This happened a couple of years ago, but it deserves its moment in the sun! Stefphanie and Sean’s romantic downtown Columbus engagement from the topiary park and surrounding areas was published on Black Nuptials! Follow this link to see all the pretty-pretty!
Ok, prepare yourself. This wedding is so special, so loving, and so uniquely Tyler and Thomas. These two decided to stray from the typical event formula and instead of having a rehearsal dinner, they had an intimate wedding the night before their big reception! To make it even more fun, we did their engagement shoot right before they said their vows. I’ve shot over 300 weddings and this is the first time I’ve ever done one like this. It had everything. The small intimate ceremony and the large no-holds-barred party. Just perfect if you ask me.
We started the weekend of festivities at Goodale Park where spring was vibrant with its saturated greens. This was the first time I had met either of them, but you would never know that. It felt like I was hanging out with old friends. Tyler is from Canada so he thanked me after every photo I took, which just gave me a natural high from days. These are two of the sweetest people you could ever meet. As we walked and took photos, we slowly made our way down High Street to Hubbard Grille, where their ceremony took place. Hubbard Grille has a second-floor event space that is just perfect for a smaller dinner or event like this. And if you go there, try the Brussel sprouts. I don’t even like Brussel sprouts and I think it’s quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
Thomas’ dad officiated the quick ceremony and before you knew it, Tyler and Thomas were married! Together with their family they ate a delicious meal and celebrated into the night with wine and laughter flowing.
The next day, my second shooter and I met Tyler and Thomas at the LeVeque Tower in Downtown Columbus for a quick portrait session before we went to the big event. A man in a tux is a special thing to see, but two men in tuxes just took my breath away. The LeVeque was the perfect backdrop for their wedding attire. That art deco vibe matched perfectly with their dapper and sophisticated look.
Off to the Franklin Park Conservatory, we went! It was so much fun just to walk around and take a few photos. Then, the rest of the night after family photos was pretty much just documentary photography. Throughout the night, they had live music, speeches galore, and even a swing band with a swing dance instructor. This weekend was pure magic and these photos are so much fun to look back on as they celebrate their one-year anniversary this week! Tyler and Thomas, I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with you both. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you both! XO Jess
Last spring, I had the opportunity to do an engagement shoot with Betsy and Tyler that was so enchanting I could hardly believe where I was. In the small little Ohio town of Lithopolis, about an hour outside of Columbus is Wagnalls Memorial Library. It was like this place was transplanted from a European city and dropped right into a sleepy rural farming community. With Betsy’s love for books, the location was simply perfect, and the space was so much fun to explore.
I often have vivid dreams where I’m exploring spaces and open doors to new wings of buildings I didn’t know existed. I think those dreams of mine tap into a childlike sense of wonder that I still have and desire. Well, at Wagnalls, that is very much the experience you can have. We would open one door, and it would lead to the most beautiful staircase that looked like it was part of a castle. We would open another door, and it would lead to an old theater complete with a stage and red velvet curtains. Outside and around the corner, a courtyard was alive with spring blooms and accented with hanging bistro lights. This place was just jaw-dropping. Thank you, Betsy and Tyler for letting me go on this adventure with you! Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for photos from their stunning wedding.
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
The statehouse is the absolute perfect place to have your engagement shoot when you both not only work there, but you both met there, too! The Statehouse has been the epicenter of a lot of drama, drama lately, so I thought I’d reminisce about a calmer time today.
I feel so blessed to meet some of the best people on earth through this job, and LeeAnne and Andrew are two seriously cool people. Their engagement shoot happened last Spring when the blooms were out. In the coming weeks, I’ll be blogging about their wedding as well, which was quite simply show-stopping.
I remember touring the Ohio Statehouse when I was in elementary school right after they restored a lot of the interiors. Every time I’m in the hall with the grand staircases, I always remember that tour guide so many years ago telling us about all the cigar soot they had to clean off the walls. The halls were once thick with smoking lawmakers. That imagery always makes the history of this place come alive for me.
There are so many creative nooks and crannies in this building and I could literally photograph it differently every time I’m in it. Thankfully, the weather was stunning so we were also able to utilize the gorgeous outdoor grounds of the Statehouse as well. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!
Sometimes it’s so easy to see right off the bat why two people fell in love with each other. Today’s blog is about one such couple, Kristen and Adam. It is very obvious just from hanging out with them how much fun they have together. They were one of the last shoots I did before this whole lockdown occurred. I have backlogs of a year’s worth of shoots, but I just wanted to go out of order and get this one out into the world.
They say in business If you say out loud what it is you like to do most, then you’ll naturally gravitate towards doing the most. I often say how much I love to do engagement shoots. So you will see an overwhelming amount of engagement shoots on this blog in the coming weeks. They are my all-time favorite shoots to do and that’s why I include a free one with each wedding photography package I offer. They are so fun and relaxed and I always feel like I leave them with two more friends than I had before we started.
I met Kristen and Adam in downtown Westerville, the city where she grew up. She really wanted to include graters ice cream in the shoot because Adam loves ice cream so much. Even though it was February, it was still temperate enough to not wear coats and to eat ice cream outside! We casually walked up the street and back down again and got some killer shots along the way. I’m so excited to show you these today and can’t wait to celebrate with Kristen and Adam later this year! XO Jess
What a stunning evening this was! I can’t get over how fun Bryan and Ryan are. Some of my past brides and grooms may recognize Bryan because he has been in the Columbus wedding and hospitality industry for years. When a fellow vendor chooses me to photograph their most important moments, it’s one of the highest compliments I can get.
One of the best parts of my engagement shoots is when pets are included! Bryan and Ryan have two adorable dogs who were very excited for their close-up. The sun was setting quickly, but wow the light did not disappoint. There were so many opportunities for golden hour lovey-photo goodness. Everything glowed like it was washed with golden honey. I especially liked some of the silhouettes we got against the dynamic Downtown Columbus sky.
We ended the engagement shoot at the Leveque Tower cheers-ing to the future in a big way! Little did we know late last year as we walked around the Scioto Mile talking and laughing, that this year would be so challenging. These two have unfortunately moved their wedding to 2021 because of this whole COVID-19 mess. I have now re-booked 8 of my weddings. My heart goes out to all those who are having their weddings delayed and rescheduled. Luckily, time moves so quickly and their wedding day will be here before we know it. Thank you so much, Bryan and Ryan and I cannot wait to get you back in front of my camera early next year! XO Jess
Juan and Alexa tied the knot on a perfect spring day last year. I met up with Alexa at her apartment where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The energy was so happy and upbeat. Music was going, laughter filled the room, and ear-to-ear smiles were seen on everyone. Alexa finished her bridal look off with a stunning flower crown. Soon after, we drove to Dock 580 where we would be the rest of the day. As Juan stood outside the venue, Alexa approached him with the world’s most electric smile on her face. After she tapped him on his shoulder, they held each other in a deep embrace.
After their first look, we did more photos around the property. The portrait session was accented with the rich brick and blue steel structures of the old buildings. Soft gusts of wind offered just the right amount of movement to create vivid and dynamic photos. The sky was cloud-covered and made the world into a giant soft-box just ideal for photographs.
Now it was time to get married! Inside the Loft at Dock 580, guests were treated to a Mariachi band as they took their seats. Trumpets and guitars filled the space with palpable electricity. The ceremony was warm and intimate and before you knew it, Juan and Alexa were married!
The cocktail hour was amazing. Specialty drinks, including a margarita, were flowing like water. The mariachi band continued the celebration and happy energy. I think everyone was ready to dance then, but dinner was to follow. Speeches after dinner were so sweet and sincere. The lighting in the room created a perfect intimate setting for everyone as they watched the happy couple laugh and kiss and laugh some more.
And now It was time for the fun to begin! After Alexa and Juan’s first dance, Alexa and her dad surprised everyone in the room with an impromptu game of tennis on the dance floor! YES! You read that right! I LOVED it! From there, it was a throw-down dance party where I got to photograph some of the best dance moves I’ve seen in ages.
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!
Sarah and Rich were married a year ago this month but it’s never too late to blog a beautiful wedding! They held their intimate ceremony at the Bendora Wedding Gallery, which also happened to be a perfect backdrop for some indoor (and warm) wedding photos! Natural light flooded into the room and it felt like you were in someone’s personal home. I adored Sarah’s tea-length skirt that fit her like a dream. Rich and Sarah exchanged hand-written vows and shared a sand pouring ceremony with their kids. One of Sarah’s family members was even on FaceTime so they could see the ceremony. After they said their “I dos” the happy and tearful couple walked back down the aisle as husband and wife and were wrapped in hugs by all of their family that was there. It might have been cold outside, but there was so much love and joy in that room!
I can’t say enough good things about downtown Worthington for photos as well. We just walked around, smiled, laughed, and felt the sun on our faces. One thing about these two is their smiles are infectious and they immediately make you feel like you’re part of their family. Just as a general rule, I think people like this are the absolute best! After our portraits, we met at a local restaurant so the family could cheers to the happy couple before they all went to dinner.
Thank you, Sarah and Rich, for having me be part of this perfect day and cheers to your first year down as Mr. and Mrs.! XO Jess
