Family Wedding at Le Méridien, The Joseph in Downtown Columbus

Alyssa + Andy

It should come as no real surprise that I love weddings and think every single one I photograph is beautiful and special in it’s own unique way! It is a privilege that I don’t take for granted to be tasked with the job of documenting a couples love story and the beginning of their marriage.

After 10 years of photographing weddings I would be hard pressed to think of another day that was so full of overwhelming emotions and truly sweet moments as Alyssa and Andy’s celebration. It was small, intimate and oh so special. Andy is sadly a widower and has three absolutely beautiful and precious daughters: Reese, Blake and Jordyn. Seeing his girls welcome Alyssa into their family was awe-inspiring.

This wedding was full of so many beautiful Jewish wedding traditions including the signing of the ketubah. Alyssa and Andy had his daughters be their witnesses and add their signatures to the sacred document. It was so sweet seeing Andy help his youngest, Jordyn, navigate writing all the letters in her name during this significant moment. Evergreen Flower Co. somehow outdid themselves again with a jaw dropping chuppah overflowing with stunning garden roses. During the hakafot, which would typically include the bride and groom circling one another, Andy and Alyssa once again found a meaningful way to incorporate the girls into the day by having them do the circling— it was such a symbolic moment of them officially becoming a family. Each of the girls stood up during the ceremony to say a few words welcoming Alyssa into their family and I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Andy broke the glass and everyone cheered as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife!

Alyssa explained the heart behind her wedding day perfectly. She said, ”I am beyond excited to formally become a family. I share a special bond and love with the girls that is hard to even put into words. The girls have become my world. I feel so fortunate and lucky to not only have Andy become my husband but the girls to become my daughters. Andy really wanted the girls to be a big part of this wedding. They are not only our flower girls but also the witnesses for the ketubah signing. We wanted to have the wedding for the girls to be a part of our marriage and further creating our story as a family. Each girl has such a different personality and I know the personalities will come out during the wedding. I love the dynamic of sisters and cannot wait for our relationship to become even closer as they grow up. I always wanted a family and to be a mom growing up, and now my wish has been granted.”

Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph was once again a perfect spot to host a small wedding! With the ability to close off portions of the typically large banquet space, it is a great way to make the space feel cozy. Evergreen Flower Co’s work was of course flawless with their floral design for both the ceremony and reception. I loved the intimate dinner party feeling they helped create. From Scratch Cupcakes provided the desserts and they were masterpieces. The cupcakes topped with macarons had all the children begging for dessert before dinner!

When I asked Alyssa why she chose The Joseph she said, “I loved that the room we picked overlooks High Street. The vibe and energy of being so close to High Street carries through to the space. We liked the idea of being surrounded by art and the presence of the Short North. I had lived in the Short North on High Street prior to moving to Cincinnati. The Short North still remains one of our favorite parts of the city. Andy's parents had also lived in the Short North before moving to New Albany. I thought it would be special to have the wedding in an area that we love to visit and have a history/connection with. Growing up in Columbus, I was able to witness first hand the evolution/transformation of the Short North. I still love the murals and the small boutiques and restaurants that line High Street and the surrounding area. Being married in this space, helps to create an even deeper connection to Columbus.”

It’s weddings like this one that remind me of the importance of my job as a wedding photographer in Columbus. A wedding day is so much more than just pretty dresses, flowers, and cake. While all these aspects are important and fun in their own right, at the end of the day it truly is all about family and commitment. From the morning getting ready in the spa suite where Andy’s girls helped Alyssa get dressed and put on her shoes, to the evening of them giggling across the table— it was a day full of adorable moments that I was thrilled to capture.

Congratulations again Andy, Alyssa, Reese, Blake and Jordyn!!