A plea to the universe ;)
The best wedding days are filled with traditions that are meaningful to the couple. This couple who was married at Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms included a gift exchange from Dungeon and Dragon friends including weapons for their DND characters. A gorgeous fall day with the best couple, best officiant (Windi Noble) and best venue in Columbus Ohio
if there’s anything I’ve learned in this business, it’s that when I share things that feel authentic and true, it attracts couples, humans, and events that feel authentic and true to what I love to shoot. Here’s a look into Cait and Pat’s Jorgensen Farms Oak Grove wedding. When we met to chat about their plans, they mentioned how each of their friends, who play in their Dungeons and Dragon campaign, that got married were gifted weapons specific to their character. Speak no more. What an amazing + unique tradition, I immediately knew our paths crossed for a reason. I love weddings for a whole lot of reasons, but the highest one up there is getting to see people embrace what is important to them + share those things with their loved ones.
so what’s my plea? bring me more of these. Authentic + honest and true to who you are type people, ready to share their love with the world! Get in touch today, and I promise to woo you with deals you can’t pass up!
Spring Favorites in Columbus, Ohio
Spring is so close to springing in Columbus, Ohio. Magnolia blooms at Goodale Park are an iconic Columbus Spring Time visit. Wedding portraits taken at Goodale Park are a great way to highlight the season and the city
as basic as we get: that mid March pull to celebrate all things spring. Here are a few of my favorite shots around Columbus: Goodale Park, specifically, to welcome those blooms and sunshine with open arms! Jenn + Colin were married at The Ellis in Italian Village with gorgeous florals!
how to pick a venue that best suits you in Central Ohio
tips and how to on selecting a venue for your wedding in Central Ohio, just in time for engagement season!
I get that it can feel daunting to even start viewing - let alone narrowing down - wedding venues! But, having photographed over 300 weddings, I’d love to share with you what I see couples prioritizing when it comes to location. And, pepper in a little of what makes my job - therefore your experience - a whole lot smoother + delightful.
my number one:
make sure weather plan b isn’t actually a “plan B”
you have to expect that what can go wrong, it will go wrong. So visualize your wedding day with rain, sleet, snow, hail, anything that you’d prefer to ward off (then sage the shit out of that? or something along those lines?)….then think. If I have to follow that plan, will I be happy with 1. the experience and 2. the photos? I am your photographer, but I will always encourage you to prioritize your EXPERIENCE over photos.
think about how travel on your wedding day will look
maybe I’m writing this as number 2, but this is a huge one. So many variables to take into consideration. Do you have a huge bridal party? If yes, and if you’re planning to travel around an area by bus/limo, this adds a considerable amount of time and coordination. The alternative to traveling around the city / area is choosing a venue that is more of an all in one. Somewhere that has both getting ready rooms (please let’s have those with natural light, such a small and large request), photo locations that feel unique and varied, and a ceremony location that is ideal for both good and bad weather. Plus if you can be secluded for some photos without guests present.
invest as much time visiting sites as much as you’re willing!
you might be surprised where you find yourself drawn to - and definitely take into consideration how you feel + the staff as you’re touring!
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!
enjoying your day AND the best portraits
an easy how to schedule your wedding day to maximize your presence in enjoying your wedding day
Comin’ atcha today with another how to! If we’ve talked, you’ll immediately know how passionate I feel about being present enough to never, I mean NEVER, feel or even think for one second MAN I WISH I WAS DOING SOMETHING FUN INSTEAD OF PHOTOS! It’s like my second most promise to you, after the obvious first promise that you’ll fully love your entire photo gallery completely!
a generic timeline to maximize your presence on your wedding day
first look (ALONE) with your partner. Do you have to do a first look? absolutely not, but if you do, you have more time together (for pictures!) that is natural and happens organically. Why alone? Isn’t it cute to have your friends and family in the background? well, I mean, sure in THIS moment, maybe…but think forever? When you look back on your wedding day, what’s it about? Throwing a great party for your loved ones, sure…but celebrating your love with YOUR LOVE, that’s it!
take a moment alone together after your ceremony. Call it a breather, call it a break..but you can take 7 minutes while the guests get moving from ceremony to cocktail space…and I don’t even need to be there the whole time. Give me 3 minutes of that exhale when you realize you’ve done it! you’re married! then actually get to enjoy those quiet moments with each other!
During cocktail hour, I’ll offer you a chance to step out and “take a break” from the crowd - because mingling is HARD WORK. (I always tell couples how this is the hardest part of the day, the introverted-extrovert in me is overwhelmed with wanting to photograph people but also v. much wanting to retreat to my long lens and just get candids :) )….and I bet you’ll totally enjoy just a quick second to recap with your partner with some magical shots!
THEN finally! you’re usually the first people fed during the reception. If you’re willing to step out for - you guessed it - another chance to be alone + take it all in, I’ll come along and capture some naturally happy-to-be-together moments of you + your partner!
what do you think? have you thought about how you want to spend your time on your wedding day? If nothing else, I hope this has helped you realize that not one single “how to do your wedding day” guide will ever fit perfectly for you. You should consider your personality, your love, and your season of getting married and do it exactly how it feels right!!
Siri + Rohan | married at the Franklin Park Conservatory!
a Southern Indian wedding including an American Ceremony, Hindu Ceremony and reception at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus Ohio
Siri + Rohan had a perfect mid summer wedding celebration. An American ceremony in the morning followed by a Hindu ceremony, a break, then their elegant evening reception at the Palm House venue of the Franklin Park Conservatory.
I’m always so impressed by just how much grace couples who incorporate MANY events into their days are…they’re so energetic and shine throughout the entire day….and they’re almost always my favorite days!
quick outfit change, and onto the next!
and, finally! a night time reception. Love love love! enjoy!
vendor dream team!
video : Adam Langdon
floral: Vessel Floral Events
hair + makeup: Beauty by Seda
Dresses: White of Dublin / Grand Trunk