Christina + Matt | Married at Orchard House

So here we are. In a world of wedding planning, wedding shooting (?) in a pandemic. So where do you start? HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW? I honestly can’t imagine being in the position that you guys out there might be in. I can start, though, by talking about a venue that has opened up their space to accommodate those of you who might be looking to be married in a more intimate setting - The Orchard House in Granville. The pine forest is nothing short of magical, and I’m here to say that even if you weren’t expecting to plan a private elopement with just a few of your closest family members, you will still feel special if you choose this route. This wasn’t an elopement, It was from September 2019, but I think you’ll get the way that it can be special for events large + small.

Belkis + Brandon | married at Corazon

I’m always so pleasantly surprised by how much I absolutely adore this venue! Like, I don’t leave the 270 loop enough, but when I get to, it’s always certainly worth it!

So that’s the superficial version of what happened on B + B’s wedding day. What touched me more than the beauty of the venue, the day, and the details were the absolutely magical hearts of Belkis + Brandon. I’m not sure I’ve ever met more genuine and positive people in my life. Belkis reminded me, in her honesty and near constant action of lifting the people she came in contact with up, how important it is to live in the moment + be certain that the people around you know how you feel about them. It was a magical day, filled with all the love PLUS the beauty of Corazon! Film + Digital mixed together!

Marlie + Adam | Married at Oak Grove

This wedding will always be absolute magic in my memory - and that says a lot as I’m approaching likely around 350 weddings shot! It started out as a normal, HOT August day…and as Marlie + Adam’s ceremony began, and continued, so the sky started to look a bit ominous. I don’t remember the exact moment, but suddenly the sky opened up and it was a crazy downpour like no other. The guests couldn’t exactly hear the intimate moments shared by the couple, during their vows, but … honestly, it didn’t matter. Seeing their faces, and letting them have those moments to take each other in, as well as the magnitude of the weather around us - it was certainly something special!

Shot on film + digital (that double exposure above is one of my favorite ever!), see how I saw their day below, enjoy!

Lucy + Mike | married at the Bluestone

My first time at the Bluestone was last October + I was so so pleasantly surprised with how much I loved shooting there, so when Lucy contacted me to talk about her June wedding, I was really happy at the prospect of getting to shoot a summer wedding there. It’s so easy to think all summer weddings need to be outside all day, but I love that the Bluestone gives the option to escape the heat! We started for their first look at the iconic front door of the venue, and moved to the Topiary Park with just the couple for a few extra shots (and time alone!) then headed back to take advantage of the AIR CONDITIONING and gorgeous stained glass windows + light inside the venue.

Loved this venue, wedding, and couple. The ceremony will forever remain one of my favorites to date - and here comes my soapbox moment ;) …. if you’re planning your wedding, don’t underestimate the emotional value of sharing some more intimate memories with your guests during the ceremony. Some people think: (ahem, this was us, 11 years ago!) our ceremony might be like 5 minutes, we just want to get to the party! Well, there’s something special about taking your time, pouring your love + personalities into your ceremony for your guests to hear + set the tone for the fun + love that will fill your wedding day. AND having someone special to you, as the one marrying you, THAT is something awesome too!

Enjoy a glimpse into their day:

Margaret + Jordan // Juniper Rooftop Wedding

The thing about Juniper is … it’s everything! I love getting to shoot at this venue, and LOVE the staff that works there. Whenever I’m asked about my “favorite venues” in columbus, i’m always quick to respond that the most accommodating staff makes the venue - if they’re taking care of me, I know they’re taking exceptional care of my couples and their guests. And, to me, that feeling of welcoming and love is what makes a wedding day! Doesn’t hurt that this natural light + gorgeous city views make shooting super easy! Here’s how I saw their wedding day on this beautiful September day!

(and you know I have to point out that Eva with Eco Flora doing her thing with the flowers was just absolutely amazing)

Helen + Logan // Columbus Museum of Art

Winter weddings hold a special place in my heart - they require a bit more time + thought + planning … and lighting (!), but I almost always walk away from them feeling so creatively fulfilled + proud of the experience I have given my clients. Helen + Logan were married at the Columbus Museum of Art last December, and while it was uncharacteristically warm for a late December day, the rain and general Ohio grey gloom ruled the daytime hours. We stopped for photos at the Statehouse (one of the greatest options for bad weather, imo, around here. It does take a little planning, as a permit is required to shoot anywhere on the grounds), and did a low key first look - the best type - that they just … saw each other! I think that is one of the biggest myths that wedding blogs / Pinterest / instagram spreads lately - that your “FIRST LOOK” has to be this giant scene that the backdrop matters so much. Nah, not for me. If you want that, great! But if you just want to do it, for whatever reason, it’s my goal to help you experience the joy that is seeing each other before the craziness of the day begins. What first looks mean to me, is creating an intimate space for the two of you to actually be alone + take each other in for at least a few minutes on this day you’ve planned - before you share it with all the other people who matter to you. It’s always my goal that couples look back on the first look as sort of a sacred moment. That no matter where we were, they look back and remember the space they shared, alone, as a special moment of their wedding day. Phew, ok.

On to Helen + Logan! They gave me so much time for portraits + because I am a firm believer in your wedding should not be about photos, you should have your photos while you enjoy your day that means they had a bunch of time to spend with their people + actually enjoy the experience of experiencing their wedding day! what an idea! but, because of all the time, we made some magic that i’m super proud of. Shot on film + digital.