Category Archives: Downtown Columbus Wedding

Columbus Ohio Wedding Photography – Madi & Dom’s Romantic St. John the Baptist & Grand Event Center Celebration

College Sweethearts, Cinematic Edition

Some love stories just feel like they were written for the big screen. Madi & Dominic’s wedding was absolute rom-com gold. I’m talking charming college cheerleader meets fetching football star, sparks fly, and suddenly we’re all invested in a years-long story that ends with me ugly-crying behind a camera. On July 22, 2023, they made it official, and let me tell you… this wedding had it all: romance, laughter, champagne, and a very dapper, heart stealing puppers.

Ceremony Goals at St. John the Baptist

They said “I do” at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on E. Lincoln Street. Dom’s face when Madi walked down the aisle? I’ve never seen such pure, glimmering joy. Madi, radiant as ever, floated down the aisle with a sophisticated elegance and ear-to-ear smile.

By the time they were pronounced husband and wife, the sanctuary erupted. (Fitting, considering at least a quarter of the guest list could still pull off a flawless human pyramid that would make SportsCenter’s Top 10 and House of Highlights in the same week.)

A Whirlwind Photo Tour of Columbus

Post-ceremony, we turned Columbus into our own wedding day film set. We made a pit stop at Goodale Park, because if you’re doing Columbus wedding photography right, you know that shady greenery & iconic fountain are your friends. German Village gave us its signature charm: brick streets, leafy corners, and architecture that politely asks you to slow down and just exist for a minute. Then came the party bus, which was less “mode of transportation” and more “mobile dance floor with wheels.”

After that came the real VIP moment: stopping at their home to pop champagne with their pup of honor, Maximus. Bow tie? Check. Perfectly photogenic fur? Check. The ability to completely upstage the bride and groom without even trying? Triple check. I’m not saying I started a Maximus fan club that day… but I considered making t-shirts.

The Grand Event Center: Where the Party Hit Peak Velocity

The Grand Event Center is already one of my favorite reception venues in Columbus, but Madi & Dom made it feel like it was built just for them. Madison House Flowers worked their floral magic with soft, romantic blooms that somehow survived the dance floor chaos. And oh, the dance floor.

Madi’s cheer friends wasted zero time turning it into a full-blown throw-down. It was the kind of reception where you stop checking the time, because no one wants it to end.

And yet… it did end. But in the sweetest way. Everyone cleared out, the music slowed down, and Madi & Dom shared a final, private dance in the empty room; just the two of them, swaying like they had all the time in the world. It was quiet, emotional, and so completely them.

Final Thoughts

Madi & Dom: thank you for letting me (professionally) crash your love story. And if you’re reading this and dreaming up your own Columbus, Ohio wedding, I’d love to be there to capture it. Whether it’s a cathedral ceremony, a garden party, or an intimate backyard bash with a bow-tied dog, let’s make some magic. Reach out here! I can’t wait to hear about your love story.

Vendors:

•Ceremony: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Columbus, Ohio
•Reception: The Grand Event Center – Columbus, Ohio
•Florist: Madison House Flowers
•Pup of Honor: Maximus, professional heart-stealer

Introducing Overlook at Astor Park

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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 Elopement Photography

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One of my favorite things to shoot is Columbus elopement photography. I love it because it feels so spontaneous with no real schedule to keep. Believe it or not, this wedding session was only 30 minutes! My time with them was short but mighty. This session was filled with smiles, puppy kisses, and the most fabulous spring blooms.

Gabriella and Brice met up with me after their intimate low-key elopement downtown by the river. We utilized the ivy-covered brick walls of the Cultural Arts Center and the Main Street bridge. It was a great way to get a lot of variety for photos in a limited time frame. The sun was starting to dip in the sky and the bride lights were just becoming visible. That’s an ideal time of day to be shooting because everything seems so much more atmospheric and romantic.

Although they chose to keep their actual ceremony private and off-camera, this was such a perfect way to celebrate! I can’t thank Gabriella and Brice enough for having me join them on this incredible day.

If you are having a Columbus elopement, fill out my contact form so we can plan your special photo session together!

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

The Ellis Columbus Wedding

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Hello, blog! It’s been a while! 2022 was one of the craziest years I’ve ever had and by far my most successful at Jessica Miller photography. I got to meet some amazing, amazing people. I got to shoot some of the most beautiful events I’ve ever been to. The events industry came roaring back, and I soaked it all up one weekend at a time.

Today I am sharing Lindsay and Scott’s showstopping wedding. From beginning to end, this wedding was relaxed and fun with a hint of glamour. When I walked into the room and saw Lindsay, her hairstyle took my breath away. Even though it was extremely hot and windy outside, it stayed put all day, and I’m still not sure what kind of voodoo magic took place to make that possible.

They both got ready at the LeVeque hotel autograph collection, which also happens to be one of my favorite hotels in downtown Columbus to photograph. The lighting in the suite is so editorial. I just had to take advantage of it for some shots of Lindsay after she got her dress on. those photos are still some of my favorites from the day. I talk a lot with my couples about how less can be more; this is a perfect example. Give me a neutral room with great window light and I’ll give you magic.

For their first look, we shot right outside the grand entrance overhang of the LeVeque Tower. It’s the place where chic art deco dreams are made. This location is so show-stopping to photograph, so it’s no surprise that Lindsay and Scott looked like absolute royalty.

After their first look, we took so many glamorous shots inside the LeVeque. Then with the whole bridal party, we went across the street to city hall. The bridesmaids’ dresses matched the windows of city hall and I love happy accidents like that. Our last stop before leaving for the venue was the rooftop of the LeVeque parking garage. It not only has a great view of the Columbus riverfront, but it also makes a killer backdrop for some champagne popping. Scott made everyone run away from him with the way the champagne was sprayed everywhere. It was so so funny and I just love the photos from this moment.

When we arrived at their venue, The Ellis, guests were greeted with a Champagne tower. The way the light hit each glass made the whole display so enchanting. Scott and Lindsay said their vows and “I dos” on the back patio in the warm afternoon sun.

The Ellis is in Italian Village and right in that area is so beautiful that we decided to do just a few more photos after Scott and Lindsay’s ceremony. The rest of the evening was such a beautiful blur. These two we’re surrounded by so much love, laughter, and friendship. Cheers to you both and thank you a million times over for trusting me with this perfect day!

Hotel: Hotel Leveque Autograph Collection
Venue: The Ellis
Suit: Pursuit
Florals: Fiori Florals
DJ: D and M DJ Entertainment
Dress: La Jeuene Mariee
Hair and Makeup: 614 Beauty
Cake: Sauer Cakes

Via Vecchia Wedding

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I am so excited to share this Via Vecchia wedding today. I think we can all agree that the last couple of years has been somewhat of a cluster. Tara and Jason tied the knot in 2020, but I’m just getting around to blogging about all these great weddings recently. I have stockpiles of things I can’t wait to share!

This was such a HOT day, so ironically I’m writing about it on the coldest day of the year. Even though it was so hot, everything had this sunny glow about it and I remember the images we captured really showed that. One of my favorite parts of the whole day was shooting over near the Prema Design’s warehouse. Because they were doing the florals for the wedding, they were nice enough to let us use their really cool alleyway for photos. They also have the most beautiful floral mural outside their shop which made for such an elegant portrait of Tara as the sun flooded in across her face and gown.

Another fun characteristic of shooting in direct sun is playing with the shadows the light makes. I just love how some of the trees in German VIllage were spilling the most magical speckled shadows. A light breeze blew in right when we were shooting and grabbed Tara’s dress! This made for such a dazzling portrait of her and Jason.

I also need to mention Via Veccia’s back patio which is nothing short of enchanting. We added some off-camera flashes, and the place just lit up to perfection for the most beautiful first dance photos under the stars and bistro lights!

I can’t thank these two enough for entrusting me with the photos from their day. From start to finish it was such a fun whirlwind.

Vendors:

Venue: Via Vecchia Winery

Catering and Cake: Milo’s Catering

Florist: Prema Designs

DJ: Party Pleasers

Dress: Wendy’s Bridal

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Hair and Makeup: Hair Artists

Groom’s Tux and Shoes: Romanoff’s

Fall wedding at High Line Car House

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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

Ask a Question

College Sweethearts, Cinematic Edition

Ceremony Goals at St. John the Baptist

A Whirlwind Photo Tour of Columbus

The Grand Event Center: Where the Party Hit Peak Velocity

Final Thoughts

Vendors:

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

Vendors

Vendors: