Category Archives: Jessica Miller Photography

Nationwide Hotel LGBTQ Wedding

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

Franklin Park Bride’s Garden Wedding

Leave a reply

I am so excited to share this Franklin Park Bride’s Garden wedding with the world today. Life got away from me last year but this year I have made a consorted effort to sit down and share share share some of my favorite weddings from the past two years.

Angela and Eric met at a Chinese restaurant when they were living in Atlanta over 10 years ago. Eric just happened to sit down at a table near Angela and he ended up asking for her phone number before he left. Eight years later, the two decided to make it official and get married surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Their choice of The Franklin Park Conservatory as their venue was intentional. Eric is a nature lover. He used to work in an arboretum and is a country boy at heart. Growing up he was always outdoors. I can personally attest to this passion of his. As we walked through different rooms and spaces of the conservatory, Eric would tell me all about whatever plant or tree was in front of us. He would inspect them as if each one was a precious jewel. Angela loved the space because it’s naturally beautiful and elegant in an authentic way. Authenticity was very important to her as she planned their celebration.

Another important aspect of their wedding was music. They own the Savoy Club which is a premiere Jazz, soul, and R&B Club in Columbus, Ohio. They incorporated live music acts from both their club and their church ( Mix Master Ice and Jerry Powell) to create an intimate and soulful experience for guests.

The entire event was expertly and flawlessly planned with Distinct Event Planning at the helm. Having owner Lucretia Williams take care of all the details allowed Angela to be a host without stressing. Their luxe invitation suite was custom designed by LePenn Designs. It was a black and white set that had a hidden strip of hot pink along the edge of the invitation. This same pop-of-color accent was carried into the reception florals with a hot-pink orchid placed on every charger.

Prema Designs knocked it out of the park with the reception tablescapes. Everything was so lush and alive. The head table featured cascading Lilies and greenery at different heights adorned with candles. Textured linen layers were paired with sparkly chargers, velvet napkins, and centerpieces that resembled trees.

More than anything this wedding was filled with joy. Since Angela and Eric were practically a married couple anyways, it was a fun and beautiful celebration where they were able to honor their love for each other in front of the people that mean the most to them.

Additional vendors:

Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Groom’s Shirt: Armani
Groom’s Shoes: Donald J. Pilner
Bride’s Dress: La Jeune Mariee Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang
Bride’s Hair: KiEssence Grande Beauty & Barber
Bride’s MUA: SC Defined
Cake: Kennedy’s KAKES

The Ellis Columbus Wedding

Leave a reply

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

Leave a reply

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

Downtown Columbus Engagement

Leave a reply

Michelle and John are getting married next weekend so I wanted to celebrate by posting their downtown Columbus Engagement. On this day, the weather report called for 100% rain. They wanted to just go for it and see if we could squeeze the session in. When we met up, it was already drizzling. We ran for cover under an overhang at the Ohio Statehouse. And just like that, a few minutes later it cleared up until our session was over, and then it down-poured. It literally felt like something magical had happened.

Their dog Timmy was along for the ride with us and was not camera shy whatsoever. The spring blossoms were out in force and the rain made the colors feel all the more saturated. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement.

Next weekend is going to be so much fun as I watch these two say “I do” at the Grandview Grand Event Center. Little Timmy will even be making an appearance! Check out my Instagram stories @JMillerphotos for a special sneak peek after their wedding!

An Engagement Shoot at Inniswood Metro Park

Leave a reply

These two are getting married this weekend in Cleveland, so I couldn’t think of a better way to get the party started early than to share their beautiful engagement shoot at Inniswood Metro Park on the blog today! Keith and Julia are good friends with a former bride and groom of mine so this weekend is going to feel like we’re getting the band back together! I couldn’t be more excited!

For their engagement shoot, I met them out on a gorgeous sunny summer day in Columbus, Ohio. Everything was dripping in sun and blossoms. When I tell you it couldn’t have been more perfect, I’m not exaggerating. They are both so laid back and fun to be around. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but you can see the love that they have for each other.

Keep an eye out for their wedding sneak peek on my Instagram stories next week @JMillerPhotos.

Engagement at Schiller Park

1 Reply

I’m so excited to share this engagement at Schiller Park today on the blog! Sat and Megan are so much fun to be around, but little Darwin might have stolen the show. Look at that cute little face! The weather was so beautiful and golden glowy last year when we met up in German Village. We laughed so much and had such a good time, that later these two hired me to do their Indian wedding that was here in Columbus earlier this year. I absolutely loved every minute with these two and am so lucky they came into my life! XO Jess

Westerville Ohio engagement shoot

1 Reply

These two are tying the knot this weekend so I decided to get the celebration going early here on the blog with Christina and Doug’s Westerville Ohio engagement shoot! My favorite fun fact about these two is that they both met in cadaver class (they are both doctors). They are also two of the sweetest most genuine people you will ever meet. I feel so lucky they came into my photography world earlier this year.

We met up at Hoover Reservoir as the sun was low in the sky and provided the perfect blanket of warm light for our shoot. We walked in the woods and the light was just perfect to take a dreamy silhouette against Big Walnut Creek. From there we ventured over to Inniswood Metro Park to finish off the shoot amongst well-manicured landscapes and stunning perennials. I just can’t wait for this weekend. Keep an eye out over on Instagram @JMillerPhotos for a sneak peek soon! XO Jess

Backyard Columbus Ohio Wedding

Leave a reply

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.

Vendors

Catering: Cameron Mitchell Premier Events
Cake: A Cake for Leroy
Flowers: self
Rentals: Event Source
Tuxes and Shoes: Calvin Klein

Franklin Park Engagement

Leave a reply

Welcome to today’s Franklin Park engagement post! This is Angela and Eric, and they are getting married in less than two weeks so it’s time to celebrate!

I loved every single second of our time together. Angela and Eric had me smiling and laughing so much my face hurt. If there’s one way to my heart, it’s through humor and these two brought it. Not only were they fun to be around, but their sense of style was incredible. I am all about photographing a flowy colorful dress any time I get the chance, so Angela’s dress had me doing a little happy dance.

These two met me at Franklin Park Conservatory for their engagement shoot. This is also where they’re going to be getting married, so I tried to keep them in different areas than they will be for their wedding so their two collections have ample variety. Everything from start to finish was so effortless. It makes me so excited to get them back in front of the camera this month. They will say their “I do’s” in the bride garden at the conservatory, which might be one of my favorite spots. Keep your eyes peeled for their stunning wedding! XO Jess

Ask a Question

Vendors

Vendors:

Vendors