Category Archives: wedding photographer

Grand Event Center Wedding

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

 

Grand Event Center Wedding Grand Event Center Wedding

Check out Michelle and John’s engagement shoot here.

A bride and groom kissing on their wedding day

Edison 777 Columbus Wedding

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, Edison 777, 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.

Edison 777 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: Edison 777
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

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

Backyard Columbus Ohio Wedding

hilliard wedding photographers

Hilliard Ohio Wedding Photos

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

Hilliard Ohio Wedding Photos

Park of roses elopement

Park of Roses Elopement

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!

Park of Roses Elopement

estate at New albany wedding

Estate at New Albany Wedding

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

 

estate at New Albany Wedding

Fall wedding at High Line Car House

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

Wedding in Downtown Columbus

Even though this wedding wasn’t from November, I still wanted to share it this week because it had the perfect fall and Thanksgiving palate. Last year, I had the honor of photographing Kendra and Andrew’s wedding in downtown Columbus. These two are so in love and it just showed through in every photo. We did the first look outside of their hotel, the Hyatt downtown. The Hyatt has really vamped up their rooms in the last couple of years and it’s become an awesome place to get ready for a wedding. Beautiful Ivy scaled the outside of the Hyatt, making it the perfect backdrop for seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. As Andrew turned around, they both started to laugh, totally overcome with joy that they had finally made it to their wedding day! Then they embraced and just melted into the other’s arms. It was a quiet and magical moment where the whole world seemed to pause just for an instant.

From the first look, we stopped in German Village for their portraits. A bright red wall we found complimented the bright orange and maroon florals just perfectly. It was then time to get married! We went to the Boathouse at Confluence Park and went outside to their back patio for the ceremony. There is a sweeping view of the Columbus skyline that is simply spectacular. Tears filled both Kendra and Andrew’s eyes as they said their vows and pledged their lives to one another.

It was then time to party! Guests were treated to champagne and city views all night long and the dancing was spectacular! Earlier this year Kendra and Andrew welcomed a little baby to their family. It’s been such a cool two years for these two even though 2020 certainly has come with challenges. Thank you Kendra and Andrew for trusting me with these beautiful memories!

Blackwell Hotel Wedding Photos

Eric and Morgan tied the knot in September of last year at the Blackwell on OSU’s campus. It was such a special day because they had been together for over 10 years and decided to make it official! Eric also happens to be one of the first friends I made when I moved back to Ohio in 2005. Now that I write that, I can’t believe how fast 15 years flew by. In a lot of ways, it felt like I was reconnecting with family. Everyone in this wedding party was so much fun. It was just laughter from the beginning until the end. I think one of my favorite parts of the entire day was during the ceremony, light just beamed in on the two of them. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t ideal for photography, but it was a moment that made me think, wow! The sun is giving its approval, too. So after their sun-kissed vows and ceremony, they greeted their guests with deep celebratory hugs, because you could do that in 2019.

The Blackwell has a lot of hidden photo gems right around it, including these tree-lined walkways across the street. The lighting we got in that area was insane. I think my favorite photo from the entire day was when Eric and Morgan were walking across the street back to their venue. It reminded me of the Abbey Road album cover, but it was also just such a sweet and real moment.

At their reception, guests were treated to flutes of champagne with flowers in it. It was such stunning detail and pop of color. As the night went on, the party just ramped up! By the time I left, there were some expert dance moves being distributed across the dance floor. It was such a special night and I’m so honored I was asked to capture it. Thank you, Eric and Morgan, and happy one year married!

Cheers and Lakeside Chalet Wedding

Cue the airhorn sound effect! This is my last summer wedding from last year I haven’t blogged about yet. I’m getting ready to switch gears here on the blog for the entire month of September. When weddings are back on the blog in October, you’ll get to see all of the autumnal goodness from last year as well as some more intimate weddings I’ve done this year!

Jackie and Terry had a beach themed wedding last summer at the Cheers and Lakeside Chalet. This was such a cool venue that I had never shot at before. The way the ceremony location is decorated definitely lends itself to feeling like you’re underwater. All the little beach themed details were so much fun, too. My favorite was this incredible handmade starfish headpiece that adorned Jackie’s up-do. I also loved how the cake had brown sugar sand with their initials spelled out. And Jackie’s engagement ring even had a little shell open shells on it.

What I remember most from this wedding is how emotional it was and how absolutely head-over-heels crazy in love these two are. Both of them cried to each other while reading their vows. It created such beautiful electricity in the air. Like everything in the world was paused just for them at that moment.

Their portrait session was so much fun. Even though it was raining, we were able to get some gorgeous photos right in their reception space. And most importantly, they were all having so much fun. I could tell that this was going to be one hell of a reception, and I was right! There was so much laughter, good food, and heartfelt speeches.

Jackie and Terry had told me there was going to be Karaoke at their wedding, but as a bystander, you never know if that’s going to be a good or a bad idea lol. OMG, they were incredible! How did I get through their entire engagement shoot without learning about their secret super singing powers? It was such a treat to be in a room with so much talent.

Since their wedding, Jackie and Terry have welcomed a little baby into their world, which almost makes this day even more fun to look back on. Thank you Jackie and Terry for letting me be there for your perfect day! XO J