Josh + Sam: Columbus, Ohio Wedding

 

They met at a church camp in Alabama when they were young. Sam came home and gushed about the boy she met to her friends for the rest of the summer, but they didn't start dating right away. In fact, Sam and Josh spent the next several years cementing their friendship through church camps and other church gatherings until they finally started dating in college.

Sam is an amazing girl with a gorgeous smile. Her kind heart and sense of humor enhances her beauty. Josh is a great guy with unwavering dedication to Sam. His southern upbringing and quiet charm make him the perfect man for Sam. All of their friends are quick to agree- you couldn't think of a better match, a more complete pair. They are perfect for each other.

The day started at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio for both Josh and Sam. Sam and her bridesmaids hung out in the hotel room getting their hair and make-up done while the boys hung out by the pool all morning.

Before heading to the venue Sam packed her dress and read the letter Josh had prepared for her the night before. Downstairs at the pool, Josh also read his letter from Sam.

The girls piled into The Bexley Beat and were whisked away to the venue, snapping pictures and laughing the entire way. Let me take a quick timeout to talk about these girls. Sam and her bridesmaids were hands down my favorite part of the day. They were full of nonstop laughter and fun and truly made me feel like one of them from the moment I walked in the door that morning. I cannot thank them enough for being their beautiful selves all day and letting me capture their friendship on camera.

Sam and Josh had chosen the amazing Ivory Room as the location of their ceremony and reception. Not only is it a gorgeous venue, but the staff was absolutely wonderful taking care of everyone's needs from arrival to departure.

The girls spent the last 2 hours before the ceremony relaxing and having fun in the beautiful bridal suite the Ivory Room provided. Sam had given all her girls monogrammed boxers to lounge around in that morning and they could not have been any cuter hanging out, sipping mimosas. And when it was time to get in her dress, Sam went from a beautiful woman to an absolutely stunning bride.

 

The boys got ready and patiently waited for the ceremony downstairs in the cafe. Sam, look at your handsome husband! He went full GQ model for me!

After everyone was dressed and looking their absolute best it was time to walk down the aisle! As I mentioned before, The Ivory Room is a gorgeous venue full of natural light. It's one of those venues that doesn't require a lot of decorations or work because it just starts out beautiful.

That moment when a groom can't help but smile when he sees his beautiful bride at the end of the aisle...

Sam, seriously- you are stunning! I can't even handle it!

Josh and Sam chose to present their moms with white roses during the ceremony and take time to acknowledge and thank each of the members of their bridal party with a hug.

I call Blake "the tear catcher" if there is a tear in the house- Blake catches it on camera. Loved this moment he caught between Sam and her bridesmaid, Haley.

Afterwards, Josh and Sam had their bridal party and close family members pray over their love and their marriage. I can't get enough of the way Sam and Josh held each other close during the prayer.

As a photographer I've learned that sometimes the moments right after the first kiss and the walk back down the aisle are the best...

After portraits outside, we headed back into the Ivory Room for cocktail hour and the reception. Again, look at how gorgeous this venue is and what a great job Sam did planning this wedding!

Josh and Sam kept each other close from the beginning of the reception until the end.

Sam and Josh shared an adorable first dance to Ellie Goulding's "How Long Will I Love You" and seeing the way that Sam and her dad interacted during their dance brought tears to my eyes.

The night ended strong with fun, mini-cheeseburgers, and a lot of dancing. Because that's the way weddings should end.

Sam and Josh- Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Blake and I had such an amazing day with you and your bridal party! Your wedding was absolutely gorgeous and we feel so honored that you choose us to capture your big day! Have an amazing time on your honeymoon, you two deserve the best!

Keep smiling!

Kaylina

Hair: Haley Evans
Make-up: Melissa Roshan
Transportation: The Bexley Beat
Venue: The Ivory Room
On Site Coordination: Abby Antonick
Ceremony Musicians: Mingalls@ohiohills.com
DJ: Mac 23 Productions