Category Archives: Locations

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 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!

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!

Brookside Country Club Wedding

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I have a very special Brookside Country Club wedding to share on the blog today. What a show-stopper this one is! The stunning bride and groom, the summer wildflowers, and the cultural details poured into the day, made this a must-see wedding.

You might recognize Elena and Jack from their engagement shoot I previously shared on the blog. When it came to their wedding, their Serbian heritage played a large role in the day’s festivities. Food, music, and drinks all paid homage to their family background.

BROOKSIDE COUNTRY CLUB

Brookside Country Club is a Columbus gem for many reasons. First, the bridal getting ready room is small and intimate, but so editorial. It was so much fun photographing Elena next to the large window overlooking the putting green. Elena wore a gown with long lace button-up sleeves. Her bridesmaids and mother surrounded her and took turns buttoning the buttons. A little bridesmaid carefully watched all of Elena’s preparations and can be spotted in quite a few photos.

Another reason to love Brookside is the manicured grounds fit for royalty. I just love photographing feminine portraits of a bride on this property. On this day, wildflowers and a cascading weeping willow tree made for a truly happy photographer.

One of the most wonderful details from the day was Elena had a three-piece band following her around all day. Yes, you read that right! From standing outside the getting-ready room, to watching her get into her car, to walking down the church steps with Jack, there was an accordion, a guitar, and a stand-up bass around every turn.

The celebration

Jack and Elena’s Serbian ceremony took place at St. Stevan in Columbus, Ohio. The interior of the church is ornate and very dark. Family surrounded them as they became man and wife, and the couple celebrated with a kiss outside the church.

The celebration re-convened at Brookside where Elena and Jack and their wedding party were able to take some photos together. At the reception, the night was one beautiful celebration of these two. I am so honored I was there to capture their love.

VENDORS

Florist: All in Bloom
Cake: Short North Piece of Cake (no longer in business)
DJ: Midwest Pro DJ
Bride’s Dress: Stella York
Bride’s Makeup: Kenzie Bruck
Bride’s Hair: Always Elegant LLC
Groom’s Tux and Shoes: Men’s Warehouse

columbus serbian wedding

Vitria on the Square

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Vitria on the Square is Columbus Ohio’s newest show-stopping venue! Cathedral high windows, some of the best food in the city, and an outstanding team will make this space an experience of a lifetime for your next event. Situated in the heart of the OSU campus, the location is central to all downtown Columbus locations.

The Grand Ballroom

Appropriately enough Vitria means “like glass“. The Grand Ballroom is surrounded on three sides with floor-to-ceiling continuous glass panels. It has a view overlooking the entrance to the Ohio State University and sits across the street from Mershon Auditorium. The ceiling of this towering ballroom is adorned with geometric grids that add a stunning, but not distracting, focal point.

The Gallery

Cocktail hour take place in The Gallery which is more of a great sitting room. It features two balconies that overlook the “square” below. A bar sits in the corner and is accentuated by the arch detail of the building’s main entrance. The artwork that adorns the walls is from Columbus area artists.

The Terrace Ballroom

Around the corner from the reception space, there is a smaller room, the Terrace Ballroom, that is great for smaller corporate meetings but can double as a wedding getting-ready room.

I was lucky enough to photograph this space twice late last year as they launched into their first event season. I photographed it once as a meeting setup and again with a real wedding setup. You can see how quickly it can go from a functional corporate space to the most elegant wedding venue.

Weddings at Vitria on the Square

Vitria on the Square is managed by Columbus Hospitality, the same group that manages other great Columbus venues such as the Grand Event Center and Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center. The food is always incredible and one can be comforted to know that their events are in expert hands.

Strongwater Industrial Wedding

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Today I have a treat for everyone with this Strongwater Industrial Wedding. Andrew and Joe are two of the best humans I’ve ever met. Way back in 2019, I was able to shoot their engagement shoot on a brisk December day. The plan was for them to get married the following year, but you guessed it! COVID though a wrench in their plans and they ended up waiting two whole years for their big day. They say good things come with time, and in this case, oh did the good times come!

This was probably one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed. There are so many reasons why, but here are just a few.

Reasons I love this wedding

The people

This was a wedding full of genuine, down-to-earth, fun, and laid-back people. People that made you feel like you’ve known them your whole lives. People who were gracious enough to let me in on this day and document some truly intimate moments without holding back.

The speeches

Deeply personal speeches were given by the family during the ceremony. They were raw, emotional, sincere, and deeply moving. It created a quiet space of reflection for everyone and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

The dancing

This wedding was a throw-down. Any time you have DJ Axcess at your wedding you can expect great things, but this was just next level. This party would have raged until 4 am if the venue didn’t have time limits. After suffering the aftermath of COVID-19, being at a party like this was just soul-nourishing!

The details and desserts

Joe’s mother hand-crocheted all of the cutest favors that were placed at each table setting. They were so adorable and all completely different. The act of making that many favors was such a labor of love and a shining example of how much these two are loved.

As if that wasn’t enough, they had Buckeye Donuts as dessert! Quite possibly my favorite donuts in Columbus, that was the cherry on top of this wedding for me!

Thank you so much to Andrew and Joe for memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you for being your authentic loveable selves. I’m so honored to have been a part of this incredible day!