Nicky + Linsey: Columbus Ohio Same-Sex Wedding at YMCA Hoover Park / The Lofts Downtown / German Village / Pistacia Vera

I had a total blast shooting Nicky and Linsey’s wedding day! The couple, who met on the east coast, and reside in California, are both from Ohio and returned to Columbus for their wedding celebration on a Saturday in mid-September. Our day started at the Lofts Hotel downtown, which offers rooms with tall ceilings, exposed brick and lots of natural light. I staged their first look in an alley behind the hotel, which was also perfect for some additional downtown urban portraits.

Nicky and Linsey are so relaxed and carefree, and were truly so happy to just be together, it really shows in their pictures! They wanted to have a first look so they could have lots of time together throughout the day, and visit a couple different places for pictures. First we visited Bicentennial Park and the nearby Scioto Mile. The day was just cool enough that the park was quiet and the area around the fountains was completely empty. It also happened to be a beautifully sunny day! We got some fun portraits by the fountains and in front of the Columbus skyline. From there, we headed to German Village, definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods in Columbus! While we were there we had to visit Pistacia Vera, where they enjoyed three macaron cookies in their cute little shop. I just loved visiting all these Columbus landmarks with them!

Then it was onto YMCA Hoover Park, where the wedding festivities would take place. I had never been there before and I was thoroughly impressed! Following their outdoor ceremony by the gazeboi – where they vowed to one another that they would ask before bringing another animal home – Nicky and Linsey celebrated with their 50 guests in Optimist Lodge, beautifully decorated with string lights and flowers. Their Whole Foods catered meal was all vegetarian, and they shared their first dance in front of a beautiful backdrop with the initials L&N – which would later become their photobooth! Guests also roasted marshmallows and enjoyed smores on the deck as the sun set.

Thank you to Nicky and Linsey for inviting me to be with you on your wedding day! It was a true pleasure, and couldn’t have been better!