Where to begin? Eric and Amanda’s wedding day was the perfect start to my 2023 wedding season. This wedding had so much anticipation surrounding it as Amanda and Eric have been together for around 10 years. Eric is my cousin so that and the fact that Amanda already felt like family made it extra special I got the privilege of capturing this day. Amanda has always been so supportive of my photography aspirations. So when she reached out asking me to capture their wedding I couldn’t have been more excited!!! Their wedding took place at the elegant venue, The Center in downtown Cincinnati. The city-esque venue made the perfect backdrop for Eric and Amanda’s urban, classy, yet extravagant wedding. Family was also an essential part of this day and I was so blessed to get to see my family including my cousin Clay, Eric’s brother who we hadn’t got to see in over 3 years and to meet his wonderful girlfriend who was also a bridesmaid. Family and strangers alike were so welcoming and it made celebrating these two extra joyous.
Most of the wedding party and some family stayed at the Westin in Cincinnati the night prior, a stunning hotel that happened to be connected and in mere walking distance to the venue. I also got to stay the night with my mom and sister the night before, which made for a fun little girl’s night, as my family were to be guests at the wedding. It was a refreshing change of pace to wake up in the same place as the wedding, being only an elevator ride away. When I entered the room where the girls were getting ready, the atmosphere was nothing short of expectation as the day was bound to be just as fabulous as Amanda! In the midst of all the hair and makeup pampering she greeted me– in the most incredible robe I must say— as did my cousin Carly! The bridal party somehow mastered being chill and professional hype girls all at the same time! As I gathered details, I was pleased to find the prettiest invitation suite with a clear paper overlay showcasing the city skyline and the most amazing shoes – Amanda had two pairs!!! Her white Nike’s were bedazzled with the wedding date in true Amanda fashion and Eric, as well as their son Cal had a matching pair! By the time hair and make-up finished up Amanda had already befriended the stylists, as that’s just who she is!!! We finished up getting ready at the venue’s lovely bridal suite. The guys filtered in and finished getting ready there as well. Eric’s mom helped put on his boutonniere and all the guys hung around chilling and watching a game– in true groomsmen fashion.
We took some photos with the guys, who happened to be ready first. During those, Cal, Eric and Amanda’s son, arrived and it was a cute little moment with everyone waving up at him. Next, it was finally time for the first look between Eric and Amanda. Eric patiently waited for this moment and Amanda did not disappoint! The dress suited her perfectly and they shared a sweet embrace, plus their joy and love was so evident in that moment and the ones that followed, I feel like it’s literally tangible in the photos. After the first look we went straight into portraits, capturing some of my favorite photos of the day. We ended up not having time to go to alternate locations we’d planned, however I had done some location scouting around the venue earlier that day and what we got was almost better as it truly showed the urban essence of the day. Amanda was a trooper venturing around the city a little. I loved getting creative with the bridal party on the steps outside The Center, we love a gold arch moment!
As bridal party photos came to a close and people started arriving to the venue Amanda greeted everyone as they walked in, embracing it and not caring if anyone saw her as we finished up a few photos. It was finally time for “Cal’s Mom and Dad” to get married as they said in the ceremony. The people/family truly made a huge part of this day and they were sure to make space, both in the ceremony and on a special table with photos, to honor those family members who had passed away. The ceremony continued with stories and anecdotes from Eric’s cousin who happened to be the officiant. In closing they said “You may kiss the queen!” as everyone, including my second shooter had referred to Amanda as such.
Guests enjoyed a lovely cocktail hour and I got to enjoy all the reception details. Every detail of the day seemed to scream Amanda – and Eric too– and accented her bold personality. It’s no wonder everyone kept referring to her as queen throughout the day! Another cool feature of the reception was the projection of the city lights over the bridal party tablescape – a uniquely amazing feature of this venue. Everything was stunning, my second shooter and I especially loved the donut wall! Amanda and Eric had expressed they were most excited for the party and I think it delivered. The DJ kept everything going and they even had super cool light-up sunglasses. Everyone had the best time dancing the night away – even grandma!! And you know Amanda had to have a few outfit changes!! I enjoyed being with family and friends at the reception. I may or may not have already planned a trip to Utah in the near future to see Clay and Brooke! Stay tuned for photos, haha!
In all seriousness Eric and Amanda, thank you so much for having me capture your day! It’s always extra special when family trusts you to photograph their big life moments. Being there and serving in this capacity brought me back to memorial day cookouts, and Christmases when I looked forward to all my cool cousins coming in from Ohio to stay the night, plus many a Wilson Campout spent around campfires and catching waves at the lake. Now we are all grown, getting married, having kids, and big-girl jobs and it’s really full circle, while also really beautiful at the same time. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of it and see it through my lens. Please enjoy some favorites from this classy, elegant, winter wedding!
This day wouldn’t have been possible without these talented VENDORS:
VENUE: The Center
DJ: DJ Butlers
FLORALS: Sending Blooms
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Reign Beauty Studio
