Sep 11

Sep 11 Wedding Full of Smiles, Tears, and Love // Portland, Oregon Photographer

Alex and Jo are a very special couple to me. I've seen them through their entire relationship—prior to dating, beginning to date and Jo excitedly telling me about it over brunch at a bagel shop, double dates, getting engaged and taking their engagement photos, going with Jo to try on wedding dresses, and then their wedding day. Finally! :D

The day started off a bit south of Dayton, Ohio at Far Hills Church in Centerville. The church has an amazing building with amazing, large windows all along the front in a curving hallway. It was a dream. The church also has some pretty extensive grounds with some cute ponds where we ventured for Alex and Jo's first look. I am so glad when my couples choose to do a first look; as I noticed for Alex and Jo, not only did it provide us the time we needed for photos while allowing us to go straight to the reception after the ceremony, but it also allowed for the opportunity to have some time together to take a breath and relax after all that goes into making a wedding day happen.

One of my favorite parts of wedding days is being able to witness all of the behind the scenes moments. I was able to witness Alex writing a note for his bride-to-be and then her opening it during their first look and it bringing tears to her eyes and a huge smile to her face. Oh man, witnessing their overwhelming love was such an honor.

Jo wasn't the only one to tear up because of overwhelming love, Alex did so during the ceremony, too. Whoever said that a first look takes away from the emotion of walking down the aisle was wrong. Alex tearing up as he saw Jo walk down the aisle made me tear up in the moment, as well as repeatedly when going through the photos throughout the editing process.

The reception was held at Top of the Market in Dayton. The staff there were wonderful and helped make the night a perfect one. For dinner, Alex and Jo chose quite a crowd pleaser with pizza—a great start to the fun party the followed.

Congratulations, you two love birds! I pray that the rest of your life together is absolutely wonderful and filled more and more with overwhelming love for each other.

And a big thank you to the great vendors who helped make this day possible!