Kassandra & Cornelius | SANDUSKY OHIO

Kassandra and Cornelius were wed this past July in their current hometown of Brooklyn, NY, witnessed by their closest family members. After reading their wedding website, viewing images from their marriage day and talking with the couple for the past few months, I felt like I already knew them when I was finally able to meet them this past weekend on the day of their marriage celebration! When Kassandra and I first spoke, she described the theme to this celebratory event as being "Funky Brooklyn meets a Sandusky Sunset"- the stage was set! I spent months visualizing what kind of images I'd capture for these two. Held in the bride's childhood hometown of Sandusky, the locations were meaningful as the thrones of people who came to celebrate alongside them. 

The bride and groom prepared for the event at Kassandra's parents home. Her gorgeous sunshine yellow Jenny Yoo gown paired perfectly with her gold jewelry accents and Cornelius' J. Crew attire and Etsy-found necktie.

One of the most classic women I've photographed, this makes my favorite image of the day.

The reception celebration was held at the family owned Woussickett Golf Course, where Kassandra spent most of her childhood. Tina B. Florals created the colorful ambiance of the space with bright fabric, lit paper lanterns and stunning floral creations.

That's right, folks! There were fireworks for their celebration!

Keyona & Chad Wedding | TAYLOR MANSION

You may recognize this amazing couple from their downtown Columbus Engagement session last month. Over the course of a few months, I really got to know and love Keyona and Chad! One of the great joys I experience in my work is the rare invitation I receive time and time again to experience the deep love two people can share. I absolutely love these two! You see, I not only couldn't wait to capture this happy day for my new friends Keyona and Chad, I was also thrilled to be at the same location Jonathan and I had married just four years prior! Jonathan joined me to photograph the event on our Anniversary weekend and I couldn't have felt more blessed. The entire day, I felt completely at peace and completely in love.

The Bride and her happy bridesmaids spent the afternoon preparing for the big day in a gorgeous sunlit room at the The Columbus Renaissance Hotel. Keyona's classic hair design was completed by Rachael Donnell and makeup artistry by Nicole from Mukha Spa.

I think I may have stopped breathing for a second when Keyona put her gown and final details on. The gown was made for her!

Steps away from the Taylor Mansion lies the green acres of the Frankin Park Conservatory- a quiet, shaded tree lined setting for the couple to share their "first look".

Check out this super cute and unique clutch from Substance, a boutique in the Short North. I am a big fan of searching for special details for your wedding in non traditional places.

The historical Taylor Mansion is truly one of my favorite places to shoot. Detail heavy and adorned with pretty flowers, it's bright ambiance simply inspires happiness. 

Beautiful floral creations and catering by The Taylor Mansions own, The Upper Crust.

One of my favorite details for the day was the playful cake display created by Bakery Gingham. I may have had a piece and it may have been unbelievably, ridiculously delicious :*).

The neo-soul ensamble, Necessity, kept the people dancing beneath the warm, glowing lights all night.

This is one of my absolutely favorite images from their day. Captured by chance just at the right moment, I think this image speaks volumes of the bond Keyona and Chad share.

Keyona & Chad's Wedding | Coming Soon!

Everything was pure magic on Keyona and Chad's Wedding Day! I have so many favorite images from their wedding, I don't even know what to do with myself! Here are a couple just to keep you excited to see the full feature coming next week!

History in the making

Today marks the fourth year since our WEDDING DAY! We say it all the time, but July 2nd of 2006 was truly the best day of our lives. From the abundance of love and support we felt from our friends and family and the perfect setting of the Taylor Mansion, everything about that day was special. Each year, on our Anniversary we think back on Wedding Day and the years that have since past just amazed how time has past. I am happy to say, I believe this will be our best year yet!

My dear friends, Nicole of Nicole Dixon Photographic and Amy of C STUDIOS, captured the entire event with their beautiful imagery. Aside from being amazing photographers, they were a blessing to have them by our side the entire day, capturing it all.

Karen & Jason | CANEEL BAY Part II

As a follow up to Part I of Karen and Jason's portraits from their wedding in St John, I am thrilled to share the story of their celebration in paradise!

On June 5th Karen and Jason, along with nearly 40 of their closest friends and family, celebrated their union at the spectacular Caneel Bay resort. The day was absolutely perfect in every way. The ambiance of Caribbean ease gave the couple an event to remember. Even with busy careers and Jason being in the middle of touring as the concert lighting director for Brooklyn-based indie rock band, The National, they created the perfect destination wedding.

The day following their wedding, Karen and Jason found out their wedding was announced in the coveted New York Times publication! You can read their feature here! How cool!

(Custom made ring dish by Elm Studio). The "Save the Date" boarding pass designs, by Marit Hanson Weddings, set the tone of the event for all the guests months before the wedding with aqua elegance.

All of the paper material for the wedding was created by various sources and all stemming from the same ocean-inspired theme of aqua and cobalt. The wedding invitations were expertly assembled by the bride and groom and the embossed programs were created by Papel Vivo.

On the morning of their wedding, Jason relaxed on thier ocean-view balcony and played his guitar while Karen spent time getting pampered at The Grapevine Salon in Cruz Bay.

I loved her Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, Carolina Herrera gown and heirloom brooches. Visual overload for a photographer!

Karen's gift from her sister and Matron of Honor, was a handwritten book of compiled marriage advice from the many women in her life.

Their "first look".

After the ceremony, sun began to drop over the perfectly decorated patio where guests enjoyed a relaxing time in the good company of close family and friends.

The ocean-inspired aqua theme was carried out with collection of details pieced together by the design savvy bride, including selected elements from Etsy and The Knot, handwritten calligraphed table place cards, and a hand-painted canvas that hung above the mantel.

And finally, the celebration!

After the Reception at Caneel Bay, the guests traveled back into the town of Cruz Bay for an after party!

Congratulations, Karen and Jason! And thank you for welcoming me to document your amazing celebration in paradise!

You can catch The National now on their World Tour, and be sure to say "Congratulations" to the guy with the shiny new wedding ring, controlling all the amazing lighting!

Karen & Jason | CANEEL BAY Part I

I am happy to share the first of two blog features from the much anticipated Wedding Day of Karen and Jason in St John Virgin Islands!

Karen and Jason are a busy couple reigning from Philadelphia. While planning their destination wedding on Caneel Bay, the Bride to Be began researching vendors from all over the country. As faith would have it, Karen and Jason stumbled upon my website through Marit Hanson Weddings' 'People Recommended' section (Thank you, Marit!).  After numerous phone calls and emails, it would be months before I would be able to meet at least one of the them in person. Jason, a Concert Lighting Director, was on tour at the time with popular indie-rock bands, Saint Vincent and Andrew Bird, and invited me to the show while passing through my town last Autumn. Needless to say, the show was awesome and after meeting him, I could not wait until their wedding!

As the day approached, we stayed in close contact while Karen shared with me the array of details she'd been collecting, including her Carolina Herrera gown and all-things-Etsy! Having been to Caneel Bay various times, she'd describe to me this incredible location and all of her ideas for 'photo-ops'. I gotta say, the girl's got wedding planning and style in the bag! Her excitement and attention to detail (and the fact that she and I still hadn't met in person!) held me in joyful anticipation for quite some time. One thing that struck me all along was the couple's enthusiasm for focusing their day around portraits of the two of them and I was all on board!

Fast forward a few months and here I am SO pleased to share my favorites from our entire afternoon of portraits that I captured of Karen and Jason on their Wedding Day! Come back soon for an additional feature from the celebratory event of their day!

Moments after Karen and Jason saw each other for the first time as Bride and Groom on their day, I captured this shot. It might just be one of my top favorites!

On the property of Caneel Bay, lies the ruins of an 18th-century sugar mill, a majestic setting for Weddings and Portraits.

The hammocks lining Scott Beach at the resort offered a proper scene for Jason to serenade his bride.  

Karen had fallen in love with this lush Royal Poinciana tree at the entrance of the resort on a previous trip and even drew a sketch of the scene months before her wedding!

A short taxi into the town of Cruz Bay in St John and we were surrounded by the bustling streets vibrant with sounds, colors and people. I absolutely LOVED their idea to stop at a local fruit and smoothie stand!

Late afternoon quickly settled over the town and we headed back to Caneel Bay for the Marriage Ceremony. A few hours later, just after their beautiful ceremony on Caribbean shore, Karen and Jason were up for even more portraits!

Karen had the idea to lay in the sand and said, "Why have a 'Trash the Dress' session when you can do it on your Wedding Day?!". I couldn't have agreed more!

. . .

More from their entire event coming soon!

Christine & Ben Married in Columbus, Ohio!

You may remember this super cute couple from their Engagement Session early this Spring. When I first met with Christine and Ben, she described the wedding day they'd been creating as simple, elegant and classic... with a healthy dose of Ohio State Football fandom. The day sounded like a blast to me and I had so looked forward to their wedding since then!

Surrounded by their amazing families and best friends, Christine and Ben shared this memorable day together in perfect happiness. I was truly honored to be invited, along with the other fab vendors, to be a part of their day and capture it all!

Being inside the Ohio Stadium for portraits was one of the highlights of the day for the Bride and Groom and their attendants! Christine and Ben were crazy excited to be in the center of the legendary Ohio State Buckeyes Football field, especially with all their OSU fanatic, personalized-football-jersey-wearing, friends there to enjoy it alongside them!

Favorite shot of the day!

Shout it with 'em! "O-H-I-O"!

The beautifully decorated reception completed the romantic and classic theme to their wedding day.

And then the party began.. with the help of DJs, who also happen to be stellar dancers!

Check out Christine and Ben's Engagement Album Guest Book, photographed and designed by yours truly. I love to see how it comes alive with personal messages!

Coordinator: Nora McCoy of Party Planners Plus
Bridal Attire: Alan Ray Bridal
Makeup: Candy Thomas of Eye Candy Cosmetics
Flowers: An Occasional Florist
Church: Dublin Presbyterian ChurchReception/ Caterer: The Country Club at Muirfield VillageDJ: The Marino Brothers
Cake: Cakes Of Elegance

Brittany & Casey Married in Worthington, Ohio

Surrounded by family and their closest friends, and joined by their precious boy by their side, Brittany and Casey's wedding was an intimate celebration of a love that began over 10 years ago.

Brittany and Casey, it was with a warm heart and I smile on my face, that I happily documented your happy day for you!

Brittany began her day early on at The Charles Penzone Grand Salon where they designed a classic, romantic look for her.

Shortly before their ceremony, Brittany and Casey saw each other for a private moment together.

After over ten years together, their ceremony brought many emotions to everyone witnessing it, there was not a dry eye in the sanctuary.

A little rain didn't keep us from capturing these beautiful portraits at The Worthington Inn, just before their reception. What a beautiful couple and family!

Brittany and Casey's little boy stole the show to pose for the camera!

I have always love the detailed, ornate interior of the Inn. It was perfect to complete the classically romantic setting for their intimate dinner reception. Their delicious cake, from The Suisse Shop, was created to mimic the crystalline beadwork on Brittany's gown.

Erica & Gene in Columbus, Ohio

In late October, Erica and Gene were joined in marriage at a private ceremony in the park. I love photographing a happy couple's casual portraits just after their marriage ceremony. In the presence of joy, peace and comfort, genuine emotions run free. 

Erica and Gene, thank you for sharing your genuine, carefree love for the camera!

What a beautifully, expressive woman Erica is!

Loved! the awesome color accent brought in by Erica's shawl.

 

Bev & Ferd in Baltimore

My beautiful Aunt Bev married her best friend and love of her life, Ferd, in early November at the historical Waverly Mansion in Baltimore, Maryland. Leading up to the wedding, as I heard all details that Bev and my mom (Bev's sister and wedding planner) were planning, I couldn't wait to see it all come together. The mansion was full of stunning antique accents and allure, creating the perfect backdrop for this vintage, Autumn inspired day. Capturing a day like this for someone so unbelievably close to my heart was an honor. Joining me in in capturing this day was my dear friend and Amy of C Studios. Amy came to this day with her fresh, creative eye and captured some true, descriptive and memorable images. Thank you Amy for sharing your warm heart and unbelievable vision to this day, for our family.


Bev's Monique Lhuillier lace gown was incredibly romantic, feminine and totally made for this beautiful bride!

This incredible vintage bracelet was Bev's Grandmother's (and my Great Grandmother's). From the same jewelry collection, I inherited an incredible ring a few years ago that I wore in my family's honor.  

I love this moment that happened just after Bev's daughters helped her get into her gown. Their happiness for their mother was evident the whole day.

Bev and Ferd had their moment of reveal in a quiet, private area of the homestead. The moment Ferd turned around to see her, his expression said it all.

Amy captured this shot, one of my most favorite shots of the day!

Favorite shot of the day!

Amy captured a few shots with me and my beautiful Aunt while we were shooting the family portraits. Love her!

As the ceremony approached, guests entered into the tent while Jonathan accompanied two of my cousins who sang songs handpicked by Bev and Ferd.


Every part of the day was arranged and pieced together by close family members, they created such a beautiful atmosphere. A candy bar is always a good idea!

Families and friends from from both sides of the wedding came together for a big celebration and danced the whole time! And yes, there I was, dancing with my dad!

Bev & Ferd

I know, it's only been 3 days since their wedding, but I could not wait to share a couple of images from Bev and Ferd's incredible vintage-inspired, historical mansion wedding! And that beautiful bride, well, she happens to be my Aunt!

More soon!

Zack and Sarah

When Nicole Dixon, my good friend and photography comrade, asked me to photograph her brother, Zack's wedding, so she could enjoy the wedding sans camera, I really felt honored. I have worked with Nicole for years and was thankful that she asked me to document such a big day for people so close to her. 

Since their Engagement Session (featured on the old school blog) I loved being around Zack and Sarah. They are a real joy together, happy and truly in love. Just to top off my excitement of photographing them again on their wedding day, the day was to be held at the beautiful, historical, and very close to my heart, Taylor Mansion in Columbus. I, too, was married at the mansion and absolutely love the setting. Thank you Zack and Sarah for allowing me to document your day and to my friend, Nicole Dixon, for giving me the opportunity!

ALL IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHED FOR NICOLE DIXON PHOTOGRAPHIC

Zack patiently waited for Sarah as she walked the path toward him and the moment he turned around to see her for the first time was truly real and genuine.

Close family and friends made for an adoring bridal party. In addition to being a fab photographer,  Nicole makes the prettiest bridesmaid too. Sarah is lucky to now have her as a sister in law!

The tented, brick patio of the mansion held the reception, where glowing lights and a the new autumn air created a warm ambiance.

The father/daughter dance... gets me every time!


Kelley and Jeff’s intimate wedding

Kelley and Jeff were married on a peaceful Sunday evening at the quaint Worthington Inn, joined by an intimate group of family and friends. This beautiful historical home with sparkly chandeliers and rich victorian patterns, is known for hosting romantic and beautiful events. Kelley and Jeff’s details for the day were the perfect fit for the Inn, from the delicate flowers made by Fresh Flowers and Events, the elegant jewelry and wedding gown that Kelley wore and the simple, sweet wedding cake. 

Congratulations to Kelley and Jeff!

I kind of have a thing for pattern, especially when it is victorian or vintage inspired, so of course, it was serious visual overload!

Kelley’s gorgeous wedding rings were from Tiffany & Co.So classic and beautiful!

 

James & Kat in Hilton Head

Kathleen Hannan married James McKee this past weekend in Hilton Head at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort and shared it all with their baby boy, and many friends and family. Jonathan and James have been good friends since high school; over 10 years ago when I first met Jonathan, I also met James and all their "boys". These guys are a riot together- think: Superbad, Seinfeld, and The Hangover, seriously that's them! In college, James met his best friend, his future wife, Kat as well as a whole other set of amazing friends (I come to realize he and Kat are friends with everyone!) Together James and Kat have built an incredible relationship that everyone loves to celebrate! They first shared their love together in front of our cameras together for their Engagement and Family Session with their baby boy, Sullivan. I simply could not wait until their wedding day, not only to photograph them and their experience but to also join in celebration of their love! They planned a beautiful oceanfront wedding designed around their lives together, personal style, love of music and the merging of friends and family from all over.  James and Kat, we can't thank you both enough for allowing us to be the one's to capture this all for you. We love you both! MH_Hilton_001 MH_Hilton_002 MH_Hilton_003 MH_Hilton_004 MH_Hilton_005

Two of Kat's incredibly talented bridesmaids designed her classic hair style and makeup that paired so perfectly with her details.

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While Kat enjoyed a peaceful time getting ready with her girls in a beautiful suite, James joined his boys who came straight from the beach (that's right, they wear Speedo's, too) to get ready and "prepare" for the day.

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Kyle (the handsome man featured in the Speedo above) brought this amazing boombox that he scored from his life a few years back in Africa. It served as great entertainment throughout the weekend and wasn't a bad prop for images either.

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One of my favorite moments of any wedding day is the time the bride and her father have together just before walking the aisle. It is an incredible memory of mine with my own dad on my wedding day. How precious are they together?

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Their baby boy and incredible parents watched them as they shared their handwritten vows with so much joy.

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... as did the random beach dwellers.

MH_Hilton_019 MH_Hilton_020 MH_Hilton_021 MH_Hilton_022 MH_Hilton_023 MH_Hilton_024 MH_Hilton_025 Jonathan said to James: "Show me what it feels like to be you right now". He showed him this- a happy, blessed man! MH_Hilton_026

Stunning. Classic. Bride.

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James and Kat's little man, Sully was sporting an attire just like his daddy's. He is such a precious little man.

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Kat and James sang and moved happily together during their first dance together to Jesus, Etc by Wilco (totally gave me chills).

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This is James and us "bringin' it in for the real thing".  Not quite sure who grabbed my camera from me to get this one, but thank you! 

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James and Kat have friends and family all over the country, and they all converged for this weekend of celebration! The reception was true celebration complete with a serious dance party that brought all of us together (that's right, I was sans-camera and all dance for some time myself!)

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Towards the end of the reception, when we all attempted to veto the end of the party, everyone began chanting "JAMES AND KAT! JAMES AND KAT!" What can we say? We love these two!

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Epilogue

My ultimate reward comes in encountering my clients' joy when they see the imagery I've created for them. Working with Chris and Christine was an absolute joy and blessing for us. When I first met them, I loved their comfort together and the way that they shared their excitement so openly with me. Their Engagement Session was the perfect prelude to the big event and their Wedding Day... WOW! After photographing these events, I simply couldn't wait to design the products to complete their wedding experience. Chris and Christine decided on a three volume set to complete their wedding experience- with one book displaying their meaningful Engagement images, another chronicling the experience of the wedding day and one featuring the portrait images from the wedding day. It came out to be a classy, modern documentation of memories. Album_001 Album_002

LOVING the impact of a full image spanning across. The fierceness that Chris and Christine give off in this image deserved a full spread! So fierce. Album_003 Album_004 Album_005 Album_006

These two images were taken by Jonathan and I separately- LOVE the consistency in imagery. This was one of all of our favorite spread designs. Album_007 Album_008 Here are some words I was so grateful to receive from the beautiful bride, Christine: "Working with Amanda was amazing! The photos are so artistic, creative, and timeless. We are so happy that we found her. The albums she designed for us are beautiful. Spending time with Amanda and her husband was so much fun! On the day of the wedding, it was comforting to have her with us. She created some very special moments for my husband and I (and we have the photos to remember it)!" Thank you both again for everything,  AMANDA JULCA loves you! I look forward to some possibly future sessions with you!

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