Category Archives: Granville Ohio

Granville Inn Holiday Wedding

This week we took our Christmas tree down. That’s always sad to me as it marks the end of the holidays “for real”, but it also makes it feel like there’s still months-long of winter ahead. In an effort to keep the holidays in my spirit, I want to post a holiday wedding today!

Kate and Chad said “I do” last holiday season at the Granville Inn, one of the most beautiful places you could ever have a holiday-themed wedding. The decor is always spot-on. When you walk in the lobby, you’re greeted with a fire in the fire-place, Christmas lights twinkling all around, and a warm reprieve from the cold outside. There was a dusting of lingering snow on the ground during portraits, which was just enough in my opinion. Wedding shoes and snow can be a bad combination, but we were lucky that the weather was just right. One of my favorite parts of this wedding were the table numbers that Kate hand-crafted herself. They were so photogenic and the color combination was really pretty and sophisticated. Freshly-cut evergreen branches and vases of cranberries finished the look. It was so pretty as the colors were backlit with the twinkling white lights of the ballroom’s Christmas tree. These two danced into the night as the crisp winter air howled outside. I feel so lucky to have been there and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Kate and Chad! XO Jess

Wedding Photos from Granville Inn

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My job often has twists and turns. Sometimes I’m not even sure where I’m going to be the next weekend. Karen and Jay booked me less than a week out from their wedding. I was excited, to say the least, but I also had no idea how much fun I was about to have at this wedding. When I walked in, Karen and Jay were in the same room putting together bouquets for their wedding day. After a few minutes of this, Karen rushed Jay out the door to go get ready. As I photographed her dress, different family members came in to visit her and see how she was. Her daughter carried her dress into the bathroom and helped her get dressed. Weddings are such a whirlwind. Karen had been dealing with so many little details from the day, it didn’t leave her much time to get ready, but Karen was nothing but jokes, laughs and smiles as everyone rushed about. Finally, with her dress on, she was flawless and it was time to tie the knot.

On a sunny and hot July evening, Jay and Karen exchanged vows in the outdoor courtyard of the Granville Inn. I have been to over 250 weddings, and I had never seen this before: the minister allowed for people to individually stand up and “bless” them with something, such as patience, peace, etc. It was so special and meaningful.

From the ceremony, just the three of us walked a bit around Granville. That day there happened to be an outdoor carnival. Karen and Jay immediately lit up and decided we had to stop there for some fun photos. I totally felt like a little kid again. These two are incredible in every way. At the reception, I asked Jay about Karen and how they met. He said he was tired of the dating scene because it was usually very superficial. When he met Karen, he was immediately drawn to how spiritual she was. It was her authenticity and devotion to God and him that he fell in love with. I can see why. She has an electric personality and I wish these two endless years of carnivals, dancing in the street together, and an unending love that grows with time.

Swasey Chapel Wedding

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On a bright mid-August day, Andrew and Heather were married at the Swasey Chapel on Denison’s stunning campus in Granville, Ohio. The isles of the chapel were lined with illuminated candelabras and accented with vibrant purple, orange, and pink florals. The bridesmaids wore knee-length bright blue dresses which provided a stunning pop of color.

Heather and Andrew prayed together while they held hands around a door before the ceremony. Andrew said some seriously sweet things and Heather couldn’t help but peek out a radiating smile. It was a private moment that I know they will always carry in their hearts.

The chapel itself is a grand backdrop for a wedding. Its steeple can even be seen from the freeway exit miles away. After the ceremony, the couple was showered in dried lavender seeds as they exited the church. And I do mean showered. They had lavender everywhere. I’m sure they were picking it out of their hair for days.

From the chapel, we stopped by the Dawe’s Arboretum for some portraits. The sun was bright and direct, perfect for dreamy backlighting and silhouettes. Everywhere you looked was landscaped and natural beauty. There’s even a little bridge to a micro-island in the middle of a small lake. Visitors are no longer allowed on the Island, however, because I guess the island itself is sinking.

The Skylight event venue in Newark was the site for the reception and party! Their families all came together and made all sorts of cookies for a large cookie table, one of my favorite family wedding traditions. After a delicious dinner and speeches, the dancing started. And the bridal party had some moves. I’ve never seen a groom do a high-kick so high! LOL. This was such a fun, vibrant and meaningful day. I’m so excited to share this today and hope you love these as much as I loved shooting them! XO Jess

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