I am so excited to share this Via Vecchia wedding today. I think we can all agree that the last couple of years has been somewhat of a cluster. Tara and Jason tied the knot in 2020, but I’m just getting around to blogging about all these great weddings recently. I have stockpiles of things I can’t wait to share!
This was such a HOT day, so ironically I’m writing about it on the coldest day of the year. Even though it was so hot, everything had this sunny glow about it and I remember the images we captured really showed that. One of my favorite parts of the whole day was shooting over near the Prema Design’s warehouse. Because they were doing the florals for the wedding, they were nice enough to let us use their really cool alleyway for photos. They also have the most beautiful floral mural outside their shop which made for such an elegant portrait of Tara as the sun flooded in across her face and gown.
Another fun characteristic of shooting in direct sun is playing with the shadows the light makes. I just love how some of the trees in German VIllage were spilling the most magical speckled shadows. A light breeze blew in right when we were shooting and grabbed Tara’s dress! This made for such a dazzling portrait of her and Jason.
I also need to mention Via Veccia’s back patio which is nothing short of enchanting. We added some off-camera flashes, and the place just lit up to perfection for the most beautiful first dance photos under the stars and bistro lights!
I can’t thank these two enough for entrusting me with the photos from their day. From start to finish it was such a fun whirlwind.
When the pandemic hit, Brianna and Theo were forced to put their large wedding on hold. However, the couple didn’t want to put their love on hold and decided to move ahead with a Flat 51 microwedding in Columbus, Ohio with only nine of their closest loved ones in attendance.
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we planned to have a traditional wedding with nearly 300 guests in October 2020,” recalls Brianna. “As the pandemic continued throughout spring 2020, we decided to cancel the original wedding and plan a microwedding for September 13, 2020. We decided to change the date to commemorate our dating anniversary in September. Our planner, Lucretia Williams of Distinct Event Planning, guided us in adapting our original vision for a three hundred person wedding to an event for eleven of our closest friends and family. We had two style inspirations, city-chic aesthetic and elements of nature. The freshness and brightness of the greenery contrasted with the minimalism of the white and black.”
The couple’s all-white loft space provided a black slate backdrop to their contemporary wedding which was filled with plenty of greenery, sleek glass accents and pop of jet black. Since so few people were in attendance, the couple even sat everyone at one giant square table for an intimate dinner. “We like a city-chic aesthetic and elements of nature,” says Brianna of what inspired the aesthetic of their wedding at Flat 51 in Columbus, Ohio. “We wanted to bring the freshness and brightness of the greenery to contrast the minimalism of the white and black.
The combination of candles and greenery created a calm and tranquil environment. A simple arrangement of greenery on the wall was the backdrop for the ceremony. The simple touch cemented the city garden feel for the ceremony. Our table decor included candles in votives of various heights, white flowers, black china, and black silverware. When the sunset during dinner, it felt as though we were at an intimate garden dinner party.”
Beyond decor, the couple’s fashion choices for the wedding in Columbus, Ohio, were also uber chic. Brianna rocked a robe with feather trim atop her wedding dress. “I did not want to wear my original wedding dress for the microwedding but I struggled to come up with a different vision,” says Brianna. “I wanted to wear something unique and unexpected. One day about two months before the wedding while standing in a socially distanced line outside the grocery store, the vision for my look hit me. I wanted a look that incorporated elements of my everyday style but was unique for the wedding. I envisioned a simple sheath dress with an elaborate robe over it. I looked endlessly online to find the perfect dress and robe combination. My dress had a simply chic vibe – exactly what I was looking for. The sheath silhouette, mini shoulder pads, and side cutouts exemplified my preference for elevated basics. I wore a sheer white robe with ostrich feather sleeves on top. The ostrich sleeves were the perfect touch to elevate my bridal look. I wore baby’s breath statement earrings to compliment the organic greenery of our decor. I made the bold choice to wear a smokey eye and absolutely loved how Yodit of Amlaz Faces did my makeup. I wore my hair simple and sleek to keep the dramatic focus on my robe’s feather sleeves. I felt like a 70’s ethereal goddess.”
Meanwhile, Theo paired his green suit with a fun floral tie. “After discussing the theme of the micro wedding with Brianna I had an idea of what I wanted to wear. I knew from that day on I wanted to wear a suit that had green in it. My next job was to find the perfect green suit that I would want to wear. I ended up trying out a custom suit company called Indochino. I was able to customize everything I wanted on the suit and even put a monogram ‘TB 9.13.20’ into the suit jacket pocket. I chose peak wide lapels and a wilted chest pocket for the suit jacket. I went back and forth between how many buttons I wanted but I ended up going with a 4 button layout of a double-breasted suit jacket. I had the inside lined with a green tropical print. To complete the outfit I found some brown shoes, a nice white dress shirt with the perfect collar, and a floral tie with a little blue in it to really pop with the green suit,” says Theo of his bold green look. Beyond the couple’s chosen attire being stunning, the anticipation of finding out what Brianna was wearing was particularly memorable for Theo. “For me, the part of the wedding that I anticipated the most was seeing Brianna walk down the aisle. She did everything under the sun to keep me in the dark for what she was wearing,” he recalls. “When she came into view I was stunned. She had never looked better. To this day I am still in shock.”
Looking back on their contemporary green-and-white wedding at Flat 51 in Columbus, Ohio, Theo encourages all current to-be-weds in the throes of wedding planning to “take your time. Be patient. Take time to really bask in the engagement, it goes fast.” Meanwhile, Brianna reflects on how “planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic made us all focus on what matters the most. Although our wedding may not have been our original idea, it was the day of my dreams more than I could have imagined. Our wedding focused on our love for each other and reflected who we are. I had the perfect day.”
Last year, I was so excited to learn that this wedding had been published on the knot!
Sierra and Curtis’s January wedding is proof that a winter wedding doesn’t need to be cold or winter-themed at all. These two had a dream of eloping in a tropical paradise. Unfortunately, COVID stepped in and put their plans on hold. After a lot of debate, they decided they didn’t want to waste another day and they would elope in-town at the next-best location, and have a Cleveland Botanical Garden wedding.
During quarantine, Sierra and Curtis both found a love of plants and everything botanical. Sierra decided to combine this love into her wedding style inspiration. She made her bouquet using live plants from her own collection. After the wedding, she was able to put them back in soil and keep them forever. Sierra also had a unique vision for her wedding dress. She had her favorite plants and pet cats custom embroidered on her top. It was a stunning accent to the Botanical Gardens.
When I met up with them on their wedding day, they were getting ready at a local Cleveland air BNB with all of their closest friends. Sierra was upstairs writing her vows at the same moment Curtis was one floor below her writing his. After vows were written, Sierra and Curtis both met on the third floor of their Air BNB for their first look. She had designed and built a huge faux living wall that read “plant one on me” which was just perfect for their first look backdrop. After some portraits, Sierra wrapped up in her grandmother’s blue fur-lined coat and it was time to go get married!
We strolled the grounds of the Botanical gardens inside and out and got some of my favorite photos from 2021 at my very first wedding of the year! Everything was so laid back, stunning, unique, and authentic. I can’t thank them enough for having me on their special day and I’d like to wish them a very happy FIRST anniversary!
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.
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
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!
Today I am overjoyed to share the Manor House wedding photos from Hannah and Zach’s wedding! These are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. To be around them is to literally feel how in love they are. I am so honored I was able to shoot their engagement and wedding sessions because they life better just by knowing them. I’m actually going to post about their wedding first because their engagement shoot was at the OSU stadium which will make a perfect Fall blog post!
When I arrived at the Manor House, Hannah was ear-to-ear smiles. It was just the best pre-married look I’ve ever seen! Her dress was stunning. Soft layers gently cascaded downward and were held together in the back by a teal satin ribbon. Zach looked so happy as well as his groomsman pinned his boutonniere on his lapel. Up next was the first look. Zach’s face said it all! Pure love and excitement!
We walked around the gorgeous grounds of the Manor House for portraits and then it was time to get married! Two large iron gates were opened for Hannah’s grand entrance. The trio of musicians played as she walked. A few minutes later, the two were walking back down the aisle as husband and wife!
The room inside was set for a celebration. Soft blues, golds, and pinks adorned every table. So many fun games and interviews were done before and after dinner. I felt like I really knew everyone in the room, which can be rare.
So much love to these two! Your wedding was so much fun and I’m so excited to see what’s next for you both. Keep an eye out for their Buckeye-themed engagement shoot this fall! XO Jess
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)
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
