranda’s dress was a striking silhouette and featured a pointed lace train that gracefully flowed behind her when she walked. Her beautiful curls were pulled back into a low bun and fascinated with a crystal hair clip. A few curls framed her face to accent her incredible jawline. Kelvin looked like a million dollars in a blue suit that was accented with a soft pink tie.

The couple shared a “first touch” before the wedding where they held hands and said a prayer for the day and their marriage. It was an incredibly beautiful and quiet moment they were able to share with just eachother before they walked down the aisle to say “I do!”.

Gorgeous string music filled the greenhouse as guests took their seats. When Kelvin walked through the front doors, the whole crowd cheered for him. I have never seen a bigger smile on a groom walking down the aisle before. Pretty soon, Miranda turned the corner with her father and met Kelvin’s eyes waiting for her at the end of the greenhouse. Tears began to flow as he saw her approach.

Standing in front of all of their loved ones, and flanked by 12 of their very best friends, Miranda and Kelvin took their marriage vows in a romantic and heartwarming ceremony. Some of my favorite photos of the day were taken immediately following their walk back down the aisle. They were freshly married, alone in their reception room, and had no idea they were being photographed. It was just them, in the moment, together.

As you can tell, Oak Grove at Jorgenson Farms is an incredible editorial and photographs like a dream. For that reason, it is one of my favorite Columbus, Ohio wedding venues. I think one of the most exciting aspects of this venue is the potential for incredible night photography. The starburst lighting fixtures and Edison bulbs make a showstopping backdrop for dreamy nighttime portraits.

A special thank you to Miranda and Kelvin for having me capture this showstopping day. It will forever be one of my absolute favorite weddings I’ve photographed.

VENDORS

Venue: Jorgenson Farms Oak Grove
Florist: Petals & Leaves
Cake: Capital City Cakes
DJ: Jomar with Josh Staley Productions
Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander
Bride’s Shoes: DB Studio
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Warehouse

Estate Horse Farm Wedding

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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!

Vendors

Planning and Coordination: Thyme and Details
Florals: Lagom Floral Gallery
Catering: Sweet Carrot
Rentals: Lasting Impressions
Cake: Lavender and Honey Cakery
HMUA: Le Reve
Dress: BHLDN
Suit: Indochino
DJ: Beat Squad Entertainment

For wedding decor listed in this post as well as other ideas, please visit my Amazon shop for further inspiration!

Columbus Museum of Art Wedding

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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!!

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Columbus Museum of Art
Reception Venue: The Ellis
Florals: Fiori Florals
Cake: Sauer Cakes
DJ: D&M DJ Entertainment

Nationwide Hotel LGBTQ Wedding

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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!

Vendors

Venue: Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
Desserts: OMG Sweets
Florals: Botanica Flowers
DJ: Buckeye Entertainment
Videographer: Up and Up Weddings

Amelita Mirolo Barn Wedding

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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

Ask a Question

Overlook at Astor Park

April 27th showcase vendors

A Cosmic Connection

A Venue Steeped in Charm

Making the Wedding Your Own

A Day to Remember

Vendors

A wedding at The Ellis

That Magic Moment

VENDORS

A wedding at The Joseph Le Meridien

The Venue

The Vibe

The Ceremony

Columbus Zoo Wedding

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