winter weddings and first looks
a match made in heaven.
In my experience with weddings, August goes quickly into September that leads to early sunsets right into October where we’re trying to fit everything in before 6pm. And, every year it hits me like - how did I forget how early it gets dark “all of a sudden.” Every year, I’m absolutely thrilled with my ability to work with my couples to make the most out of our time together AND their wedding day experience by - YES - “getting the photos done before the ceremony”…but more importantly (!) extending the amount of time they spend together, and lowering the amount of stress that comes with fighting Mother Nature and Sunset!!
So while, of course, I won’t FORCE you to do a first look, but I will highly encourage it. I’ll ask you to talk to people you know who’ve been married recently and ask them what they did + what their opinion is about timing.
When I have a couple who does want to do a first look, we’ll usually work the timeline to do that about 2 hours before ceremony time, as long as there isn’t a lot of travel time involved. Of course this is variable to each couple, but generally if I have 2 hours + an agreeable crowd (and if they’re unagreeable, that’s my job to work with them!!) we can get through the meat of the photos then! And, voila! you’re done with photos once you’re refreshed and ready to walk down the aisle. Free for the night to enjoy + mingle + have zero stress about when you’re going to have time to sneak away!
pepper in some highlights
the off season is the time we photographers do all the things we try to do all year, but - for me - something’s gotta give, and it’s always the blogging and website updating!
and, as it’s Monday, there’s an advent calendar to attend to (anyone else out there scramble to get their activity in each morning before their kids wake up!?), and so I’m going to give this a little update here with some images I’m digging….hope your eyes enjoy this little visual party!
Favorite Friday!
favorite wedding venues in and around greater Columbus, Ohio
IS THIS A THING!! Can I share some knowledge with ya!? We’ll go through as many favorites of favorites I can think of until it’s either 1. garden season or 2. wedding season! Ready for a bold start!? Favorite…….wedding venue in Columbus! Let’s go with a top 5!
5
STRONGWATER
Strongwater Columbus can start this list off strong. It’s basically a blank slate that a couple can do up as much, or as simple, as their vision allows. It’s easy to access - and the space allows for a variety of set ups on a wedding day. With both indoor and outdoor space, you’re set for any weather… and I’ve seen lots of it! THE rainiest wedding I think I’ve ever experienced…and I promise, while you might worry about rain on your wedding day, it always brings a level of emotion for your guests! AND, LET’S NOT EVEN GET STARTED ON THE SPOTS TO FIND FOR PORTRAITS HERE!!
You know you live in Ohio when….almost all of your favorite venues are because they are “safe for many kinds of weather.” And, while this is true for this venue, too, it’s hardly hard to see why there are a bajillion other reasons to love it!
This venue. Let’s just talk about how wonderful it is that Milo’s Catering went ahead and brought it back to life after what we’ve all been through since 2020. It’s simply stunning. And, a wonderful way to celebrate Columbus.
It’s wonderful in all the seasons…and Lord knows you can’t count on anything anymore when it comes to consistency in wedding weather!
**addendum**
I’m sorry, this list is incomplete without pointing out that….BY FAR AND AWAY, my absolute favorite place to shoot is on anyone’s private property. Anyone I’ve worked with, or even written back to an inquiry about a private property wedding knows this. There is something so so special about taking a space, meaningful to YOU, and transforming it to a place to welcome your most loved family + friends, and start your married life together.
Alyssa + Andrew | New Albany Links Wedding
I could be the worst blogger in the wedding photography industry. I've been so fortunate that so much of my business comes from referrals from previous clients who just know my work, or who've been in bridal parties that I've worked with. I love + my business thrives on referrals. BUT! Maybe you're out there and you're a stranger, AND you're looking for a wedding photographer. I'm not reaching you by not blogging. That's seriously doing myself a disservice. So here we go! A month until wedding season starts + I'm determined to show a whole lot of my 2015 (yes, that's correct, 2015) and 2016 couples who I adore.
First up is Alyssa + Andrew. What stands out most is when we met, Alyssa describing her, and her family's love of the movie Father of the Bride. A tent wedding, everything about it. I love knowing the whycouples pick certain things on their wedding day. I love that Alyssa had such a wonderful experience on her own wedding day that was something she probably thought about over and over again with her sisters!
Enjoy reliving their day as I saw it last May!
