What a fun and gorgeous summer wedding day for Shanda and Tom in the heart of Columbus, Indiana!  Wow!  Every detail fit them perfectly, as you’ll see by the vibrant palette, glowing smiles, and tropical touches!  Their families and friends gathered around them and surrounded them with so many hugs and heartfelt wishes in such a beautiful way!  It was the best celebration!  After wedding prep at Hotel Indigo along with a First Look, we traveled to Shanda’s family’s lakeside home for portraits before going to the ceremony.  Shanda’s relatives are founding members of the church, so it is so very special.  The reception space was transformed into a sea of florals including monstera leaves, garden roses, orchids, hydrangeas, hanging amaranthus, and so much more!  Guests were enchanted and mesmerized!  Shanda and Tom, I can’t thank you enough for inviting me to be alongside you as you prepared for this amazing day, it has been such an honor!  Wishing you the best time on your honeymoon in French Polynesia and Tahiti!  Enjoy a sneak peek of this wonderful day!

Special thanks to the fantastic team of professionals who made the day flow so seamlessly:

Event Designer & Coordinator // Gypsy Rose Events // Allie Kunkler

Florist // Pomp & Bloom // Gina Martin

Hair & Makeup // Indie Bridal Co.

Wedding Gown // Sophia’s Bridal and Tux

Catering & Bar // Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering

Cake // Icing on the Cake by Kristina // Kristina Taylor

DJ // Audio Magic Entertainment // Alan Trisler

Transportation // Royal Transportation // April McElroy

Ceremony // St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pastor Doug Bauman

Reception // The Commons

Wedding Party Prep // Hotel Indigo

I don’t know if I will ever be able to get over the amazing trip I recently took to Houston, Texas!  There is so much to share from my less-than-48-hours time there!  For now, here’s the tiniest sneak peek at some of the over the top, jaw-dropping beauty that myself and several other fellow wedding photographers from across the country had the opportunity to capture!  Was it a whirlwind of a trip? Yes!  Was it worth it?  Absolutely! I met and made new friends who share a love and passion for what we do, and I am so ready for all that’s in store for 2023!  Without further adieu, here is a glimpse of Spring in hues of yellow and blue!

Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica

Concept & Planning: @heatherbengeofficial

Photography: @stewartimagery

Venue: @ironmanortx

Florist: @justinesflowers

Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup

Stationery: @rsvp_love

Cake: @whomadethecakehouston

Linens & Rentals: @decorbydulce

Vintage Rentals: @lovebirdsvintage

Gowns: @weddingsbydebbie

Suits: @themoderngroom_

Shoes: @sheischeval

Specialty Cocktails: @barchefshouston

Models: @itsnotclairef @josbertjss

#styledshootsacrossamerica #ssaashootcrawl

Over the Winter, I dreamt of Spring.  Not because I was wishing it away…ok, so maybe there were times when I was totally ready for the snow and ice to just go away, but I digress.  I had visions of flowers blooming and a gorgeous bride in a dreamy dress, with lots of texture and romance…so I scoured Pinterest for things that matched what I envisioned.  Once my dream venue, Iron & Ember Events, was on board, I assembled the rest of the creative Dream Team to bring every lovely detail to life! And I’m proud to say that our day of play – I mean work, it was all totally work! – came together even better than I could have imagined!  Every detail, every element was sheer perfection!  And can we please talk about the florals?  Most of these beauties can only be had in March, so our timing was absolutely essential!  The dress!  From the beginning, I knew the dress should have sleeves!  And this amazing gown from Blue House Bridal was The One!  (Spoiler alert, we also had a second dress…!  Stay tuned!)  Our time flew by and before I knew it, I was heading home with dead batteries, full memory cards, and pinch me moments.  It has been a while since my last styled shoot, November 2019, to be exact.  Before the world knew what was unfolding.  It felt sooo darn good to be back planning, dreaming, collaborating, and working toward a common goal with some of the industry’s very best !  I can say whole-heartedly that this team – who happen to be all women! – are exactly who you want on your side when planning your wedding day!  Their talent and expertise, their attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond, their sweet personalities and bright smiles…they’re simply THE BEST!  So let’s get to the good part, shall we?

Mille Grazie to the amazing, talented, ohhhh so wonderful team that brought my dream of Spring in Italy to life! I will never ever get over this beautiful day!
Venue // Iron & Ember Events

Florals & Candlesticks //  Satin & Stems

Bridal Attire // Blue House Bridal

Diamond Jewelry // Reis-Nichols Jewelers

Hairstylist // A Do For I Do, Laura Snyder Hair

Makeup // Julia Wadsworth Makeup Artistry

Model // Naomi

Cake // Classic Cakes

Smoke Belize & Oyster Marble Linens, Blush Satin Napkins, Pink Carousel Goblet, Silver Apollo Charger, City Coupe Glass, Elexa Flatware, Crossback Chairs // A Classic Party Rental

Calligraphy, Signage, Stir Sticks // Painted Letter Co

Invitation Suite // Brown Fox Creative

Vintage Stamps // The Postmistress

Ohhh, what a fabulous wedding day Natalie and Kyle shared!  Here is a small sneak peek of their beautiful, joy-filled day of celebration!  Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Raleigh!  You are married!!!

I loved working alongside these wonderful wedding industry professional who made the day effortlessly amazing:

Garment Factory Events

Farmer’s Daughter’s Market via The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm

Sophia’s Bridal Columbus

Peppe Ramundo

Sound Advice DJ

Way Back Vintage Motors

The Foto Stand

A Piece of Cake