Blog | Columbus Wedding Photographer

Kelsie & CodyNazareth Hall Wedding PhotographyDelta, Ohio

When you first arrive, Nazareth Hall looks like an Italian garden estate. The main building is set atop a hill, overlooking rolling fields that descend to a stream on the backside. Beside the stream lies a small grotto built from coral limestone. It’s within this grotto where Kelsie & Cody held their intimate wedding ceremony. Practically speaking, Nazareth Hall is in the middle of nowhere, which makes it’s presence so amazing. After touring the grounds and nearby Delta, Ohio, I was ready to start Kelsie & Cody’s Nazareth Hall wedding photography.

Like so many modern weddings, Kelsie & Cody smartly chose to start with a first look. On Kelsie’s suggestion, I had scouted out a nearby park beside the Maumee River for the first look and bridal party portraits. The park could not have been more perfect. Plus, it happened to be where Kelsie & Cody were originally engaged. We even chose to include the bench where they sat just moments before Cody proposed.

I was happiest for Kelsie during her outdoor wedding ceremony in the grotto. You see, I’ve known Kelsie for years. We met a number of years ago when I was just starting with photography. She was also just starting her modeling career. Flash-forward a few years and we were now at her own wedding. She beamed with excitement during the wedding ceremony, which could not have been more perfect.

What followed was the perfect wedding day. Cocktail hour at sunset on the patio, followed by a beautiful reception inside Nazareth Hall. We even had a chance to sneak outside for some sunset photos to close the day. After the wedding was all over, both Kelsie and I got a big surprise. The Knot decided to publish her wedding! Have a look at The Knot feature, if you please. Below are some of my favorite highlights from Kelsie & Cody’s Nazareth Hall wedding photography. I hope you enjoy!

Nazareth Hall wedding photography in Delta, Ohio by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Nazareth Hall wedding photography in Delta, Ohio by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Nazareth Hall wedding photography in Delta, Ohio by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic Nazareth Hall wedding photography in Delta, Ohio by Cleveland wedding photographer Hunter Photographic

Kate & ScottGlidden House Wedding PhotographyCaptured on Film

Kate & Scott’s Glidden House wedding photography ended as it began – with sparkles. The morning was filled with sparkling wine, and the evening with sparkling fireworks. In between was filled with Kate & Scott’s sparkling personalities. In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier bride or groom.

Kate in particular floated about the entire day, moving from family member to guest. She took time to speak with everyone, and to ensure they were having fun. It was almost if priority for the day was her guests, not herself. Her effervescent personality perfumed the day with an abundance of joy. I believe this approach made the entire wedding such a wonderful experience. However, we did face one risk.

The sun shown brightly during Kate & Scott’s emotional first look on the Case Western Reserve University campus. Following the first look, the bridal party joined us at the Cleveland Museum of Art for some additional wedding photos. However, stormy weather decided to join us as well. Soon, we were surrounded by storm clouds. You could see the October storms moving in the near distance. By some force of luck, the weather remained only at the edges of the wedding. Even the outdoor ceremony was held without issue. Fortunately, the weather did make for some dramatic skies in the photos below.

I’m normally pretty tired by the end of a wedding day, but not for Kate & Scott’s wedding. The end quickly snuck up on me, and I was sad to see my wedding day had come to a close. Below are some highlights from Kate & Scott’s Glidden House wedding photography, mostly captured on film. I certainly hope you enjoy.

Gidden House wedding photography with Kate and Scott Gidden House wedding photography with Kate and Scott Gidden House wedding photography with Kate and Scott Gidden House wedding photography with Kate and Scott

As I noted above, I captured the majority of the wedding photos on film. For the photographers, I used a combination of Kodak Portra 400 film and a Hasselblad H1. Most important was the 100mm f/2.2 lens. That lens might be the best I’ve ever used. Enjoy!

Ceremony & Reception Venue – The Glidden House
Floral Design – Mayfield Floral
Wedding Dress – Catan Fashions
Groom’s Suit – Joseph Abboud, Men’s Wearhouse
Catering – Marigold Catering

Andrea & MattBackyard Wedding ReceptionShaker Heights

It was the middle of July when I found myself standing on a street corner. I was at Case Western Reserve University campus waiting for Andrea to arrive. We had spoken at length on numerous occasions, but we had yet to meet. Most of our conversations centered around the design for her backyard wedding reception. Certainly we talked about all the other details, but we kept coming back to the reception design. Andrea’s uncle was designing the small reception and we both anticipated something amazing.

Following the first look and wedding ceremony at Case Western, we headed over to Andrea’s home in Shaker Heights. What awaited us was beyond my expectations. The small backyard wedding reception for 20 guests was set under a sail cloth tent, just down the hill and across a stream from the main house. The tent sat in a small clearing, surrounded by gardens, trees and the narrow stream.

Underneath, a single long table occupied one side of the tent. Stretched across the table from end-to-end wear flower and candle arrangements. The back of the tented reception was occupied by a bar, with a lounge and dessert table completing the other side. A custom designed menu rested at the center of each place setting. Soon those menus were swept aside, replaced with edible creations by Spice Catering.

I keep coming back to this wedding. While small in guests, it was huge in style. Not to mention the gracious personalities of all involved, especially Andrea & Matt. After this experience, I have to say small, intimate backyard wedding receptions are my new favorite. I think you’ll certainly see why below.

Backyard wedding reception in Shaker Heights, Ohio captured on film Backyard wedding reception in Shaker Heights, Ohio captured on film

For those interested, I captured this wedding almost exclusively on film. In fact, all of the images above are Fuji 400H film and most are medium format. I certainly hope you enjoyed.