We had a sunny spring day for Kristina + Ryan’s engagement session earlier this year, so it was only fitting that we had a chilly fall day for their wedding in early November! I had my assistant Jennifer Stone with me all day, so we started out split up – Jennifer joined the guys at Kristina and Ryan’s home in German Village, while I joined the girls at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Victorian Village. Each side got dressed, Kristina and Ryan opened gifts from one another, and we shot some portraits outside – Kristina’s side right outside the church, and Ryan’s side at Schiller Park. It was chilly to be sure, but plenty of fall colors on the trees. Since Kristina and Ryan elected not to see each other before the ceremony, it was nice to get a bunch of wedding party portraits out of the way.
It was my first time shooting at St. Francis of Assisi Church, and I have to say it was such a pleasure. The sanctuary has a clean design that is elegant and timeless, complimented by a grand cathedral ceiling. The pictures we shot at their ceremony are some of my favorites! Their ceremony was not full mass, so lasting about 30 minutes, followed by an outdoor exit where they were greeted by guests throwing red rose petals. After getting some family portraits out of the way, Kristina and Ryan requested one shot of them in the church sanctuary completely empty except for the two of them. It was one of my favorite shots of the day! And I think planning for alone time on the day of the wedding is so important.
From there, we were in a bit of a rush as we chased the light before the sunset! We headed to Arch Park in the Arena District where the trees were still full of bright orange colors. The bridesmaids dresses in their multiple shades of purple really complimented the colors there. Of course, the park was especially cold and windy, so I limited our time there and worked as efficiently as possible! As soon as we could get to the Vault, I let the wedding party enjoy cocktail hour while I took Kristina and Ryan out for some killer night shots with just the two of them, in the nearby alleys and across the street at the Ohio Statehouse! Bet you can’t tell they were freezing! Totally worth it.
Back at the Vault, their reception was rockin’! They had a country-rock band playing all night, and they were awesome! Late into the evening, Kristina and Ryan surprised their guests with a late-night snack – a smores bar! What a super fun day – thank you Kristina and Ryan for having us be a part of it!
