This wedding was everything to me. By the end of the night, I was so star struck with both Justin and Mike. Today I’m super excited to announce that their wedding was published earlier this year on Gay Weddings and Mariage Magazine! Check it out!
https://gayweddingsmag.com/mike-justins-fall-wedding/
I’d also love to share the link to the blog I wrote about them here. XO Jess
So excited to share that Emily and Rob’s wedding from last year has been published on Big Day Made! Click the link below for their rustic, joy-filled and gorgeous wedding!
https://bigdaymade.com/wedding/Emily-and-Rob
Here is the post I’ve waited all of 2017 to write!!! Along with featuring photos from my 25 couples whose weddings I was lucky enough to photograph this year, I also wanted to share some business side goals that I had for 2017 and where I want to go for 2018!
2017 was my 9th season as a professional wedding photographer. I used it as a rebuilding year in that I updated a ton of gear including my computer. I worked on streamlining operational flow and reassessing products, brand, and imagery. I have always cherished my network of other local photographers, but this past year we all banded together in monthly meetings to critique, evaluate and lift up each other’s businesses. The experiences I’ve drawn from these meetings have been invaluable. There is so much talent in the greater Columbus area!
I had a few goals this year- one was to become the blogging overlord of Columbus. I would say I still have a ways to go in attaining that title, but I did smash all of my previous years’ blogging numbers. Why was this important to me? I firmly believe that every shoot I take deserves to be showcased. While I fell short of this goal by a few shoots, I truly love all the people who I get to meet, even if I’m just spending an hour with them. I absolutely love writing about the little nuances and experiences that made each shoot uniquely them.
in 2018, I want to share not only my shoots and photography but a little more about myself as well. This means being more vulnerable on a public platform and sharing more of my WHY – WHY I’m in photography, WHY I shoot the way I do, WHY I’m so excited about this business.
So without further ado, I’m so excited to share these incredible moments with you today. I always try to make my blog posts short enough so it doesn’t feel like you’re scrolling through endless photos, but today no such luck. There were far too many to narrow down! Thank you to all of these couples, the photographers who second shot for me, the vendors who kept the days running smoothly and to the network of family and friends I’ve been able to grow year after year through this magical journey. XO Jess
I have been excited about this wedding all year long. Not only was it the one that I consider the last of my regular fall wedding season, but it was also the most personal to me and my family. My husband Scott and I have been so blessed to get to know Alyssa, Jeff and her family over the past two years. They have truly become an extension of our little family- through thick and thin. I couldn’t think of any couple more special in our life and I’m so honored to have been here on this day as they started a new chapter in their lives together.
The day started relaxing and getting ready in separate homes. I was with Alyssa and my second shooter Katie was with Jeff. Over on our side of the process, there were so many laughs, doggie hugs, and even some pretty awesome dance moves!
Next, it was time to go to their church, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Alyssa and Jeff privately said their hand-written vows to each other as they held hands around a corner before the ceremony. Very rarely does this happen, but they made me quietly cry behind my camera. It was such a personal and intimate moment, that as a photographer I am lucky enough to witness. It’s in those moments that love between two people sings its loudest on wedding days, whether it’s between parent and child, siblings, or the future Mr. and Mrs.
The church itself was a stunning backdrop for the traditional Catholic ceremony. It had an old-world romantic feel that almost felt like it was from an older era. After the nuptials, we utilized the church grounds for some photos before we went downtown for some more portraits with the wedding party. It was then time for the real party to start!
Their venue was The Loft side of Dock 580 and the dining room was decorated in such a romantic and sophisticated way. Moroccan lanterns were hung over each table, and linens of blue were accented with gold and maroon. Stunning florals pouring out of centerpieces made for the perfect exclamation point on an already beautiful setting. As the guests dined, laughter from the perfect speeches filled the room. Everything felt so warm and alive.
The party ramped up with the first dances, including a fun coreographed dance by Alyssa and her father. Once open dancing started, it didn’t end until the lights were turned on. It was such a joyous blur! Their wedding day also fell on our son Caddie’s second birthday and they were nice enough to have him come to the reception for some dancing and cake! Needless to say, he loved every minute of it! Thank you again to this amazing family! I’m so thankful to have been a part of it all! XO Jess
This is easily one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever shot, mostly because Becca and Rich made it so intimate and uniquely them. From the start, Becca even referred to it as their “non-wedding”. They were married on a Thursday earlier this October. We met downtown at the Columbus Courthouse where other people were getting married on a Thursday as well. The couple getting married before them brought too many people to even fit into the room, so they were married in the hallway and we got to watch. I think that all made the experience even more exciting! The excitement for Becca and Rich’s names to be called into the chamber next was palpable.
The whole ceremony probably took less than 5 minutes. I was the only witness to their marriage besides the judge presiding!!! It was such a fantastical blur- and again I felt so thankful for being there so I could help preserve those quick but mighty minutes.
From the courthouse, we walked around downtown. While we walked, Becca told me how the whole planning process came together. Her dress was from Rent the Runway. I’ve actually done RTR and my personal experience was amazing. You’re able to wear clothes that make you walk a little taller. And WOW the dress she picked was perfect and she paired it with a vintage fur wrap. The morning of their wedding, Becca stopped into the North Market flower shop and they made her bouquet on the spot. Not only was it stunning, but it smelled amazing thanks to sprigs of eucalyptus. Rich’s tweet 3-piece suit came all the way from Scottland and the two of them together had a classic/vintage look, perfect for photographing against the urban backdrop of downtown. My favorite part of the day had to be when their family surprised them during our photo session by blowing bubbles on them. They had actually followed us from the courthouse in secret! It made for the best reactions from the bride and groom, and I must say some awesome photos to boot.
Later that afternoon, the couple met up with immediate family and friends for a small reception in the Tap Room at Wolf’s Ridge Brewery. It was the most elegant rustic backdrop for the affair. Drinks, tons of hugs, laughs and gourmet food followed throughout the evening. I can’t thank Becca and Rich enough for such a memorable and intimate experience! And now without further ado, here is the “non-wedding”:
Megan and Keith’s wedding was on a most exceptional late September day. The people, the locations, the weather, and the classic beauty were all so much fun to be around and capture.
I met up with Megan at the Downtown Columbus Hotel. When I walked in, her room was exploding with lots of friends and excitement. I had never met her in person and was immediately struck by the fact she looked so much like one of my best friends! It was an automatic familiar feeling which I found both comforting and inspiring. Then when I found out she loved Lady Gaga and was wearing Jimmy Choo shoes, I was seriously impressed! Megan was helped into her stunning Rosa Clara dress by her mom and closest friends. It fit her like an absolute dream. Before we ventured off to the church, we utilized some of the outdoor marquee lights at the Renaissance for some stunning bridal photos.
The ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Leo in German Villiage. The isle was lined with strands of tulle and white flowers. The lighting was soft and romantic. A violinist was accompanied by a woman singing with a beautiful voice. It all felt intimate, religious and genuine. Afterwards, the couple exited the church to a flurry of bubbles showered on them by their friends and family.
For portraits, we stopped by the OSU campus’ Thompson Library. It’s a beautiful classical backdrop for the sophisticated bridal party. Speaking of bridal party, I think my favorite thing about both side’s of this bridal party is it was composed of men and women on both sides. It was such a refreshing thing to see and I wish more people didn’t feel obligated to only have men or only have women standing by them. We made one last stop at the Scioto Mile for a couple more photos before we made our way back to the Renaissance for the reception.
The event ballroom was uplit with pink and had tall overflowing floral centerpieces. The rest of the night was spent celebrating and dancing! And boy did they dance! I’m so excited to share this wedding today and I hope you love these as much as I did taking them:) XO Jess
Honored and excited that Jenn and John’s country barn wedding was featured last week on Let’s Bee Together wedding blog! Bee sure to check out this dreamy Lighting Tree Barn wedding here:
http://letsbeetogether.com/lightning-tree-barn-wedding-circleville-ohio-jennifer-john/
I’m not going to lie, I’ve had some trouble writing this blog. How many nice things can you say about someone before it starts to take on a creepy vibe? At the risk of going there, I’m just gonna fangirl all over Nicole. I’ve been lucky enough to call her my friend for 13 years, most of which we’ve spent apart living our own lives and keeping in touch every few years. We used to live in Chicago down the street from each other and my memories with her were some of the best of my life. She has the BEST sense of humor, is an amazing storyteller, and is so refreshingly genuine. Gah, I love her so much and when she asked if I’d photograph her wedding, I was so honored and excited. Being able to reconnect with loved ones is the single greatest part of this photography gig. Its so nice to know that no matter how much time has gone by, it will always pick up right where we left off.
I traveled up to Cleveland and was bowled over when I walked into their church, St. Colman. It’s a stunning Irish Catholic church that just turned 100 years old this year. Inside, it has the grandeur of a cathedral. The church coordinator was so nice and told me something I’ve never been told in a Catholic church before. She said, “our motto here is to ask for forgiveness and not permission. Please feel free to go anywhere you’d like in the church except for the main altar.” If you’re a wedding photographer, you’ll know how unprecedented this is. Usually, we’re not allowed to move period. I was able to discretely get some stunning angles that I’ve never been allowed to get before, so that was an exciting side note.
After the ceremony, we traveled to Edgewater Park for some lakeside photos. From there we stopped at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The outside of the building has a very cool striped modern feel that’s perfect for some unique and quirky photos. Our final destination was the West Side Irish American Club for the reception! I loved listening to the speeches- they always are a funny and heartfelt reflection of what a couple is like before and after meeting each other. Nicole and Matt had an amazing dessert table piled high with the most delicious cupcakes and a cute cutting cake that had bride and groom Pez dispensers on them! There were some killer dance moves all night long and the DJ even brought a smoke machine!! I’m so excited to share these photos today with the world. I feel so blessed to have been a small part of this perfect day! Xo jess
I laughed so hard I almost cried the very first time I met Erin and David- so when they asked me to work with them on their engagement and wedding, I felt like I won the lottery! Their fall 2016 e-session and their September 2017 wedding were truly highlights on my schedule!
I met up with everyone at the downtown Columbus Westin. My second shooter went and hung out with the guys while I joined the girls getting ready. This bridal party wins the bridal party of the year award. Each and every one of these girls was so genuine and fun. They all beamed when they saw Erin in her dress, and a few of them even cried. They all had electric personalities that brought a new level of excitement and joy to the day!
Erin’s dress might be the most uniquely beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. It was a form-fitting dusty light pink silhouette embellished with sequins that glittered in the sun. The bridesmaids all wore gold sequined dresses. Together with the Petals & Leaves florals of maroons and pinks, the girls all looked flawless.
I met up with David around the corner from the Westin for the couple’s first look. I asked him if he thought he was going to cry, and he said definitively no. But guess who had tears of joy streaming down his face when he turned around and saw how stunning Erin looked? It was such an amazing moment- one of those I’m so excited I get to be a fly-on-the-wall to see and capture.
The entire wedding party went around to a few Columbus spots, including a parking deck. It was like having your own city all to yourself up there! In the distance, there was even a band playing really loudly so it was like a private concert, too. After the photos, we headed back to the Westin for the signing of the ketubah and ceremony.
The Westin is such a grand event space. I know I’ve written about its history in-depth in a previous blog post so I won’t geek out over it here. Just know I love this space. Look at the photos and you’ll see why!! The ceremony ended with the breaking of the glass and a joyous “Mozel Tov!” rang out from the family and guests!
The event space was quickly turned from the ceremony to reception-ready during cocktail hour. With Orange Blossom Events at the helm, everything went flawlessly. Greenery was accented with maroons, golds, and candlelight. It was so elegant and classy. Dinner, speeches, happy tears and explosive laughter followed through the night. The whole day was nothing short of magical and I can’t thank David and Erin enough for having me with them! Cheers to you both!! Xo Jess
Molly and Eric have captured my heart and I couldn’t be more honored to have spent their wedding day with them. They are both such triumphant people for so many reasons. It’s life-changing to be around anyone like this, let alone a couple!
In late August, I started the day with both the bride and groom at the Hilton in downtown Columbus. My second shooter went and met up with the guys while I got to hang out with the girls. Molly’s dress was hanging in the corner and was so beautiful just on a hanger- so I knew she was going to be a knockout in it! It had soft layers that dropped from the waist to different levels, giving a beautiful sense of dimension and movement. Her shoes were so fun and elegant- a true statement piece that I had to give a little photographic love to throughout the day.
The ceremony took place at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Victorian Village. This church is so old and beautiful- bursting with charm and character. It bridges the gap between being both a spiritual place to get married and a stunning romantic backdrop for a ceremony. After the ceremony, the bride and groom were tucked away in a back room. Using my stealthy creeper skills, I swiped a photo of them kissing behind a partially open door before they made their grand exit out of the church.
After the ceremony, we stopped at Schiller Park for some wedding photos and then headed over to their venue, High Line Car House, to finish up the shoot before they were introduced. I just love the area around that venue. It has a rustic urban feel but also feels very sophisticated.
Let’s talk for a minute about High Line Car House. I’d always wanted to shoot there and finally got my chance. It did not disappoint. This venue is so charming and warm inside. It was so fun watching Eric and Molly share their first dance under those giant chandeliers. I’m so excited to be posting this wedding! Sending lots of love to these two! XO Jess
