Category Archives: wedding photographer

Estate Horse Farm Wedding

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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!

What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot

Leave a reply

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a photographer is “What should we wear to our engagement shoot?” I want to walk you through some ideas, break them down a little bit, and take the headache out of this question.

Let these images reflect who you are

I always tell my clients first and foremost to let the engagement photos represent who they are day-to-day in an elevated way. If you’re not a suit and tie person, don’t wear a suit and tie. If you LOVE getting glam, then get glam. Make sure you authentically represent yourself. This honest representation of who you are will be such a nice compliment to your wedding collection when you are dressed to perfection.

Tips

1) Don’t match outfits, coordinate them. Find a color scheme, or a couple of colors that complement each other well, and run with it. Try not to wear the exact same color tops or bottoms as that could become distracting in the photos.

2) Use layers to change up an outfit. I’ve seen some cool vintage fur-collared coats worn over dresses and then the coat can be removed for some shots. Cardigans and suit jackets can be used in the same way.

2) Watch for bra straps. If you have a strappy dress and the bra will barely fit under it, wear a strapless bra.

3) Does your outfit make sense for where we’re shooting? A suit and tie and a pantsuit will look stunning with a city backdrop, but might not make as much sense in a park or garden setting.

4) Avoid fine patterns. These can cause what’s called the Moiré effect and can ruin photos pretty easily. The camera has trouble reading intricate patterns and can end up blurring them together.

5) Avoid logos. Solid pieces work well. Add in an accessory or one article of clothing for a pop of color. I’m a huge fan of bright and bold, so don’t feel limited to neutrals.

6) The camera makes makeup less apparent, so add a little more than you normally would. I promise you you’ll still look like yourself in the photos!

Outfit Inspiration

high-end downtown

1. Women’s Sleeveless Dress
2. Pearl Hoop Earrings
3. Women’s Low Heel Sandals
4. Men’s Wool Coat
5. Men’s Straight Pant
6. Men’s Oxford Shoes
7. Cotton Skinny Tie

sun-kissed garden

1. Off The Shoulder Dress
2. Bee Dangle Earrings
3. Bumblebee Bracelet
4. Bow Knot Sandals
5. Men’s Linen Jacket
6. Floral Tie
7. Men’s Skinny Pants
8. Men’s Canvas Shoes

cozy fall

1. Women’s Satin Skirt
2. Women’s V-Neck Shirt
3. Floral Dangle Earrings
4. Stack Bead Bracelets
5. Women’s Ankle Boots
6. Men’s Flannel Shirt
7. Men’s Denim

casual everyday

1. Women’s Off The Shoulder Top
2. Women’s Ankle Boot
3. Gold Geometric Earrings
4. Skinny Denim Pants
5. Men’s Button Up Shirt
6. Men’s Khaki Pants
7. Men’s Addidas Shoes

For same-sex couples or people who want even more inspiration, please visit my Amazon Storefront for more coordinating outfit ideas:)

Franklin Park Bride’s Garden Wedding

Leave a reply

I am so excited to share this Franklin Park Bride’s Garden wedding with the world today. Life got away from me last year but this year I have made a consorted effort to sit down and share share share some of my favorite weddings from the past two years.

Angela and Eric met at a Chinese restaurant when they were living in Atlanta over 10 years ago. Eric just happened to sit down at a table near Angela and he ended up asking for her phone number before he left. Eight years later, the two decided to make it official and get married surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Their choice of The Franklin Park Conservatory as their venue was intentional. Eric is a nature lover. He used to work in an arboretum and is a country boy at heart. Growing up he was always outdoors. I can personally attest to this passion of his. As we walked through different rooms and spaces of the conservatory, Eric would tell me all about whatever plant or tree was in front of us. He would inspect them as if each one was a precious jewel. Angela loved the space because it’s naturally beautiful and elegant in an authentic way. Authenticity was very important to her as she planned their celebration.

Another important aspect of their wedding was music. They own the Savoy Club which is a premiere Jazz, soul, and R&B Club in Columbus, Ohio. They incorporated live music acts from both their club and their church ( Mix Master Ice and Jerry Powell) to create an intimate and soulful experience for guests.

The entire event was expertly and flawlessly planned with Distinct Event Planning at the helm. Having owner Lucretia Williams take care of all the details allowed Angela to be a host without stressing. Their luxe invitation suite was custom designed by LePenn Designs. It was a black and white set that had a hidden strip of hot pink along the edge of the invitation. This same pop-of-color accent was carried into the reception florals with a hot-pink orchid placed on every charger.

Prema Designs knocked it out of the park with the reception tablescapes. Everything was so lush and alive. The head table featured cascading Lilies and greenery at different heights adorned with candles. Textured linen layers were paired with sparkly chargers, velvet napkins, and centerpieces that resembled trees.

More than anything this wedding was filled with joy. Since Angela and Eric were practically a married couple anyways, it was a fun and beautiful celebration where they were able to honor their love for each other in front of the people that mean the most to them.

Additional vendors:

Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Groom’s Shirt: Armani
Groom’s Shoes: Donald J. Pilner
Bride’s Dress: La Jeune Mariee Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang
Bride’s Hair: KiEssence Grande Beauty & Barber
Bride’s MUA: SC Defined
Cake: Kennedy’s KAKES

Grand Event Center Wedding

Leave a reply

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

Check out Michelle and John’s engagement shoot here.

The Ellis Columbus Wedding

Leave a reply

Hello, blog! It’s been a while! 2022 was one of the craziest years I’ve ever had and by far my most successful at Jessica Miller photography. I got to meet some amazing, amazing people. I got to shoot some of the most beautiful events I’ve ever been to. The events industry came roaring back, and I soaked it all up one weekend at a time.

Today I am sharing Lindsay and Scott’s showstopping wedding. From beginning to end, this wedding was relaxed and fun with a hint of glamour. When I walked into the room and saw Lindsay, her hairstyle took my breath away. Even though it was extremely hot and windy outside, it stayed put all day, and I’m still not sure what kind of voodoo magic took place to make that possible.

They both got ready at the LeVeque hotel autograph collection, which also happens to be one of my favorite hotels in downtown Columbus to photograph. The lighting in the suite is so editorial. I just had to take advantage of it for some shots of Lindsay after she got her dress on. those photos are still some of my favorites from the day. I talk a lot with my couples about how less can be more; this is a perfect example. Give me a neutral room with great window light and I’ll give you magic.

For their first look, we shot right outside the grand entrance overhang of the LeVeque Tower. It’s the place where chic art deco dreams are made. This location is so show-stopping to photograph, so it’s no surprise that Lindsay and Scott looked like absolute royalty.

After their first look, we took so many glamorous shots inside the LeVeque. Then with the whole bridal party, we went across the street to city hall. The bridesmaids’ dresses matched the windows of city hall and I love happy accidents like that. Our last stop before leaving for the venue was the rooftop of the LeVeque parking garage. It not only has a great view of the Columbus riverfront, but it also makes a killer backdrop for some champagne popping. Scott made everyone run away from him with the way the champagne was sprayed everywhere. It was so so funny and I just love the photos from this moment.

When we arrived at their venue, The Ellis, guests were greeted with a Champagne tower. The way the light hit each glass made the whole display so enchanting. Scott and Lindsay said their vows and “I dos” on the back patio in the warm afternoon sun.

The Ellis is in Italian Village and right in that area is so beautiful that we decided to do just a few more photos after Scott and Lindsay’s ceremony. The rest of the evening was such a beautiful blur. These two we’re surrounded by so much love, laughter, and friendship. Cheers to you both and thank you a million times over for trusting me with this perfect day!

Hotel: Hotel Leveque Autograph Collection
Venue: The Ellis
Suit: Pursuit
Florals: Fiori Florals
DJ: D and M DJ Entertainment
Dress: La Jeuene Mariee
Hair and Makeup: 614 Beauty
Cake: Sauer Cakes

Backyard Columbus Ohio Wedding

Leave a reply

This backyard Columbus Ohio wedding was quite simply, a dream. I was hired to photograph Nicholas and Joseph’s wedding because their larger blow-out celebration that was set to be in Chicago was sadly canceled because of COVID last year. When I arrived at their house, I walked into the backyard and was met with the most stunning table set up under hanging bistro lights. The landscaping was to die for. There were lots of little places to sit around the yard, a fire was going, and so. many. candles. You would have thought that the florals had been done by a professional florist, but Joseph actually did them himself!

When I arrived, Nick and Joe were getting ready inside and everyone was bustling about their home. A Cake for Leroy was putting the final touches on their cake in the kitchen. Their best friends were in and out the back door setting everything up. There was such fun energy in the air.

Right before guests arrived, Joe and Nick joined me for a few portraits around their yard. The table setup was so stunning I had to make it part of some shots. These two have such a deep bond with each other and I could really feel how important this day was for both of them. Happy tears streamed from both of them. Their love was palpable.

Joseph’s brother officiated the ceremony amongst an intimate group of friends and family. Their vows were some of the best I had ever heard. They described what it really felt like to meet the love of your life. The vows were also very poetic and sincere. The space these two created at that moment was electric, and one that I’ll never forget.

After the vows were exchanged and the rings were placed, it was time to party and celebrate! Cameron Mitchell provided the most beautiful appetizers and food for the event. Everyone gave Nick and Joe a champagne toast to their new marriage! As the sun tucked below the horizon, guests were seated and the happy couple danced in each other’s arms under the glow of the twinkling lights. Dinner continued into the dark of night and laughing faces were illuminated by the glow of candlelight. It was such a beautiful moment in time. I can’t thank Joseph and Nicholas enough for trusting me with capturing their vision.

Vendors

Catering: Cameron Mitchell Premier Events
Cake: A Cake for Leroy
Flowers: self
Rentals: Event Source
Tuxes and Shoes: Calvin Klein

Hilliard Ohio Wedding Photos

Leave a reply

These two celebrated their one-year anniversary yesterday so what better time to share their Hilliard Ohio wedding photos with the world! You might recognize them from their engagement shoot I posted a couple of weeks back. Lindsay and Jake are two of the funniest people you could ever be around. I laughed so hard I cried at least twice at this wedding. To have so much joy even though they were in the midst of having to pivot their original wedding plans because of the pandemic is a true testament to their relationship and bond.

When they realized their original wedding wasn’t going to work with COVID restrictions, at the last minute, Lindsay and Jake found the Norwich Pavilion which is a stunning outdoor facility in Hilliard’s Weaver Park. It is painted all white and just perfect for an outdoor wedding that’s also sheltered from a warm June day. As Lindsay walked toward the Pavillion, she and her dad emerged from a covered bridge into the bright sunlight. It was a major WOW factor! She looked stunning. Her dress had beautiful lace sleeves that kissed her shoulders. She wore her hair down in cascading curls. When Jake saw her, he was ear-to-ear smiles.

It wasn’t what they had originally planned, but this wedding was so beautiful and intimate. And, because of its size, we were able to get the best photo of everyone that attended the wedding! Congratulations to Lindsay and Jake and their one-year anniversary yesterday! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you both. Lots of love, Jess

Park of Roses Elopement

Leave a reply

Today I am so delighted to share Eric and Bogna’s Park of Roses Elopement. When the world around you feels like it’s ending, postponing your wedding plans and everything else, I just love what Bogna and Eric said: F it! Let’s do this! I am so proud of them for following their hearts, pivoting during very uncertain COVID times, and tying the knot in a very small intimate ceremony at the Whetstone Park of Roses early last year.

Their adorable doggie joined the party, just like at their engagement shoot. All the trees in the park were newly coated green and some spring blossoms were still in full show. After the small ceremony, we walked around the park and took photos in the spring sunlight. When we came back, the family toasted the happy new couple, including some family across the world that was on zoom. It was so special and heartfelt.

I am so so excited to join them again later this year to have their bigger celebration with family and friends! Keep an eye out for these two on the blog later this year!

Estate at New Albany Wedding

Leave a reply

I have been so excited to share this Estate at New Albany Wedding and today’s the day! Shooting at the Estate is always wonderful because the grounds are stunning any season of the year. The lighting is always sublime and I swear there are always the best sunsets when I shoot there.

This wedding was terrific- mostly because these two were SO much fun to hang out with. From start to finish, I had the biggest smile on my face. Jessica was just glowing all day. Every time I took her portrait, she just lit up my lenses. Her beauty definitely radiated inside and out.

Michael and Jessica took their vows under a towering canopy of trees that were turning every shade of red and yellow. It was exquisite, to say the least. One of my favorite photos was from when Jessica and her dad were walking towards the aisle, and you can see her between two tree branches with sprays of beautiful autumnal colors behind her.

Thank you so much Jessica and Michael for letting me share this day with you! It was such an honor to be there with you both. XO Jess

Venue: Estate at New Albany
Wedding Coordinator: Kylie Douglas
Florist: Bloomtastic
DJ: DJ Axcess
Dress: Amsale
Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle
Bride’s Hair: Liz Mann
Bride’s Makeup: Liz Mann
Groom’s Tux: Calvin Klien

Fall wedding at High Line Car House

Leave a reply

Tonight I get to feature Jenn and DWs gorgeous wedding from last year at High Line Car House! I have been so excited to show this one off because from start to finish, this day was just magical. This is also the first time in 12 years that I’ve had a pet stand at the front with the couple as they got married. Cooper was very respectful and didn’t steal the show too much!!

DW and Jenn did a first look at Schiller Park in German Village. It was so much fun to see DW’s reaction as they both turned around. He was overcome with emotion and photographers just live for those moments! From there we casually walked around the park, talking and laughing with the whole bridal party. Jenn’s cathedral length veil was just everything. Long veils make the whole bridal look so elegant and romantic. One of my favorite photos we got was the picture of their basset hound Cooper standing in front of the bridal party. He even had his own little tuxedo!

We all headed back to High Line to watch these two tie the knot! It was so intimate, loving, and warm in that room. From there we all moved to the main space of High Line and got the party started. Tables were accented with flowers from Jewelwedding Floral Studio, candles, and the most beautiful glass pumpkins. Kitties Cakes supplied the most incredible desserts as well! After their first dance, we snuck out to do a few night photos in front of the Columbus Love sign downtown. To finish off the night, guests were treated to The Whirlybirds live band. This day had the best energy from start to finish. So much love to you both DW and Jenn. You’ll never know how lucky I feel that you walked into my life! XO J

Ask a Question

Vendors

Let these images reflect who you are

Tips

Outfit Inspiration

high-end downtown

sun-kissed garden

cozy fall

casual everyday

Vendors