Um… how did I end up photographing a Swan Lake Wedding in Ohio?
I met Nikki and Brad when they came to Vermont to visit family in 2020. After shooting their engagement session in Oakledge Park, they reached out about shooting their wedding as well. The catch? They’re from out of state (like, get on an airplane out of state) and planned to get married at the Swan Lake Event Center in Powell, Ohio.
Here’s where things get a little crazy.
My sister’s med school graduation from the University of Michigan was set for the week after their wedding date and my family planned on flying into Detroit only four days after Nikki and Brad were set to say “I do”.
Because Ann Arbor and Powell are only a few hours away from each other, I decided to head out to her graduation early, photograph their wedding and then spend a few days with my sister before the rest of my family showed up! Perfect timing, right?
It was only fitting that this was my first solo wedding since they were also my first official engagement shoot! It was so much fun to work with them and I was so honored they trusted me with such special memories. Check out some highlights below!
Ohio Wedding Getting Ready Photo Highlights
Swan Lake Event Center has two getting ready suites and hopping from one to the other was super quick and easy: just a quick walk across a courtyard!
I typically spend a bit more time with the girlies in the morning since there is usually more going on and more specific moments whether it is detail shots, a first look with bridesmaids, champagne cheers or a first look with dad.
Although I take a documentary approach to the entire day, I take a BIG step back when I’m with the groom and his groomsmen. The best pictures happen when they forget I’m even there. I let the guys do their thing and capture natural moments as they happen. I’ll grab the groom and snap some finishing touches but other than that, I am a fly on the wall!
First Look & Couples Photos
Nikki and Brad chose to do a first look which – to be 100% honest – is my very favorite. Not only does it make for really special pictures, but it also gives you the ability to knock out some photos before your guests arrive. This means more time to spend with the people you love at cocktail hour!
Swan Lake Wedding Bridal Party Portraits
Next up: Bridal Party Portraits!
If you decide to do a first look, you can knock out Bridal Party portraits before your guests arrive. Then, you get more time to mingle later on! Curious if a first look is right for you? Reach out and we can chat through it!)
One of the things I loved about a Swan Lake Event Center wedding was the variety of different locations. Old stone walls, grassy “forests”, gazebos, lake-side paths and right on the water? Yes please! We chose “The Forest” for bridal party photos since it gave us plenty of room to move, a simple backdrop and beautiful light!
After Bridal Party portraits we moved into family portraits before the ceremony began and the night unfolded from there! To view Nikki and Brad’s entire album, click HERE!
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