Category Archives: Grand Event Center

bride and groom walk in goodale park

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

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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

st john the baptist wedding photos

bride and groom wedding photos in goodale park

bride and groom first dance at grand event center

 

dance photos at grand event center

Grand Event Center Wedding

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Before this “winter” ends, I wanted to share a wedding from last February that is the perfect example of what a stunning winter wedding can be. Michelle and John were married at The Grand Event Center wedding in Grandview, near downtown Columbus, Ohio. This venue has sleek modern elements, floor-to-ceiling windows, and some seriously cool ceiling lights. Even Michelle and John’s invitations reminded me of the linear design of the lights in the ballroom. It was the perfect location for this chic wedding.

On the day of the wedding, I joined Michelle in her suite as she was getting ready. Her clean-lined dress reminded me of Megan Markle’s wedding dress from the front. It was the perfect combination of modern and traditional design. The dress featured a classic silhouette with a boat neckline, long sleeves, and a train. The deep plunging back of Michelle’s dress, however, had much more of a ‘wow’ factor. John gifted her an emerald ring that day which was the perfect compliment to her look.

Deep hunter-green velvet dresses were matched with earthy brown tweed suits to create a sophisticated bridal party style. Greens, creams, whites, and golds made the ceremony and reception feel like a warm romantic hideaway from the cold outside. Michelle and John said their “I do’s” in a candlelit ballroom, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.

At the reception, each table was lovingly adorned with a photo of the couple’s fur baby, Timmy. Timmy also joined us for some of the portraits earlier in the evening. Dogs are always welcome to join me on a shoot!

The night was a magical one, filled with love, laughter, and joy. The bride and groom, surrounded by family and friends, danced and celebrated their love, and it truly was a night to remember. At the end of the night, guests filed out leaving Michelle and John alone on the dance floor for one last dance just for them.

Venue: Grand Event Center
Florist: Blumen
Wedding Coordinator: Shannah Paddock, The Grand Event Center
Videographer: Prodigy Weddings
DJ: Josh Staley
Cake: Giant Eagle
Hair and Makeup: Goode Beauty
Desserts: The Cheesecake Girl
Bride’s Dress: Davids Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Tux: Indochino
Groom’s Shoes: Stacy Adams

 

Grand Event Center Wedding Grand Event Center Wedding

Check out Michelle and John’s engagement shoot here.

The Grand Event Center Wedding Photos

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Kris and Steve had a very intimate winter wedding at the First Community Church in Columbus a little over a year ago. I am bound and determined to get caught up on blogging, and this wedding just couldn’t slip through the cracks.

These two had been together for years and years, so it was very special for them to finally tie the knot. When it came to florals for both the ceremony and the reception, they decided to go big or go home. Madison House Florals truly outdid themselves with this one! When I got to the church, the room was warm, and every corner was just dripping with stunning greenery and red and white blooms. The evening light beamed through the tinted windows and gave the most beautiful golden glow. The couple opted for the lights to be off during the ceremony, so the room was very dark. But that made the ceremony feel so intimate and electric. The candles glistened and flickered as Kris and Steve said their vows to one another. Like most ceremonies, it happened in a beautiful blur and before you knew it, Kris and Steve were husband and husband.

The light outside was just about to peek under the horizon and I convinced them both to take a walk with me around the church for some photos of just the two of them. From there, their party awaited! And Madison House didn’t miss a beat with the reception florals either. The reception was held at The Grand Event Center in the Grandview Yard in downtown Columbus, OH. The ceiling of their ballroom is one of my favorites and so much fun to shoot!

Besides the huge table of cookies, one of my favorite things about the wedding was every guest was served their own personal cake (like a real small cake- not a bite-sized one). I have been to well over 300+ weddings and had never seen that before. Short North Piece of Cake delivered! What a memorable sight! Kris and Steve, thank you so much for letting me witness and document this incredible, heartwarming a and authentic day. I will always remember it!

The Grand Event Center Wedding

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When I walked in and saw Susan’s dress hanging up, I knew right there and then this wedding was going to be show-stopping. It was a gown fit for royalty and Susan looked flawless in it! After some dapper portraits of Patrick in the Grand Event Center lobby, Susan and Patrick met in the courtyard for their first look. The setting was just perfect- an intimate and private corner adorned with bistro lights that made for stunning photos. From The Grand Event Center, we traveled to the Scioto Mile downtown. I love the Main Street Bridge. It has a killer view of the Columbus skyline, but it seems like every time I’m there I can photograph it differently which is refreshing as a photographer. It has a very cosmopolitan feel to it so I totally get why its a favorite for lots of bridal parties. Before heading back to the venue for family photos, we stopped outside COSI for some classically themed portraits with a twist. The stairway there allowed for some pretty cool and unexpected angles.

It was then time to get married! We entered the side doorway of the Boulevard Presbyterian Church as the spring blossoms were dancing in the trees on this late April evening. Boulevard Presbyterian has a warm and intimate feel inside the sanctuary. The church itself is almost 100 years old (started in 1925), so when you’re inside, you can tell it has had a well-established history. One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is when the door opens, revealing the bride right before she walks down the aisle. There’s a moment within that moment that feels simply electric. Whether the couple has done a first look or not, this electricity always exists. I think there’s a realization that a defining life moment is about to happen and feelings of anticipation, excitement and reflection can be felt all at once. It was the perfect backdrop for Susan and Patrick to start their marriage.

After the ceremony, everyone headed back to the Grand Event Center for an evening full of food, dancing, and fun. I was lucky enough to do some portraits of just the two of them in the ballroom before guests came in from cocktail hour. The ceiling has these fantastic modern lights that photograph so, so well! The event center also has a fire pit in their courtyard so many guests relaxed outside on this cool spring evening. I’m so excited to show these photos today and I hope you love them as much as I did taking them! Xo jess

Grand Event Center Wedding

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AHHHHH, this was the elusive last wedding of my 2016 season. And what a wedding it was! I would call this a New York wedding in Columbus. They pulled out all the stops, including a brand spankin’ new venue, Grandview Yard’s Grand Event Center, which I can’t wait to tell you about.

Jessica and Greg tied the knot in German Village’s St. Leo. I was able to talk to the priest off and on throughout the day, and he was a seriously great guy. I’m not sure why I’m mentioning that, other than the fact it really stood out to me as one of the things that made this wedding so special. Petals and Leaves provided the stunning florals for the whole celebration. The bride was a knockout in a La Jeune Marie Bridal Collection dress. Simply Makeup and Hair put Jess’ whole look together.

From the church we did bridal party photos at Schiller Park. The bridesmaid’s soft blush dresses were the perfect pop of color for the romantic setting. Jessica and Greg were filled with laughter and excitement.

And on to the reception we went. The Grand Event Center is one of Columbus’ newest event venues. It is modern, chic, and very elegant. The ballroom is accented with angled LED tube lights that offer a fun party backdrop. The service is top-notch. This wedding had appetizer stations that consisted of a seafood bar, an sushi and noodle station, antipasto stations, pasta stations, and servers that were walking around with other mouth watering treats. Everywhere you looked, the evening was overflowing with impeccable details, food and entertainment. A live band, the Red Hot Rhythm Review had everyone out of their seats and dancing even before the dinner started! Thank you so much for having me document this day- it was one I will always remember! XO Jess