Tag Archives: Wedding Receptions

bride and groom walk by horse barn

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

estate horse farm wedding

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

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Bride and Groom kissing in a large doorway

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!!

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Columbus Museum of Art
Reception Venue: The Ellis
Florals: Fiori Florals
Cake: Sauer Cakes
DJ: D&M DJ Entertainment

Columbus Museum of Art Wedding Detialsbride and groom married CMA Wedding portraits at CMA Columbus museum of art wedding cma wedding portrait photos at Columbus Museum of Art Wedding

Two grooms touching foreheads

Nationwide Hotel LGBTQ Wedding

I cannot think of a better way to kick off Pride month than to feature this wonderful Nationwide Hotel LGBTQ Wedding! It was such an honor to capture Matt and Michael’s loving, genuine, and incredibly authentic celebration last year.

Eight years ago on June 26th, 2015, I was actually photographing a gay wedding. The couple didn’t know if their ceremony was going to be legal or not at the end of the day. It was announced at the reception that LGBTQ persons were now legally allowed to get married, and oh what a celebration that night was! People cheering, crying, and signing LEGAL documents! It’s become one of my favorite wedding-day core memories and a moment I’ll never forget.

It’s hard to believe up until that date and that moment, same-sex couples had been denied the right to legally marry. It goes without saying that for many reasons including this one, the LGBTQ community has felt excluded and marginalized. For that reason, any time an LGBTQ wedding happens, it’s also a celebration of equality and the right to marry and love whoever your heart loves, no matter what gender. These weddings are brave and make a statement to the world about love triumphing always. It’s one of the reasons LGBTQ weddings are some of my very favorites.

On this special day, Matt and Michael wore matching navy blue tuxedos with black accents. Everyone in their wedding party wore the same navy color and it was STUNNING. I adore monochromatic everything. Matt and Michael said their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends in the Edgewater Room at Nationwide Hotel. The sun beamed in on them as they made their marriage official.

Their reception was accented by a custom logo made from both of their initials. Elegant blue and white flowers decorated every table. My favorite part was the eye candy that OMG Sweets provided for the dessert table. As always, Nationwide knocked it out of the park with its incredible food.

After dinner, the couple was showered with love and some hilarious speeches. They then moved into the dancing room for their first dance where the love between them was simply palpable. Soon after, guests danced into the evening and celebrated and cheered Matt and Michael as they officially launched this new chapter of their lives together. Last month was their one-year anniversary and I’d like to wish them a very happy one year down!

Vendors

Venue: Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
Desserts: OMG Sweets
Florals: Botanica Flowers
DJ: Buckeye Entertainment
Videographer: Up and Up Weddings

Two men getting married at Nationwide Hotel

Two grooms walking together

LGBTQ wedding party

Groom and groom portraits at Nationwide Hotel

LGBTQ wedding party

LGBTQ wedding ceremony

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two grooms and their first kiss

nationwide hotel edgewater room

Reception at Edgewater

Two grooms and their first dance

LGBTQ wedding dancing

bride and groom in brides garden

Franklin Park Bride’s Garden Wedding

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

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding

Bride and groom getting ready

Bride and Groom take photos with their wedding party

Bride and groom take portraits at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Bride and Groom First look before wedding

bride and groom embrace in garden

bride and groom walk through gardens

bride and groom under white arbors

bride and groom in front of franklin park conservatory palm house

wedding details in the bride's garden

bride walking down the aisle at her wedding

arial shot of a wedding ceremony at the Franklin Park Conservatory Brides garden

bride and groom kiss in the sun

bridal portraits in bride's garden

all wedding guests cheering

reception with lilies and greenery

bride and groom talk to reception guests

speeches at a wedding reception

A bride and groom kissing on their wedding day

The Ellis 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, 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

Amelita Mirolo Barn Wedding

One of the highlights from my 2021 lineup was this Amelita Mirolo Barn Wedding! All of the bright reds, pinks, and purples make this a perfect post for the days leading up to Valentine’s Day early next week!

You might recognize Megan and Sathyan from their engagement shoot that I posted on the blog late last year. I was lucky enough to join them again for their Indian wedding celebration.

When you walked into the barn at Amelita Mirolo, every inch was bursting with color. Stacks of cupcakes with fluffy icing were adorned with brightly colored flowers. Vines and flowers were used to tie back the most vibrant canopy where the ceremony took place. Pink and orange table cloths spotted the room and made the whole space feel so vibrant and dynamic. During the ceremony, they had the back doors to the barn open. This created a beautiful backlit light that felt almost like we were outdoors.

Megan wore two dresses. Her first was the ceremony sari that was a deep purple. After the ceremony, she changed into a more comfortable but equally stunning red sari. I really loved photographing both of them and we even had some fun spinning the second one on top of a small hill nearby.

A special thank you to Megan and Sat for having me with you on the first of two wedding days you celebrated last year. It was an honor and a privilege! I can’t wait to see what’s next for you both! XO Jess

 

amelita mirolo barn indian wedding

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

North 4th Corridor Wedding

North 4th Corridor Wedding

Today’s North 4th Corridor Wedding is simply put, phenomenal. When your bride is also a wedding planner, no stone will be left unturned.

Kendra is the master of everything events for Tartan Fields. She and Jacob actually met at work, where he used to teach golf lessons. Ever since I did their engagement shoot, I knew this wedding was going to be special. To know Kendra is to also know her love of travel, and more specifically, her love of France. It was no surprise her wedding was oozing with Parisian romance from top to bottom.

The moment I walked into the Hyatt suite downtown, I saw THE dress! The most beautiful custom pink gown that not just anyone could pull off. To match, not just any shoes would do. Stunning soft pink Christian Louboutin heels sat on the shelf in all their glory. Call me sheltered, but I’d never seen Louboutins in real life before. For me, it was like meeting a celebrity.

The ceremony took place outside at Brick & Mortar in the North 4th Corridor complex. Candles lit the aisle as the wedding party walked to the front of the courtyard. The sun was low enough in the sky that everything felt very romantic against the soft glow of the candles and the luminance of the hanging bistro lights.

Even though it was a large bridal party, everything felt so effortless and relaxed. I loved watching Kendra and Jacob mingle with their guests. It was very obvious how important everyone in that room was to them.

So without further ado, I preset this exquisite wedding. (This event was pre-COVID)

DJ- Night Music Steve Ransom
Floral/ candles- Rose and Berry Floral
French Desserts- Pistacia Vera
Dress- Custom Jovanni by Henris Bridal
Shoes- Christian Louboutin
Tux- Pursuit
Venue- North 4th Corridor

*at the time this wedding was shot, the venue was called Dock 580 at Smith Brother’s Hardware.

North 4th Corridor columbus ohio wedding photographers columbus ohio wedding portraits

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

Swan Lake Event Center Wedding

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.

Swan Lake Event Center Wedding Swan Lake Event Center Wedding