Category Archives: Columbus Cultural Arts Center

Lindsay and Brian on their wedding day outside of High LIne Car House

A Spring Wedding In Columbus Ohio

Lindsay and Brian’s wedding was held in the early spring of last year. I remember everything about the whole day was so effortless and easy- the way you dream of your wedding going! Right off the bat, I was blown away with Lindsay’s style and the heartfelt details she incorporated. Let’s start with her Luxeredux dress. Holy smokes Batman. This dress was show-stopping. It had a grey sash and crystal details across the bodice. It photographed like a dream. Lindsay also had a little geometric ring holder she bought off Etsy that was so cute, delicate, and unique. Lindsay was styled to perfection with hair done by Hannah Godown and makeup was done by Joy Macke from State of Face Makeup. After she got dressed, Lindsay did a first look with her brother and dad. It was such a sweet, heartfelt moment.

We all congregated at the High Line Car House where Lindsay and Brian did a first look outside. First looks are actually becoming one of my favorite parts of the day. The anticipation and excitement are all condensed into that one special heartfelt moment. It’s a very emotional and fun moment to photograph.

From there the whole family and close friends stuffed into the van and we managed to find and take advantage of the very first blooming tree in downtown Columbus for some of their wedding photos! Outside of the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, there was the most beautiful blooming Dogwood. From there we hopped over to the High Street Bridge at the Scioto Mile. We finished our adventure outside of COSI for what are some of my favorite wedding photos from the day. Their outdoor patio has the most beautiful classical architecture that is so much fun to photograph a bride and groom with.

Now it was time to get married! But first, just a few more photos outside High Line Car House because the back of that building is a must-capture for any wedding day portrait. The surrounding areas are super perfect for romantic dancing in the street photos as well.

Inside, the most beautiful bouquets and altar backdrop were set up for the ceremony by the one and only Petals & Leaves Florist. The Chandeliers were dripping with greenery and accented with additional bistro lights. The whole night was one stunning blur of ear-to-ear smiles, heartfelt speeches, and killer dance moves to the Bluewater Kings Band.

Lindsay and Brian, I hope you both had the happiest of anniversaries! One year down! So much love to you both, XO Jess

carly and alexxa outside of the cultural arts center

Downtown Columbus Scioto Mile Engagement Shoot

Carly and Alexxa met me out on a late September afternoon with their beautiful baby Coby. For me, it was an hour that went by too quickly. It had been a few years since I had seen Carly.

Quite honestly, I’ve been avoiding writing this blog for the same reason I delayed writing about my friend Nicole’s wedding. I don’t want to sound like a creeper. But a superficially written blog won’t due for these two. So at the risk of sounding like a super fangirl, here it goes.

I met Carly working at a local production house here in Columbus over 5 years ago? I don’t know- time is more of a theoretical thing for me anymore. She was fresh out of college and super young, however, I’m at the age where I feel like most people are super young. What struck me about her right off the bat is how mature and true to herself she was. Those are two qualities it took me years and becoming a parent to accomplish. On her first day of work, Alexxa had sent her a huge bouquet of flowers. I remember everyone was pretty impressed by that. She had told me the story of how they met online very randomly and ever since had been inseparable. When I met Alexxa for the first time, I was struck by how similar these two are. They have a similar frame, same length and color of hair… same soft way of giggling at each other. They “look” like a couple. One time my husband and I did a face-swap and you couldn’t tell the difference (freaky to say the least). There’s a photo of my parents when they were in their 20s. They looked alike as well. You get it- sometimes you look like your spouse.

Fast forward maybe a year after meeting these two. Carly and Alexxa adopted their beautiful fur-baby Coby. We always bonded over our love of our dogs. My boy Rugby was my fur baby until I had human babies. Now sometimes I struggle to remember his name, LOL. I can say with 100% certainty that there has never been a more beloved puppers than Coby. I love when their Insata stories pop up- I always get to see some ridiculously cute photos or videos of Coby. * Rugby earmuffs for what I’m about to say* Coby might be the cutest dog I’ve ever seen.

Throughout the rest of my time working alongside Carly, I found her to be an incredibly talented graphic designer, patient with all kinds of personalities, laid back and super funny. It’s hard not to respect and admire her. So when she and Alexxa asked if I’d be their wedding photographer, I was beyond-words excited. I am so happy for these two as they tie the knot later this year. Until then, check out their engagement shoot. Their love for each other is palpable and extremely easy to photograph!

Scioto Mile Engagement Shoot

bride and groom kissing in front of brick wall

Cultural Arts Center Wedding

Meredith and John’s spring wedding was nothing short of a stunner. Overflowing floral in every corner, a sophisticated color palette, and incredible family and friends made the day flawless.

I love it when my brides get ready at the Hilton in downtown Columbus. It’s a perfect mix of modern and elegant. When I arrived, the room was buzzing with excitement, awesome music, and smiling faces. The pink and white bouquets were so striking against the soft flowing gray bridesmaids dresses. Meredith was simply glowing all day and side note- she literally has some of the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen in my life.

The stage was set at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center downtown for an intimate outdoor ceremony. It was so romantic. The brick patio had accents of green moss between the pavers, Vessel Florals added the most elegant pillar floral arrangements down the main isle, and all of it led to a soft gray fabric backdrop. Meredith’s brother officiated the ceremony which made for some touching and humorous moments. I always think it’s extra special when loved ones marry the bride and groom.

After the ceremony, we went across the street to the Scioto Mile for some portraits. It was super brisk outside that day, so Meredith and John were troopers to make it look so warm and loving on camera! After that, it was time to have some serious fun at the reception. Natasha Churches and her team at Perfectly Planned along with Vessel Florals truly outdid themselves with this one. These were some of the most beautiful tablescapes I’ve ever seen, and trust me, I’ve seen it all. Tall modern candelabras that were dripping with floral amazingness at the bases. The party was turned up to 11 thanks to Midwest Pro DJ. Everyone, including the babies, was on the dance floor. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this day. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them! XO Jess