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.

The Marmalade Lily is easily one of my absolute favorite venues in southern Ohio. Located in Loveland, this indoor/outdoor wedding venue has a unique charm that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s actually a flower farm, so the grounds are covered in fields of gorgeous flowers that grow all season long. Being a flower farm means they also take care of all your floral needs as well.

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.

This past Sunday on Deanna & Geneva’s wedding day, the forecast called for rain all day. As we all arrived at the venue, the rain just stopped; leaving us with a beautiful June evening to celebrate the union of two amazing people. One of my favorite moments from their wedding day was the first look. They opted to do a first look where they could both see each other at the same moment.

Recently Top of the Market hosted an open house and some of Dayton’s best wedding vendors came together to put together an amazing event. Top of the Market is an incredible historic wedding venue in Dayton, OH. They have two different ceremony and reception spaces. We set up a table in the upstairs event space for the open house.

Yesterday’s wedding at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, Ohio was so gorgeous. Just a couple days before this wedding day, a huge snowstorm swept through and covered everything in a generous layer of snow. We were able to get some great portraits in the snow after their church ceremony.