Cynthea + Sylvester’s winter wedding at Liberty Barn Church the Columbus Zoo’s Heart of Africa exhibit was an absolutely amazing way to start off 2015! It was the first Saturday of February, there was fresh snow still on the ground, but it was an unusually warm 40º, and sunny! We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect February day. Their wedding day blended a rustic winter theme with Indian culture and bright colors, and also incorporated their own Ohio State/Michigan rivalry (Cynthea represented Ohio, while Sylvester represented Michigan), to create a unique celebration truly all their own!
We started the day at Liberty Barn Presbyterian Church in Delaware, truly one of the most beautiful and magnificent churches I’ve ever seen. So many adorable details awaited – from their incredible DIY rustic floral arrangements (and pine cones at every turn!), to Ohio State/Michigan flags handed out to guests as they arrived so they can take a side. This theme carried over into the attire of the wedding party – each wearing red or blue saris or ties – to represent their loyalties. I was lucky to have my assistant Jennifer on hand for part of the day, so we could take advantage of the awesome wrap-around second floor balcony in the church for an alternative perspective throughout! (By the way, Jennifer and I also repped the rivalry – I went to OSU while she went to UM!) Once announced, Cynthea and Sylvester walked down the aisle to both Ohio State and Michigan fight songs (Ohio State first!), both offering a silly gesture at the end, leaving me cracking up! Shortly after, they were greeted by a sea of bubbles as they exited the church to a white Mustang getaway car.
We had beautiful light for our portraits before the reception! We split up our time between the area outside the church and out front of the Heart of Africa building at the Columbus Zoo. It was there that we were greeted by a penguin and a lemur (!!) and an epic sunset bursting of color! During this time, Jennifer was a huge help in capturing all the reception details before guests entered the room – thank you, Jennifer! After their first dance, Cynthea changed into her own traditional sari to celebrate for the rest of the evening. I couldn’t resist a couple of night shots in her new attire!
After dinner, toasts, cake cutting and a bouquet toss, it was time to party! They mixed it up with both American and Indian music to celebrate. Sylvester even surprised his new wife with a surprise performance of “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The night ended with a spectacular sparkler exit! Big congratulations to Cynthea and Sylvester!!
