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!
the end of summer on film
this time of year is always weird. the sudden change in darkness (I’m being dramatic) seems to happen so quickly. We spend all the summer months feeling free to do photos at weddings as we wish, now it’s like, “y’all eat? let’s … uh… go?” (or not, if you’ve looked around, I’m not one to force anyone to do any photos you’re feeling meh about!
So as these scans came in this week, I’m loving reliving back to warmer and longer days. As this blog usually goes: enjoy a mix of all the photos from all the events in no particular order! If you’re engaged and searching around here thinking we might be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out! Let’s start a convo and see how I can serve you!!
a post of favorites - film favorites Part 1 of ?
columbus ohio film photographer shares best images of 2022 shot on film: portra400, portra 800, cinestill.
I shared on my Insta how I had over 300 favorite of film photos, and like, who even would want to look at that many images PLUS most of them are my family (I’m biased, but those are my best work!) PLUS why would I make them into a reel. I’m nobody to just do something because the social media world says I have to! SO here’s part 1 of ??? to share my favorite, but not oversized heavy on images favorites of the year.
each roll (ish) I try to take a nice portrait of most kids, because they’ll still let me!
so that batch was within the January - August…what happened in august. Well. We have had the same photographer shoot our family photos since 2016 - because I’m a big enough believer in practicing what I preach: we go the extra mile + do whatever it takes to get Yan Palmer to our house when she travels. If you don’t know Yan, you should. She is a force. She’s part photographer part family therapist part magic! Once that session happened, I had a new found, re-woken NEED to shoot all the beauty and find all the light. Part 2 will come soon with the photos living on the coattails of Yan’s inspiration!
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.
Gigi + Hayden | a backyard wedding!
I know 2020 was the year of backyard weddings, but I’ve loved backyard weddings for a whole lot longer than that :) Trendsetter. (thought enters brain to go through all my work and share more backyard weddings, yes? a thing I should do?)
Gigi + Hayden contacted me just 5 days before their wedding thinking they might want to have professional photos captured, and I’m so very glad they did. They were married at Gigi’s parent’s house, and it was just absolutely perfect! So green + lush.
The biggest take away from backyard weddings I’d like to make sure anyone considering to get married in a smaller scale like theirs: you don’t have to skimp on your photos. Photos with each other / family / bridal party or close friends. We can always find a sweet spot to go and spend some time alone!
Madison + Nate | Married at Juniper
Madison + Nate
Juniper | Columbus, Ohio
While I can’t really call a venue my “favorite,” uh, duh. Juniper is a fantastic celebration of the city of Columbus, and from a photographer who is endlessly inspired by light, an absolute dream. Soooo I’m just saying…if you email me telling me you’re getting married at Juniper you might get an overambitious response :)
This July day was absolutely perfect. I’m not complaining about the heat we’ve been having this FALL ( or “fall”) …but this July day even kind of felt like fall. Breezy + warm, not too hot. We shot the first look + bridal party photos on the quad at OSU, including their pup + some champagne. Then we stopped on campus to a bar, because. Let me tell you a thing: It’s very important, on your wedding day, that you don’t spend all your time HAVING TO DO THINGS. It’s your wedding day! Plan a trip to a favorite bar or hang out spot, and just BE with your people. Quick stop at the Scioto Mile area, then it was on to Juniper and the rest of the night was pure magic!
Mix of film + digital! Enjoy!
venue Juniper
officiant United Marriage Services
bridesmaid dresses Shop Gilded Social
flowers Madisonhouse Design
cake Suisse Shop