Category Archives: Columbus Hilton Downtown

Short North Engagement Shoot

Jenna, Jonathan, and I met up for this Short North engagement shoot last year in mid-February, right before the pandemic hit. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t waited all last year just so I could post this post on Valentine’s Day weekend! I am so excited to share all of these photos, but especially the roses and wine photos at the end of our shoot!

We started the shoot inside, because yes, it was cold outside. At the Hilton Downtown, they had a fire burning in the second-floor lobby and it made everything feel so cozy and warm. I love this hotel so, so much. It has the coolest architectural details that you can incorporate into romantic imagery. The Hilton Downtown Columbus just broke ground on their newest building that’s going in across the street. I can’t wait to see their sister building in the next couple of years.

From the Hilton, we went one block away and took some photos at Goodale Park. The tall grasses and Pine trees provide a stunning landscape year-round. Pine trees are my favorite so you might notice them used in my photos a lot.

And my favorite part of the shoot- we strolled up and down High Street in the Short North and ended up at Wine on High. The store was decorated for Valentine’s Day from top-to-bottom. Jenna and Jonathan toasted to their future as we laughed and literally smelled the beautiful roses that were on the table.

In the coming year, these two have rescheduled their wedding three times. It has been a total rollercoaster, but I’m so excited to say that I’ll be joining them in Niagra Falls later this year as they say their I do’s in a small intimate celebration. I couldn’t be happier for them and I know it’s felt like a long and winding road. Cheers to Jenna and Jonathan and cheers to all Valentines this weekend!

Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph New Years Wedding

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I’m so excited to share this magical wedding today!! New Years Eve weddings have a special place in my heart. I love the challenge the darker and colder time of year presents. As a photographer, you really get to test the extent of your creativity and lighting options! The day itself is not only exciting because two in-love people are getting married, but because it is also an evening of renewed beginnings, excitement, and love- what I would consider the true definition of marriage to be. This wedding was especially wonderful because there were multiple other couples there who had also been married on NYE. The feeling in the room was just electric all day.

The entire event happened at Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph- the beautiful new modern boutique hotel in the Short North. The hotel has a special Spa Suite just for the bridal party to get ready in. It has stunning floor to ceiling windows and a clean, cosmopolitan aesthetic. The groom and groomsmen got ready in the suave Presidential Suite which had sweeping views of snow-covered downtown Columbus.

Lauren and Roger started their celebration together with a first-look on the second floor of the hotel, a light airy gallery that was warm and perfect considering it was 17 degrees outside. As Roger turned around to see how stunning Lauren looked, he was overcome with emotion and wiped a couple tears away. It was the absolute sweetest and most genuine reaction. The two of them just stood there savoring the moment as the busy world passed by them on the streets below.

From the hotel, we braved the cold and took a few photos in front of the courthouse gavel, an homage to the fact Roger is a successful attorney. From there we stopped by the newly renovated LeVeque hotel, the downtown Hilton, and then back to the Joseph for their family photos, ketubah signing, and ceremony.

The ceremony room was intimate and warm with a romantic white draped huppah and an aisleway lit with romantic floating candles adorned with overflowing white flowers. The rabbi had the most amazing singing voice which added exponentially to the beautiful spiritual experience.

After the ceremony, it was time to let loose and celebrate! All the guests were dressed in the most stunning evening gowns. It was so much fun to photograph. The ballroom at the Joseph is understated modern- meaning it’s just the perfect space to transform for any occasion. Every table was overflowing with white floral arrangements by Dalay Ket. A grand cake fit for royalty was stationed at the end of the dance floor in a place of honor. Short North Piece of Cake were the artists behind this stunning edible creation. The whole party was elevated by having a live band, The Company Band, that quite literally rocked the house. It was pure joy for not only the happy couple but all of the guests as well. When the clock struck midnight, confetti cannons showered everyone on the dance floor along with champagne toasts and vibrant cheers! The whole event was expertly planned by both by Bobbie Izeman and Lauren, and The Joseph knocked it out of the park. I just love looking at these photos- they make me smile ear-to-ear thinking about how much of a fun blur everything was. Thank you so much, Lauren and Roger for giving me the honor of being with you on this incredible day!! XO, Jess

High Line Car House Wedding

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Molly and Eric have captured my heart and I couldn’t be more honored to have spent their wedding day with them. They are both such triumphant people for so many reasons. It’s life-changing to be around anyone like this, let alone a couple!

In late August, I started the day with both the bride and groom at the Hilton in downtown Columbus. My second shooter went and met up with the guys while I got to hang out with the girls. Molly’s dress was hanging in the corner and was so beautiful just on a hanger- so I knew she was going to be a knockout in it! It had soft layers that dropped from the waist to different levels, giving a beautiful sense of dimension and movement. Her shoes were so fun and elegant- a true statement piece that I had to give a little photographic love to throughout the day.

The ceremony took place at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Victorian Village. This church is so old and beautiful- bursting with charm and character. It bridges the gap between being both a spiritual place to get married and a stunning romantic backdrop for a ceremony. After the ceremony, the bride and groom were tucked away in a back room. Using my stealthy creeper skills, I swiped a photo of them kissing behind a partially open door before they made their grand exit out of the church.

After the ceremony, we stopped at Schiller Park for some wedding photos and then headed over to their venue, High Line Car House, to finish up the shoot before they were introduced. I just love the area around that venue. It has a rustic urban feel but also feels very sophisticated.

Let’s talk for a minute about High Line Car House. I’d always wanted to shoot there and finally got my chance. It did not disappoint. This venue is so charming and warm inside. It was so fun watching Eric and Molly share their first dance under those giant chandeliers. I’m so excited to be posting this wedding! Sending lots of love to these two! XO Jess

Franklin Park Wedding

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Welcome to the new year! While we get our feet wet in 2017, I just want to revisit the rest of my weddings from 2016 that deserve their time in the spotlight! Today on the blog, I’m so excited to show you photos from Jon and Kasia’s late July wedding. You may recognize them from their engagement shoot that was on the blog earlier last year which can be seen here. Their beloved doggie Michi was back as a part of the wedding party too!

Jon and Kasia got ready and had their first look at the downtown Columbus Hilton. There are literally a million creative angles than can be taken advantage of in this space. Kasia’s Allure dress softly flowed behind her, making every space she entered seem more elegant and grand. Her outfit was accented with shoes from Pink Paradox London. The bridesmaids wore neutral soft pink and tan tones accented with bouquets from Hilliard Floral Design. Jon was looking dapper with a Tux from Joseph Abboud.

From the Hilton we ventured over the the Franklin Park Conservatory where their ceremony and reception would take place. They were predicting rain, but if memory serves me correct, it didn’t rain one drop- it was actually one of the more beautiful days for an outdoor wedding all summer. My favorite part of their ceremony was their commitment ceremony. They took a young tree, added soil from both of their family’s homes, and watered it with a pitcher of water together as a couple. They were then going to plant that tree in their yard.

On a personal note, I have to thank Jon and Kasia. They have proven themselves time and time again to be some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met in my entire life, hands down. They go out of their way to send a note of thanks or loving gifts to our son who, as you may know, was quite the warrior last year. They have meant so much to our little family and have definitely been a shining ray of sunshine on our lives over the past year.

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