In honor of their micro wedding last week, I am so excited to share Kaitlin and Andrew’s Franklin Park Community Garden Engagement today on the blog. Kaitlin and Andrew are two people that I could easily spend every day around. They are kind, laid back, and pretty much amazing in every way. Together, they are so cute and loving. Truly- these two fill my heart.
We started our shoot on a bright and sunny day down at the Scioto Mile. How cute is it that they both wear glasses? There were many snuggles and smiles under the warm sun that day.
From the city backdrop, we ventured over to the Franklin Park Community Garden to continue the shoot. Like always, the gardens were immaculate and pristine. I am an amateur gardener and it is my goal to have a garden even a fraction as beautiful as this someday. Some of my favorite photos from the day were taken under the ivy-covered arbor. In the next couple of months, I will be sharing Kaitlin and Andrew’s micro wedding that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to show them off some more!
I am so excited to share today’s Swan Lake Event Center Wedding for a few reasons. I had done Blaire’s sister’s wedding a few years back so it was super fun to see them all again. Also, this wedding felt so grand to me. They allowed so much time for photos and it really showed. Their final collection is so robust and stunning- not to mention I think this might have been the nicest fall day I can ever remember having for a wedding
For those who haven’t been to this beautiful venue in Powell, OH, it is everything you could ever ask for! The fall foliage was in full regalia as Blaire and Brian did their first look down by the lake. Everything was perfectly manicured and there ARE actual swans that live on the property.
Off to the church!
After the first look and a few portraits, it was time to go get married! The couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in downtown, Columbus. Blaire’s lace-trimmed cathedral length veil was nothing less than show-stopping as she made her way down the grand aisle towards Brian. This wedding was pre-COVID so everyone was mask-free. You know, the good ole’ days.
From St. Joseph’s, the entire bridal party met across the street at the Ohio Statehouse for more photos. The bridal party looked so sophisticated and elegant in the deep purple color. The classical architecture of the statehouse complimented Blaire’s off-the-shoulder gown perfectly. From the statehouse, we ventured over to the Scioto Mile for some fun group shots on the Main Street bridge. I think my favorite photos from this area were down by the water where tall grasses accented the edge of the river giving an ethereal feel to some of the imagery we captured.
Time to Party
Now it was time to party! Everyone met back at Swan Lake as cocktail hour was ending. The fire pit was lit on the back deck, and as the sun slowly set, you could see the fountains in the lake starting to change colors. All of the colors can be programmed to match the colors of the wedding!
All-Star Vendors
Creative Cuisine provided the feast as GMJL Productions kept the music rolling. Hilliard Floral Design did an incredible job with the florals and Got Ya Covered provided the linens. Batter and Bowl made the 4-tier cake and cookies were homemade by family and friends. Shannon from Goode Hair LLC knocked it out of the park-like always! Everything from start to finish with this wedding was spectacular and I felt so blessed to be a part of it all.
So often I see families only opt to have their family photos done when their kids are really little, or even just as newborns. And then, like magic, the kids grow up and there are no family photos! That’s why I just love that the Reynolds family contacted me to do their family photos. We had so much fun walking around downtown Columbus, talking, and laughing. It is also so fun for me to do family photos in urban settings because so many people opt to have them in parks. I ADORE different! One of my favorite photos below is them in front of the Scioto Mile fountains. The wind blew at just the right moment and gave both girls that Beyonce hair moment! Thank you so much to the Reynolds family! I hope you love these as much as I did taking them:) XO Jess
To continue pride month celebration here at Jessica Miller Photography, I have Andrew and Joseph on the blog today! This shoot was so. much. fun. This was the very first time I had met Andrew and Joseph in person and it felt like I had known them my whole life. We got together last December on a temperate and sunny day downtown. There was just a light dusting of snow still on the ground and the sky was blue and clear, not the typical Columbus winter sky. There is such ease between these two. The way they are just silly and laugh really reminds me of the way my husband and I are with each other.
Our shoot started in downtown Columbus at the Main Street Bridge that connects the Scioto Mile to the COSI campus. From there, we just walked and talked and laughed. There are so many fun little spots in that area for an engagement shoot. If you’re a regular to the blog, you probably already know that I love this area. From the Scioto Mile, we hopped over to German Village, my other favorite spot for engagement photos. The rugged brick streets, the quaint little houses all piled on top of each other, and the immaculate landscaping makes this such a fun part of the city.
Andrew and Joeseph had to reschedule their wedding until early next year. I seriously can’t wait to get these two in front of the camera again and celebrate as they tie the knot! Thank you so much for coming into my life! I am so honored I get to document this journey for you both. Cheers until next year! XO Jess
Alaina and Megan are two of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I just received the most beautiful and compassionate email from them last week regarding the whole COVID-19 situation, asking how I was doing and if I was ok. All the while, it is them (and all my 2020 clients) I feel for. It is a huge loss to plan a wedding and then have the plans change. People truly pour their hearts and souls into these events. These two have handled the ever-changing event landscape with a cool calm (or at least it seems like that on the outside). Megan even joked with me that they were now going to have the longest engagement in history.
Their wedding will be later this year with a smaller-than-planned ceremony, and a larger celebration to follow next year. I can’t even tell you how much I love their engagement shoot we did last year. It was so relaxed and fun with lots of genuine laughter and intimate embraces. We started at the Scioto Mile and ventured over to German Village for some brick-street quaintness. It was so fun just to explore the city and have nothing else to do but laugh and talk.
Next week I start shooting again, as they lifted the ban on non-essential work for photographers. I truly miss capturing these moments and am so thankful that these photographs already taken live on as the artwork of our lives. Alaina and Megan, I can’t wait to see you later this year and celebrate with you both!
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
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
Chelsea and Chris had a visually romantic and warm winter wedding, only enhanced by the excitement of it being on the night before New Year’s Eve, or as I affectionately describe it, New Years Eve-Eve.
Their wedding took place on an unusually temperate late December day. The bridesmaids wore maroon full-length gowns and fur wraps. The women all carried bespoke wedding bouquets that were adorned with deep red and white roses. The men wore black suits with maroon accents. Chis and Chelsea did a “first look” where they saw each other before their wedding. They did this for logistical reasons because of the time of year the wedding took place. Sun-down was around 5:20 p.m. and they wanted some outdoor photographs, so we timed the photos to be from 2-4:00 p.m.
As a photographer, I often get asked what my favorite venues are in Columbus, OH. I always have the High Line Car House on my shortlist. The building was built in 1873 as the headquarters for the High Street railroad company. Inside, the building housed streetcars and 40 horses. Nearly 150 years later, it has been transformed into a newer Columbus event venue. The building has its original brick walls, soaring ceilings, and an industrial shell that is perfect just the way it is or as a starting point for romantic florals, decor and lighting. Huge rustic chandeliers accent the space with an old-world charm.
Photographically speaking, the venue can be dark and as a result, the person shooting needs to have mastered off-camera lighting techniques to allow for a well-lit environment while minimizing shadows. My goal is to always have the subjects I artificially light look just as good as if they were lit with natural light.
The street outside the venue still features its original exposed bricks. Years of traffic from streetcars, horses, and travelers have made the street warn and settled with time. This side street makes a fantastic location to photograph the couple and wedding party.
As the sun had just tucked under the horizon, Chelsea walked down a candle-lit aisle toward Chris. The ceremony itself was short and filled with lots of genuine laughter. Afterward, I had the honor of going back out with Chelsea and Chris and do some captivating night photography around downtown. When we arrived back at the venue, the warmth inside felt like a welcoming hug after coming in from the cold winter night. The rest of the evening was spent showering these two in love and laughter.
Excitingly enough, earlier this year this wedding collection was awarded the NACE Wedding Photography of the Year Award at their annual national conference. My husband and I got all dressed up and were able to have an amazing kid-free night together to celebrate at the gala. I felt like Cinderella!
Jennifer and Kyle were married at Worthington Christian Church on a temperate November day last year. Excitement grew as Jen and her girls got ready at the church. It was so much fun watching everyone come in and greet her with smiles, hugs, and laughter. Jenn’s Essence of Australia dress was stunning! It had lace on either side that dipped from the underarms down to the waist to create a sexy but sophisticated silhouette. She wore her hair back in a modern up-do that complimented her beautiful eyes and her warm smile.
When the suns ducks behind the horizon and the last bit of light fills the atmosphere with a light blue haze, that’s called blue hour. A blue hour can sometimes be challenging to shoot in but not on this day. The images we were getting were so elegant and oozed romance. The light from the Scioto Mile Bridge illuminated Jens cascading veil. Jen and Kyle looked so cosmopolitan against the modern lines of the bridge. A couple of details that I absolutely loved for the day that Jen wore was her grandmothers’ stole and her initials were adorned inside. Kyle also had a special embroidery inside his tux, their wedding date!
When we arrived at the High Line Car House, it was completely dark outside. I knew we wanted to get some portraits along the backside of the building so I brought out some off-camera lighting and we rocked it in the pitch black of night.
When you walked inside High Line, it’s hard to accurately describe the feeling. Madison House Designs had created an environment that wrapped guests in warmth, candlelight and every corner was dripping with greenery. A French provincial door was set on the sidewall, adorned with candles and the most beautiful flowers. The head table was crowned with the most breathtaking greenery and candles hanging from the chandelier. Overall, this wedding was nothing short of show-stopping and I feel so lucky to have crossed paths with these two! Thank you for the honor of capturing your perfect day! XO Jess
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!
