Going inside The Dayton Arcade is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to shop there, many years ago. I have heard so many times about how insanely beautiful the inside of the building is. When the opportunity to photograph a styled shoot there popped up, I knew I had to be there! I am so excited to show you guys what it looks like now, after all the renovations have been completed. This historic downtown Dayton location is ready to take on weddings!

Barn venues are a southern Ohio favorite. They range in style, so they are great for creating so many different looks. A historic barn inherently has some character of its own- so lots of couples opt to showcase their venue and end up saving money on decor and go with minimal decor or decor that enhances the vibe of their chosen space.

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the first big decisions you make as a part of the wedding planning process. It sets the stage for all the other choices you make along the way. A space with a great vibe that fits the vision you have for your big day is so important. I am here to help you get an inside look at one of my favorite venues in Dayton, Ohio- The Steam Plant.

Finding the perfect venue for your wedding can be an overwhelming task, to say the least, and it is often one of the very first steps that couples take in planning their big day. Your venue sets the stage for the entire event, often giving you the guidelines for everything you plan after that. So many times I have heard from couples that their first choice venue was already booked up for the entire time of year that they had wanted to get married, so definitely try to plan your event as far in advance as you can.

Yesterday Chelsea & Ian said ‘I do’ at the beautiful octagon barn at Orrmont Farms. It was a chilly November day with lots of sunshine. When I arrived, the bride-to-be was an excited ball of energy; pacing the getting ready room. Right before Chelsea got into her wedding dress, she and her sister took a moment for a deep, calming breath. I truly feel like this should be added to the official made-of-honor list of duties. It was the perfect thing.

This past Saturday I had the honor of photographing Matt & Sarah’s gorgeous wedding in Downtown Dayton. Sarah began the day at Salon 5, where she got ready and did a fun first look with her bridesmaids. She chose to only have her two maids of honor and her mother in the room while she got into her wedding dress to keep her look a surprise for the rest of girls. Then everyone headed to the University of Dayton, where the ceremony was held.

The Oakwood Courthouse is a dreamy little building. It is the best place for an intimate courthouse wedding. Jennifer and Isaac said ‘I do’ in front of a small group of their closest family and friends. After their indoor ceremony, we headed outside to take a few photos on the grounds of this gorgeous little building. It is such a great place for photos.

On their wedding day, Megan and Brennan chose to have a first look to see each other for the first time before their ceremony. Brennan’s reaction was absolutely priceless. I have never seen a groom so amazed by the beauty of his bride. After spending a moment together, we set off for Wittenburg University to take a few photos with the couple and their bridal party.

Yesterday at Polen Farm, two of the most amazing people tied the knot on a perfectly sunny summer day. It has been nothing but rain in Ohio for the past week. The sun on the forecast for their Friday wedding was an exciting change of pace. Their sunflower-filled bouquets were exactly the right vibe. Rachael and Mason said ‘I do’ in the cool evening in front of all their family and friends at their outdoor ceremony at Polen Farm. Then they moved over to the barn to enjoy dinner and an evening of dancing.