Category Archives: Ohio Wedding Photography

A Wedding at the Ellis in Columbus

Very few things are better than a wedding at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio. Jill and Emily celebrated their unforgettable wedding day surrounded by family, friends, and a breathtakingly romantic atmosphere. This stunning celebration was a true reflection of their love story, filled with meaningful details, lush florals, and unique literary accents.

A Cosmic Connection

In an age of countless online meetings, I just love the story of how Emily and Jill met. Jill fondly recalled, ” I accidentally clobbered Emily as she walked by and I was dancing, and I was pretty sure she was entirely irritated at my existence at that moment. But from then, I just found myself looking over to where she sat against the wall that evening until I finally got up the nerve to go over and talk to her. Once I was next to her, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. Ever again. I slid her my phone number at one point – something I had never done before in my whole life, and felt a terrible empty pull in my heart when she and her friend left for the night. You cannot imagine the thrill I felt when I got a text from her the next day.”

A Venue Steeped in Charm

The Ellis, an intimate and stylish venue nestled in the heart of Columbus, set the perfect stage for Emily and Jill’s wedding day. With its modern yet warm aesthetic, it provided the ideal backdrop for a celebration that was both elegant and deeply personal. The space allowed for a seamless transition from the heartfelt ceremony to a lively reception, ensuring that every guest felt immersed in the love and joy that filled the air.

Making the Wedding Your Own

When asked what advice she would share, Jill said, “My biggest piece of advice is to make it your own. Don’t do anything you don’t really want to do because of tradition or family pressures or whatever. Make it yours and make it about the two of you. One thing we did that I treasure the most was writing cards to each of our guests to greet them at their tables, and then inviting them to write cards back to us by providing blank notecards for them. Those are treasures to me. And I love how our music progressed through the evening and reflected us as well. I loved every moment of our wedding. I loved how the venue looked, I loved how our ceremony felt and how we chose to walk down the aisle, I loved the party we threw for our reception. When I really think about it, though, what I loved most of all that day were the moments Emily and I had alone when we were getting ready together before the wedding, and then landing next to my wife on the couch of our hotel at the end of the night. I have never felt so full in all of my life.”

A Day to Remember

Jill and Emily’s wedding at The Ellis was a beautiful reflection of their love: vibrant, heartfelt, and unforgettable. The combination of stunning florals, literary charm, and undeniable romance made for a celebration that will be cherished for years to come. It was a day where love truly took center stage, proving that every great love story deserves to be told—and theirs was nothing short of extraordinary.

Vendors

Venue: The Ellis
Florals: Fiori Florals
Cake: Alice’s Piece of Cake
DJ: D&M DJ Entertainment (Mark Derenberger)
Makeup: State of Face
Hair: Jennifer King

A wedding at The Ellis

If you are having a wedding at the Ellis, please don’t hesitate to reach out here!

Downtown Revery Wedding

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Hope and Brett were married last fall in a spectacular downtown Revery wedding that overlooked the Columbus, Ohio skyline. They opted for an intimate brunch wedding, so the space was glowing from all corners with bright early afternoon light.

The Venue

Hope and Brett saw each other before their wedding in the lobby of the industrial venue.
Formerly a warehouse, the space had exposed brick walls, high ceilings and tall windows. The atmosphere was chic and edgy, the perfect complement to Hope’s vibrant personality and great sense of fashion. As Brett turned to see his bride for the first time, his eyes lit up and he smiled from ear to ear as they melted into each other’s arms.

The Vibe

Hope wore a form-fitting lace gown with a cascading train. She paired it with an ostrich feather bolero that added elegance and whimsy to her wedding look. Brett wore a navy-blue suit that complimented the outdoor fall colors and matched the blue accents of the venue.

The Ceremony

The ceremony and reception took place in the same space. All sides of the building were
windows, creating an outdoor feeling with the benefit of being indoors on a brisk fall day. Thr roof opened and the venue was transformed into an outdoor space as the weather became warmer in the late afternoon. Rows of clear chivari chairs provided a clean and minimalistic look. Cream roses with pops of lavender and plum adorned the front aisle and Hope’s breathtaking bouquet.

Making the ceremony more intimate and heartfelt, Hope and Brett had Hope’s Grandmother
officiate their ceremony. Bathed in gorgeous sunshine, they exchanged their sincere vows to one another in front of their closest family and friends. After they were pronounced husband and wife, more photos were taken with family and the wedding party. Hope and Brett were then introduced into their downtown Revery wedding reception with a standing ovation.

The party continued into the early evening and was filled with cocktails and delicious brunch
food. It was a unique, modern and laid-back celebration that was styled to perfection.

I am so excited to announce that the photography from this wedding is a finalist in the ILEA (International Live Events Association) Wedding Photography of the Year Award. Winners will be announced later this year!

Columbus Zoo Wedding

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It’s my honor to showcase this incredible Columbus Zoo wedding today on the blog. What could be better than feeding a giraffe at cocktail hour? Staring down a sloth over hors d’oeuvre? Cradling a Kangeroo? Few things are better than that, but one is marrying your best friend. So this wedding was quite possibly the perfect day.

I met up with Abby in downtown Dublin, Ohio on a sunny summer day. Her friends were so much fun and kept her laughing all morning. Abby looked so elegant in her strapless lace-bodice gown. It was so much fun to pose her in the magical window light of the hotel.

After she was ready, Abby met Brent on the roof of the hotel at VASO for their first look. Brent’s face when he turned around and saw her was pure excitement. We walked around Vaso and the hotel lobby and took advantage of the beautiful natural light and modern spaces.

From the hotel, the entire wedding party ventured out to downtown Old Dublin for some really fun wedding photos. The city is alive with interesting architectural lines. It was really fun to play them up in their photos.

Columbus Zoo Wedding

Then, it was time to go to the Zoo to get these two married! A stunning flower arch stood between roaming giraffes and the wedding guests. To have such beautiful creatures hanging out in the background of your wedding ceremony was breathtaking. At cocktail hour, the Zoo brought out animals for the guests and the bride and groom. I’ve never seen a happier bride in my whole career than I did when Abby was able to hold a kangaroo.

Inside the reception space, the world’s largest cookie table was getting ready for its debut. Still to this day, it was the largest cookie spread of any I’ve ever photographed. I think it probably spanned five 5′ tables. It was glorious.

Abby and Brent were able to sneak out for sunset photos that were just awe-inspiring. The warm light flooded in and made the whole outdoor pavilion feel other-worldly. It was such a special day and I am so lucky to have been a part of it. Thank you so much to Abby and Brent for having me.

Vendors

Venue: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium- Africa Event Center
Hotel: AC Marriot Dublin
Wedding Planner: Limelight Event Planning
Florist: Blooms by Amanda
DJ- Platinum DJ Productions
String Quartet- Columbus Musicians LLC
Cake: Our Cupcakery
Dress: Evaline’s Bridal
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at River Ridge
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Warehouse

Check out Abby and Brent’s engagement shoot here!

Columbus Elopement Photography

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One of my favorite things to shoot is Columbus elopement photography. I love it because it feels so spontaneous with no real schedule to keep. Believe it or not, this wedding session was only 30 minutes! My time with them was short but mighty. This session was filled with smiles, puppy kisses, and the most fabulous spring blooms.

Gabriella and Brice met up with me after their intimate low-key elopement downtown by the river. We utilized the ivy-covered brick walls of the Cultural Arts Center and the Main Street bridge. It was a great way to get a lot of variety for photos in a limited time frame. The sun was starting to dip in the sky and the bride lights were just becoming visible. That’s an ideal time of day to be shooting because everything seems so much more atmospheric and romantic.

Although they chose to keep their actual ceremony private and off-camera, this was such a perfect way to celebrate! I can’t thank Gabriella and Brice enough for having me join them on this incredible day.

If you are having a Columbus elopement, fill out my contact form so we can plan your special photo session together!

Vitria on the Square

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Vitria on the Square is Columbus Ohio’s newest show-stopping venue! Cathedral high windows, some of the best food in the city, and an outstanding team will make this space an experience of a lifetime for your next event. Situated in the heart of the OSU campus, the location is central to all downtown Columbus locations.

The Grand Ballroom

Appropriately enough Vitria means “like glass“. The Grand Ballroom is surrounded on three sides with floor-to-ceiling continuous glass panels. It has a view overlooking the entrance to the Ohio State University and sits across the street from Mershon Auditorium. The ceiling of this towering ballroom is adorned with geometric grids that add a stunning, but not distracting, focal point.

The Gallery

Cocktail hour take place in The Gallery which is more of a great sitting room. It features two balconies that overlook the “square” below. A bar sits in the corner and is accentuated by the arch detail of the building’s main entrance. The artwork that adorns the walls is from Columbus area artists.

The Terrace Ballroom

Around the corner from the reception space, there is a smaller room, the Terrace Ballroom, that is great for smaller corporate meetings but can double as a wedding getting-ready room.

I was lucky enough to photograph this space twice late last year as they launched into their first event season. I photographed it once as a meeting setup and again with a real wedding setup. You can see how quickly it can go from a functional corporate space to the most elegant wedding venue.

Weddings at Vitria on the Square

Vitria on the Square is managed by Columbus Hospitality, the same group that manages other great Columbus venues such as the Grand Event Center and Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center. The food is always incredible and one can be comforted to know that their events are in expert hands.

Strongwater Industrial Wedding

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Today I have a treat for everyone with this Strongwater Industrial Wedding. Andrew and Joe are two of the best humans I’ve ever met. Way back in 2019, I was able to shoot their engagement shoot on a brisk December day. The plan was for them to get married the following year, but you guessed it! COVID though a wrench in their plans and they ended up waiting two whole years for their big day. They say good things come with time, and in this case, oh did the good times come!

This was probably one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed. There are so many reasons why, but here are just a few.

Reasons I love this wedding

The people

This was a wedding full of genuine, down-to-earth, fun, and laid-back people. People that made you feel like you’ve known them your whole lives. People who were gracious enough to let me in on this day and document some truly intimate moments without holding back.

The speeches

Deeply personal speeches were given by the family during the ceremony. They were raw, emotional, sincere, and deeply moving. It created a quiet space of reflection for everyone and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

The dancing

This wedding was a throw-down. Any time you have DJ Axcess at your wedding you can expect great things, but this was just next level. This party would have raged until 4 am if the venue didn’t have time limits. After suffering the aftermath of COVID-19, being at a party like this was just soul-nourishing!

The details and desserts

Joe’s mother hand-crocheted all of the cutest favors that were placed at each table setting. They were so adorable and all completely different. The act of making that many favors was such a labor of love and a shining example of how much these two are loved.

As if that wasn’t enough, they had Buckeye Donuts as dessert! Quite possibly my favorite donuts in Columbus, that was the cherry on top of this wedding for me!

Thank you so much to Andrew and Joe for memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you for being your authentic loveable selves. I’m so honored to have been a part of this incredible day!

Vendors

Venue: Strongwater Food and Spirits
Cake: Lavender & Honey
Donuts: Buckeye Donuts
Florist: The Flowerman
Joe’s Suit: Suitsupply
Shoes: Florsheim Shoes
Andrew’s Suit: Alan David
DJ: DJ Axcess

Retreat 21 Spring Wedding

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Today on the blog I am dreaming of warmer weather and so excited to share this incredibly gorgeous Retreat 21 Spring Wedding. Spring happens to be my all-time favorite season. It used to be fall, but as I get older, I have fallen deeply in love with the idea of the literal and metaphorical re-emergence of life. The air is muddy, all the little flower buds peek their heads out of the nutrient-rich earth, and life springs forth. It’s the promise of a full year of warm weather ahead. The birds are singing, and a new season of possibility offers itself in full colorful splendor. Quite literally, it was the perfect time for Kaitlin and Hayden to get married.

A spring color palate

The sage green dresses and details were the perfect compliment to this Spring wedding. The white dogwood trees were just starting to bud which only added to the visual splendor. A huge trend in 2023 was to use faux florals. Kaitlin chose a bouquet of Sola flowers or flowers made of wood. They are so delicate and intricate looking, but will also last forever!

A Retreat 21 Spring Wedding

On the property of Retreat 21, there is a grand old tree that is a show-stopping backdrop for any wedding. This is where Hayden and Kaitlin decided to share their vows in front of their friends, family, and all their loved ones. One of my favorite moments was right after their first kiss. Hayden pulled Kaitlin close, embraced her, and kissed her so sweetly on her forehead.

A unique party set in the woods

One of the best parts about having your wedding at Retreat 21 is the outdoor space for guests at the reception. There are open-air swings, a fire pit, and lawn games- all illuminated under a canopy of Edison bistro lights. It gives an intimate gathering place for people to reconnect under the canopy of the tall trees. This has quickly become one of my favorite places to photograph because it is just so beautiful at every turn. As the facility ages, the management keeps expanding the features of the grounds to make it more appealing. A special thank you to Hayden and Kaitlin for their trust in Jessica Miller Photography for their wedding day!

Get in touch!

If you are planning a Retreat 21 spring wedding in the Columbus, Ohio area, please get in touch! Fill out the contact form here and let’s talk!

Vendors

Venue: Retreat 21
Cake: Alice’s Piece of Cake
DJ: Vince Kendjorksy from Josh Staley Productions
Dress Shop: Dublin Bridal
Dress: Allure Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson and Keds
Bride’s Hair and Makeup: Hey Pretty Beauty
Groom’s Tux: Generation Tux

Oak Grove Wedding Photography

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I have been waiting a minute to post about this incredible Oak Grove wedding photography, and today’s the day!

Miranda’s dress was a striking silhouette and featured a pointed lace train that gracefully flowed behind her when she walked. Her beautiful curls were pulled back into a low bun and fascinated with a crystal hair clip. A few curls framed her face to accent her incredible jawline. Kelvin looked like a million dollars in a blue suit that was accented with a soft pink tie.

The couple shared a “first touch” before the wedding where they held hands and said a prayer for the day and their marriage. It was an incredibly beautiful and quiet moment they were able to share with just eachother before they walked down the aisle to say “I do!”.

Gorgeous string music filled the greenhouse as guests took their seats. When Kelvin walked through the front doors, the whole crowd cheered for him. I have never seen a bigger smile on a groom walking down the aisle before. Pretty soon, Miranda turned the corner with her father and met Kelvin’s eyes waiting for her at the end of the greenhouse. Tears began to flow as he saw her approach.

Standing in front of all of their loved ones, and flanked by 12 of their very best friends, Miranda and Kelvin took their marriage vows in a romantic and heartwarming ceremony. Some of my favorite photos of the day were taken immediately following their walk back down the aisle. They were freshly married, alone in their reception room, and had no idea they were being photographed. It was just them, in the moment, together.

As you can tell, Oak Grove at Jorgenson Farms is an incredible editorial and photographs like a dream. For that reason, it is one of my favorite Columbus, Ohio wedding venues. I think one of the most exciting aspects of this venue is the potential for incredible night photography. The starburst lighting fixtures and Edison bulbs make a showstopping backdrop for dreamy nighttime portraits.

A special thank you to Miranda and Kelvin for having me capture this showstopping day. It will forever be one of my absolute favorite weddings I’ve photographed.

VENDORS

Venue: Jorgenson Farms Oak Grove
Florist: Petals & Leaves
Cake: Capital City Cakes
DJ: Jomar with Josh Staley Productions
Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander
Bride’s Shoes: DB Studio
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Warehouse

Estate Horse Farm Wedding

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Today on the blog is a striking private estate horse farm wedding. As if the location wasn’t enough of a wow! factor, the bride and groom are designers and curated a delightfully whimsical and romantic experience for all their guests.

Maddie and Adam’s wedding invitation featured the estate’s signature 6-sided barn on the front. The whole day was accented with a palate of soft greens and pinks. With details galore, everywhere you looked was eye candy of the most beautiful sort. Some of my favorite details included Maddie’s Happily Ever After clutch, her embroidered guest book, her hand-made cocktail hour backdrop made from sno cone cups, pom poms that lined the bar, and letterboards that displayed drink options. Needless to say, it was a photographer’s dream.

Their ceremony was nestled within a wooded area that featured towering trees. To say it was picturesque would be an understatement. The naturally swaying canopy of trees above made the couple’s vows feel even more intimate and meaningful. As part of the ceremony, they planned a small tree together using soil from their respective homes.

After Maddie and Adam said “I do”, guests were welcomed to a stunning outdoor cocktail hour. Bistro tables were adorned with flowers in bud vases. Drinks were shared out in the beautiful sunshine or under the shade of an umbrella.

During dinner, the couple and I snuck out for some more photos. We were able to get a few with the barn and out behind the barn as the sun became lower and warmer in the sky. Some of my favorites from this dinner session were with a classic car that was brought onto the property.

As the evening went on, so much laughter and love was shared as speeches were given under the tent. In true Ohio fashion, the weather was doing crazy things. Each time I looked at the radar on my phone, it said we were standing in a thunderstorm. The funny thing is, it wasn’t raining at all. The sky did become dark, however, and the most amazing thing happened. A gorgeous rainbow appeared across the sky. You better believe we took some photos with it.

Maddie and Adam’s wedding was simply put, enchanting. I think everyone who attended was left with memories of a truly unique and unforgettable evening. Thank you so much for having me there to capture it all!

Vendors

Planning and Coordination: Thyme and Details
Florals: Lagom Floral Gallery
Catering: Sweet Carrot
Rentals: Lasting Impressions
Cake: Lavender and Honey Cakery
HMUA: Le Reve
Dress: BHLDN
Suit: Indochino
DJ: Beat Squad Entertainment

For wedding decor listed in this post as well as other ideas, please visit my Amazon shop for further inspiration!

Columbus Museum of Art Wedding

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Allison and Mark knocked it out of the park when they had their Columbus Museum of Art Wedding last July. It’s not every day you can celebrate such an incredible life event amongst so much beauty.

Their ceremony took place at Edwards Court. The ceiling is entirely made of windows which allows for natural light to pour into the space. A larger-than-life glass artwork by Dale Chihuly called Isola di San Giacomo in Palude, sits on one end of the atrium. It is an elegant and unique space and offers an experience only an art museum can.

The bridesmaids wore different shades of blue and Allison looked absolutely flawless in her white lace-trimmed A-lined gown. Details of white and blue could be found around every corner. Cascading bouquets were flanked on either side of the ceremony wall, the wedding invitations were adorned with a blue satin ribbon, a custom wedding hanger was embellished with blue and white flowers, and a blue velvet ring box showed off how beautiful Allison’s wedding rings were.

Inside and outside of the museum offered grand portrait backdrops. The lighting outside played against the walls and made for some pretty epic spotlight portraiture of Allison. One of my favorite details from the day was their ring bearer wore a bear costume and thus became known as the “ring bear.”

After portraits around the museum, we went to their reception venue, The Ellis. Allison is an avid swing dancer, so there were so many fantastic dance moves both during cocktail hour and the open dancing. Guests were also treated to a specially choreographed dance from Allison and her fellow dance group. It was so much fun to watch and super impressive to see her do it all in a wedding dress, no less!

Congratulations to these two. It was such an honor to be a part of this magical celebration!!