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
Even though this wedding wasn’t from November, I still wanted to share it this week because it had the perfect fall and Thanksgiving palate. Last year, I had the honor of photographing Kendra and Andrew’s wedding in downtown Columbus. These two are so in love and it just showed through in every photo. We did the first look outside of their hotel, the Hyatt downtown. The Hyatt has really vamped up their rooms in the last couple of years and it’s become an awesome place to get ready for a wedding. Beautiful Ivy scaled the outside of the Hyatt, making it the perfect backdrop for seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. As Andrew turned around, they both started to laugh, totally overcome with joy that they had finally made it to their wedding day! Then they embraced and just melted into the other’s arms. It was a quiet and magical moment where the whole world seemed to pause just for an instant.
From the first look, we stopped in German Village for their portraits. A bright red wall we found complimented the bright orange and maroon florals just perfectly. It was then time to get married! We went to the Boathouse at Confluence Park and went outside to their back patio for the ceremony. There is a sweeping view of the Columbus skyline that is simply spectacular. Tears filled both Kendra and Andrew’s eyes as they said their vows and pledged their lives to one another.
It was then time to party! Guests were treated to champagne and city views all night long and the dancing was spectacular! Earlier this year Kendra and Andrew welcomed a little baby to their family. It’s been such a cool two years for these two even though 2020 certainly has come with challenges. Thank you Kendra and Andrew for trusting me with these beautiful memories!
Gloria and Michael celebrated their beautiful summer wedding at The Estate at New Albany last June. This venue is so fresh and clean on the inside and light just pours into the windows. It’s a dream for any photographer to shoot here. The whole building is surrounded by these beautiful fields and the sunsets are magnificent.
Gloria and Michael’s wedding was a soft pink dream. Everything was so classy. I’m such a sucker for a man in a blue tux. Together these two looked like a wedding power couple. Some of my favorite details from the day were the soft pink undertones of Gloria’s dress, the touching tributes she had to her beloved mother, the little bow tie on their son, and the wreath of babies breath their daughter wore on her head.
Before the first look with Michael, Gloria did a first look with her dad where he cried and prayed over her and then held her in his arms. It was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop. It was so sentimental and a moment I know Gloria will remember forever. Those were also some of my favorite photos from the day.
Next came the first look with Michael! He was so excited! He swayed from foot to foot and clasped his hands as he waited for her with a huge smile on his face. As she turned the corner, a beam of sunlight hit her and she looked like an absolute vision. When they finally saw each other, it was so sweet. Gloria welled up with tears and just melted into his arms.
For portraits, we walked around the estate which is surrounded on two sides with picturesque (lucky for me lol) woods. As we made our way back to the bridal suite, we made some time to do a few family photos with Michael, Gloria, and their two darling children.
After the ceremony came the reception. These two have such an incredible family bond, and it shows. Their speeches were so heartfelt and sincere. Between the two of them, they had 6 people give speeches! So. Much. Love. And to top it all off, I think this wedding wins my best dance moves award from all the weddings I photographed in 2019. All weddings should have a soul train line, just sayin’. Thank you so much Gloria and Michael! This wedding was so perfect from beginning to end. It was so relaxed and filled with love. You made us feel like family and I can’t thank you enough for the honor of stepping into your incredible lives for just one day! XO Jess
Tanner and Justin are two of the most sincere and fun people you’ll ever meet. To know them is to love them! You might remember their engagement shoot I posted last year. That is still such a vivid day in my memory. The whole time it was just about to rain and there was this gorgeous haze in the air.
Fast forward to their wedding last year, it was quite literally the perfect day. The wedding started with the girls getting ready at Trinity United Methodist Church. This was the first time I had ever shot in this church and it quickly became one of my favorites. In the main entrance, there’s a glass dome ceiling. As the light poured through, it made the most spectacular starburst light pattern across the room. I knew we had to take advantage of that for a photo of Tanner! Her bridesmaids wore navy blue and everyone carried bouquets of white and green. Everything looked so romantic and sophisticated.
As Tanner and her father turned the corner to walk down the aisle toward Justin, they were both backlit and Tanner was literally glowing. I had never seen a more radiant bride! Justin wiped away tears as he saw his bride walk toward him. It was the perfect moment.
After the ceremony, the two celebrated as they walked into the hallway with cheers towards our cameras and the cutest “just-married” kisses! I couldn’t get enough of it! From there we traveled to Schiller Park where the was a slight breeze in the air and a duck who wanted to compete with the happy couple for photo time. From the park, we drove to High Line Car House which has the most photogenic back alley. It was a nice last few minutes they could spend together before the party started. And what a party it was! Just pure joy all night long. I feel so thankful to have been there to see it all! I hope you love these as much as I loved taking them! XO Jess
